Toyota has made some iconic models over the years. From the Supra to the Land Cruiser, you'll be hard-pressed to find a model that isn't great. That lineage of excellence extends to the 4Runner. The classic mid-size SUV is top-rated amongst off-road fans for its undeniably rugged exterior, bulletproof reliability, and unique charm that has kept it in production for a great while. For 2023, Toyota is expected to provide significant upgrades to the long-standing model.
The new version of the 4Runner is expected to start at around $37,000, which may seem pricey, but how does it compare to the massive number of other SUVs that compete with it? Many models attempt to provide a cheaper entry point, such as Subaru and Kia, while others cement themselves firmly as a luxury, such as the Genesis. We break down the most significant competitors of the 4Runner and make a case for why we would take the 2023 4Runner over any other model SUV!
10 Subaru Outback
Subaru is perhaps Toyota's biggest competitor. The two JDM heavyweights have a history of producing great vehicles, and the Outback is no exception. For 2022, the Outback comes in at a starting price of $27,000, making it cheaper than the 4Runner, but with a discount that deep, expect to give up quite a bit.
Subaru's boxer-four powers the Outback; the turbocharged 2.5L peaks at 260 horsepower, which is noticeably lower than the 4Runner. Additionally, the off-road capabilities are solid with the Outback, and the Wilderness edition putts up gains, but with only 3,500 lbs towing capacity, the 4Runner hauls 5,000 lbs with no effort.
9 Ford Explorer
The long-standing SUV example for the United States fields a competent model in the Explorer. Recent models have done a decent job of shedding its unreliable past, but it still isn't enough for us to give up the 4Runner. Though the starting price of $33,000 is closer to the 4Runner, it rates lower across the board.
The off-road masters gave way to the suburban crawlers we see today, but the Explorer brings a decent 400 horsepower to the table. That makes the Explorer good enough to tow up to 5,600 lbs, so adventures will be more accessible, though expect to spend a lot more on the 400 horsepower option than the base.
8 Honda Pilot
Honda is another great JDM brand with a history of competing with Toyota. Against the 4Runner, Honda puts up the Pilot. The large SUV starts in line with the 4Runner at $38,000, but the features that compare with its rival will bring costs up much quicker in the three-row SUV.
Entry-level Pilots have a decent 280 horsepower, but the biggest downfall comes in their towing. These entry-level trims fail to offer off-road capability with 500 lbs towing. Even the Outback rates are better than the Pilot. Critics applaud the luxury features and comfort, but it fails to come out on top of the 4Runner, mainly off-road.
7 Chevrolet Blazer
Chevrolet has used the Blazer name for many of its SUVs over the years. The latest version, the 2022 Blazer, fails to impress and, upon closer inspection, reveals the overpriced nature of the modern Blazer. Starting at $33,000, the mid-size SUV comes in cheaper than the 4Runner, but for any features or power, expect a price over $40,000.
Entry-level trims of the Blazer are also relatively underpowered at 228 horsepower. The max option comes with 308 horsepower but falls short with less than 4,500 lbs towing. Additionally, critics have commented on the poor interior build quality and low cargo space.
6 Genesis GV80
On the more expensive side of things sits the GV80. Genesis fields the luxury SUV in competition to German brands like BMW and Mercedes but ends up being a competitor to another SUV in the 4Runner. Though, to be honest, the base model comparison isn't really fair, but rather a TRD Pro or Limited model, as the GV80 starts at $50,000.
There is little doubt that the GV80 is a luxury ride, but that view has split critics with Car and Driver gave it a perfect score, yet Edmunds has some grievances with the model, giving it a 7.9 out of 10. Regardless, the 375 horsepower is solid, as is its 6,000 lbs towing capacity. Yet somehow, we feel that almost $60,000 for features is simply too much.
5 Nissan Murano
SUVs aren't cheap, and despite starting at $33,000, the Nissan Murano has trims that stretch well into the $40,000 range. Nissan is yet another JDM SUV that competes with the 4Runner, yet doesn't do it very well. With a single 260 horsepower option available under the hood, off-road adventures are off-table.
The underpowered engine is only suitable for 1,500 lbs of towing, meaning any toys will have to be relatively modest. Further, despite being a JDM SUV, the Murano doesn't rate well with critics. Car and Driver, for example, gave the Murano a 5.5 out of 10, citing a poor transmission and being simply a worse option than the competition.
4 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Jeep has a long, rich history with off-road vehicles, yet the Grand Cherokee isn't an option we would take over the trusty 4Runner, especially not for 2023. The Grand Cherokee is priced comparable to the 4Runner at $38,000 base. Though the exterior looks distinctly city-based, there are some glitters of off-road capabilities.
Under the hood, the Grand Cherokee is powered by a 295 horsepower V6 engine with options to gain up to 357 horsepower. Additionally, this Jeep sports a 6,200 lbs towing capacity, making it a true competitor to the 4Runner. Despite the capabilities, the Grand Cherokee receives low reliability and overall quality scores, leaving the 4Runner the sole option.
3 Kia Telluride
Kia fields a decent SUV with the Telluride. Featuring a recent refresh, the Korean manufacturer prices the Telluride at a reasonably fair $33,500, though options are thin for the mid-size SUV. Further, a third-row is stuffed in the back, but many complain that it is tight and robs the cargo room.
Under the hood, the Telluride stuffs a rather large 3.8L V6 engine, but the size doesn't merit much in the way of power with less than 300 horsepower. The Telluride does have decent towing at 5,000 lbs, but critics give it poor ratings for low torque and little value.
2 Hyundai Santa Fe
Asian brands like Kia and Hyundai have slowly built a name for themselves as products get better. Although Hyundai has improved, the Sante Fe still doesn't compete with the 4Runner. Similar to the Outback, the Sante Fe is priced at $27,000, but upgrades reduce the overall value.
In addition to costly upgrades, the entry-level models are very underpowered, with less than 200 horsepower and 2,000 lbs of towing. Plus, the Santa Fe is a commuter-focused SUV, and it lacks off-road capabilities, which means it can't stand up against the 4Runner.
1 Mazda CX-9
Finally, we have the Mazda CX-9. The CX-9 is yet another JDM SUV we wouldn't take over the 4Runner, especially with a starting price of $35,000. These base costs exceed well into the $40,000 range with top trim levels. With costs this high, one would expect decent off-road, yet the CX-9 is void of any.
The CX-9 only has one option under the hood, good for 227 horsepower and 3,500 lbs of towing. Like other SUVs on this list, the CX-9 has low clearance, no skid plates, and is designed for a distinctly on-road driving experience. It's yet another SUV that can't stand up to the 4Runner, and it shows. We can't wait for the 2023 model to finally become available.