Old school or new? Body-on-frame or unibody platform? Modern tech features or more conventional ones? Off-road performance or smooth on-road ride, or both? There are many questions for buyers who look for a mid-size SUV, so we decided to compare a couple of popular models, with a completely different design approach. Let’s dive into 2024 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee comparisons to find out which one would be a better suit for you:
Engines
Things are pretty simple with the 4Runner. The old SUV is available in just one configuration, based on the good-old 4.0-liter, naturally aspirated V6 engine. The max output is 270 horsepower, while you may count on a pretty decent 278 pound-feet of torque. As for the transmission, this SUV still uses an outdated 5-speed automatic, which sends power either to the rear or all wheels. This engine is widely considered bulletproof, but it definitely isn’t efficient, considering that it returns no more than 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway.
The Grand Cherokee, on the other hand, comes with multiple engine options on offer, starting from the 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 293 horsepower. There is also a good-old 5.7-liter V8, which puts out 360 horsepower, while we are also getting reports that the new turbo inline-six could finally debut in the next year. Finally, the Grand Cherokee is also available in a plug-in hybrid variant, with a system based on a 2.0-liter turbo-four engine, with a max output of around 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Probably the biggest advantage over 4Runner is the transmission. We already established that Toyota’s SUV features a very outdated gearbox, while the Grand Cherokee comes with a ZF-sourced 8-speed automatic gearbox, which is arguably one of the most refined transmissions on the market.
2024 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee: Off-Road
As for off-roading, both models are pretty impressive. The 4Runner offers up to 9.6 inches of ground clearance, while suspension articulation is impressive. Furthermore, this SUV comes standard with off-road tires, while you may also count on respectable 33 and 26 degrees of approach and departure angles, respectively. There are also a couple of TRD-badged variants, starting from the off-road model, which offers a good portion of off-road upgrades, such as low-speed crawl control, selectable terrain modes, a rear locker, multi-terrain camera etc. The TRD Pro is even more capable, thanks to additional upgrades. It includes all those features and also adds Fox front and rear shocks, TRD springs and a beefier skid plate.
The Grand Cherokee is a more refined SUV but it doesn’t trail behind when it comes to off-roading. Its suspension articulation may not be as impressive, but if you get a version with adjustable air suspension, you may count on superior ground clearance that goes all away up to 10.9 inches. Also, there is a good portion of upgrades, such as an off-road camera, limited-slip differential and many more.
Towing Capacity
In this aspect, the Grand Cherokee is way superior. All versions can tow over 6.000 pounds, while the most capable variants are good for about 7.200 pounds.
Interior
As for the interior design, the Grand Cherokee is an obvious winner when it comes to build quality, materials and the overall feel of luxury. Simply, this is still a pretty fresh model, introduced no more than a few years ago. On the other hand, the 4Runner has been around since 2009 and it does feel outdated in many ways. The Grand Cherokee’s cabin looks better and comes with way more modern tech features. The Grand Cherokee comes with a bigger touchscreen and a way more advanced infotainment system. There’s an additional screen for the passenger, while the instrument cluster is also digital. The 4Runner isn’t as hi-tech but it definitely has some strengths in terms of the interior design.
For example, the 4Runner offers more legroom in the first row. On the other hand, Jeep’s mid-size SUV is more spacious in the second, and optional third row, thanks to the way longer wheelbase. Despite the smaller size, Toyota’s SUV is more generous with cargo volume. It offers around 47 cubic feet behind the second row and nearly 90 cubic feet in total, which is great for the class. The two-row Grand Cherokee is good for about 38 cubic feet behind the second row and 70 cubic feet in total.
2024 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Safety
Of course, it would be hard to imagine a proper 2024 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee comparison without the aspect of safety. If we consider the 4Runner’s age, this SUV is actually impressive in terms of driver-assistance features. It comes standard with forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking, pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning, automatic high beams, adaptive cruise control, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, rearview camera etc. Also, there are available upgrades like a surround-view camera, front and rear parking sensors etc.
The Grand Cherokee is a much younger model and, therefore, it’s available with a few additional advanced systems. However, the list of standard equipment is largely the same. The difference becomes notable in higher trim levels, where you can get goodies like night-vision assist, traffic-sign recognition, head-up display, driver-attention monitoring etc.
2024 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Pricing
When it comes to the 2024 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee price comparison, we will start with the 4Runner. Base versions start slightly under 40.000, while the most luxurious variants cost around 50.000 dollars. The range-topping off-roader, the TRD Pro, goes around 54.000 dollars.
In the case of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, base variants are a little bit more expensive and start at around 42.000 dollars. The most luxurious variants can get pretty close to 70.000 dollars.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee Full Review
