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Click Here for Featured Specials
Randall Reed Family Owned & Operated Since 1992
Are you looking for a midsize SUV with superb off-road capability? If so, two top contenders to consider are the 2023 Ford Bronco and the 2023 Toyota 4Runner. Ford introduced the Bronco in 2021 as a serious rival to the Jeep Wrangler, and it quickly gained popularity with its distinctive design features that set it apart from other SUVs.
The Toyota 4Runner is celebrating 40 years since its release and looks a bit dated. But its big boxy styling and renowned off-road prowess have earned it many loyal followers. If you're trying to decide which vehicle suits you best, our team here at Planet Ford Dallas has compared the two models. Keep reading to learn more.
Available in two- and four-door body styling, the Ford Bronco has a quirky, rugged design and high ride height that leave no doubt about its off-road capabilities. Available skid plates help protect the underside on rocky trails. You can also remove the Bronco's doors and roof for thrilling, wind-in-the-hair adventures. Two-door models come with a hardtop, while a soft top is standard on four-door trims.
Its unique LED headlights, daytime running lights, and available LED signature lighting make the Bronco stand out day and night, as do its bold front end and imposing profile. At the rear, access to the cargo area is easy with the manual swing gate that opens to 150 degrees. The back of the cab also features a flip-up window. The 16-inch or 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires can easily handle the most demanding trails. Heritage editions get a unique white roof, grille, and script badging.
While the 4Runner has received minor upgrades, it hasn't had a significant redesign since 2010 and is showing its age. It has a big, boxy design and is only available with four doors. Like the Bronco, the 4Runner has high ground clearance to negotiate tough terrain. Available running boards make getting in and out of the car easier.
Standard exterior features on the 4Runner include LED lighting, skid plates, and a power liftgate window. Most models have 17-inch wheels, while the TRD Sport and Limited trims come with 20-inch wheels. The 40th Anniversary Special Edition has unique bronze-colored wheels and exterior accents. It also features tri-color stripes.
Step into the Ford Bronco interior, and you'll find stylish, modern materials and many high-tech features. Two-door models seat four people and give you up to 52.3 cubic feet of cargo space, while the four-door version seats five and has a cargo area of up to 83 cubic feet. After a hard day on the muddy trails, the available rubberized flooring with drain plugs lets you hose out the interior.
You can choose cloth, marine-grade vinyl, or leather-trimmed vinyl upholstery. As standard, you get a push-button start, an 8-inch digital instrument panel, a tilt and telescoping steering column, a terrain management system, two 12-volt power outlets, and four USB ports. Available interior features include remote start, power-adjustable seats, dual-zone automatic temperature control, ambient lighting, heated seats, and a heated steering wheel.
The Sync 4 infotainment system offers an 8-inch or 12-inch touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility, a Wi-Fi hotspot, FordPass Connect, and AppLink with voice recognition and navigation. Enjoy your favorite tunes with the standard seven-speaker sound system with satellite radio or the available 10-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system.
The 4Runner's spacious cabin offers seating for five or seven with the available third-row seats. With the rear seats folded, you get up to 89.7 cubic feet of cargo space. The seats have cloth, simulated leather, or genuine leather upholstery, depending on the trim. Power-adjustable seats are standard. It has standard features similar to the Bronco, with a power-adjustable driver's seat and a 120-volt power outlet. The Limited trim has heated and ventilated front seats. The infotainment system has wired smartphone integration and is only available with an 8-inch touchscreen.
Most Bronco trims offer a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds thanks to a choice of capable engines. The base powertrain is a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder EcoBoost engine with a seven-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission for an output of 300 horsepower and 325 lb-ft of torque.
The Bronco Wildtrak and Heritage Limited models feature a 2.7-liter V-6 EcoBoost engine that comes standard with the 10-speed automatic and generates 330 horsepower and 415 lb-ft of torque. Exclusive to the Bronco Raptor is a 3.0-liter EcoBoost engine that delivers 418 horsepower and 440 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain gives the Raptor a towing capacity of up to 4,500 pounds. The Ford Bronco gets anywhere from 15 to 20 mpg combined.
The 4Runner gives you a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds. All trims have a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that delivers 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque via a five-speed automatic transmission. You'll get up to 17 mpg combined in the 4Runner.
Ford Bronco safety features help protect you on the busy Dallas roads. Helping keep you on track in the 2023 model are traction, roll stability, and trailer sway control. Standard driver-assistance technologies include pre-collision assist, automatic emergency braking, post-collision braking, hill-start assist, and hill-descent control (with manual transmission). Higher trims offer lane-keeping assist, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic warning, adaptive cruise control, and front and rear parking sensors. The four-door Bronco received four stars from the NHTSA for the frontal crash, and both two- and four-door models were awarded three stars for the rollover test.
The 4Runner offers similar road control systems and comes standard with the Toyota Safety Sense suite of driver-assistance features. It includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, blind-spot monitor, rear cross-traffic alert, and radar cruise control. The 4Runner received an overall rating of four stars from the NHTSA.
The Ford Bronco's performance specs are impressive and superior to the 4Runner's, with more power and torque from all the Bronco's engine options. With two body styles, three engines, and many appearance and equipment options, you can customize your Bronco to suit your personality. The Toyota 4Runner offers more cargo space, the option of seven-passenger seating, and more standard driver-assistance features.
We think you'll love the 2023 Ford Bronco. Check our inventory for your choice of Bronco models and contact us at Planet Ford Dallas today for more information or to schedule a test drive.
