Cars Similar To The Toyota 4Runner (8 Alternatives in 2022)

The United States is a market that’s rife with stiff competition in the mid-size SUV segment. One of the cars that have been an avant-garde player in the field is the Toyota 4Runner.

In its fifth-generation iteration, the 4Runner is built on the same platform as the FJ Cruiser and has been on sale since 2009. The SUV’s price tag ranges between $39,640 and $54,605.

But, for prospective buyers in this segment, there are more than enough options to choose from. In this article, we have listed the top 8 alternatives to the Toyota 4Runner, and each has its own USPs. Let’s take a look!

1. Subaru Outback ($28,395 – $42,295)

Similarities Between the Subaru Outback and the Toyota 4Runner

Both these cars have been instrumental in making their respective companies popular in the US, becoming two of the top-selling models within their segments in the region.

Like 4Runner, the Outback also gets gasoline engines with dual overhead cams, variable valve timing, and automatic transmission. Both cars can spin all four wheels, with independent front suspension being standard too.

The Outback also gets a similar rear track. In their off-road specific variants, both cars sport similar levels of ground clearance and a tougher-looking exterior styling.

Even the Subaru scores features like Hill Assist Control, High Beam Assist, Vehicle Dynamics Control, Tire Pressure Monitoring System, and eight airbags as standard. Other comparable features include adaptive cruise control, automatic LED headlamps, and split-folding rear seats.

What Makes the Subaru Outback Stand Out?

While the 4Runner is a traditional body-on-frame SUV, the Outback is a modern unibody station wagon. This means it’s easier to step in and out of the Subaru while affording a spacious yet ergonomic cabin.

The Outback is available in more trim levels and two engine options. To boost its rugged appeal, the Subaru gets plenty of black cladding and enlarged roof rails, even in lower trims.

The interior quality & fitment levels of the Outback are impressive, while its cabin also feels well-insulated and more car-like than the Toyota. Moreover, the iconic flat-four Boxer engine of this Subaru has its roots in rallying!

Here are some more strengths of the Subaru Outback:

• Much cheaper than the 4Runner
• Independent suspension all around with better ride
• Quicker to 60 mph & boasts a higher top speed
• Gets AWD as standard
• Far more fuel-efficient

If you’re looking for a practical and reliable family car with SUV-cum-car like characteristics, then the Subaru Outback is for you. Check out the specifications table below for details:

2. Jeep Wrangler ($30,295 – $79,995)

Similarities Between the Jeep Wrangler and the Toyota 4Runner

The Wrangler is also a dedicated body-on-frame SUV built to tackle challenging terrain. It gets four-wheel drive, a solid rear axle, strengthened underbody protection, and tougher suspension components.

The Jeep can also be had with a six-cylinder gas engine paired to an automatic gearbox, transfer cases, and locking differentials. Both are just as long and have comparable general passenger volumes.

The interiors of these cars sport a rugged design and practical off-road touches. Both feature large enough control points that can be used even when you’re off-roading.

These cars can be had with equipment like Android Auto & Apple CarPlay, split-folding rear seats, and a tilt/telescopic steering column. The SUVs also feature Automatic High Beams, Traction Control with Vehicle Stability Control, and multiple airbags.

How is the Jeep Wrangler Special?

To begin with, the Wrangler looks a lot more rugged and blue-blooded. Furthermore, it’s available in 2-door and 4-door formats with soft & hard tops.

Then there’s the legacy – the Wrangler moniker carries more weight than the 4Runner. The Wrangler also has a washable floor design, which makes it easy to clean the car post-off-roading.

When it comes to the Jeep, buyers will find more aftermarket accessories for the Wrangler than for the 4Runner. As for those that are into fan clubs, the Jeep has you covered very well.

Here are the other niceties the Jeep Wrangler comes with:

• Incredible versatility to tread anywhere
• Can be had with a manual gearbox
• It’s available as a plug-in hybrid as well
• The V8 version makes a meaty 470 horsepower

If you want a ‘get up & go’ 4×4 with modern tech features and multiple powertrain options, the Jeep Wrangler is worth a thought. Check its specifications table below for more details:

3. Ford Bronco ($32,895 – $70,095)

Similarities Between the Ford Bronco and the Toyota 4Runner

Just like the 4Runner, the Bronco has remained one of the top-rated SUVs in America since its introduction. Both cars are offered in eight trim levels, with certain ones aimed only at off-roading enthusiasts.

The Bronco is also a body-on-frame SUV with specialized off-road equipment such as a lockable rear differential, solid rear axle, beefed-up suspension, underbody protection, chunky all-terrain tires, and multi-terrain drive modes.

The base variants of both cars share comparable height, width, and curb weights. Even the Ford gets a six-cylinder gas engine mated to an automatic gearbox, four-wheel drive, and similar city MPG.

The Bronco also offers a similar hip room for its front occupants. Both vehicles get keyless entry with push-button start, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 8-inch touchscreen infotainment systems, and Pre-Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection.

What Makes the Ford Bronco Take the Lead?

The Ford Bronco not only looks more rugged and boxy than the 4Runner, but it’s also available in 2-door and 4-door forms. It boasts a longer wheelbase and is wider and taller than the 4Runner.

The Bronco is an older nameplate, debuting way back in the mid-1960s. Interestingly, the all-new sixth-generation model of this Ford SUV is far more modern than its Toyota competitor.

To make off-roading easier and more fun, all of the Bronco’s doors are removable. Aiding its off-road capabilities further are front & rear electronic locking differentials and a disconnecting sway bar.

Ford bests the 4Runner, both in terms of its cargo volume and passenger volume. Also, the removable body panels allow the occupants to enjoy more of the outdoors.

Check out the Bronco’s other fortes:

• It’s available with a digital driver’s display
• Ford offers massive 35-inch tires with Beadlock wheels
• Quicker to 60 mph
• Better Highway MPG

If you’re looking for a full-blown off-roader with comfort and good performance, then the Ford Bronco will surely please you. Here’s the specifications table of the Bronco:

4. Kia Telluride ($33,390 – $43,290)

Similarities Between the Kia Telluride and the Toyota 4Runner

Both are mid-size SUVs and can power all four wheels from their six-cylinder engines via automatic transmissions. Like the 4Runner, the Telluride also remains a top pick in the segment.

The Telluride’s base variant is also capable of towing up to 5000 pounds and scores independent front suspension as standard. The mid-spec trims of the Kia, too, are offered in eight exterior colors.

The Telluride also comes with three rows of seating with split-folding rear seats, leather upholstery, and a touchscreen unit with Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.

Some of the other common features between the two cars include Blind Spot Monitor, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Radar-Guided Cruise Control, and Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian Detection.

What Differentiates the Kia Telluride From the Toyota 4Runner?

The Telluride is longer and wider and boasts a wheelbase that’s longer by nearly 4.5 inches. Furthermore, Kia’s design is undeniably more contemporary yet equally effective at intimidation.

The Telluride is also a much newer car and is thus capable of attracting a larger section of the car-buying public. Similarly, the quality and design of Kia’s interior are superlative to Toyota’s.

Even the base trim of the Telluride offers plenty of standard kits. Some of the stand-out features here include Driver Talk and Quiet Mode, apart from Cyclist Detection, and 18-inch alloy wheels.

Here are some more of the Kia Telluride’s USPs:

• Can seat up to 8 people
• Gets tri-zone automatic climate control
• Sports a larger infotainment screen
• Faster overall
• More fuel-efficient

If you want a well-priced and stylish family SUV with loads of modern features, then the Kia Telluride will not disappoint. Check out its specifications table below:

5. Hyundai Palisade ($34,950 – $48,900)

Similarities Between the Hyundai Palisade and the Toyota 4Runner

Just like the 4Runner, the Palisade is a mid-size SUV that’s powered by a six-cylinder engine. The latter also gets an automatic transmission and four-wheel drive for optimum traction.

Both cars are capable of hauling 5000 pounds in their base trims, and the front suspension system in them is fully independent as well. The Hyundai’s turning circle is also comparable to the 4Runner’s.

The Palisade is also a three-row SUV with most trims capable of handling at least seven occupants. Other common features here include automatic LED headlights, heated ORVMs, Drive Mode Select, and Android Auto & Apple CarPlay.

What Stand-Out Features Does the Hyundai Palisade Come With?

The Hyundai Palisade clearly has the size advantage as it’s overall longer and wider than the 4Runner. It’s also lighter and boasts 18-inch alloy wheels even on the base trim.

The Palisade’s exterior styling is also a lot more upscale and fashionable, with even the base variant offering more color choices. Its interior is assuredly more upmarket and luxurious, with plenty of contemporary touches.

The Hyundai SUV gets modern shift-by-wire technology plus an electronic parking brake. Furthermore, the NVH levels of the Toyota competitor are noticeably better as well.

Here are the other important aspects of the Hyundai Palisade:

• Its three rows can seat up to 8 people
• Far more fuel-efficient
• Much more affordable than the 4Runner
• Better on-road performance
• Larger & higher-definition infotainment system

If you’re on the hunt for a comfortable and feature-packed three-row SUV with good performance and design, the Palisade would be a great pick. Check out its specifications table below:

6. Ford Explorer ($37,650 – $55,770)

Similarities Between the Ford Explorer and the Toyota 4Runner

The Explorer and 4Runner are both mid-size SUVs and are available in an equal number of trim levels. The two-wheel drive Explorer Timberline trim and two-wheel drive 4Runners also have comparable ground clearance.

The Ford Explorer also offers six-cylinder gasoline powerplants with all-wheel drive terrain and an automatic gearbox. Both cars get independent front suspension and can tow at least 5000 pounds.

They’re both just as tall, and their cargo volume behind the second row is similar too. Moreover, the base variants of the Explorer and 4Runner have comparable curb weights.

The Explorer’s cabin also employs three rows that can seat up to seven occupants. Other common features between the two SUVs include a touchscreen infotainment unit, Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, Roll-Over Mitigation, and Multi-Terrain Drive Modes.

Where Does the Ford Explorer Take the Lead?

On the design front, the Explorer looks sportier and like a typical modern-day crossover SUV than an old-school truck. Its body is tauter and chiseled, maintaining a muscular profile.

This 4Runner alternate is much longer and wider, with its wheelbase stretching further as well. The lower height makes ingress & egress easier. Even the base Explorer is available with more exterior colors.

The cabin of certain trims of the Explorer look and feel sportier due to the contrast stitching, flat-bottom steering wheel, and aluminum accents. Further aiding convenience are features like power-folding third-row seats and a Cargo Management System.

Here are the other cool features of the Ford Explorer:

• Neater driving dynamics
• Boasts better ride quality
• Faster to 60 mph and beyond
• Can be equipped with a panoramic sunroof
• Scores higher MPG

If you’re looking for a well-rounded crossover SUV with loads of features and a spacious cabin, then the Ford Explorer will be a good bet. Here’s the specifications table of this car:

7. Jeep Grand Cherokee ($40,595 and $67,750)

Similarities Between the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Toyota 4Runner

The Grand Cherokee and 4Runner are both in their fifth-generation avatars. Like the Toyota 4Runner, the Cherokee has been hugely successful for Jeep in the US.

The Jeep SUV can also be fitted with a six-cylinder engine, a four-wheel drive, and a torque converter gearbox. Both cars use independent suspension up front, while the rear-wheel drive is available in most variants.

The fuel tank capacity of the Grand Cherokee and 4Runner are identical, with the base trims featuring 17-inch wheels. They also share comparable height, width, and ground clearance figures.

Even the Jeep can be had with a locking rear differential and Multi-Terrain drive modes, heated ORVMs, adaptive cruise control, and Forward Collision Warning with Pedestrian Detection.

How Does the Jeep Grand Cherokee Stand Out?

The Grand Cherokee’s exterior styling portrays a sense of ruggedness while being quite handsome. The combination of chrome & black accents works well with the car’s wide but planted stance.

The Jeep is also longer and wider and comes with a wheelbase almost 7 inches longer than its Toyota competitor. The Cherokee offers a more spacious cabin as well.

The car-like interior of the Grand Cherokee is more modern, plusher, and full of quality materials. The seats are also more comfortable and premium, with better overall insulation.

Here are the other forte’s that the Grand Cherokee offers:

• Gets independent suspension all around
• More economical overall
• Boasts a higher top speed
• Loaded with plenty of standard equipment
• Powertrain options include a plug-in hybrid and a Hemi V8

If you want a capable, comfortable family hauler that can also go off the beaten path, then the Jeep Grand Cherokee is hard to beat. Here’s its specifications table:

8. Lexus GX ($58,075 – $68,730)

Similarities Between the Lexus GX and the Toyota 4Runner

The Lexus GX and the Toyota 4Runner are both mid-size SUVs that utilize body-on-frame construction. In fact, not only is Lexus Toyota’s posh arm but the GX’s platform is actually based on the 4Runner.

Both cars arrived in the US in 2009 and have since been updated several times over the years. The GX’s wheelbase is the same as the 4Runner, and its length is also comparable.

The Lexus GX also gets independent suspension at the front and a live axle at the back. Both get automatic transmissions and a four-wheel drive system that incorporates a limited-slip center differential with an electronic differential lock.

The GX’s top speed and overall performance are similar to the 4Runner’s, while its MPG figures are comparable. Like the 4Runner, the Lexus also gets a dedicated Terrain Management System.

What Features Make the Lexus GX Stand Apart?

The most obvious distinction here comes from the Lexus affiliation of the GX, making it a proper luxury off-roader. Moreover, all variants of the GX come with full-time four-wheel drive as standard.

The GX’s exterior design is a blend of premium touches and rugged off-road sensibilities. It’s also much taller than the 4Runner, with the massive yet iconic Lexus grille recognizable from a distance.

Here are some of the other things in favor of the GX:

• Loaded to the gills with high-tech gizmos
• Paint quality is par excellence
• Gets adaptive air suspension with auto-leveling
• Can tow up to 6500 pounds

If you want an old-school, comfortable, and reliable 4×4 suitable for all types of family outings, then the Lexus GX might be your car. Here’s the specifications table of the GX:

So, these are the top alternatives to the Toyota 4Runner you ought to check out. Each car has a forte of its own and might fit the list of your requirements. So, pick your dream car, and take it for a test drive before taking the final call. And if you’re looking for car alternatives to Toyota RAV4, join us now!