Can You Even On-Road, Bro? The 2024 Ford Bronco vs 2024 Toyota 4Runner

The 2024 Ford Bronco and the 2024 Toyota 4Runner are two of the nation’s most well-celebrated SUVs. But which of them is better at the overall job of being a car?
Naturally, many drivers are drawn to these vehicles because of their hardy disposition, fear of no terrain, and ability to go anywhere. However, most drivers don’t spend all their time on the trail. There are errands to run and parking lots to navigate. Which is better equipped for multi-tasking, the 2024 Ford Bronco vs 2024 Toyota 4Runner?

The Ford Bronco and Toyota 4Runner are fantastic vehicles with outstanding reputations, but there are a few reasons why one might be a better fit for your busy on-and-off-road lifestyle. Let’s compare these two vehicles side-by-side to determine which has the off-road chops, the on-road manners, and the overall compatibility for your driving style.

Overall Off-Road Performance

Not all SUVs have the ability to go off-road. In fact, most SUVs these days are better suited to firm ground or pavement. That’s not a problem. Plenty of drivers rarely traverse anything wilder than a gravel driveway.

However, if you frequently find yourself in the mud or skating along wet roads, the 2024 Ford Bronco has been specifically designed to handle mud, sand, and snow. In fact, you can wade through 33.5 inches of water in a regular Ford Bronco (36.4 inches in the Everglade model) if you need to.

With an undercarriage covered in skid and bash plates, four different types of advanced suspension, pre-installed hero switches, and a sway bar that can be disconnected at the push of a button, the entire 2024 Ford Bronco lineup is ready for some serious off-road travel. Four-wheel drive is standard on all Broncos.

When experts talk about the Bronco’s serious off-road chops, we’re talking about things like the Dana 44 AdvanTEK M220 solid rear differential with Spicer Performa-TraK electronic locker and a separate AdvanTEK M210 independent front suspension, also with Performa-TraK. The Bronco also features up to 7 GOAT (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) driving modes that cue up and tune shift points, steering, and throttle for your situation.

How does the 2024 Toyota 4Runner compare? There are a few things to know, particularly that not all trims include standard all-wheel drive. Each 4Runner trim has its own area of specialization. Some trims are sportier, while others are more rugged.

For example, the TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models include an electronic-locking rear differential. They also have the Crawl Control, or CRAWL, feature, which keeps drivers in a low-gear, low-speed, regulated state. The TRD Off-Road also offers an optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for greater wheel travel during slow speeds.

A Multi-Terrain Select system provides drivers with selectable drive modes that gauge wheel slip and torque needs. The TRD Pro also includes a front skid plate and rear Fox shocks. A Multi-Terrain Monitor on the TRD Pro trim provides camera views of various spots around the vehicle’s exterior, making it easier to gauge obstacles and terrain.

Ultimately, if you want to experience some of the latest off-road technology in the Toyota 4Runner, you’ll need to select a specific upscale trim, choose all-wheel drive, and invest in some available options to prepare it for the task.

Keeping It On the Road

The 2024 Ford Bronco has a clear advantage in off-roading, but what about its performance on the road? After all, even the most avid off-roader has to go to the store at some point.

The standard engine on most Bronco trims is a 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged I-4 engine. With its 300 hp, this engine offers plenty of capability. However, those who select the Wildtrak or Heritage Limited Edition trims can enjoy a standard twin-turbo 2.7L V6 that kicks things up to a pretty wicked 330 horsepower, accompanied by 415 lb-ft of torque for extra articulation. Those who choose the Bronco Raptor will be blessed with 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque, courtesy of the 3.0L EcoBoost V6 engine under the hood. A ten-speed automatic transmission is standard, but with the 2.3L engine, drivers can choose a seven-speed manual transmission with an extra crawl gear.

Offered in two and four-door configurations, you can also choose removable roof and door panels to enjoy open-air driving. Hard tops are also offered, allowing drivers to select the Bronco that’s most practical for their needs. Other practical features include the Ford Co-Pilot 360 suite of driver assistance technology, which includes Pre-Collision Assist with Automatic Emergency Braking, Intelligent Cruise Control, Blind Spot Information System (BLIS) with Cross-Traffic Alert, and other features that make road driving a little less intimidating.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner is available as a four-door model only, and unlike the Bronco, the doors are not designed to be removed by the owner. An optional moonroof is available, though. It also offers the potential for more seating. A third row is optional on some trims, along with helpful third-row accessories, like fold-flat seating and sliding second-row seating. All 4Runner models for 2024 include a DOHC 4.0L V6 engine that provides a very helpful 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque.

Toyota Safety Sense is also standard on all trims, including driver assistance and safety technology such as a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Automatic High Beams, High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Departure Alert.

Special Touches

Whether we want to admit it or not, every driver appreciates those special features that make their car more comfortable and convenient. After all, why shouldn’t we enjoy the time spent behind the wheel?

The Ford Bronco is available in nine trims: Big Bend, Black Diamond, Outer Banks, Heritage Edition, Badlands, Everglades, Wildtrak, Heritage Limited Edition, and Raptor. Selecting the trim that best matches your driving needs and personality is half the fun. Features like Wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility, dual-zone electronic automatic temperature control, and a premium ten-speaker B&O sound system can be unlocked as you climb the trim levels. While features like rubberized floor mats, drain plugs, marine-grade vinyl seating, and sealed switches may sound like they’re strictly for off-roaders, parents and pet owners alike can likely see the benefit of being able to hose out your car.

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner is offered in seven trims: SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro. Depending on the trim you select, seating ranges from fabric to SofTex to perforated leather with heating and ventilation. Rubber and vinyl are not options, so make sure everyone in the vehicle wipes their hands, feet, and paws appropriately before getting in.

Technology is abundant in the 2024 4Runner, with even the base SR5 model including standard wireless Bluetooth, Wi-Fi hotspots, four USB ports, plus Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. Higher trims include built-in Amazon Alexa, navigation with Dynamic Voice Recognition technology, and a premium JBL audio system with a subwoofer.

Choosing Your Next 2024 SUV

If you are looking for a vehicle that can support your every adventure and take turns carpooling, the 2024 Ford Bronco has the advantage. The Toyota 4Runner is a fantastic SUV, but drivers must carefully select a trim that allows them to explore all their intended destinations.

The adventurous lifestyle is all about practicality and making the most of your current situation. For many of us, that current situation involves crazy drivers, slick roads, and people who don’t know how to use their turn signals. For others, it can involve rocks, steep inclines and descents, mud, and snow.

The 2024 Ford Bronco can handle any condition, from slick roads to snow, straight off the showroom floor in any trim level you choose. The 2024 Toyota 4Runner can, too, if you make the right choices at the time of purchase. Don’t forget to add four-wheel drive.