Shopping for a 2025 Toyota 4Runner? Consider These SUVs Too

Versatility and capability in one package

The Toyota 4Runner is among the most versatile SUVs on the market, with seating for up to seven passengers and off-road capability at the ready. Toyota’s SUV isn’t without its challengers, though. Some competitors rival the 4Runner in off-road capability, while others are also available in two- and three-row seating configurations. With the launch of the sixth generation, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is a definite improvement over the previous model, but there are still several other SUVs you should consider alongside it.

2025 Toyota 4Runner

It’s been a little more than a hot minute, 15 years to be exact, since the Toyota 4Runner got a full redesign, but the 2025 model year marks the launch of a new generation. The off-road SUV gets new powertrains, rugged exterior styling, and a much-needed interior update. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner comes in 12 trim levels split between gas and hybrid setups, with pricing from $41,270 – $67,400.

The gas-powered 4Runner comes stocked with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine and an eight-speed automatic transmission, generating 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Because it shares a base with the Tacoma pickup, the 4Runner is available with RWD or 4WD. The Toyota 4Runner earns up to 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, with a maximum 6,000-lbs. towing capacity.

If you want a more premium interior and more focused off-road capability, you’ll have to opt for the hybrid powertrain. Toyota’s hybrid powerhouse consists of a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and electric motor that puts out 323 – 326 horsepower and 456 – 465 lb-ft of torque. The 4Runner’s hybrid powertrain is more about performance than fuel economy, with the most efficient of the lot earning 23 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the highway. Most hybrid 4Runner models can tow 6,000 lbs., except for the Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. Those models top the range and are limited to a 5,800-lb. maximum towing capacity.

With the launch of the sixth-generation Toyota 4Runner comes a new and improved interior. As is the norm with the Japanese automaker, practicality reigns supreme. An ergonomic control setup keeps things within reach of the driver’s seat. Folding down the rear seats opens up to 90.2 cu ft. of cargo space, depending on seating configurations.

The base model rolls out with an eight-inch touchscreen display, while other models get a larger 14-inch screen. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility comes standard across the board, and most models feature a wireless smartphone charging pad as well. Range-topping models add more off-road equipment, like a stabilizer disconnect mechanism and FOX or Old Man Emu shocks.

2026 Honda Passport

Honda revived the Passport back in 2019 to bridge the gap between the CR-V and Pilot. For the 2026 model year, the redesigned Passport grows a bit and gets plenty of updates. The V6 engine gets a slight horsepower increase, and a 10-speed automatic transmission now comes standard. The interior gets some major updates as well, including a larger touchscreen display.

The Honda Passport is slightly pricier than some of its competitors, ranging from $44,750 to $53,650. At that price tag, you can expect some upscale amenities, including a power tailgate, heated front seats, and wireless smartphone charging. At the top of the range, the TrailSport Elite Blackout includes black accents and LED headlights paired with an off-road suspension that makes this SUV a true sight to behold on the trails.

Redesigned for the 2026 model year, the Honda Passport gets a longer wheelbase and slightly higher ground clearance. The newly styled SUV features a boxier look and rugged stance. Inside, the Passport boasts up to 104.6 cu ft. of cargo space with the rear seats folded down. All models now feature a 12.3-inch touchscreen display and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility.

Under the hood of every Passport lies a 3.5-liter V6 engine mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission, producing 285 horsepower and 262 lb-ft of torque. The 2026 model is rated for up to an EPA-estimated 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. The redesigned Passport can tow up to 5,000 lbs. at all trim levels. The TrailSport models are the most capable in off-road travel, with a tuned suspension, recovery hooks, and skid plates. 

2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee is typically a two-row model, but there’s a three-row Grand Cherokee L available as well. There’s not much on the docket in the way of changes this year outside of a price reduction. All Grand Cherokee Laredo models start at under $40,000, with the base model priced from $36,495 – $63,040. On the Grand Cherokee L’s end, Jeep dropped the Hemi V8 engine from the range, leaving the V6 as the sole powertrain. The three-row Grand Cherokee L is available from $39,035. While not as capable off-road as the Wrangler, the Grand Cherokee offers respectable capability on most terrain types, as well as more passenger space and a higher towing capacity.

Regardless of trim level or seating configuration, both the Jeep Grand Cherokee rocks a 3.6-liter V6 engine paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, producing 293 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. It comes equipped with rear- or four-wheel drive, depending on the model. Two-row models earn up to an EPA-estimated 22 mpg in combined city/highway driving, while three-row models earn one mile per gallon less. Regardless of interior seating arrangements, the Jeep Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6,200 lbs. when properly equipped.

At the base level, the 2025 Grand Cherokee comes with what can largely be considered standard for most entry-level models, like dual-zone air conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Depending on the model, you can get either an 8.4- or 10.1-inch touchscreen. Audio options range from a six-speaker system to Alpine or McIntosh premium audio systems with nine or 19 speakers, respectively.

The Jeep Grand Cherokee is also available as a plug-in hybrid. Priced from $60,490, the Grand Cherokee 4xe comes equipped with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine paired with two electric motors. An eight-speed automatic transmission delivers 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque to all four wheels. The Grand Cherokee 4xe can travel up to 26 miles on electricity, while the SUV earns up to 23 mpg combined on gas alone. Notably, the plug-in hybrid Grand Cherokee can tow up to 6,000 lbs.

2025 Ford Bronco

It’s tough to leave the 2025 Ford Bronco out of a discussion involving off-road prowess. Ford’s midsize model seats up to five passengers and is available with either two or four doors. For the 2025 model year, the Bronco gets a new Stroppe Edition, and the Black Diamond package is now only available on the Big Bend model. There are also some changes to standard and optional equipment. For example, ambient footwell lighting comes standard on all models, while 17-inch wheels with beadlock capability are optional on some Bronco trims.

The Ford Bronco’s pricing encompasses a rather wide range, with seven models priced from $38,995 – $79,995. All models come equipped with a 12-inch digital gauge cluster and at least five driving modes that Ford has dubbed G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain), as well as an off-road suspension designed for improved stability on rough terrain.

The Bronco Base and Big Bend come stock with a 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that puts out 300 horsepower. Higher trim levels are available with a 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 powerhouse that delivers 330 horsepower. At the top of the range, the Bronco Raptor boasts a 3.0-liter turbocharged V6 engine that generates 418 horsepower. Gearbox options by engine include a seven-speed manual or 10-speed automatic transmission. The Bronco’s towing capacity tops out at 3,500 lbs. when properly equipped.

Naturally, the smaller 2.3-liter engine option is the most efficient, earning up to 20 mpg in combined city/highway driving when paired with the automatic transmission. Opting for the manual gearbox reduces fuel economy by one mile per gallon in combined driving scenarios. Upgrading to the 2.7-liter turbocharged V6 engine reduces fuel economy to a combined 18 mpg, while the Raptor model gets the lowest fuel efficiency ratings, up to 15 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

While the Bronco may have been designed with off-road terrain in mind, it isn’t a savage by any means. Ford’s midsize SUV comes equipped with plenty of tech, including wireless Apple CarPlay and Android compatibility, a seven-speaker audio system, and a 12-inch touchscreen display. Priced just under $80,000, the Bronco Raptor gets plenty of additional equipment, including a 12-speaker B&O premium sound system.

Final thoughts

If you’re in the market for a family hauler that can double as an off-road warrior on the weekends, then the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is a solid pick. Not only was it redesigned for the 2025 model year, but it also comes equipped with an impressive powertrain and plenty of tech and off-road gear. Even so, the Honda Passport underwent a redesign of its own, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee comes from a brand known for its off-road prowess – and you can’t count the Ford Bronco out of any off-road battle without test-driving it first.