2023 Toyota 4Runner vs Ford Bronco In-depth Comparison / Rivalry Resumed

If you want to reach highly remote areas via fun looking suvs, the Bronco and the 4Runner are my top picks. However, when deciding between the two can be a tricky task. Today I will go through the details to make that an easier choice. And if you were wondering, these two also compete with vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Land Rover Defender (sort of).
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Detailed MT Bronco Review
• Ford Bronco 7-Speed Ma...
Detailed 4Runner Review
• 2022 Toyota 4Runner / ...
Our Bronco Life sway-bar disconnect demonstration!
• 2021 Ford Bronco Badla...
Out of Spec Overlanding Trail Turn Assist demonstration
• Ford Bronco Trail Turn...
00:00 Intro
00:38 Pricing / Exterior
04:03 Cargo
04:33 4Runner Interior
06:05 Bronco Interior
08:28 4Runner Drive
13:01 Bronco Drive
18:05 Reliability
19:35 Owner/Final Thoughts

[@Treetopflyer777]

I really, really wanted the bronco. Ultimately went 4runner for long term reliability (I know I know). No regrets.

[@anthonyfortunato9451]

I did the same as you and I would of had the family pricing with Ford, no regrets either.

[@christianbolt5761]

Same

[@jeremyclarkson-69]

The 2.3l is really reliable tho I've worked on some with 120k miles (not the bronco) that just asked for a oil and filter change, a bit of carbon build up on the valves nothing else ,some people claimed 200k miles out of their 2.3 it really depends on the driving and maintenance if you're gonna abuse it and skip oil changes get the 4runner but if you're a careful owner and do everything by the book even if you drive it hard you can still expect the bronco to last a long time

[@acuracl88]

I will never daily drive anything other than a 4Runner. My '06 is a tank and asks for nothing but fuel. I respect the Bronco, but 4Runner for life.

[@sixfootfourmike]

I love my 4Runner. It is bulletproof. Takes me to all my off the grid fishing spots and is still a comfy daily. And its reliable. Never had any issues.

[@LancerNik13]

4runners still all made in Japan, quality everytime, and very upgradable.

[@mrdato116]

Bronco more fun, plus japs bombed Pearl harbor and lost lmao

[@michaelutley]

As a prior 4runner owner and many other Toyota's, I too was smitten by the Bronco's good looks and ended up buying one. The guilt and shame!!! It was my first Ford and honestly, other than the few and minor negatives that you pointed out about the Bronco, I really cant complain after 40k. I flirt around with the idea of going back to a 4runner or the new Land Cruiser, but the Bronco's hard to let go of. Ford did a great job with it. Outstanding video! You pretty much nailed it!

[@briandorsey6437]

I’m obsessed with my 40th anniversary edition 4Runner…I looked at the Bronco but for me there was absolutely no debate. I’ve owned it 3 months now and I’ve never been so obsessed with a possession… It’s weird lol. I just turned 40 years old and was born the same year the 4 Runner came out so I’ve seen and respected them my whole life…Im a car guy and traded in my GTI for it. The GTI was an awesome car that I loved too. No issues with it besides occasional electrical quirks. But the obsession that hasn’t gone away since trading in for the 4 runner is real. So well made feeling. I like the smooth truck feel on the rode and shitty roads. It’s just a pleasure and I find the hydraulic steering an odd pleasure too. No it’s not super responsive or tight like my GTI…No I don’t smoothly effortlessly fly up hills at low rpm’s like my GTI did….But I’m 40 now and don’t care. I like the smooth daddy 4 Runner. The only thing I’d trade it for in the future is MUCH better gas mileage.

[@slickman9696]

I ended up buying a Bronco this January. I test drove a 4Runner, and Bronco Sasquatch V6. The V6 just ran better and hauled more butt than the 4Runner. And the Bronco was more fun to drive. Very responsive on the Highway and city, and with crazy tourist divers where I live, I needed something that responded well. And at the end of the day, it did more of the things I wanted to do. Doors off. Roof off. I know that’s apples and oranges to the 4Runner, but that is what pushed me over. And at now 24k miles, fingers crossed, no issues.

[@jacksonwhite2019]

Any updates on the bronco? Still running strong? Mileage update?

[@jacksonwhite2019]

@slickman9696

[@joshuabalbuena3880]

Need updates man

[@rickycompton2610]

I also Went with the 4 runner, old school technology we got the TRD Pro 4 runner definitely no regrets here.

[@vstan9023]

Dude, your videos keep getting better and better, even I’m not a big fan of those vehicles, I still watch the entire review. Keep up the great work !

[@Realistick]

Thanks for watching, it’s always great to hear that!

[@chewminem2044]

Very entertaining video. Thanks!

[@Rfk1966]

Need to get this generation of 4Runner before it’s gone.

[@qnsfinest06]

I have a 23 Basesquatch with 780 miles on it and its at the dealership for electrical/Charging system problems. The bronco looks awesome but Iam thinking about trading it in for a new trd orp.

[@jaydillo1234]

Excellent video. Informative and entertaining

[@1Springloaded]

Thank you nice review. Pops got a nice pony

[@tiffanyquini9948]

Thanks for doing this!

[@jasoncampeau2948]

Kdss system really helps to stop the nose dive, I don’t notice the nose dive on mine

[@chriss526]

I owned a 2018 4Runner trdOffRoad and it really was a fantastic vehicle. Very comfortable. The 4.0L engine is great and surprisingly well matched to the 5 speed auto. But towing needs now have me in a 21 f150 (diesel) which I also love for different reasons. Folks complain about Ford quality, but my experience with my f150 has been great. The truck is holding up well no no real issues so far in 30k miles. Can’t speak for quality or durability of the bronco, though. They certainly don’t make as many of those s they do the truck (which they produce a bazillion of each year).

[@rockeye]

Give it some more time. Please, give us an update when something breaks.

[@jcwoodstl]

No issues in 30k miles should be expected on any vehicle

[@tiffanyquini9948]

A few weeks ago I hit a road sign, drove off a small bridge and rolled my 4 runner limited twice. The paramedic said he couldn’t believe I walked away from that accident. And all I had was a seat belt burn. I wish I could post a picture of how well it held up. I just bought a Premium to replace it because I like the more rugged look. I really thought about getting the Bronco until I watched this and read all the comments so thanks everyone!

[@Realistick]

Glad it kept you safe! Though id advise talking to owners of broncos and looking at iihs ratings rather than listening to haters in the comments😂

[@chewminem2044]

Bought a used 2014 ORP with 80k miles, did my research and checked thoroughly for any abuse or neglect. Comes with no warranty, and no warranty needed so far. Now have added 15k miles and I love how strong its body is and have added a ladder and a Sherpa rail. Been in a few adventures

[@nintense1]

Unfortunately the 4Runner comes only with an automatic transmission, and the closest brother is the Tacoma which is way too slow. I went with the Bronco 2.3 Manual, 2 doors. 9k miles with Zero issues.

[@Realistick]

That new taco with the 2.4 and mt may change it but the 2 door bronco is undoubtedly more fun, congrats!

[@TonyTundra5.7]

The fact that you have to state 9k and no issues should tell you chose the wrong vehicle 👎

[@nintense1]

Life is too short to keep it boring @@TonyTundra5.7

[@mrdato116]

​@@TonyTundra5.7u a 🤡

[@yaroslavhryn8704]

@Realistick , thank you for sharing your detailed experience of suspension response on different types of terrain! it is so hard to find, especially for highway and small/middle city bumps, which you'll definitely have for a daily car

[@mariospeedwagon007]

I've owned two 4Runners and absolutely loved them except going up steep mountain roads. Tomorrow I pick up my Bronco. In a couple years I hope to buy the new Landcruiser 250. We shall see.

[@isaiahslucher7400]

Not a couple years. They get released in April of 2024! You can get one next year!

[@mariospeedwagon007]

@@isaiahslucher7400 Yes I know, but I need to pay off the Bronco just bought before I throw down another $50k+ next year.

[@jorgeclavel1177]

What brand is that bull bar on the bronco?

[@Darthvolvo]

It seems that if you want to go offroad more often, the Bronco is the better bet vs the 4runner. You aren't wrong that the 4runner is a virtual tank.

[@TexasOverlander]

First day Bronco reservation holder, finally got it earlier this year. Kept my 4Runner though, have way too many mods and money into it to let it go. lol

[@DirtydogMech]

Compliment to how you do your reviews and hit your points. They're realistic and cater to all potential drivers while talking about equipment, comparing to other vehicles and even price or cost to repair in mind. Can you do a review on the new Honda Pilot sport? Or Pilot Sport vs anything 3rd row and off road capable

[@Realistick]

I may try shooting my shot on a honda dealer soon as honda themselves will likely send the most expensive version out there!

[@DirtydogMech]

@@Realistick awesome.

[@paperclip6993]

I live in Wisconsin, slept in te 4 runner in 20f night absolutely comfortable.

[@dmb3428]

the coolness wears off fast if it's in the shop often getting fixed, ive had my share of unreliable vehicles . I swallowed the price of a 4runner , it was hard...yeah it doesnt have tons of power but I dont ever worry about breaking down

[@christianbolt5761]

I really wanted to have the Bronco Badlands in the running for my money last year. They wanted around $15k over MSRP, worse availability, and still had some issues. Now have a TRD Pro at MSRP.

[@SuperNova23333]

I would have loved to get a Bronco, but the dealerships want $20k over msrp for a 2 year old used one with 20k miles .....

[@Seashed]

I went from a 22 4Runner to a Bronco and back to a 24 4Runner. Can’t beat Toyota refinement.

[@ramonahumada4]

Got rid of my Toyotas and purchased 2 Broncos and, a Maverick hybrid. Not worried about reliability. I’ve had Fords in the past and to me they have been reliable.

[@danielfair4675]

Lol, Ford reliability is ranked 21st out of 32 brands nowdays. I've owned 3 fords in the past ...... and its gonna stay that way.

[@stargellblackstar3968]

My brother and son in law have ford broncos, my son in laws has been in the shop numerous times for transmission problems and is in the shop right now. My brother's hasn't been as bad but its been in the shop because the turbo has been acting up. I have a 2023 4runner OR and they wished they had my vehicle.

[@LL1684L2]

Price be darned, I'm on waiting lists for both the forthcoming Lexus GX550 and Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro (2024). Test-driving a 4Runner, I found it just a bit too underpowered compared to my '17 Tacoma. I liked much of the Bronco's specs, but can't get over its unreliability. I wouldn't have the time or patience to have its top-of-the-line engine go out and need replacing, taking ~7 weeks. Given the two choices in this video, I'd go with the 4Runner.

[@joshualinse9000]

Bought a 2023 TRD Off Road Premium in Oct. of last year. Taking it off roading in Montana end of May. I'll let you know how that goes, but from everything I've read and watched on KZbin, the 4Runner out preforms the Bronco off road.

[@CedricLogan]

your hair is amazing

[@mawage666]

The sticker price on my 22' 2 door Bronco Base manual was $28,500. The 35" Mickey Thompson Baja Boss were a little extra but at the time manual transmission wasn't available with the Sasquatch package so I elected not to go with the Sasquatch. Coming up on 20,000 miles with no issues. I wouldn't want any other vehicle. I drove a 4 Runner once, and the body roll was absurd.

[@mawage666]

I did actually have 1 issue right off the bat, there was a problem with the headlight switch and the headlights would come on randomly after being parked for about an hour, stay on for about 10 minutes and then shut off. It was fixed for free simply by getting a new headlight switch and problem was solved.

[@AngelMartinez-kf1dg]

How and where did you get that price

[@mawage666]

@AngelMartinez-kf1dg I put my reservation in June of 2020 for a 2021 and the price was $28,500. There were so many delays that it kept getting pushed back. Eventually they said it won't be available until 2022 so they upgraded me at no extra charge for the 22' model which I got in March of 22'. New Brighton Ford in Minnesota.

[@leardi58]

This will be the last vehicle built to last look at every vehicle coming out it's like throw away after 5 years come 2025 you will wish you bought one before. If you're a person that gets a new car every 5 years doesn't matter but if you want something that will last your family safe and go pretty much anywhere 4runner is a no brainer and yes I own a 23 off road premium and love it.

[@danni6613]

Will never own another ford. Love my off road Toyota 4runner

[@Leucoandro]

Key to any off-road SUV is extreme reliability. With all the problems with Ford ecoboost engines. Why can’t other manufacturers make non-interference engines like Toyota does?

[@ejesoriginal]

I'm in my 50's. When I buy things that are large ticket items now and I'm on the fence between two or three brands/models, I ask myself one deciding question. Which would I want more if (when) society collapse(s)d and the SH'sTF? I have purchased 2 vehicles in the last 3 years. One is a Tundra. The other is a 4Runner. I want the best odds.

[@qcnsllcqcnsupport7616]

I like the Bronco,.. it looks cooler and i drive a manual... so until the 4 runner gets a manual, I'm picking the manual 😎

[@Fierrosporcelular]

Would love to know why your Dad chose the Ford over a Wrangler, it does many of the same things (Ford copied most characteristics from it) and I think you can still order one with a Manual.

[@Realistick]

It’s like the wrangler but most things are more thought out (especially with taking off the doors) and the manual is better, the interior was more fresh and he liked the style of the bronco too.

[@mariospeedwagon007]

Broncos are more comfortable on road and maybe 10% - 15% less capable off road, depending on the trim and packages, than a Wrangler from my experience.

[@keithwielkiewicz7721]

The 4s kick ass😂

[@rgsniper2]

Own a 2022 and 2023 4Runner..... so I might be a little biased. :/ Wouldn't trade out or anything at this point.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

for MSRP 4runner trd off road no opts

[@carlsanon5799]

4RUNNER can't be beat. Great vehicle for the long term and trouble free.

[@doobedi]

The Bronco is cool with all the removable door and soft roof but i rather a vehicle that will last a LONGGGGGG time so i will choose that 4runner.

[@eduardogiordanelli2680]

1GR

[@jodensmith5093]

I don’t really understand the hate for the 4Runner’s 8 inch screen. Yeah the back up cam is pretty bad for sure. The screen though looks very purposely built in and is more than sharp enough for apple care play, which is all that anyone uses.

[@Realistick]

It doesn’t deserve hate, I appreciate its simplicity but it does deserve criticism for the camera quality, response time and meh resolution/brightness. Id rather have it over a lot of full digital setups that imbed the hvac controls.

[@ChrisN06999]

1:13. 🦅🦅🇺🇸

[@filipinovegaslife70]

Toyotas reliability is true when it comes to onroad and a little offroad to the campsite. But real off-roading where you do some rockcrawling that’s where the 4Runner will lose against the Bronco or the Wrangler. First of all, once you put 33” tires in the 4Runner, your mpg goes to hell and the shifting gets way off going uphills. Both Bronco and the now the Wrangler can have 35” tires from the factory in turn has the proper gearing installed from the factory as well. Also, the 5th gen 4 runner only has a 5 speed tranny, which xponentially gets worse when you install 33” tires. You’ll want to at least install 33” tires on the 4-runner if you want to get some good ground clearance, but its efficiency goes down the tubes. A 4-runner with 33” tires gets an average of 14mpg on road trips if you average 80-85mph on the fwy when the Bronco with 35” tires gets about 17mpg. And the Bronco doesn’t have to downshift even going uphill, and if it has to, it has 10 gears so it will not start screaming from 1 gear lower. But the 4Runner stock is definitely good and reliable.

[@sunnydlight2375]

I have 33's and my average is 17.4 mpg with falken c rated wildpeaks on my 4runner. It's all about weight and how much armor ur putting on ur rig IMO. Im also high elevation which helps.

[@pavansai9066]

People use Toyota because they take more abuse than junk fords.That’s the reason arabs use Toyota not shitty fords.Africans use Toyota,Australia use Toyota every in the world covered by Toyota.

[@johnwebb2232]

You might want to rethink about your storey, there's alot of 4runner's out there that has gone places where jeeps have crawled, don't kid yourself, 4runner's can hold their own and still bring you back.

[@filipinovegaslife70]

@@johnwebb2232 I don’t doubt that. But you’ll have to add on upgrades that will cost a lot of money like gearing since Toyotas only come in 32” tires. When 35” is the new 33”. Ok the new Tacom’s looks like it can fit a 35” tires, but it still doesn’t offer it install by the factory. Buying the top of the line 4Runner, you still need to upgrade it with gears and bigger tires. Jeep & Ford you don’t have to upgrade. You can upgrade any rig! But it’ll cost you.

[@jeepdog626]

4Runner convert from 3 jeeps back to back.can’t beat the Toyota reliability!

[@hookedonfishing2095]

my 2nd gen 4runner would out do both these rigs combined.

[@jeremytd7072]

That retro graphic on the side of the 4Runner is sick af.

[@nicholasbaker2904]

I really wish toyota would innovate more and not rely on "were reliable and youll buy it bc of that"

[@rusure2171]

The Bronco is super cool but the 4runner will out last them all, to include Jeep. 4runner was my choice.

[@Christopherthill]

I own a 22 TRDORP, so I am biased. I did however cross shop it with a Gladiator and Bronco. I love them all for their own reasons, but the 4Runner is just more solid, comfortable, and way more roomy than either while being just as or more capable off road than either of the other two options. Biggest issues I have with the bronco are reliability concerns, fit and finish, and cheap interiors. Ford in general needs to step up their game on interior quality and touch surfaces.

[@Realistick]

I hear that, though it’s also important to remember they can’t do near as much with interior quality when the doors and roof are removable. If they had a fixed top version it would be much much more refined!

[@Christopherthill]

@@Realistick but the cheap interiors are not specific to Bronco only. You can look at the Explorer, Mustang, F series pickups, etc and see/feel super cheap plastics and the fit and finish is horrible. For instance, compare the pickups of the big three (Ford/GM/Ram) and Ford is way behind in quality. So it’s not, to me, exclusive to the Bronco. The Wrangler/Gladiator has removable doors/roof and has much better quality soft touch bits.

[@Realistick]

@@Christopherthill I suppose if you're comparing all Fords to the 4runner (I'm not too well acquainted with ford's other stuff). The RAV4 and Corolla based models are pretty cheap feeling too (especially the corollas). I disagree on the Wrangler, at least the last one I was in felt very similar, better in some areas, worse in others.

[@seanflahockey]

Have a WildTrak and it’s great. Whereas o agree on the Toyota reliability I just find the styling to be very boring. Always has been for me. I just don’t get excited about them. Not sure why.

[@marksgoogle4360]

The 4 runner runs. The bronco is a defect

[@Yul-Uhlu]

Lmao!

[@rockeye]

“Poorly kept roads” is the reason people should consider the 4Runner. I don’t know about your city but mine has crappy roads with annoying man hole covers, pot holes and seemingly perpetual construction. Also, global warming is bringing crazy weather that will only continue to get worsen the roads. You can keep selling faster and more responsive off roaders that impersonate car like driving but people have no reason to be driving as such.

[@grayman618]

In 10 years the 4runner will just be broken in while the ford will just be broken.Kenda tires on the Ford, you've got to be kidding..

[@gordjohnson70]

Another Ford "EFFORT"..... well said !

[@JesusGarcia98.F]

If only the 4Runner offered a manual

[@petemartinez1375]

Trash in ten years VS treasure in 20+ yrs.😂

[@hookedonfishing2095]

not even a trd pro comon, 4runner all day. Broncos getting stuck out here on the rubicon.

[@thadlm2698]

I can’t trust the Bronco engine(s) to last 250 or 300k miles…

[@rafaelmuriel579]

4 runner will last you a life time

[@dondenis1500]

This is a no brainer, the 4Runner hands down.

[@jamesnicol3831]

4 runner in any trim is built with integrity You will see if you buy Bronco

[@Realistick]

The 4Runner is built better than basically everything. The Bronco isn’t bad for what it is and better than any Wrangler I’ve encountered.

[@oraleholmes1263]

Never get a ford over a toyota, yall know that

[@kennethjohnson4964]

Toyota is overhyped, overpriced Japanese junk.

[@stevenm6301]

@@kennethjohnson4964 Said nobody ever.

[@kennethjohnson4964]

@@stevenm6301 You must like vehicles with rusted out frames.

[@stevenm6301]

@@kennethjohnson4964 Ha, butt hurt Ford fanboy thinks Ford's reliability is anywhere NEAR Toyota's...

[@tairz2013]

Found on Road Dead. You are right my friend!

[@alexgavieres8293]

"Realstick" chose the 5A? Booooo!!

[@genzigzag]

The concept of the Bronco is fantastic, I just don't have confidence in the quality in the Fords motor and transmission. Hmm... maybe a Toyota motor and transmission swap!!!

[@Realistick]

I feel pretty confident with the 2.3, it’s been solid in other products! We’ll see how it ages, im really curious how the transmissions do in the long run. Maybe Toyota will revive the fj sometime!? I’m probably delusional.

[@terrynichol577]

4runner is just built differently. Literally. Yeah, Jeeps and Broncos are kind of cool for what they are paid but I think compares to a 4Runner. It's in its own league of its class. People bug you about liking reliability and durability, how could you not like that? It's rugged nice looking and badass as fuck

[@nismo370z4]

How many recalls on that Bronco ? 😂

[@justsomeone6835]

Bronco Mexico made kit trucks equivalent to poor quality and reliability the old Ford days of Bronco are long long gone

[@Reecesavage-Alwayswin]

All the real broncos are built in America 🇺🇸

[@gs98999]

Meanwhile all Tacomas are made in Mexico, but that’s different because it’s Toyota right?😂

[@justsomeone6835]

@@gs98999 pretty much yes lmao 🤣

[@Yul-Uhlu]

Bronco snapping axles on regular normal roads versus Japanese legendary engineering. Hmmmm Okay...lets do a comparison...

[@Realistick]

Dude no😂

[@pewterngold]

Current 4Runner has fallen way behind the curve. Price to value just isn’t there anymore. It’s grossly underpowered and gets horrible MPG. I mean….it doesn’t even come with a powered lift gate. And its backup camera is a joke. Seriously Toyota? For the amount they’re charging for this dinosaur, a powered lift gate and better backup camera is not a big ask or update for this current gen model. People who are still buying this truck for $50K are getting taken.

[@tairz2013]

Just buy a ford or Chevy.

[@erchep]

Own a 4Runner and you'll change your mind.

[@Anomize23]

Talk about things that you should worry about the LEAST. 🤣But hey, what do i know? 🤷‍♂️I only work in the ford service department replacing these items on FORDS FOR A LIVING as I pull in driving my 4runner that’s 10 years old.🤷‍♂️😂😉

[@pewterngold]

@@Anomize23 LOL….my brother has a JGC that is 14 years old. No major issues. Still drives all over. You people act as if the 4Runner is the only vehicle that can last for ten years. Toyota fanboyism is a weird society.

[@MoGumboFukUTubeForChngngMyName]

I love the 4Runner… but that is the ugliest one I’ve ever seen!!! The dealer would have to give me a 50% discount to put my ass in that seat. Then I’d drive it off the lot straight to a paint shop to correct that 70s AMC throw up of a paint job.

[@petermayonejr.3420]

Both beautiful, iconic vehicles! I just purchased my 2nd 4Runner, a new, 2023 TRD ORP in stunning "ice cap"; absolutely love the vehicle! I purchased a new SR5 4Runner way back in '95, and got 350,000 hard-driven miles out of her. TOYOTA 4Runners are legendary!

[@joshualinse9000]

I went the same route, but in the Lime Rush, as I wanted something crazy that looks like it belongs in the mountains off road. Got a Montana trip (Midwesterner here) planned for end of May.