Overlanding: Bronco vs 4Runner

Dweetybyrd

Aug 16, 2021

Qualifications: 4d, Badlands on order, lux, MIC, tow, the works. Attended Austin off Rodeo. Loved it. So, I have actually spent a couple days offroading in an actual Bronco and have a late-ish reservation and order - dec and mar respectively.

Current situation: tired of the bullshit, traded in my current vehicle for a 2015 4Runner trail Edition as im not waisting 2 years of life as I wait for the Bronco while living in the mountains of CO.

Just took the 4runner trail Edition to the San Juan Monintains, thing performed exceptionally well. I locked rear diff once and we did some narly stuff. It's bigger than the Bronco, lasts forever and is an incredible overlanding machine. So, I have actually driven the Bronco off road unlike most, and just took my 'NEW' 4Runner on a legitimate multi day hard core mountain excision.

Question: I am honestly questioning if I should purchase a new 4runner in 2 years and drop the 68k Bronco. I loved it and had a great time at the off rodeo but im torn right now. Yes the Bronco is better for rock crawling with the 2 locking diffs and giggle button (for those who have actually attended an off rodeo), but as far as Overlanding with incredible capability, is it worth the shenanigans?

This is a serious question. I love them BOTH. overlanding, with very difficult terrain, is what im looking for. Shit, I can't even get a roof rack on the 21 but that doesn't matter cause realistically, I'm looking at a 23, lol.

Thanks for the Input.

TK1215

Last edited by a moderator: Aug 16, 2021

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Aug 16, 2021

Dweetybyrd
Qualifications: 4d, Badlands on order, lux, MIC, tow, the works. Attended Austin off Rodeo. Loved it. So, I have actually spent a couple days offroading in an actual Bronco and have a late-ish reservation and order - dec and mar respectively.

Current situation: tired of the bullshit, traded in my current vehicle for a 2015 4Runner trail Edition as im not waisting 2 years of life as I wait for the Bronco while living in the mountains of CO.

Just took the 4runner trail Edition to the San Juan Monintains, thing performed exceptionally well. I locked rear diff once and we did some narly stuff. It's bigger than the Bronco, lasts forever and is an incredible overlanding machine. So, I have actually driven the Bronco off road unlike most, and just took my 'NEW' 4Runner on a legitimate multi day hard core mountain excision.

Question: I am honestly questioning if I should purchase a new 4runner in 2 years and drop the 68k Bronco. I loved it and had a great time at the off rodeo but im torn right now. Yes the Bronco is better for rock crawling with the 2 locking diffs and giggle button (for those who have actually attended an off rodeo), but as far as Overlanding with incredible capability, is it worth the shenanigans?

This is a serious question. I love them BOTH. overlanding, with very difficult terrain, is what im looking for. Shit, I can't even get a roof rack on the 21 but that doesn't matter cause realistically, I'm looking at a 23, lol.

Thanks for the Input.

Roof rack on 4dr with SAS Is available in MY22. ;)

2021 Badlands, 4 door, 2.7L, Auto, LUX, SAS, Tow Package, MIC, Velocity Blue.

LR48, Bronc96

Aug 16, 2021

SlashRacer
Roof rack on 4dr with SAS Is available in MY22. ;)

Well that's one hell of a plus!! I can wait the 12 months + now that I have my off roading machine.

SlashRacer

Aug 16, 2021

Dweetybyrd
Well that's one hell of a plus!! I can wait the 12 months + now that I have my off roading machine.

Mansquatch is also MY22.

2021 Badlands, 4 door, 2.7L, Auto, LUX, SAS, Tow Package, MIC, Velocity Blue.

Bronc96, RdCrom86

Aug 16, 2021

SlashRacer
Mansquatch is also MY22.

Oh,.I have the squash as well. There is no other option in my mind. Just really wondering if there are 4runner folks here and why they would be converting to a bronco. If non respond,.well that answers my question, lol

Aug 16, 2021

Dweetybyrd
Oh,.I have the squash as well. There is no other option in my mind. Just really wondering if there are 4runner folks here and why they would be converting to a bronco. If non respond,.well that answers my question, lol

Mansquatch = Manual with Sasquatch

2021 Badlands, 4 door, 2.7L, Auto, LUX, SAS, Tow Package, MIC, Velocity Blue.

Aug 16, 2021

SlashRacer
Mansquatch = Manual with Sasquatch

Learn something new every day. Don't want a manual, need the squath. Thanks for the edification.

SlashRacer

Aug 16, 2021

We have a couple or more 4 Runners in our off road club here in Montrose, CO. None of them are even considering a Bronco. The 4 Runner will do just about anything you want & will be more dependable than a New Bronco. The interior space is bigger. Stay with the 4 Runner. Just as I am about to just stay with my J**p.

Aug 16, 2021

Have had multiple 4runner and tacomas. They are easy peasy as far as maintenance and just keep going (well, they do with good maintenance, I have had a few with some serious issues and decent number of recalls, and some broken suspension parts, toyota reliability comes from Japanese built vehicles, those built outside of Japan are questionable). My bounce around/dog hauler right now is wifeys old 4runner (280K miles now, paint is coming off pretty much all the plastic components, dash is starting to warp, but it runs well, it has always had some electrical issues, blows bulbs way too frequently), largely because the ac stopped working on my 95 bronco, and the summers in Texas are not done without AC.... Early 4runner were always our go to for surf trips across Mexico. I've considered a new or newer TRD as a temp; I was considering a defender or another full size range rover before the Bronco reservation. As it has dragged on and on, considered a gladiator for fun and back to defender searches, etc., etc., In hindsight, probably should have bought something else when I placed the reservation, but I had no idea then it would be a year long ride of disappointments, which now looks to be an additional 4-5 month ride at best or 6-8 months if I am a betting man...... Short answer I wouldn't choose the TRD over a Bronco, but I understand your dilemma.

95 Eddie 5.8 Windsor 2021? nope, 2022?, wait 2022.5 HOSS3.0 equipped WildTrak/LUX/Leather/MIC. 7/14 RES

LR48

Aug 16, 2021

This guy compares them, seems to do better with the Runner:

My g/f has a 4Runner and I've run it pretty hard for more than a couple years. No question in my mind that a new 4Runner will run with the big dogs. It'll do 90% of whatever can be thrown at it. The 4Runner won't allow 35" tires easily, but it's got a strong/bulletproof drivetrain and the tech makes up for the lack of tire size/clearance. I think the Bronco will probably do the same 90%.

2022 Jeep JLR, manual with even more extra guacamole
Sold - 2021 Jeep JLR, manual w/extra guacamole

KennyMac

Aug 16, 2021

#10

AcesandEights
This guy compares them, seems to do better with the Runner:

My g/f has a 4Runner and I've run it pretty hard for more than a couple years. No question in my mind that a new 4Runner will run with the big dogs. It'll do 90% of whatever can be thrown at it. The 4Runner won't allow 35" tires easily, but it's got a strong/bulletproof drivetrain and the tech makes up for the lack of tire size/clearance. I think the Bronco will probably do the same 90%.

I’m curious why he had the 4Runner in 4L the whole time and the Bronco in 4H And then switched to 4L?

Aug 16, 2021

#11

I don't know. My g/f 4Runner doesn't have a 2-wheel drive setting. It's all-wheel drive and 4-low, so if you're switching it to "4-wheel drive" it's 4-low. I *think* the GOAT modes (I'm facetiously borrowing the Ford term, even though Toyota has had "terrain modes" for years) only work when in 4-low, but I may be wrong about that. Would have been nice to have the Toyota with KDSS (sort of a hydraulic sway bar)

2022 Jeep JLR, manual with even more extra guacamole
Sold - 2021 Jeep JLR, manual w/extra guacamole

TK1215

Aug 16, 2021

#12

I can’t wait till I go to the OffRoadeo. For me I really need the ins and outs of the 4H and 4A. When and where between the two, and exactly when to use the 4L. I hate to go to far in advance of when ever it is I get my Bronco. Because If I go to early I will forget all I’ve learned.

Bronc96, KennyMac

Aug 16, 2021

#13

Honestly when deciding on a new vehicle I was going between the Jeep, the 4Runner and the Bronco. When weighing all my options I feel the Bronco is the best of both worlds. I wanted a fun vehicle but with a smooth ride. The 4 runner is the most sensible mom ride and you’re right Toyotas last forever. My husband traded in his 11 year old Tacoma for a Tundra two years ago. But ultimately the Bronco won out. Hopefully by the time I get mine at some point next year most of the kinks will have been worked out and I won’t regret my decision to wait.

Bronc96, GeoRockGirl

Aug 16, 2021

#14

I like the 4R (and am a former owner of one) as well, saw one Saturday on a trail I had been runnning with a non-SAS badlands and plenty of SAS Broncos all week. It did fine. I helped spot him on a decline as he didn’t have the approach angle to run the main line we always ran Not dissing it at all, but the Broncos just decended and walk up those lines without breaking a sweat. No goat modes, no tricks, often times we would run them without lockers at all, sometimes you just need the rear. Off-road where ledges and rocks come in, having 35s just makes moving around easy without worrying about making ground contact. A Tacoma on 35s would do great as well- they just don’t come like that! The Bronco Goat Modes, One Pedal Driving and trail control are REALLY smooth if you choose to make it easy on yourself.

First Edition 4dr
1967 Bronco
1993 Mustang Notchback

Bronc96, SlashRacer

Aug 16, 2021

#15

Jpna0220
Honestly when deciding on a new vehicle I was going between the Jeep, the 4Runner and the Bronco. When weighing all my options I feel the Bronco is the best of both worlds. I wanted a fun vehicle but with a smooth ride. The 4 runner is the most sensible mom ride and you’re right Toyotas last forever. My husband traded in his 11 year old Tacoma for a Tundra two years ago. But ultimately the Bronco won out. Hopefully by the time I get mine at some point next year most of the kinks will have been worked out and I won’t regret my decision to wait.

My decision was made for me due to my frame... I'm 6'6", but shorter legs and longer torso... In the Jeeps I hit my head on the center bar... in the Toyo's theres not enough head room... One thing i've liked about Fords over the past decade or so is the amount of headroom for me.. I had a Ford Flex and had a full hand worth of headroom, my wife has the Baby Bronco and I can drive it just fine.. (a little narrow for me in the seats, but not uncomfortable to drive) I still have yet to sit in one, but have gone under the assumption that if I can fit in the Baby bronco comfortably, my BadSquatch should fit me just fine.. ;)

Cyber Orange 4dr BadSquatch 2.7 Soft top (no tow)

Bronc96

Aug 16, 2021

#16

AcesandEights
This guy compares them, seems to do better with the Runner:

My g/f has a 4Runner and I've run it pretty hard for more than a couple years. No question in my mind that a new 4Runner will run with the big dogs. It'll do 90% of whatever can be thrown at it. The 4Runner won't allow 35" tires easily, but it's got a strong/bulletproof drivetrain and the tech makes up for the lack of tire size/clearance. I think the Bronco will probably do the same 90%.

I have a 2014 4runner and love it... still want my broncos though. I want to see what the next gen $runner is like and i will get that too. TRD Pro this time.

Bronco Badlands, Bronco Black Diamond, Bronco Big Bend, & Bronco Sport Badlands
www.youtube.com/1five1garage

AcesandEights

Aug 16, 2021

#17

gizmohd
My decision was made for me due to my frame... I'm 6'6", but shorter legs and longer torso... In the Jeeps I hit my head on the center bar... in the Toyo's theres not enough head room... One thing i've liked about Fords over the past decade or so is the amount of headroom for me.. I had a Ford Flex and had a full hand worth of headroom, my wife has the Baby Bronco and I can drive it just fine.. (a little narrow for me in the seats, but not uncomfortable to drive) I still have yet to sit in one, but have gone under the assumption that if I can fit in the Baby bronco comfortably, my BadSquatch should fit me just fine.. ;)

Well I’m 5’2. So there’s that. Haha. But I’m driving around my husbands lifted Tundra right now while he’s out of state working and my son is driving my Altima. It’s making me antsy for my bigger vehicle for sure.

Aug 16, 2021

#18

AcesandEights
I don't know. My g/f 4Runner doesn't have a 2-wheel drive setting. It's all-wheel drive and 4-low, so if you're switching it to "4-wheel drive" it's 4-low. I *think* the GOAT modes (I'm facetiously borrowing the Ford term, even though Toyota has had "terrain modes" for years) only work when in 4-low, but I may be wrong about that. Would have been nice to have the Toyota with KDSS (sort of a hydraulic sway bar)

Limited is AWD... thats what i have.

Bronco Badlands, Bronco Black Diamond, Bronco Big Bend, & Bronco Sport Badlands
www.youtube.com/1five1garage

Aug 16, 2021

#19

Kind of hard to compare what we don’t know. The 4 Runner is being redesigned for 2023. Of what I’ve read it’s going to be a very significant redesign. I’m waiting to see what they do with it myself. I really like the Bronco, but the level of problems and the dealer gauging is concerning. Pros for me to go with a 4 Runner over a Bronco would be no top to have a problem with LOL, it’s a known reliable vehicle, TRD Pro is cheaper than a Badlands Bronco, and more storage space. At this point neither are a need because I have a 2017 F150 with 27,000 miles which is built the way I like. But if Ford can correct it’s problems or Toyota floors me with their redesign I’m pretty sure I will be splurging on one of them. Until then I have my reservation, which I will hold on to until I see what’s going on next fall for the 2023’s. Who knows, by then another manufacturer may put something special out as well. Anyway those are my thoughts and plan. Good luck to all.

MY22 Badlands, Eruption Green, Sasquatch, 2.7, Lux. Res. Date 5/27/21, Ordered 10/15/21, On Ice Mountain…

Bronc96, GeoRockGirl

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