Top 4Runner Alternatives to Consider
4Runner is a great SUV, but it’s not the only one out there. There are plenty of other options that offer similar features and capabilities. SUVs have a secret weapon against their rivals: they’re built on truck frames. That means they’re tough, they can tow, and they can go off-road.
Some of the alternatives to the 4Runner include the Honda Pilot, the Subaru Outback, the Toyota Highlander, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee. All of these options offer plenty of space, great fuel economy, and the ability to tow.
In this article, we are going to discuss some of the best alternatives to the Toyota 4Runner.
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About Toyota 4Runner
4Runner is one of the most popular off-roaders on the market. Its durability and reliability are well-known. In addition, it’s a great value for money. For these reasons, it’s no wonder that many SUV and truck shoppers are giving it a try.
Under the hood, 4Runner is powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine. It produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission.
4Runner is available in two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive. The latter is a great choice for off-roaders. It has a low range and a lockable center differential. The approach angle is 33 degrees, while the departure angle is 26 degrees.
4Runner is a pretty capable off-roader. It can tow up to 5,000 pounds. In addition, it has a pretty good fuel economy.
Toyota 4Runner Weaknesses
Taking a look at the Toyota 4Runner’s weaknesses, we find that its gas mileage isn’t great. It gets an estimated 18 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway, which is below the average for an SUV.
Another downside is that its cabin is not as spacious as some of the competition. It has seating for five but the seats aren’t as comfortable as those found in some other SUVs.
It also lacks some features that are offered by competitors such as a sunroof, a rear-seat entertainment system, and a hands-free liftgate.
8 Top 4Runner Alternatives to Consider
Here are four of the best 4Runner alternatives to consider.
1. Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is a great alternative to the 4Runner. It is a full-size SUV that competes with the Chevrolet Tahoe and Ford Expedition. It is offered in seven trim levels: Laredo, Limited, Overland, Summit, Trailhawk, Upland, and SRT.
Standard equipment includes 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlights, LED foglights, a sunroof, a hands-free power liftgate, heated mirrors, remote ignition, keyless entry, a proximity key, and more.
Standard technology features include a Wi-Fi hotspot, Bluetooth, a 7-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a six-speaker audio system, satellite radio, and two USB ports.
Available features include 18- and 20-inch wheels, a panoramic sunroof, upgraded brakes, adaptive dampers, an air suspension, a 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium audio system, a navigation system, and a rear-seat entertainment system. When properly equipped, the Grand Cherokee can tow up to 7,200 pounds.
2. Chevrolet Tahoe
The Chevrolet Tahoe is a full-size SUV that seats up to eight passengers. It has standard front-wheel drive and optional four-wheel drive. The Tahoe has a standard 5.3-liter V-8 engine that produces 355 horsepower and 383 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission is standard.
It has a long list of standard and available features, including a hands-free power liftgate, wireless phone charging, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. The Tahoe has a standard infotainment system with an 8.0-inch touch screen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and satellite radio.
The Tahoe has above-average crash test scores. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration gave it five out of five stars in the frontal crash, side crash, and rollover tests. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gave the Tahoe the highest possible rating of Good in all six crash tests.
A standard rearview camera and front and rear parking sensors are the only driver assistance features. Optional features include adaptive cruise control, automated emergency braking, lane keeps assist, and a head-up display.
3. Ford Explorer
The 2021 Ford Explorer is a full-size SUV that can seat up to seven passengers. It has standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. Three rows of seats are standard, and the second and third rows can be folded down to create more cargo space.
Under the hood is a standard turbocharged four-cylinder engine or an optional turbocharged V6. A ten-speed automatic transmission is standard. The Explorer has a well-equipped cabin with plenty of standard features, and it offers a comfortable ride. Its base price is slightly higher than average for the class.
The Ford Explorer is a great alternative to the 4Runner. It’s available with a V6 engine, and it can tow up to 5,000 pounds. It’s also available with four-wheel drive and a low-range transfer case.
4. Toyota Highlander
Highlander is one of the most popular Toyota models. The current model is available in four trim levels: LE, XLE, Limited, and Platinum. The model is powered by a 3.5-liter V6 engine. It is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. The model can be had with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The new models are based on the company’s new TNGA platform. The platform is also used by the Toyota Camry and Toyota Avalon. The platform is lighter and stiffer than the current platform. As a result, the new model will be more fuel-efficient and have better handling.
They are compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. With a suite of driver assistance features. These features include adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automated emergency braking.
The Toyota Highlander is a good alternative to the 4Runner. It’s available with a V6 engine, and it can tow up to 5,000 pounds. It’s also available with four-wheel drive and a low-range transfer case.
5. KIA Telluride
The KIA Telluride is a large SUV that seats up to eight passengers. It has standard all-wheel drive and a V6 engine. The Telluride has a spacious interior with plenty of cargo space. It’s a great choice for families and those who need a large SUV.
The second and third-row seats can be folded down to increase cargo space. Standard features include a 10.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, wireless charging, and a 12-speaker Harman/Kardon audio system. Safety features include seven airbags, a blind-spot monitoring system, and a rear-view camera.
The Telluride is based on the Hyundai Santa Fe platform and shares its dimensions with the Santa Fe. It is 4,780 mm long, 1,980 mm wide, and 1,730 mm tall. The wheelbase is 2,765 mm.
6. Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade is a full-size crossover SUV produced by Hyundai Motor Company. It replaced the Hyundai Santa Fe XL in 2019. It is the largest SUV offered by Hyundai outside of North America and is available in five- and seven-seat configurations.
The Palisade is Hyundai’s first SUV to offer second-row captain’s chairs in the seven-seat configuration. It is also the first Hyundai SUV to offer an intercom system, which allows the driver to communicate with passengers in the second and third rows.
The Palisade is powered by a 3.8-liter V6 engine that produces 291 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. It is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission and comes standard with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is available as an option.
7. Honda Pilot
The Honda Pilot is a full-size SUV that seats up to eight passengers across three rows. It has standard front-wheel drive and optional all-wheel drive. The Pilot comes with a V6 engine that makes up to 280 horsepower.
It has an upscale interior with standard features like a touchscreen infotainment system and a power-adjustable driver’s seat. Available features include a hands-free power liftgate and a panoramic sunroof. When properly equipped, the Pilot can tow up to 5000 pounds.
The latest model gets an EPA-estimated 20 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway with front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive lowers those estimates to 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway.
8. Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is a seven-passenger SUV that is also available as a five-passenger version. It is a body-on-frame SUV, which is rare in today’s market. It is powered by a 3.6-liter V6 engine with 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. All-wheel drive is standard on the SXT, GT, Citadel, and R/T models.
It is available with an eight-speed automatic transmission. The SRT model has a launch control system and a sport-tuned suspension. The third row is tight but manageable for adults. The second row is spacious and comfortable. The front row has plenty of room. The cargo area is large and can be expanded by folding the second and third rows.
The Dodge Durango is a great alternative to the Toyota 4Runner, Ford Explorer, and Chevy Tahoe. It is a well-rounded SUV with plenty of space, a powerful V8 engine, and a comfortable ride.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for alternatives to Toyota 4Runner then you choose any of the seven SUVs mentioned in this article. Whether you’re looking for a budget-friendly SUV or for a luxurious SUV with all the features, you can definitely find the perfect SUV for your needs.
Lastly, it all comes down to your liking when it comes to choosing an SUV. However, keep in mind that you can always test drive the SUV before buying to make sure it is the right one.
