We Answer The Age-Old Question: Is the Jeep Wrangler Really Better than the Toyota 4Runner Off-Road?

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[@TFLoffroad]

Thanks to Thor's Lightning Air Systems for sponsoring this video. To get your own Multi-Tire Inflator Kit and Compressor go to thorslightningairsystems.com and enter code TFL10 for 10% off your order!

[@ineffably_described]

That is such a complicated expensive way to save 6 minutes.. wow. Will stick with my cheapo deflators thank you very much

[@WAACKK]

been through all ur channels since the start, love the offroad content! for some reason, it always gets me, especially when u go to Moab, love it + i miss that Volkswagen Touraeg series and, the Porsche Cayenne, the old thumbnail, the drag races , been here & watched every single vid since the Auto vs. Manual Dodge Hellcat dragrace good times ..... just like now

[@sevendewey]

@@ineffably_describedI don’t know, I bought this setup this past summer and it was well worth it to me. More so for the airing up but the airing down is also nice to have as well. I prefer the quick connectors as opposed to the screw in ones

[@bostondan77]

The Tommy Defender tire blow out never gets old 🤣

[@colinberry2991]

Fuckin’A

[@BillyBobTup]

And the 1st was by Dad, then I think they aired back up and Tommy gave er a go!

[@thedefinitive6296]

Classic TFL moment! 😂

[@BurntTransGarage]

I get nervous in that spot on Red Cone every time because of Tommy, haha.

[@scandinavia6271]

Nope - bashing the Defender drives a lot of viewers - “Jeep up the good work!”👍

[@willschafer5274]

For mild to upper medium difficulty trails the 4Runner is just so perfect, especially with a small lift and some good tires. I’ll never get rid of my 5th Gen.

[@jeffk464]

The new 4runner is going to be getting electronically disconnecting front sway bar. Should help close the gap some.

[@Piketom1]

It’s also a great truck for using on the road when you are not off-roading. The 4-runner is just so well rounded.

[@mikelaughlin270]

@@jeffk464 The 4runner closes the gap because it's always drivable and ready to go whereas the competitors are broken down and waiting for a recall replacement or a repair!

[@teddonley9594]

​@@dl7088Well, not forever but it will last until the frame rusts in half

[@teddonley9594]

@dl7088 Toyota used to build indestructible vehicles but now they are like any other. I've always had good luck with jeeps my last was a 14 rubicon I put 280k on. But as a daily driver I'm not keen on the wrangler. I'm using my Ram for a daily and building a jeep just for a trail rig.

[@jimmy-buffett]

Hi everybody! James here from the video. Red Cone is one of the best trails close to Denver, and the descent from the top -- requiring a lot of engine braking and small steering inputs to stay straight -- is one of the most stressful downhill sections on any trail in Colorado. As Tommy says in the video, these two vehicles are spec'd for how they would most likely be built here in Colorado, not necessarily spec'd to compete against each other. For my 4Runner that's a 2.5-3 inch lift from Old Man Emu, and some 33-inch (technically 32.6) Duratracs. Even with this slight upgrade on tire size over stock, my front wheels rub occasionally and need a body mount chop and other adjusting of the fender liners. To say that I'm looking forward to the next generation of Toyotas that can fit 35's without rubbing would be an understatement. To give my 4Runner a little more credit than in the video :-) I normally take the easy line through that rock garden section, but it was fun to try to follow Tommy. I needed a slightly different line and a little more throttle in a few spots, which demonstrates the advantages of the Jeep. Across all of Colorado, by the time we start running into trails that the Toyota needs winching but the Jeep doesn't (Grizzly Lake, Spring Creek) the risk of body damage also goes up significantly. It's always fun to run one of my favorite trails with good friends and get to share it with all of you. Thanks for watching, we hope you enjoyed it! A big thanks to our sponsor for this video, Thor's Lightning. To say that I've spent a lot of money on air down/up systems in the last 12 years would be an understatement. I've had CO2, slow/cheap compressors, expensive/fast compressors, installed-under-the-hood compressors. Right now I have an expensive / fast portable compressor. This compressor from Thor's Lightning blows my current setup away. 3+ times the CFM (10.6 vs 3.0), more duty cycle (50% vs 33%) and the digital shutoff version costs about what I paid for my current compressor. This is the first portable compressor that I've seen that is nearly as fast as my CO2 setup was.

[@J.Young808]

2:15 Didn’t expect Roman to air blow his twig and berries, nice to see him clowning around. I know you will pick the Jeep as the Off Roader. I will pick the 4Runner as it will be more comfortable everyday.

[@bboness713]

It's actually terrible, never visit there 😅

[@WW-wf8tu]

@@J.Young808 That is all he does is clown around. Almost feel bad for Tommy. But the love and tolerance for a dad will endure such childish behavior. lol

[@WW-wf8tu]

So how much $ does the sponsor pay for people to repeat a praise for their product in an infomercial? Or is it only 1 pay out regardless of how many times someone(s)mention it?

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

Thought about getting a Rubicon...glad we have the 2014 Trail 4Runner. Our mods are real close. OME 3" and 33" Baja Boss A/T's. Nice job carrying the Toyota torch!

[@tyb3938]

Our family runs 3 rubicons and they get pushed hard to get us to our hunting grounds. Locking front and rears along with sway bar disconnect they get us some amazing places. Last week we took the highest trail in Idaho and were shooting boulders at 500-1309 yards at 10,500 feet elevation with views that put some national parks to shame. The only other folks we saw up there was a tricked out canam sxs. The trail, was challenging and wash outs and slides made it sketch, but jeep got us back safe and sound, no drama, just like every other adventure

[@1antisupercat]

The clip of tommy getting a flat always cracks me up haha.

[@rockymountboy]

They're never gonna let that one go.

[@joe7497]

It needs to be in every off road video

[@malifestro3319]

One thing that some people miss. I want you to take a look at how flat the Jeep is around 17:34 vs the 4Runner at 18:31 . This is important difference when wheeling. The confidence you get when your vehicle is level vs pitched heavily cannot be appreciated highly enough.

[@MrFallingstarr]

Best comment. Both did the obstacle but the Jeep was nice and level. You know Tommy felt confident through that section.

[@VenturaIT]

The Jeep never actually needed lockers and that is a baby Jeep for 2023 standards when the new Jeeps come stock with 35's... 4runner might still be better for camping since it is an SUV and you can just sleep in the back, can you get a full adult bed area by putting the seat down in a wrangler? My old Jeep SUV with a solid axle is great for sleeping in the back and hardly ever breaks, very reliable.

[@dadventuretv2538]

💯 especially if you are going downhill and your front wheel is gonna drop into a hole or come down off an off-camber ledge on the downhill side. Or going up a steep hill and needing to get up a ledge with one of your back tires in a hole. Those are the times when an IFS is more likely to roll. Articulation is not just about traction- even if you lose traction there is often some solution to it, it’s about safety of the worst thing that can happen offroad.

[@sprouty2408]

Very interesting comment - I really hadn't thought about this. Thanks.

[@grisa12345]

Articulation is everything when you're doing slow, technical off road. IFS just can't match it in terms of safety and capability, or durability once you start adding large tires.

[@coloradomallcrawlers]

Stock to stock… without question, the wrangler will be better off-road. My next new vehicle is probably a Toyota, but I have wheeled a stock rubicon with a lot of modified 4Runners over the years. My Jeep doesn’t struggle where FJs and 4Runners struggle. I couldn’t get any of my Toyota friends to join me on Mount Blanca or Holy Cross (where we took a stock JL and stockish Bronco 6 gen). Don’t get me wrong, 4Runners are awesome and they look great built, but it’s not fair comparison. The wrangler is built as a purpose built off-roader.

[@sevendewey]

I recently commented on your trail guide of Radical Hill and your assessment is spot on. We essentially had these same 2 vehicles and the Jeep walks up things with ease where you have to work a bit harder with the 4Runner. On SOB hill no way I could have gotten up the hardest line without help and possible winching. If you can live with the Jeep as a daily get that. If you are okay having an upper threshold limit and will have to skip the really difficult/technical trails and want better performance on pavement then get the Toyota.

[@jimmy-buffett]

Hi! James here from the video. Mt. Blanca is probably the only trail in the state that I want to do (because of the lake at the end) but haven't done because of the obstacles. Specifically Jaws 2, that looks like it's trying to push you off the mountain. I know people that have done it in FJs, but not many. I've done Spring Creek, Wheeler Lake, Chinaman twice (once in February, sucked) but the technical stuff just for the sake of being technical doesn't really interest me anymore. I like technical enough to keep the Subaru's out, with a lake or river at the end. Imogene and Metberry are my two favorites.

[@backwoodstherapy]

I like to say the difference between a 4Runner is a family SUV that can do pretty good off road. The Wrangler is an off roader that can do a pretty good job of being a family hauler.

[@vincefairleigh6899]

I have owned three Toyotas.. I like your statement, your not a blind Toyota follower, yes my Toyotas were good off road but nothing compared to my modified first generation bronco from years ago,

[@vincefairleigh6899]

Break lock differential … better than nothing but no comparison to the selectable lockers, I wouldn’t call the brake traction control “ lock” there’s no locking action like the real mechanical lockers.

[@DTMWTD]

The verdict is why, when it came time, I switched from a Wrangler to 4Runner. It was a good decision. I don't wheel hard, so I could trade some capability for some comfort.

[@trailrunnah8886]

This is why I ended up going with a 4Runner over Wrangler. I REALLY wanted the Wrangler, I think it's way cooler and more capable, also much more cost effective to build. But in reality I don't really go off-road that much, and the trails near me would be too easy for a Wrangler. The 4Runner makes a much better daily driver and fits my needs better. Even a bunch of Jeep guys told me to go with the 4Runner for my needs. Which is really a positive reflection on the Jeep community, that they weren't so tribal that they immediately talked smack about the Toyota. Not a lot of Toyota owners are like that, in my experience.

[@mikeyc7072]

The reason this is an "Age Old Question" is because the answer invariably comes down to "It depends"!

[@whysitthat3515]

same with countless other age old questions!

[@WW-wf8tu]

Actually, the reason it is an "Age Old Question" is because people forget the answer. Time and time again the old people have to be reminded. 🤣 A lot of advancements in the last 30 years from open diffs. to computer assisted driver aids has helped even out the playing fields to locking diffs. But wheel base and weight off road tilt the scales towards the Jeep.(in this case)

[@missourimongoose8858]

I'm pretty sure the new land cruiser they are coming out with has solid axles and lockers as standard so it will be interesting to see how they match up against jeeps once people trick them out

[@WW-wf8tu]

@@missourimongoose8858 If they have to be "tricked out" then they don't match up. Stock to stock is what interests me. If one has to modify to compete or tackle things a stock won't, it has already lost its creditability.

[@ClewPE]

​@@missourimongoose8858it doesn't, IFS in the front

[@JahyMoonwalker]

A 2 door Wrangler is definitely better in a lot of situations. It's unfortunate that Toyota does not offer a smaller off-roader as well, because I am a big fan of their reliability.

[@atodaso1668]

They had the FJ but not enough people bought them here, they still make them in Australia.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

@@atodaso1668 the FJ should of been more wrangler like removable top doors it would of sold more, its a cave ,cant see out back or over your shoulder, blind spots

[@atodaso1668]

@@youtubecarspottersguide1 Every vehicle has blind spots, learn where they are and drive accordingly. I am glad they were not like built like the wranglers with it's rattles, leaks both air and water, poor roll over safety and reliability.

[@youtubecarspottersguide1]

@@atodaso1668 I like large side windows and back glass so I can look over my shoulder see if a car is there .my fav was my 1998 suby forester large windows one I wish id kept

[@originalname9999]

@@atodaso1668 Fun fact, the FJ cruiser had a longer wheelbase and overall length then the 1st gen 4runner.

[@CM-xb6rb]

Jeep Rubicon has 1) Solid front axle. 2) Larger tires stock 3) Front + rear lockers stock. 4) Easily removable and modifiable front and rear bumpers. 5) Easily modifiable fenders. 6) 4:1 Transfer case. 4Runner has: 1) Independent front suspension. 2) 2.72 to 1 transfer case. 3) large plastic front and rear bumpers that you must cut in order to put on real bumpers and a winch. 4) A lot of work to put on tires larger than 35".

[@alanmay7929]

sooooo what?? lol........

[@RJ-vc2ju]

Actually, a lot of work to put in anything bigger than a 33" tire and still get lock to lock steering and full articulation.

[@kurtburkhardt5862]

This is an interesting comparison. More real world than most tests. A Rubicon on 35's or even 33's will almost always out wheel a 4Runner on 33's. I have a similar 4Runner 3" OME lift and Baja Boss 33's. Nice to see it still does pretty well. Both are far more capable than most drivers will ever use or need.

[@animal16365]

Short wheelbase is a big help to. Certain off road conditions you dont want a longish wheelbase.

[@stout_tossme7541]

Two of my favorite off-road vehicles. I can't afford two vehicles, so I would pick the 4runner. Very capable, but is great for a daily (that's why I bought a 4runner)

[@TheSupraman2jzgte]

​@@dl7088very true. I've worked on too many jeeps and Dodges for electrical and mechanical issues.

[@SanctumOfDreams]

@@dl7088 My buddy bought a 4runner a year after I bought my JLU and his transmission literally melted a year later.

[@stout_tossme7541]

@@dl7088 I have had no issues, my Son-in-law has two Jeeps. A lot of fun. A little more maintenance perhaps, but so far so good for both the Jeeps and 4 Runner (he does prefer to drive in the 4 runner when we are on a long trip, lol).

[@trailrunnah8886]

Same. I really wanted a Wrangler, in fact, I would still love to have one, but I got the 4Runner because I knew it would be a better daily driver even though it's not as good off-road. I realized that where I live there's not a lot of off-roading that would be able to challenge a Wrangler, so I'm happy with the 4Runner. I am still jealous of how simple it is to fit 35s or even 37s on a Wrangler, compared to the struggle just to fit a small 33 on a 4Runner.

[@ryanmoen6239]

My 5th Gen is my 3rd Runner. To Tommy’s point. If your a weekend warrior on adventure. Runner all the way. But my inner child is jealous every time I see heavy wheeling that only a Jeep can do. Great bud gang. Nice Runner.

[@wts97m]

If you're gonna do a time comparison with that 4 tire air down/up vs each tire on its own, you may want to also add how long it takes to unpack and pack that whole system as well. I've always been curious to see how long the process of whipping out all those hoses and stuffing them back in would actually save me along with the space needed to store it.

[@MrJoelinq77]

I love my 5th gen 4runner and I run 35's. I've never encountered anything I couldn't get over.

[@williamellerman6647]

You should do a series 4Runner vs Jeep and take them to different trails.

[@WW-wf8tu]

30 some years ago, I had a Nissan Hardbody 4x4 truck(in stock form) that I went EVERYWHERE jeepers did. Except, when they broke down, I kept going. Often driving them to the parts stores for the things they broke.

[@jeffk464]

@@WW-wf8tu Yeah well those old mini trucks had short wheel bases, probably shorter than a 4dr jeep. All the new trucks are pretty long.

[@tristansundquist1834]

@@jeffk464Nah 30 years ago Jeeps were shorter. Now I’m calling his bluff a little unless he had a super built up truck because out of the box the Jeep is definitely a better option.

[@warbuzzard7167]

Doubt.

[@Cypress1983]

As the owner of a 5th gen 4Runner, I can confidently say that one of the first mods that needs doing if you plan on wheeling is underbody skids/armor. The fuel tank sits low in one of the worst spots with regards to breakover angle. Other than the rear diff, it is the lowest point on the vehicle and easily the most exposed to damage.

[@jimmy-buffett]

Hi! James here from the video. I started in an FJ and now have a 4Runner, and the gas tank on the 4Runner sticks down a good bit below the frame where the FJ's didn't. I typically advise FJ owners to skip the gas tank skid, but 4Runner owners should get it for theirs. I was all over my gas tank skid on the gatekeeper obstacle in the video, no idea how the stock gas tank protection would have held up. I have an entire set of BudBuilt's on my truck. The way I explain the skidplate upgrade to people is that the stock armor isn't designed to hold the weight of the truck. If you're going to be doing this type of stuff, you need armor that can hold the weight of the truck.

[@VTOffRoadAdventures]

@@jimmy-buffett Do they not come stock with a gas tank skid? I just took my wife's stock 2015 SR5 off road last week and it has a tank skid that I 100% used.

[@jimmy-buffett]

@@VTOffRoadAdventures factory skidplates on these vehicles are either plastic or 1/16th aluminum, neither of which will hold the weight of the truck. They're more for small rocks or other things getting kicked up on the street to keep those from punching a hole in something. You can try wheeling with stock skids but you'll bend them very quickly and damage whatever's underneath.

[@hoosierdude7102]

As an owner of a fifth generation 4Runner Trail Premium, it is a wonderful vehicle. It’s great for road trips, daily driving, and mild to moderate off roading however, for real difficult trails or frequent off roading it might not be the best choice. A-trac technology works really well but cannot beat real lockers off-road.

[@SaxonWinther]

Toyota ATRAC is phenomenal especially on the newer generation vehicles. A front locker is very rarely missed

[@peteliotas9456]

I simply love my 2019 4runner it's a beast , great SUV unbelievable

[@Rooster_king]

We can't underestimate the difference that an extra 2" make - TFL

[@markcoopers1930]

People might have a bone to pick over that, and certainly knowing how to use what they've got is important. But at the end of the day that extra 2" helps lead to a satisfying outcome when thrust into the thick. And the looks on people's faces, jaws dropped and mouths hanging open in awe when they see that extra length standing tall.

[@ferkdizzle]

That’s what she said

[@backwoodstherapy]

​@@markcoopers1930poetry.

[@Desertpunk1986]

I’ve owned both vehicles…..and when I owned the Jeep I wanted a 4R…..when I owned the 4R, I want a Jeep……lmao love them both.

[@John-yf4ie]

You guys all got me hooked on the Wranglers. I've went thru sports to Rubicon wranglers to finally Jeep Gladiator Rubicon so I would have anyting less. All have been trouble free. By the way my best friend recently was looking for a Jeep Sahara in Black fully loaded so he went down the street and ended up buying a 2023 Defender loaded. A week later the electronics decided to give up and no power at all. It's been at the samedealership over two weeks and they are unable to located the problem. The dealership also has close relationship with that Jeep Dealership and may now be getting the Jeep that he wanted!!

[@Shakshuka69]

I want to see an offroad battle of all the base models. Base wrangler, base bronco, base 4runner, etc. Even better if they're all on similar tires.

[@damnjustassignmeone]

I’ve owned both. A 4Runner & a 2-door manual JL Wrangler. Wrangler was better off road and fun to drive but also not great on highways. 4Runner is more refined and practical. Both are great though.

[@WW-wf8tu]

"Better" is subjective too "need, use" applications. Jeeps capabilities are not in question.(or should not be) Especially with front and rear lockers. It has the chops to mash off road terrain with gusto. Never have questioned that. On the streets, it loses to the 4R hands down. In comfort, ride quality, interior cargo practical spacing. Tommy just nailed it in under 6 minutes. Which is why I chose the TRD OR back in 2018. There are more paved roads to get to the trails you spend time on than time in the trails.(depending on where you live)The short coming of the Toyota products(IMO)is they don't design the body of the vehicle with OR in mind. Too many people that are serious about banging around out in the trails are sawing off panels to fit steel replacements. How many Generation 2's had to do that? Or even 3's? But they did not come with the 5th Gen. TRD OR systems. Always a bloody compromise somewhere.

[@richfarfugnuven6308]

Solid front axle for rocks, IFS for high speed desert running. I usually run for dessert, not the desert...

[@perpelle]

I don't think that anyone asked that question. Hard core off-road = wrangler. Anything less then hard-core off-road, overlanding and reliability = 4runner.

[@inttruders]

I am more of an overlander. I am about trying to enjoy the drive not really going out of my way to make my route more difficult. I just want to get where I am going and experience the nature along the way. For me the 4Runner is the right tool for the job. I spend a lot of time on the road trying to get to the area I want to explore and it rides well. Plus it holds all my crap.

[@MusashiSush1]

Probably my favorite mod on my 23’ 4Runner is the ARB twin compressor mounted under the hood and my 4 tire Fasterflate system which is identical to the Thors Lightning. It’s so easy to set up and once you’ve rolled out the hoses once or twice it becomes second nature and only take a few mins. I love living in CO there are so many trails, I just wish the weekends were longer!!!

[@scottyellis3442]

Great video, great editing. This is by far my favorite channel. "KZbin and TV combined" Always have great content & ya'll put out new & fresh shows just about on a daily basis. Keep up the good work & that's to all of TFL. 👍🏻👍🏻

[@TFLoffroad]

Thanks for the kind comment!

[@Kdavis8377]

The jeep has bigger tires, more ground clearance and more articulation. I own and love my 4Runner but it isn’t set up to be able to do what the jeep does. But the 4Runner is super capable and can go anywhere I want to take it. Also, do a comparisons of which one sees the mechanic the most in the first 125,000 miles of ownership😂

[@Coolhansolo]

100k jeep transmission is toast. Time to pay big money for another.

[@dmac5108]

Different cars require different maintenance schedules. Jeeps are one of the most modded vehicles on the road, so many of their issues can be attributed to low-quality, incomplete mods and lack of adherence to maintenance. My jeep has 135k no issues (no toast) but I do maintenance regularly. Toyotas can be more forgiving to the average driver's maintenance habits and aren't as readily modded. Buy what you like.

[@thelostviking9998]

180,000 miles on my Jeep, only issues I have had are normal ware and tare stuff. Not modded at all 100% factory. No leaks transmission and engine run great. I used to work for Toyota. Hands down the most reliable vehicles out there. Jeep is the ultimate out of the box rock crawler. Nothing compares. Toyota makes a very capable all around off roader. And it’s much more comfortable to ride in provided you are not to tall or big.grated the wrangler is not any better when it comes to tall or big individuals. Ford on the other hand is very comfortable and if you get a raptor they are amazing high speed off roading. I am not really impressed with what I have seen of the lower trim versions of it though. And the front end is very weak even in the raptor.

[@fireant1272]

Had a jeep 206k miles also no problems, great vehicle! Awesome reliable 3.6 pentastar. Which is considered one of the most reliable motors. I know someone who had a 4runner and they had transmission issues at around 100k.

[@Kdavis8377]

I wasn’t trying to start anything and sure, we all know some random guy who had a problem with his 4Runner at 100k miles but the fact remains Jeep Wranglers have had almost 60,000 vehicles recalled for various safety and mechanical issues between 2020-2023. 4Runner has had around 1200 recalls in the same time frame. 700 of those recalls were because the door stickers Toyota puts on could potentially fade and possibly can’t be read. I’m not a jeep hater. I think they’re a fun vehicle and I would love a 392 V8 but reliability isn’t close between the two. Just as it really isn’t close to which one is as good off-road unless someone heavily modify a their 4runner and still, it’s hard to beat 2 solid axles and the articulation advantage that gives.

[@trailrunnah8886]

Roman is 100% spot on about lockers and off-roading tools. Getting stuck just increases the risk of breakage, to drive elegantly and not get stuck at all is the best technique. Also, go watch Matt's Offroad or Trailmater and then tell me about Toyota's never breaking, lol.

[@sorenmelchior]

That Thor deflate system has been around from other manufacturers for several years. I have been using MORRFlate quad tire system for 3 years. Quad deflate systems are super handy.

[@rockstarride]

The 4Runner just can't compete on the more technical stuff. Fact.

[@ScottyBennitone]

The Wrangler is still still the best stock off road King, and i dont see it being dethroned anytime soon. The engineering, size, solid axles, price, quite frankly nothing rivals it at its price point. You can get a stock 2 door around 30k right now, brand new... Someone, anyone, please tell me a better off the production line stock vehicle for offroading at that price? I dont think you can..

[@marytorbert5212]

My hubby and I have the discussion all the time! He says don’t use all the tricks on the Gladiator until you need them. I say turn them all on before so I don’t get stuck! Lol 😂

[@snowpeaky]

In the end, the best option would be an 80 Series Land Cruiser hehe.

[@zuki818]

This was an amazing when I love this one thank you so much for providing all this information and gives me all the knowledge I need it and decide which vehicle I want to have or want now thanks a lot guys be safe out there and keep up the good work with all these videos hopefully I'll bump into you guys again at the cars and coffee

[@huntermitchell-yh9fo]

Both of you guys are offroad pros! So much skill in this video! This is by far the most extreme video I've seen for you guys!

[@NickTarterOKC]

I love both personally. My own rig is a 98 TJ which I will probably never sell. I am one of those weird people that loves driving an old Jeep on or off road. I like the old truck feel and love that I have a lot of user input in my driving experience. Off-road, you cannot beat an old Jeep. It eats trails like Guga eats steaks. However, I get that not everyone is into what I like. Modern 4Runners are fantastic trucks for people who want something rugged that has nicer on road manners. I would have no problems owning either vehicle.

[@swimmer8585]

At rock crawling yes. Wrangler has the solid front axle. But for everything else the 4runner will be just as good or better, and will last two or three times as long as a wrangler

[@hstafford078]

I loved this video for the exact reason you made it: a mid-range used off-roader vehicle. I recently picked up a 2018 4Runner Off Road Premium for a great price, so my pocket is happier spending on some upgrades. This was a great example of what you expect. Great work!

[@judd1971]

How bout answering the question. How is anyone supposed to buy either of these vehicles currently?

[@markcoopers1930]

Typically with the fiat currency of the nation located

[@malcolmn.5222]

Lol there are tons of people buying these vehicles right now. If they weren't, you wouldn't be asking this lame question.

[@michaelhart8539]

@@malcolmn.5222it’s not a lame question. It’s a real concern. The economy is crashing along with the dollar. There are still people buying these vehicles, you’re right. But average, blue collar working class people are struggling and less able to spend the money on one of these rigs. That’s “Bidenomics” for you.

[@dcl97]

Every dealer around me has dozens of Wranglers and with huge rebates. They are even better with Gladiators. One dealer has so many Gladiators they are renting space from the office building next door to store them all, $20k off without even negotiating.

[@hommedammn7132]

Just work 2 remote jobs at the same time.

[@huanronghu4432]

haha u gotta love Tommy's reaction at 2:22 to his dad's mischievous use of the air compressor 😂🤣

[@cfltitan]

And I gotta say also that Air down setup is VERY cool and I was shocked at the price. It’s pricey but nowhere near what I was expecting especially as insane as everything is now days. I still love my ARB Air down tool. It’s very fast because it removes the valve core. I’m sure it’s not that fast though because it does take about 45 seconds to a minute per tire and you have to factor in hooking it up and taking it off each tire as well. But it was only $50 too.

[@hippiebits2071]

My TJ gives me more confidence in taking a less measured approach to things but the 5th gen 4Runner has done fine. It's amazed me many times but without the same fun factor as the Jeep. I'd be leary offroading a JL tho, I've had so many owners say they regret selling their eariler model.

[@bryanbahling2877]

The short answer is the wrangler. But with some caveats. Also, the Jeep is just a way cooler vehicle. And the top and doors come off.

[@exordis]

Better editing on this video than most of your others. Awesome job.

[@victoryengineer]

Great content. I wheel in a lot of Northern Michigan, seldom traveled places often requiring a chainsaw (as well as in Ontario). I never have to drive over 20" or greater boulders or large rock gardens. Wheeling is very different in my part of the Country compared to the mountains or West of the mountains. My 4Runner on 285's with an Eibach lift does just fine. Of course a lifted Jeep is going to be even more capable in very difficult terrain but that's just not what I need. As far as on road the 4Runner is light years ahead of the Jeep. Two different vehicles for different needs and both are great. Sleeping in a 4Runner while camping in remote places is a lot more comfy than a Jeep too. Some of us are too old or just not into the whole "overlanding" roof top tent crap.

[@Donkeys_Dad_Adam]

I've owned 3 4runners from 2015 on, the last being a 2020 TRD Pro with an Icon Suspension and 34's... (that one was my favorite). Given some pretty terrible experiences with Jim Norton Toyota in Tulsa, I decided to move on from Toyota and sold the last one off for a very good price. I now have a 2024 Wrangler with a 392 on order hoping to have it by the end of September.

[@crispusattucks6094]

I think you will love the Jeep. I traded my 2020 4Runner TRD Off-road for a 2023 Jeep XR Rubicon. The Jeep feels like an off-road vehicle. The 4Runner feels like a Chevy traverse. I feel way more confident offroad behind the Jeep. Jeep drives great on highway just more sway than the Toyota.

[@Donkeys_Dad_Adam]

Awesome. I only got to test drive a 392 for about 10 minutes, but I drove all sorts of Gladiators and Non-392 Wranglers before I got the chance. The 392 is just a different animal altogether! It's pretty incredible. Glad to meet another convert! @@crispusattucks6094

[@BeowulfHagen]

Did you get the 392?

[@Donkeys_Dad_Adam]

@@BeowulfHagen Yes

[@BeowulfHagen]

@@Donkeys_Dad_Adam did it live up to everything you were hoping? I’m test driving one tomorrow

[@milspec_tube]

As a Jeep owner I agree with the verdict. Offroad its Jeep all day, getting there however would be much more comfortable, better on gas and less prone to swaying in high winds in the 4Runner. So overall, this actually answers the question in the title of the video.

[@appl3.149]

It's all about preference. You can't go wrong with either. Both platform has tons of after market to build on.

[@scandinavia6271]

Excellent video - with some classic TFL-Defender-Bashing; “JEEP UP THE GOOD WORK”, guys 👍

[@paulblack5883]

They both get the job done..some variables between the two being 33s vs 35s, solid front axle and sway bar disconnect vs IFS, and 2 lockers vs 1 locker. I give advantage to the Jeep since its purpose built.

[@DrowsyScientist]

Hoping for a part 2, 3, 4!

[@einfeldt777]

Great fun video, Roman is definitely getting more and more “dad jokes” relaxed, cool tire system too.

[@robervin9107]

Tommy’s two door is the goat for off-road. Amazing job champ

[@JarradShaw]

Really good editing and music. Nice!

[@damian7579]

Tfl rocks! Thank you guys

[@PrepperDawg]

I would take that 4Runner every day of the week. Love them.

[@ricksrealm6419]

This video is accurate and sums it up perfectly. I've owned both a Rubicon and currently a TRD Off-Road 4Runner. For my time on trails and daily driving, I'd choose the 4Runner. If I spent 50% of my driving time on trails, I'd choose the Rubicon. But then you need to consider quality and reliability = 4Runner!

[@danielmaybee68]

Everyone already knew the conclusion this video was going to arrive at, but it's just so much fun to watch how they got there....

[@petermercer5968]

Every time I see Tommy say fucken A it's so funny. I sometimes see myself take a fit when I go 4x4 driving in the bush. My wife walks away laughing so hard she has tears in her eyes.

[@kylesummers1565]

I don't have a shop (or garage really) at this point, so I am looking at outsourcing a rebuild on my 02 Taco at 200k miles. The engine is good, but there are a lot of scrapes underneath because it is stock (fortunately with skid plates). I daily drive a Tremor with the Torsen front diff, but it is too long for really tough trails (has been great everywhere else though). I recently sold my CJ back to the family I got it from, and they are resto-modding it. The Jeeps are great and capable, but I trust the Toys more. I really like these kinds of vids, keep it up! Peace, Love!!

[@stlswagger]

They are both extremely capable. Just a matter of reliability, true resale valuable and comfort (solid axles vs well you know) that really drive life long buyers

[@mattvanbogart]

This is a great video on so many levels.

[@dethreveng]

I gotta agree with Tommy on not using the equipment until you're stuck. The difference is though is you have to know your limits. It does add more of a challenge, but more importantly for me, I know that's the limitation of my skill with my vehicle. The equipment helps me get unstuck to either take easier routes, or just get out in general. Some more experience off roaders may not need this as they know (or think they know) their limits of their skills / vehicles, but it is an extra fail safe that adds some challenge and fun to the experience.

[@PatrickRich]

Different strokes. The Wrangler is a better crawler, but the 4runner is a better touring machine. The Toyota offers more interior volume, more payload, better ride and handling, less NVH, etc etc. The Wrangler is a great platform for achieving results off-road, but if your ambitions off-road require no more than 33 inch tires...then its hard to go wrong with a 4Runner.

[@journeywithstu7199]

A built 4Runner is always a good choice, unless it has Texas plates and tries to go on a closed trail. Too soon?

[@The_Amateur_Hour]

4Runner guy here, it’s so impressive how level that jeep was through the elephant steps. That solid front axle shines there.

[@bradmeacham6982]

Here's my problem with the "don't use lockers until you're spinning tires and stuck approach"... Your spinning tire(s) are digging out holes that don't need to be there in the first place and you are creating trail damage! Not exactly following the Tread Lightly approach.

[@joshuaearnshaw8565]

I had a 2015 2 door jk 6SPD. My biggest grip i had with the vehicle is how intrusive the traction control was. The slightest bit of wheel slip the jeep would take away power you. It wasn't fun on hill climps!

[@i3oosted]

Loved the music at the end

[@caifan444]

Best videos Ever keep em coming guys love emmm both

[@Raver_S_Thompson]

I’m commenting this at the start. Personal opinion: the keep will always be a off-road adventure. But my bias as a 4Runner owner that doesn’t use a ground or roof tent I like the room and space a runner gives. So if talking practical the runner wins, if saying it sucks on the road but is a monster off road the wrangler all day.

[@danielgarcia228]

Can’t wait to see the new gx on these trails

[@ulysseslima9534]

I'm a Jeep guy, but the 4Runner impresses me.

[@scotroberts1394]

The question was which was better OFF-ROAD. Obviously they all agreed the Jeep was better before trying to please everyone saying the 4Runner was better on the drive there. That wasn't the question.

[@sinister184]

Jeep will always be better in rocks. 4runner always better for ‘off the beaten path’ general off-roading. I drive through flat(ish) forrest roads, sandy beach conditions, and washboard roads. 4runner and IFS is better for that, which is why I bought one. All about intended purpose.

[@sackman1886]

If you're just pure technical rock crawling, then get a Wrangler, but for what the VAST majority of other people need, the 4Runner will outlive most of us. They are so reliable and comfortable, you can't go wrong.

[@javierlugo259]

So if you want to drive on the road in comfort, you get a Cadillac LMBO :) .......If you want to go off road, you get a JEEP........JEEP IS KING BABY!!!! Excellent Video, Many Thanks.....

[@TheNotSoOrdinaryCarGuy]

The cost to upgrade is deceiving. The AEV package on the Wrangler may have originally cost $15k, but that includes all the aftermarket goodies. You can get just the lift for around $2k. Whereas the 4 Runner requires a lot more money in mods to make it as capable as the Jeep.

[@missourimongoose8858]

It's all fun and games till a methhead shows up with a suzuki samurai and out trails everyone lol

[@subjecttochrist]

I miss my 2014 trail premium… before the TRD pro came out. Thing was so much fun. Sold it because it was becoming my identity… still have dreams about the thing!! Haha

[@allanw6103]

Gotta agree w Roman there. use the tech you have first. dont get stuck and avoid breaking your stuff. esp while wheeling alone.

[@wesalexander2693]

Great video of a very impressive performance by both vehicles, but even more impressive is the scenic terrain, WOW! Could larger (35") tires be installed on the 4Runner? Also, that 4 Tire Air System is an amazing device, I can see where that would work great on just about every vehicle, ensuring even PSI in all 4 tires, and quite reasonably priced I would say!

[@jimskatr103]

I just finished building my air up system. It’s a beauty

[@xxtm72xx63]

You can fit 35s but you'll be doing some cutting on the body mount and fender liners for sure, you might also wanna re gear. It's more expensive and harder than doing it on a jeep do to the ifs on the 4runner.

[@andreinvictoria]

No it's not heat gun and a recip saw.

[@jimmy-buffett]

Hi! James here from the video. You can fit 35's on the 4Runner, it just takes a lot more work. The 33's that are on there rub already, so there would be a lot more rubbing with the 35's. There is a "body mount chop" to remove metal that the tire rubs on, everything else is plastic that can be cut / moved. Toyota seems to have considered this on the next generation of vehicles, it's looking like the new Tacoma and Land Cruiser can fit 35's without rubbing. The Thor's Lightning guys have three versions of their 4-tire system: short wheelbase (both of these vehicles), long wheelbase (pickups) and RVs. When I went to their shop to pick up the demo models for the video, they had red hose cut to length all over the place 🙂it's a really well put together system.

[@plus790]

Off road is too general a term. A Jeep is the best platform for hard core rock crawling, particularly where there's going to be further modifications. A 4 Runner is a better overlander and far better on the street and every day use. Out of the box, a Bronco is every bit as capable on the rocks as the Jeep (let's assume Wildtrack/Badlands Sasquatch vs Rubicon), but has much greater comfort and everyday usability. Personally, I can't afford *anything* new, but I love my first year 6.2 Raptor which sees moderately difficult trails and dispersed camping duty for 2 weeks at a time, and I can still throw a motorcycle in the bed or haul 4x8 sheets--all in luxury/comfort. Fuel economy? Not so much.

[@joshc606]

Great video!

[@uniglez5264]

I have 250k on my 4Runner, I doubt I can get that much on a modern wrangler, maybe if it had the old school inline 6, plus 4Runner has better ride on road

[@jeffg3975]

Let’s be honest, both of iconic vehicles are a compromise. I absolutely love my “built” 5th gen 4Runner. It’s an incredible daily driver and can get me to most places I want to go, but I know her limitations. I LOVE to own a built Wrangler for more difficult and technical terrain. The only reasonable way to settle this debate is to own both!! Much love and respect to both platforms and their respective owners.

[@johnnyhirt8903]

my wife ordered me one of those thor systems I'm stoked!

[@Wrangzilla]

Sorry. The 4 Runners are nice. But they can’t compete with a Wrangler. None of the trails that I ride with my 2020 Rubicon, I’ve ever seen a 4 Runner on. Don’t get me wrong, I really like 4 Runners and plan of getting one after I’m finished with my Rubicon, but they’re just not as capable.

[@johnmadsen37]

A trd with a rear locker does great. But. Clearance is terrible. The tranny and everything hangs down very low. Then mods come into play. IFS is extremely limited. I put a 6” fa tech lift on mine and it helped. I traded it in for a gladiator rubi with a 2.5” aev kit and it was night and day. But I do real trails and deep snow wheeling. A trd will do most of what most people do. It drives better, breaks less, and is way more comfortable. But if you do trails and need mods …. Jeep is the only choice.

[@paularmbrust2134]

Im with Roman, know when to engage so you don't get stuck.

[@CarnutMM]

I agree. Lockers prevent you from getting stuck. No lockers and increased gas pedal are recipes for increased probability of breaking something. Jeep wins this one. Solid front and rear. Just look at that flex BTW- I own both a Rubicon and a TRD OR 4Runner. Rubicon is definitely better off road.

[@davidwayne9982]

THAT is the point I LIKE about the 4Runner--- if a person is just going to be 80% offroad for FUN- the jeep would be best-- but on a daily street driving- the 4Runner has it hands down-- and I should be -- for myself- 95% on pavement- and offroad only if it's snowy enough that I SLIDE off the pavement- or maybe a couple dirt roads for scenery once or twice a year..

[@Malc664]

I noticed through the Elephant Steps the the 4Runnner is a foot to the right going through the holes compared to the Jeep. But good that the Jeep was stated as the better offroader and 4Runner best on road.