Our buddies over at Trail4Runner.com decided we needed some newer generation Toyota love on the website. We know a little bit about the ins and outs of the 5th Gen 4Runners, the JK Wranglers, and the Cherokees, but these guys really know what a 5th Gen 4Runner is all about. If you were ever curious about what the differences are between all of these rigs, check out the article below! And make sure to stop by Trail4Runner.com and check out their great photography and piles upon piles of 4Runner mods!

4Runner vs Jeep Wrangler vs Jeep Cherokee – Specs And What They Mean For You!

5th Gen 4Runner, Jeep JK, Jeep Cherokee (Specs – Comparison on Specs only. This is not a huge comparison of off-road, on-road, interior and exterior. This is based on model specs)

4Runner Vs. Jeeps, that is the age-old question in the off-road community.

This guide will help you determine what 4×4 vehicle is the best option for you. It will help you choose between getting something that is more of a daily driver to a true offroading beast. As you can imagine, we are incredibly partial to the 4Runner over here. We will try to remain as unbiased as possible in providing a spec-based overview of the 5th Gen 4Runner Vs. Jeep JK Wrangler Vs. the Jeep Cherokee. This is an overview on the specs alone and not an in-depth/ in-person review of these vehicles.

5th Gen 4Runner 2018

Starting at $34,410

The 5th gen 4Runner is the newest generation of the classic Toyota 4Runner. While looking like a high-end vehicle, the 5th gen 4Runner can be an amazing off road and overlanding 4×4 vehicle. The 5th gen 4Runner come’s in 6 different models. There’s the base model aka the SR5 then there’s also the SR5 Premium, TRD Offroad, TRD Offroad Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro.

Model What’s included and the Difference’s

SR5

17-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels
Leather-trimmed steering wheel
Towing capacity of up to 5000 lbs.

SR5 Premium

SofTex®-trimmed seats
Entune™ Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite
Auto-dimming rearview mirrors
Plus all other SR5 base Options

TRD Offroad

Ground-clearing approach angle of 33° and departure angle of 26°
Available Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS)
Locking rear differential, Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control (CRAWL)

TRD Offroad Premium

TRD lettering on front headrests
SofTex®-trimmed seats
Entune™ Premium Audio with Integrated Navigation and App Suite
Plus all other TRD Offroad base model options

TRD Pro

TRD-stamped aluminum front skid plate
17-in. matte-black TRD alloy wheels
Bilstein® shocks w/TRD-tuned springs
All other TRD options

Limited

20-in. split 6-spoke alloy wheels
Front and rear parking assist sonar
Dual-zone automatic climate control

Driveline options and gearing

4.0L V6
5 Speed automatic transmission
3.72 differential gearing

Paint option’s

Nautical Blue Metallic
Super White
Classic Silver Metallic
Midnight Black Metallic
Barcelona Red Metalic

Top Offroad/Overlanding Modifications

Mod #1 – Icon Stage 2 Suspension
Mod #2 – Tires
Mod #3 – Winch
Mod #4 – ARB Fridge
Mod #5 – Ham Radio
Mod #6 – Front/ Rear Bumpers
Mod #7 – 5th Gen 4Runner Rock Sliders
Mod #8 – Light Bars/ Pod Lights
Mod #9 – ARB Twin Compressor
Mod #10 – 4Runner Roof Racks

Interior Space Measurements/Storage

Cargo Space 46.3 to 47.2 ft³, 88.8 to 89.7 ft³ with seat area
Headroom 39.3
Legroom 41.7
Shoulder room 57.8
Hip room 56.5

The 5th gen 4Runner comes with plenty of space for those of us who are tall. The 5th gen 4Runner has many options available be it the interior or exterior and that’s just from the factory!! Being a 4Runner makes it’s aftermarket parts selection and online community massive due to it being a classic 4×4 Offroading vehicle.

The 5th gen 4Runner is the vehicle for you if you are looking for something that has plenty of storage and a lot of comforts while handling plenty of terrains. Like the Jeep Cherokee, the 4Runner has Independent Front Steering so it has a smooth ride overall unlike the Jeep JK that has a solid axle front end.

For the 5th gen 4Runner if you are looking for something stylish but cheaper that can be heavily upgraded to go offroading in, the SR5 and SR5 premium is for you. If you’re going for stylish and more of a daily driver you would want to choose between the SR5 Premium and Limited depending on your budget.

Now for something you can go offroading in right out of the gate you would want either the TRD Offroad/Offroad Premium or TRD PRO. All three TRD editions are built to handle a good bit of terrain straight out of the gate. They are the perfect choice if you want something you can add tire’s and body armor to and be set. With the CRAWL control and the A-TRAC systems, you will definitely be able to go places.

Jeep JK Wrangler

Starting at $27,895

The Jeep JK aka the Wrangler along with the Toyota 4Runner is one of the most common and well known 4×4 Vehicles in the world. Unlike the 4Runner, the Jeep JK does not necessarily look like a high-end vehicle but it does look like an Off Road Vehicle.

It looks that way because it is one, and it’s amazing at its job. The Jeep JK come’s in 13 different models: the Sports Edition, which is the base model then there’s the Sport S, Willys Wheeler, Big Bear, Freedom Edition, Willys Wheeler W, Sahara, Rubicon, Smoky Mountain, Chief, Winter, Rubicon Hard Rock, and finally the Rubicon Recon.

Models – What’s Included and Differences

Sport

3.6L Pentastar® V6 Engine with 285 Horsepower and 260 Pound-Feet of Torque
16-Inch Styled Steel Wheels
Radio 130 with AM/FM Radio, CD Player, MP3 Player Compatibility and Audio Input Jack
Trail Rated® Capability with Tow Hooks and Skid Plates
Command-Trac® 4×4 System
Dana Front and Rear Axles
Washable Interior with Drain Plugs

Sport S

17-Inch Sparkle Silver Aluminum Wheels
Air Conditioning
Power Convenience Group
Chrome and Leather-Wrapped Shift Knob and Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel
Deep Tint Windows
Radio 130 with AM/FM Radio, CD Player, MP3 Player Compatibility and Audio Input Jack

Willys Wheeler

17-Inch High Gloss Black Wheels with 32-Inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A® Tires
Gloss Black Grille and Bumper Accents
Standard 3.73 Axle Ratio with Trac-Lok® Limited Slip Differential
Rock Rails and Jeep® Trail Rated® Kit
Satin Black Willys Hood Decals and 4 WHEEL DRIVE Swing Gate Decal
Connectivity Group
All-Weather Slush Mats and Sports Bar Grab Handles

Willys Wheeler W

17-Inch High Gloss Black Wheels with 32-Inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A® Tires
Gloss Black Grille and Bumper Accents
Standard 3.73 Axle Ratio with Trac-Lok® Limited Slip Differential
Rock Rails and Jeep® Trail Rated® Kit
Satin Black Willys Hood Decals and 4 WHEEL DRIVE Swing Gate Decal
Power Convenience Group and Connectivity Group

Big Bear

17-Inch Five-Spoke Mid-Gloss Black Aluminum Wheels with BFGoodrich KO2™ All-Terrain Tires
Topographical Map and WRANGLER Hood Decals
Rock Rails and Jeep® Trail Rated® Kit
115-Volt Auxiliary Power Outlet, Power Convenience Group and Connectivity Group
Premium Sunrider® Soft Top
Black Taillamp Guards and Fuel Filler Door
All-Weather Slush Mats and Sports Bar Grab Handles

Freedom Edition

18-Inch Mid-Gloss Granite Crystal Aluminum Wheels
Black Leather-Trimmed Seats with Embossed Oscar Mike Logo
Mid-Gloss Granite Crystal Grille and Bumper Accents
115-Volt Auxiliary Power Outlet, Power Convenience Group and Connectivity Group
Premium Sunrider® Soft Top and Body-Color Fender Flares
Freedom Edition Decals and Badges
Side Steps, Black Taillamp Guards, and Black Fuel Filler Door

Sahara

18-Inch Polished Aluminum Wheels with Granite Crystal Painted Pockets
Side Steps and Body-Color Fender Flares
Embroidered Cloth and Available Embroidered Leather-Trimmed Seats
LED Headlamps and Fog Lamps
Body-Color Grille with High-Gloss Silver Metallic Grille Accents
Available Radio 430N with Navigation
Command-Trac® 4×4 System

Rubicon

17-Inch Aluminum Wheels with 32-Inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A® Tires
Electronic Locking Front and Rear Dana 44 Axles
Rock-Trac® 4×4 System with 4:1 Low Range Ratio
Embroidered Cloth and Available Embroidered Leather-Trimmed Seats
Electronic Front Sway Bar Disconnect
LED Headlamps and Fog Lamps
Rock Rails

Smoky Mountain

18-Inch High-Gloss Black Aluminum Wheels with Polished Edges
Heated Black Leather-Trimmed Front Seats
Body Color Hardtop
Power Bulge Hood
Smoky Mountain Hood Decals
High Gloss Black Exterior Accents
Black Taillamp Guards and Fuel Filler Door

Chief

17-Inch Fine Silver Metallic Wheels with 32-Inch BFGoodrich Mud-Terrain T/A® Tires
Heated Black Leather-Trimmed Front Seats
White Painted Hardtop
Power Dome Vented Hood
Premium Audio System with All-Weather Subwoofer
CHIEF Badging and Decals
Fine Silver Metallic Exterior Accents

Winter

17-Inch Mid-Gloss Black Aluminum Wheels with BFGoodrich KO2™ Tires
Heated Black Leather-Trimmed Front Seats
Steel Off-Road Bumpers and Premium Off-Road Rock Rails
Premium All-Weather Alpine® Audio System
Winter Edition Decals
Remote Start
Piano Black Interior Accents

Rubicon Hard Rock

17-Inch Polished Face and Semi-Gloss Black Wheels with 32-Inch BF Goodrich KM Mud-Terrain T/A® Tires
Heated Black Leather-Trimmed Front Seats
Winch-Capable Steel Front Bumper with Removable End Caps
Premium Off-Road Rock Rails
Power Dome Vented Hood
Premium Audio System with All-Weather Subwoofer
Premium Sunrider® Soft Top

Rubicon Recon

17-Inch Granite Crystal Wheels with 32-Inch BF Goodrich KM Mud-Terrain T/A® Tires
Heated Black Leather-Trimmed Front Seats with Red Seat Belts
Winch Capable Steel Front Bumper and Steel Rear Bumper
Military-Inspired Dana® 44 Front Axle and Cast Differential Covers
Premium Off-Road Rock Rails with Tread Plates
Power Dome Vented Hood and Premium Sunrider® Soft Top
Connectivity Group, Automatic Temperature Control, and Remote Start

Driveline options and gearing

3.6L V6
6 Speed Manual Transmission Factory
5 Speed Automatic Available
Gear ratios 3.21,3.73, 4.10

Paint option’s

Black
Bright White
Rhino “grayish”
Granite Crystal Metallic
Billet Silver Metallic
Chief Clear Coat
Xtreme Purple Pearl
Firecracker Red
Hypergreen
Chief ” Blue”
Gobi ” A brownish color”

Top Offroad/Overlanding Modifications

The Jeep JK Wrangler modifications list is identical to the Toyota 4Runner’s. While the JK Wrangler has more upgrade options from the factory than the 4Runner, there are far more options in the aftermarket scene. The JK Wrangler has perhaps the most aftermarket support of any vehicle in history. If you think it can be done, then it probably has been done, and is readily available for your JK.

Mod #1 – Suspension/Body lift kit
Mod #2 – Tires
Mod #3 – Winch
Mod #4 – JK Swingout Tire and Accessory Carrier
Mod #5 – Ham Radio
Mod #6 – Front / Front with Stinger / Rear Bumpers
Mod #7 – Jeep JK Rock Sliders
Mod #8 – Off Road Lighting
Mod #9 – ARB Twin Compressor
Mod #10 – JK Roof Rack
Mod #11 – High Clearance Fenders

Interior Space Measurements/Storage

Cargo Space 31.7 ft³, 72.4 ft³ with seat area
HeadRoom 41.3
Leg Room 41
Shoulder Room 55.8
Hip Room 55.6

Like the 5th Gen 4Runner, the Jeep JK Wrangler comes with plenty of head space for those of us who are tall. Unlike the 4Runner you can actually remove the top, which has been a useful feature to those who are taller than average.

The Jeep JK is the 4×4 for you if you’re wanting a pure off-road vehicle that you can daily in the summer. Unlike the 4Runner the Jeeps removable doors and top makes it colder in the winter which might be a downer for those who want to daily it year round. The other downer to making it a daily driver is that it has a solid front axle. Thus, it does not provide as much of a smooth ride as the Cherokee and 4Runner’s independent front suspension (IFS).

But, for offroading and a summer daily driver, it is perfect. You can take the base model out offroading straight off the lot and due to it sticking to its roots and not being turned into a luxury type vehicle, you have fewer body panels and undercarriage parts to worry about getting destroyed.

The Jeep JK has plenty of models so the choice of what model you choose is based on what you want. You may want all leather interior and a nice stereo system if you’re going for a luxury type 4×4. Or you may go simplistic and get base interior with AC power outlets which are both great for true offroading. But at the end of the day even the base model JK is highly capable offroad with a good set of all-terrain tires.

And, if you really want to get off the beaten path, you can always go for the Rubicon packages, which come with the lockers, lower geared transfer case, and beefier axles. And, with a smaller lift, and some high clearance fenders, you can stuff 35″ tires or even 37″ tires under the JK Wrangler fairly easily.

Jeep Cherokee 2018

Starting at $24,395

The Jeep Cherokee, while on this list, is not the best choice out of the three options for offroading without some work/modifications. But it is still capable stock compared to a good bit of 4×4 vehicles. The advantage of buying a base model Cherokee is the price, functionality, and road manners.

Previously mentioned, we talked about it having independent front suspension (IFS) like the Toyota 4Runner. So it has a smooth ride unlike the Wrangler. It stays warm on the inside year round so it can be a good daily, and finally for the price difference between it and the base Wrangler, you have some upgrade money.

The Jeep Cherokee provides a good looking vehicle that can be purchased at a low cost, upgraded, and still be a daily. If you don’t want the basic model, aka the Lattitude, don’t worry there are 5 other versions as well. There is the Lattitude with Tech Connection Package, Lattitude Plus, Limited, Trailhawk, and finally the Overland Edition.

Model – What’s included and the Differences

Lattitude

2.4L Tigershark® MultiAir® 2 Engine and Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission (3.2L Pentastar® V6 Engine Available)
Uconnect® 3 with 5-Inch Touchscreen with AM/FM Radio, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio and Voice Command
17-Inch Painted Aluminum Wheels
ParkView® Rear Back-Up Camera
Premium Cloth Seats
Roof Rails
High-Intensity Discharge Headlamps

Lattitude with Tech Connection Package

Alexa Skills Enabled with Free Echo Dot and Three-Month Trial to Audible and Amazon Music
Upgraded Exterior with Gloss Black Finishes and Accents
18-Inch Silver Painted Aluminum Wheels
Alpine® Premium Audio System
Uconnect® 3C NAV with 8.4-Inch Touchscreen, Navigation and Voice Command
4G Connectivity
ParkView® Rear Back up Up Camera

Lattitude Plus

2.4L Tigershark® MultiAir® 2 Engine and Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission (3.2L Pentastar® V6 Engine Available)
Uconnect® 3C with 8.4-Inch Touchscreen with Uconnect® Access
Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, Voice Command, and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
(Navigation Available)
17-Inch Aluminum Wheels with Distinctive Finish
Keyless Enter ‘n Go™ with Start/Stop Button
Leather and Cloth Seating and a Leather-Trimmed Steering Wheel with Audio Controls
Eight-Way Power Driver Seat with Four-Way Power Lumbar Adjustment
Fold-Flat Front Passenger Seat

Limited

2.4L Tigershark® MultiAir® 2 Engine and Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission (3.2L Pentastar® V6 Engine Available)
Uconnect® 3C with 8.4-Inch Touchscreen with Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, Voice Command and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
(Navigation Available) and a 7-Inch Driver Information Digital Cluster Display
18-Inch Aluminum Wheels with All-Season Tires
Heated Leather-Trimmed Seats and Heated Steering Wheel
Blind Spot Monitoring
Rear Cross Path Detection and ParkSense® Rear Park Assist
Remote Vehicle Start and Security System
Power Liftgate

Trailhawk

2.4L Tigershark® MultiAir® 2 Engine and Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission (3.2L Pentastar® V6 Engine
Available)
Uconnect® 3C with 8.4-Inch Touchscreen with Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, Voice Command and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
(Navigation Available) and a 7-Inch Driver Information Digital Cluster Display
17-Inch Polished and Painted Off-Road Aluminum Wheels with All-Terrain Tires
Trail Rated® Capability with Jeep® Active Drive Lock 4×4 System Includes Selec-Terrain® with Rock Mode, 1-Inch Suspension Lift and Skid Plates
Accent-Colored Tow Hooks, Grille, Matte Black Hood Decal, Off-Road Fascia and Roof Rails
Blind Spot Monitoring
Rear Cross Path Detection and ParkSense® Rear Park Assist
Exclusive Trailhawk® Seats with Rivet Cloth Inserts, Nappa Leather-Trimmed Bolsters and Ruby Red Accent Stitching

Overland edition

2.4L Tigershark® MultiAir® 2 Engine and Nine-Speed Automatic Transmission (3.2L Pentastar® V6 Engine Available)
Uconnect® 3C NAV with 8.4-Inch Touchscreen with Navigation, Bluetooth® Streaming Audio, Voice Command and SiriusXM® Satellite Radio
18-Inch Polished Aluminum Wheels, Body-Color Fascia and Cladding
Premium Leather-Wrapped Instrument Panel and Wood Accent Steering Wheel
Heated and Ventilated Nappa Leather-Trimmed Front Seats with Eight-Way Power Driver Seat and Four-Way Power Lumbar Adjustment
Blind Spot Monitoring
Rear Cross Path Detection and ParkSense® Rear Park Assist
Premium Alpine® Nine-Speaker Audio System

Driveline options and gearing

2.4L I4
3.2L V6
9 Speed Automatic Transmission
Gear Ratio 3.734

Paint option’s

Diamond Black Crystal Pearl
Granite Crystal Metallic
Bright White
Velvet Red Pearl
Light Brownstone Pearl
Pearl White Pearl
Rhino
Billet Silver Metallic
Patriot Pearl
Hydro Pearl
Firecracker Red
Olive Green Pearl

Top Offroad/Overlanding Modifications

Mod #1 – Suspension Lift Kit
Mod #2 – Tires
Mod #3 – Floor Mats
Mod #4 – ARB Fridge
Mod #5 – Ham Radio
Mod #6 – Off Road Lighting
Mod #7 – Roof Rack Crossbars / Roof Rack

Interior Space Measurements/Storage

Cargo Space 24.6 ft³, 54.9 to 58.9 ft³ with seat area
HeadRoom 39.4
Leg Room 41.1
Shoulder Room 57.6
Hip Room 53.8

Unlike the 5th Gen 4Runner and the Jeep JK, the Cherokee does not have a lot of aftermarket support. It has it where it count’s though. While there may not be body armor offered, there are plenty of suspension/tires/electronic upgrades available.

The lack of aftermarket support for body armor is a downer if you are an avid off-roader who hit’s heavy trails. But for a daily driver that sees occasional offroad action, the Cherokee is perfect.

The Jeep Cherokee, while not having the solid axle front end like it’s big brother the JK, is still a great choice. Like the 4Runner, it is quite stylish and it comes in a few different models. If you’re looking for a 4×4 trail vehicle that you can daily but is highly capable, choose the Trailhawk or Overland Edition. If you’re looking for a daily driver that is cheaper, stylish or just something you can upgrade as you go, any of the other models are for you. In that case, you just want to choose what accessories you want due to them not having any special off-road features.

What to buy? 5th Gen 4Runner, Jeep JK Wrangler, or Jeep Cherokee?

If your looking for a vehicle that is truly capable for offroading the 5th gen 4Runner or the Jeep JK is for you. While the Jeep Cherokee is on this list it would be considered the little brother to both the 4Runner and the JK. All three vehicles have their pros and cons just like any vehicle though.

The 5th gen 4Runner is pricier right out of the gate if you want something you can buy and instantly offroad in. The 4runner does have great gas mileage, comfortable interior, huge aftermarket support, and a smooth ride though, which are huge benefits. Also, with Toyota’s CRAWL and A-TRAC systems, it will get you almost anywhere you want to go.

The Jeep JK is pricier as well, especially if you want a loaded model, but its base model can handle a lot of trails. It also has a lot of aftermarket support, so you can upgrade a base model easily. The Jeep JK, while having comfortable interior, does not have a super smooth ride due to the solid axle front end. It also guzzles gas, which isn’t the best if you are looking for a daily driver/occasional off-road toy.

The Jeep Cherokee starts out cheaper than both the 4Runner and the Jeep JK. If you’re looking for a daily that can be used for some offroading or snow adventures right out of the gate, and won’t empty your wallet, the Cherokee is a great option. A big disadvantage is the fact the Cherokee has little to no aftermarket support. It does have comfortable interior and a smooth ride though, like the 4Runner.

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