If you’ve ever spent a weekend crawling rocks, bombing dirt trails, or navigating rutted fire roads, you know the two names that dominate the conversation: Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Wrangler. Now, with the 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium finally updated after 15 years and the Jeep Wrangler 4xe Willys ’41 bringing plug-in hybrid power to the dirt, it’s time to see which rig truly rules America’s trails—and your driveway.
Heritage and Street Cred
The Jeep Wrangler’s roots run as deep as the ruts it loves to climb, tracing back to WWII battlefields. Its current 4xe plug-in hybrid variant combines that old-school toughness with a surprising electric punch, delivering a combined 375 hp and 470 lb-ft of torque while still letting you yank off the doors and fold the windshield down. Jeep loyalists, rejoice.
On the other hand, the Toyota 4Runner has a reputation for reliability and longevity, having moved over 100,000 units yearly until its outgoing generation wrapped up. The 2025 update brings a fresh design, a thoroughly modern interior, and the same go-anywhere confidence that’s made it the family adventure rig of choice since 1984.
On-Road: Comfort vs. Classic Jeep Quirks
Around town and on the highway, the 4Runner is the clear winner. It’s more comfortable, quieter, has a larger screen, and drives like a refined SUV should—without sacrificing its rugged appeal. The 278-hp, 317 lb-ft turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic delivers smooth, predictable power and better fuel efficiency, making the Toyota a joy on long road trips and commutes alike.
Meanwhile, the Wrangler 4xe’s electric boost makes it surprisingly quick (0 – 60 mph in 5.4 seconds vs. the Toyota’s 7.8), and you can even kick the rear end out with traction control off for some fun. But don’t let the pep fool you: on-road, the Wrangler’s wind noise, stiff ride, and recirculating-ball steering remind you this is a vehicle designed primarily for the trail, not the interstate.
Off-Road: The Real Test
Take the conversation to the dirt, and things get interesting. The Wrangler’s live axles, big approach angles, and off-road tires help it crawl through challenging obstacles. However, without a disconnecting sway bar or front locker (Rubicon perks only), the Willys ’41 struggled on some tougher trails, leaving us scraping sliders and hung up where we expected the Jeep to shine.
Conversely, the 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium impressed with its confidence across rutted trails, mud, and rocks. Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system and well-sorted traction management help it tackle tricky situations with composure, and its suspension keeps passengers comfortable even when hammering over rough terrain. Despite its removable chin spoiler looking like a liability, it’s flexible and can be taken off for serious trail work.
In day-to-day off-roading, the Toyota feels easier, smoother, and more confidence-inspiring, while the Wrangler demands more patience and planning, rewarding those who embrace its old-school character.
Practicality and Tech
Inside, the 4Runner’s cabin offers more room, better cargo space (up to 90.2 cu ft with seats folded vs. the Jeep’s 67.4 cu ft), and a refined experience that’s family-friendly for longer trips. Its infotainment is larger, clearer, and easier to use, and the layout is intuitive, with plenty of charging ports and cubbies for gear.
The Wrangler’s interior remains charmingly rugged with removable panels and hose-down floors, but its tech feels dated in comparison, and passenger comfort takes a backseat to its raw trail focus. Its hybrid system offers limited electric range (about 22 miles) but adds an eco-friendly twist for short trips to the trailhead.
Numbers Don’t Lie
- Price as tested:
- Wrangler 4xe Willys ’41: $69,100
- 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium: $57,670
- Towing capacity:
- 4Runner: 6,000 lbs
- Wrangler: 3,500 lbs
- Fuel economy:
- Wrangler 4xe: 49 MPGe combined (gas + electric), 20 mpg gas only
- 4Runner: 21 mpg combined
- Braking 60-0 mph:
- 4Runner: 127 ft
- Wrangler: 149 ft
Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium wins this showdown. For $12,000 less, you get a vehicle that’s smoother on-road, easier to drive off-road, and more practical for families who want a true adventure rig that can handle daily life and weekend dirt duty without compromise.
That’s not to say the Wrangler 4xe Willys ’41 doesn’t have its place. If you value a rugged, classic feel with removable doors and hybrid power in an iconic package, the Jeep delivers a unique experience no one else can match. But if you want the best balance of comfort, off-road capability, practicality, and value, the Toyota 4Runner is the SUV that will get you there and back, comfortably and reliably, every single time.
Final Take
The 4Runner may have taken its sweet time to arrive, but Toyota nailed it. Whether you’re shuttling kids during the week or tackling trails on the weekend, it’s ready to serve with capability and comfort in equal measure. As for the Wrangler, it’s still a legend, but it’s time to acknowledge that for most enthusiasts, modern comfort and practicality are just as important as a rugged heritage.