The Toyota 4Runner is a long-running mid-sized SUV vehicle. It features one of the most classic structures among modern SUVs today. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, four USB ports, keyless remote entry, an 8-inch touch screen, a Wi-Fi hotspot, LED headlights, and other features are all included.
This year’s 5- to 7-seat model retains its naturally aspirated 4.0-litre V-6 engine, 5-speed automated transmission, and rear-wheel drive. It produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-feet of torque, and that’s just the basic model. The 4Runner is exceptionally versatile and comes in at least five limited-edition models, such as the Trail Edition, which is limited to 4000 units.
While the 4Runner remains at the top of its class regarding off-road capability and cargo space, the 4Runners are highly reliable and can go more than 300,000 miles if properly maintained. Yet, other automobiles also offer good space and reliability and can last as long as 4Runners, and you can consider purchasing one of them.
This article looks at 13 cars similar to the iconic Toyota 4Runner. Without further ado, let’s begin.
Dodge Durango
Have you seen the new Dodge Durango models? They’re just off-road “beasts.” The engines are made well, and the powertrain gives them the stability they need to drive on any terrain. The Dodge Durango is an excellent alternative to Toyota’s 4Runner, and it’s also quite spacious.
The Durango is one of the top Dodge midsize SUVs for drivers who want more from their car, with an AWD powertrain, 3-row seating, a 5.7L gasoline engine, and up to 360 hp. Durangos can be used to tow and haul trailers.
Honda Passport
The Honda Passport resembles the 4Runner because it has a large cargo area, high seating, and towing capacity. The cargo compartment is 41.2 cubic feet with all seats erect and 77.9 cubic feet with the last row folded. The 2021 Passport has a total capacity of five passengers.
This automobile has slightly better fuel efficiency than the 4Runner, with 20 mpg city and 25 mpg highway. It has a 3.5L V-6 engine that produces 280 horsepower @ 6000 rpm.
In terms of technology, the two SUVs are also comparable. The Passport includes an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth, and keyless entry. A USB connector, a 7-speaker radio, push-button start, remote start, and tri-zone automatic climate control are all included.
Kia Telluride
The Kia Telluride is powered by a 3.8-liter V-6 engine that produces 291 horsepower at 6000 rpm. It has an 8-speed transmission with an overdrive and a towing capacity of 5000 pounds. It has front-wheel drive, and it gets 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway, which is pretty good.
The interior of the Kia Telluride outperforms that of the Toyota 4Runner. It seats eight people and has 21 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, 46 cubic feet with the third row folded down, and an impressive 87 cubic feet with all the rear seats folded down. It has many tech features as the 4Runner, like an 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto.
Ford Explorer
The Ford Explorer standard model features a 5000-5600lb towing capacity and a 10-speed automatic transmission. The 4-cylinder engine produces 300 horsepower @ 5500 rpm. The Explorer has the best fuel efficiency, achieving 25 mpg in the city and 28 mpg on the motorway.
The cabin of the 7-seater is packed with technological innovations. The rear seats individually fold flat, and the second row can be adjusted with a button for simple entry and exit. The steering wheel also features motorized tilting/telescoping capabilities. Amazon Alexa, Ford Copilot 360, SYNC3, and FordPass Connect are additional intelligent features.
Hyundai Palisade
The Hyundai Palisade SUV has a 3.8-liter V-6 engine and an 8-speed automatic transmission with overdrive power. Its towing capability of 5000 lbs is adequate for its class. The vehicle seats eight people and gets 19 mpg in the city and 24 mpg on the motorway. It has 291 horsepower @ 6000 rpm and is front-wheel drive.
This vehicle has an outstanding load capacity: 18 cubic feet with all the rows up, 45.8 cubic feet with the third row flattened, and 86.4 cubic feet with both rear rows down.
Although the Palisade is acclaimed for its smooth ride, it is not intended for off-roading. It boasts an 8-inch or 10-inch touchscreen, a keyless remote, Bluetooth, HD radio, and a USB port, all standard modern features. Additional features are also accessible.
Toyota Highlander
The Toyota Highlander, the 4Runner’s classmate, shares many similarities. It seats eight people and has a towing capacity of 5000 pounds. The cargo area is also 84.3 cubic feet when all back rows are folded, 41 cubic feet when only the third row is folded, and 14 cubic feet when all rows are intact.
On the other hand, the Highlander rides more excellently on pavement than the 4Runner and features a front-wheel-drive system. It boasts a 3.5L V-6 engine with 295 horsepower at 6600 rpm and an 8-speed automated transmission with overdrive. The Highlander has a fuel economy of 21 miles per gallon in the city and 29 miles per gallon on the highway.
Honda Pilot
This mid-sized SUV is powered by a 3.5-liter V-6 engine with 280 horsepower at 6000 rpm. It features a towing capacity of 3500-5000 pounds and a standard 9-speed automatic transmission with overdrive. The vehicle has eight seats and an all-wheel drive system.
The Pilot provides a comfortable ride and plenty of seat space. Its cargo space is likewise outstanding, at 18 cubic feet with all seats up, 55 cubic feet with only the last row folded down, and 109 cubic feet with all rows folded.
The Pilot’s technology is not as advanced as other models in its class, and it does not include many of the features as standard, although they are available for customization.
Nissan Rouge
The Nissan Rogue has the slightest resemblance to the Toyota 4Runner. It has five seats and a computerized instrument panel, although it only has a 2.5L 4-cylinder engine. It boasts 181 horsepower and 181 lb-feet of torque. The drivetrain is a front-wheel drive with a continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT).
The towing capacity is only 1350 pounds. It features an 8-inch touchscreen, a 4-speaker music system, Apple and Android connectivity, a satellite radio, and the Nissan Safety Shield. It features LED headlights as well. Additional trims and customization options encompass advanced features.
The Rogue also has a lot of space for carrying things. When all the seats are folded down, there are 74 cubic feet of space for cargo.
Chevrolet Traverse
In many ways, the Traverse is similar to the Pilot. It boasts a V-6 engine with 310 horsepower and a 9-speed automatic transmission. With a front-wheel drive system, it gets 18 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the interstate.
The cargo hold is most similar to the Pilot. The Traverse has a maximum seating capacity of eight passengers and has 23 cubic feet behind the last row, 57.8 cubic feet with the last row folded down, and 98 cubic feet with both rear rows down.
Much of Traverse’s base technological features are the same as its competitors. Still, it also has automated tri-zone climate control and add-on features.
Mazda CX-9
The Mazda CX-9 has a front and all-wheel drive system; it can haul around 3500 lbs. The engine is a turbocharged 2.5L 4-cylinder with 227 horsepower @ 5000 rpm and 310 lb-ft @ 2,000 rpm torque.
The transmission is a 6-speed automatic, and the fuel economy is 20 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The Mazda has the same standard tech features as its competitors, but the cargo space is below average.
The CX-9 boasts one of the sleekest structures, although it only contains 14.4 cubic feet with all seats intact, 38.2 cubic feet with the last row folded, and 71 cubic feet with all rows folded.
Hyundai Santa Fe
Hyundai Santa Fe, a five-seater, features a front-wheel-drive system with all-wheel drive as an option and can tow up to 3500 lbs. It has a 2.5-liter 4-cylinder engine that produces 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque.
The usual drive train is a front-wheel drive, although all-wheel drive is available. The powertrain is an 8-speed automatic (an 8-speed dual-clutch automatic is also available), and the fuel consumption is respectable at 25 mpg city and 28 mpg highway.
The standard technology is the same as in the other models mentioned, and the cargo space is also average: 36.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats, which expands to 72.1 cubic feet when folded down.
Kia Sorento
This sport utility vehicle can seat up to seven people and tow up to 5,000 pounds. The 2.5L 4-cylinder engine produces 191 horsepower and 181 pound-feet of torque. A turbocharged engine with 281 horsepower and 311 lb-ft of torque is available.
The transmission is an 8-speed automatic, and the drivetrain is front-wheel drive (all-wheel drive is also an option). The Sorento’s cargo space is average. 12.6 cubic feet are behind the last row of seats, 45 cubic feet with the third row closed, and 75.5 cubic feet with all rows folded.
Standard tech features are the same as in other mid-size SUVs, but many extras can be added, such as a panoramic sunroof, dual-zone climate control, GPS, and many more.
Jeep Grand Cherokee
Regarding off-roading, this Jeep model is most comparable to the 4Runner. It does well on bumpy roads but needs help on smooth ones. You may choose between rear- or all-wheel-drive options, and it has room for up to five passengers. The engine in the Grand Cherokee is a 3.6-liter V-6 that produces 293 horsepower and 257 pound-feet of torque.
The transmission is an 8-speed automatic, and the vehicle gets 19 mpg in the city and 26 mpg on the highway. The tech features are comparable to other versions, as is the cargo space, which is 36.3 cubic feet with the seats up and 68.3 cubic feet when folded down.
The Bottom Line
This article lists up to thirteen other sport utility vehicles (SUVs) worthy replacements for the Toyota 4Runner. Even so, the Toyota 4Runner SUV is surprisingly one of the most durable off-road SUVs.
It can go places where most midsize SUVs cannot go and has a cargo capacity near the top of its class. In addition, it has comfortable seats, many basic driver assistance functions, and an information and entertainment system that isn’t too complicated.
Out of these 13 cars similar to Toyota 4Runner, let us know which one you find the most suitable alternative to 4Runner!
