WHERE IS THE BRONCO!? Read the full comparison here: edmu.in/3eHgr0l

4Runner : Let's do this comparison again at 200k miles.

The biggest surprise is the defender made it the whole test without throwing a check engine light

We'll turn everything off on the 4runner, but we'll put the defender in auto. Seriously? You lost me at that point.

I've heard that the Land Rover is the most off-road of them all since it spends 50 percent of it's life on the shop lift.

Edmunds: 4Runner is a transmission away from a tremendous success... 4Runner: Five generation and sold all over the world...am I a joke to you?

The amount of shitting on the 4runner in this review was laughable, and that’s coming from a Jeep owner. I mean, just on the first test alone, it’s the first up the hill and it has ZERO momentum. Like it’s virtually starting on the hill and not carrying any speed. By contrast, the Jeep carries more and the Defender even more than that. And let’s make it clear right now: air suspension is a gadget. This nonsense about not using any assists on the way up is just that: nonsense. If anything, it tied with the wrangler. That’s a pretty shameful test. And then, all the stuff about the engine and transmission. It’s aged, but of all the drivetrains presented (including my own Jeep), it easily has the best reputation and is considered bulletproof. That 4.0 V6 or whatever it has has been in the 4runner and the FJ cruiser for a long time, and it never fails. I’d wager that that 4runner is going to be on the trails for a decade or more longer than any new defender, and some jeeps (though hopefully not mine haha)

that guy has NO CLUE about 4runners. he said the 4runner doesn't have a ton of options, the TRD Pro has a rear locker, A-Trac, multi terrain select and crawl control. he only mentioned the crawl control and the rear locker. the trail edition and I believe TRD Off-Road has KDSS + everything the Pro has. (auto swaybar disconnect). I have the trail edition WITH KDSS. he also talks about the old transmission. Yes the DESIGN is old, but Toyota hasn't changed it because it's nearly bullet proof. even hardcore Jeep owners admit they wish they had such a bullet proof design. why do you think we're still seeing used 3rd or 4th gen 4runners with 200-300k going for so much money still? you KNOW Toyota has some new bullet proof transmission in some secret underground bunker somewhere that they've likely been testing and improving for decades before they feel it's ready for the prime time. after all these years with such a reliable motor and trans combo, they've built a reputation they CAN'T fuck up, they HAVE to get it right. perfection takes time...in Toyotas case a lot longer than we would like, but I'd take a motor and trans combo that'll last 500,000+ miles of hard use than something maybe slightly more efficient that'll need to be replaced or repaired after 100k of hard use. I beat the absolute donkey shit outta my 5th gen with 120k on it, 50k of those likely off-road (I don't drive much on road unless it's on my way to the trails. All I have is a Bilstein 5100 2.5" lift on all 4 corners and some BFG K02's for feet, everything else is stock, UPCs LCAs, links, rods, everything even stock springs!. every group run I've been on, the Jeep guys always howl as they watch me climb up and over rocks on stupid, butt puckering inclines with only the smallest amount of wheel spin, BEFORE I LOCK THE DIFF. they love when I come out to play with them. when shit gets real harry, I switch to multi-terrain select and choose whatever terrain I'm going up, usually loose rocks or worse, when it's worse, I lock the rear, when shit gets even worse, I throw on A-Trac, when it's worse than that I lock the rear AND engage A-Trac, when it's even worse, I engage crawl control, sit back and relax as my 4runner crawls up whatever I aim the nose at. Crawl control also works as hill decent assist, it's brilliant! I live on the west coast of Canada in BC, our off-road trails cover all sorts of terrain, from thick rain forest mud, loose rocks, rivers and beach sand, to the rocky mountains. my 4runner does it all with a smirk on its face the whole way.... and I don't even rock a winch. the 4runner doesn't have a lot of options and is old? yeah ok buddy, ok. /rant

I'll never trust another Edmunds rating again after watching these guys.

I like how Edmunds puts out a "comparison" video and immediately gets blasted for how incompetent the drivers are.

The main difference is that, two of these will be in the shop while one of them won’t be! Haha

Really Edmunds? Have you ever heard of ATRAC? How can you give an honest review if these guys don’t understand the capabilities of the 4Runner? The 4Runner is way more capable than what these guys are leading people to believe.

4Runner can handle that hill easily in 4 low without the locker, crawl Control, etc. I’ve seen it many many times.

in the 4runner you had to press the A'trac traction control before using the diff lock... that wouldve put the car in full off road modeee

I guess "reading the manual" is not part of the Edmunds car review process. Pushing the ATRAC button is all you needed to do to climb that hill in the 4Runner. The reviewer in the Land Rover set all the knobs and stacked the deck on the comparison while the 4Runner driver just bumbled his away.

Just totaled my 2014 4R Trail unfortunately ... Had a 120K on it, the insurance gave me a significant amount of $ because it holds so much value.. Couldn’t get to a Toyota dealership fast enough to get another, love 4 Runners! Got a 2021 TRD Off Road with very manageable payments...

As a former Wrangler owner, and current 4Runner TRD owner I can say: The Wrangler (stock) is slightly more off road capable. The electronics on the 4Runner are amazing and help close the off road “gap” if you take the time to learn and USE them. Learn the truck and it’s systems before performing a test. The Wrangler is poorly constructed, so many things broke on mine. It’s noisy and a handful on windy days. Really better suited off road. The 4.0/5speed in the 4Runner is perfectly fine. I like it much better than the powertrain on the Wrangler. In fact, I prefer it to the 3.5/6speed in the Tacoma. If you optioned the 4Runner with KDSS, you basically have a sway bar disconnect equivalent. How about comparing the properly optioned vehicle??

The only reason I bought the 4Runner is because of the 4.0L V6 and its 5 speed transmission. It might not be the most fuel efficient and powerful, but it's the most reliable out of those three trucks.

4runner will outlast both of those other vehicles... combined

Damn! You guys dont even know how to use 4Runner A-Trac?!!?!!!!?? And you call yourselfs experts? 👎

As many have mentioned already, the 4Runner likely would have been able to easily get up the first sand-covered hill with only 4-Low and ATRAC enabled. They left everything off initially. The first thing to try would be ATRAC, even before locking the rear diff.

Regarding the 4Runner, it’s big inside, it’s comfortable, it’s smooth at highway speeds, the transmission criticism is valid in the hills. It may not be the latest tech, but having talked to many mechanics...that’s just asking for trouble later on. They will all tell you this is a 300-400,000 mile engine or even more, their words not mine.( by the way I believe 4 low on the jeep automatically engages traction control, I know my old jeep did. The defender had his front and rear differentials effectively locked if you notice the slow rotation of the free wheels)

Is Edmunds slowly just becoming the Motor Trend crew of 6 years ago?

There’s no issue with the 4Runner. The driver is the worthless one 😒

As a 4Runner owner I can say being a simple and old car as the call it is what makes it sell so good in the US. I had an old 4Runner and when I traded it I got another 4Runner, I don’t need any other car

Ask @TFLcar how their Defender is working out for them.

Let me guess! Let me guess! The 4 Runner comes in last because no Toyota ranks high on Edmonds. The Jeep comes in second because it’s an American icon, and the Defender comes in first because it drives good on road and off and has a modern interior. And “yeah it’s pricy and likely doomed to be unreliable (see TFL Car channel) but it’s worth it!!” Edit: oh, none of them got ranked lol. Well, the 4Runner is a no-brainer. 90-95% as capable as the Wrangler but much more comfortable, quiet, and reliable. Get you there and back. 4Runner for the win.

4 runner will still b running and off roading 20 years from now!

"Fewest amount of electronics" - I'll start the Defender with the Auto Mode plus rear diff lock and just a tiny bit more momentum.

I don't trust this video. I've never had to use anything other than 4 low to climb a hill like that with my '16 4Runner Trail.

The older defenders look so freaking cool I wish they brought back that body style

I have been all over with my TRD off road. Never had an issue with anything. From the hills in Kentucky to the dunes in Michigan to the rocks in Utah it was comfortable to travel long distance and enjoy off road adventure. Never abused always amused at its abilities.

Right. The 4 runner old engine and transmission will outlast both vehicles x2

8:05 “it is the thing that would hold me back from recommending the 4Runner”. Definitely you are a biased jeeper, why didn’t you mention that engine/transmission combo of the 4runner has been on the market since 2000 and it can easily reach 300k plus miles without any issues? I have 116k miles on my trail experienced ‘17 and have never taken it to the shop except for scheduled oil changes unlike the Silverado z71, the f150 fx4 and the rubicon i previously and regretfully owned

This seemed like all 3 driver’s first time off-road. 🤦🏻‍♂️

I’ve done that same hill on my 2016 4Runner trail, 4 high without an issue.

NOTE: Not all the kit in the 4Runner was used. The A-TRAC wasn't switched on.

4Low on the Jeep activates the Brake Lock Differential similar to A-trac.

Damn, it’s rough when car reviewers try and talk off-road prowess of vehicles like this. Can we get someone who knows what they’re doing in the 4Runner? My SR5 does inclines like that all day long. I’ll have my 4Runner all day every day over the other two.

Yes, it does feel like the 4runner has been around for over a decade... because this gen started in 2009 and that's how time works.

note: "This was not a payed promotion by Land Rover", yeah right 😂

only came to the comments to make sure people were speaking out on this anti 4 runner stuff. 4 runner can handle all that if they only hit A-TRAC

Let's come back in 100k+ miles to compare maintenance costs, repair costs and resale value.

After a video like this, I’m so grateful for TFL Off Road

The 4runner is the only one that won't breakdown or cost you a fortune to service.

Give me the 4Runner! My 2012 sr5 is excellent off road. Use A trac please. Stop trying to make Toyota look bad.

4tunner just made it look so easy. Plus you know it still ran after the test unlike the defender that threw codes and all cameras stopped working

Edmunds........you put the Rover in Auto mode and raised the suspension before climbing the hill. Thus, you used the bells and whistles instead of using the minimal. The idea is to test them apples to apples by your own definition.

I'll always take the 4runner over any other for the sheer fact that it will outlast them by decades.

Ask TFLTruck about their 53k base Defender... 1. Toyota 4Runner - get there and back 2. Jeep Wrangler - get there 3. LR Defender - get towed there

Your “off-road” driving is so cute 😂

Man- that articulation on that wrangler looks so good.

Great review. Enjoyed it

One thing this test doesn't show: only one of these vehicles will need multiple major repairs prior to 50,000 miles.

4RUNNER ALL DAY

the reality is, out there on the trails you will see Rubicon and 4 Runners in considerable numbers and the reason being is that these two brands have a huge after market support to be modified and make them even more capable off road. But this new Defender it will navigate parking malls predominantly, its a shame..

I have owned a Wrangler and loved it. I own a 4runner now and love it as well. 4runner wins is when it comes to high way and daily street driving. Jeep feels like it's slides going over bumps at 40 miles an hour. I do not wish to travel on the highway in a Jeep, but in my opinion Jeep Wrangler wins for off roading, 4runner comfort and longer lasting.

The Carlos rant! Made my day! 🔥🔥🔥

Toyota all day long, great aftermarket options, excellent reliability, excellent re-sale, most cargo space, and in my opinion better looking

Fair play regarding the need for sliders for the 4Runner. You did seem to forget about the KDSS system on the TRD Pro. It acts like both disconnecting and stiff sway bars at the same time without requiring any electronic controls. Frankly it's bloody brilliant. As for the articulated hill climb, it displayed selectable vs. on all the time traction control more than anything. The Defender went in one go because the off-road traction control is always on. The Jeep beautifully demonstrated the benefits of coil sprung solid axles. The 4Runner forced the driver to select the traction control features required manually. Looks like a personal preference difference more than anything. Then of course comes reliability...

Great video! Thank you for the review. Going for a 2024 Defender.

I HATE HOW NOBODY JUST TURNS ON A-TRAC. USE A-TRAC JESUS!!

Amazing review guys 👏🏽👏🏽👏🏽.. need to do a offroad pickup truck review

Anyone else feel like the Jeep and defender were traveling faster on that first hill climb? Not to mention them not using atrac like others have stated.

That 4Runner is going to get you there and back for years with no troubles providing you know how to drive off road. The Jeep will too but bring tools with you. The Defender might not even make it to the dirt road. England had cool pubs.....ya know.

Great video guys. Loved the different tests. As much as land rover might have missed an opportunity with the new defender its a solid vehicle for sure. Ill still take my RRS over it any day since I'll be able to get anywhere it can go but I understand who the market is for it

Me: Am I the only one who knows he isn’t using the 4Runner correctly? *looks at comment section* Everyone else: WHY TF DIDNT YOU USE ATRAC AND WHY DONT YOU KNOW HAVE TO DRIVE THE 4RUNNER? Me: Nevermind then

3 wheels on the ground, “Same capability as the Jeep!”

As a 44 years old PhD I vote for Toyota! Many thx for this very extensive comparison!!

These guys are the worst off roaders ever.

The defender.. *Laughs in 4Runner

Also the steel bumper option on wrangler, the end caps are removable to open up the approach angles. They come off with the hardtop tool that the jeep comes with.

When driving any car, it is 90% skill of driver and 10% tech of car. Looks like Edmunds sent out their B team for this review.

Great video. Putting the defender in auto means its going to use any of the electronic aids it needs. So how do you know how many it used?

A transmission away from being a tremendous success you say? Um buddy the 4Runner already is a tremendous success lol

How do you compare the all the 4hi on the land rover which turns on everything anyway. 4hi with traction or locker automatically. You can see this in the video. So would be the same as 4runner with everything turn on from start.

I own a 2016 4Runner Trail, with KDS, and I haven’t had any issues on the Highway, with the five speed trans.

If you want to go into the Outback, take a Land Rover, but if you want to make it back home afterward, take a Land Cruiser

I knew it was over as soon as they mentioned the Jeep has Ko2s stock.

Wheel lifts from the defender are huge 😂😂 I love it!

Does Jeep have the best off-road tires that helps reducing the slippery?

Are you testing at Hungry Valley in Gorman?

Great to see the love for the Toyota truck and how out of depth these so called off roaders were. We love our Toyota’s here in Australia. I love the LC79’s with a lazy big 4.2 V8 Turbo diesel.

that bass sounds amazing.

Did you guys deflate the tires? I don’t know what the issue was, but I’ve made hills like that first one on 15psi on factory 18s with my diesel Fortuner with only A-TRAC and low range.

Toyota should make Active traction control (A-Trac) come on automatically in 4-LO, so the non-savvy reviewers have a better driving experience. Looks to me that at 17:27 into the video, the Jeep is doing some sort of a-trac automatically in 4-Lo. 🤔

Did anyone notice that the front differential on the Defender was either locked or electronically controlled on the initial hill climb?

Which is the most dependable over time?

4 Runner ALL DAY Long! Bulletproof truck with long life and great resale value. The Jeep is OK too but 2.0T engine is a question mark for me. The Defender looks cool but I still not trust Land Rover reliability.

NOTHING beats my 1999 4 Runner even to this day on ANY road or 6 feet of snow and mud. Still drives like new after 20 years and 118k miles. !

Carlos didn’t have momentum my friend ! The jeep had momentum and kept it as a steady pace. To me the 4Runner owned that hill! Stopped multiple times in the middle and continued .

crawl control is quite impressive!

That defender actually has some decent articulation for being independent suspension.

"keeping it from being a tremendous success" ? on the 4runner? does this guy not know how popular the 4Runner is and how much of it's value it retains in resale??

Bruh...why does the new defender remind me of a panda

Very glad to go into the comments and see everyone is on the same page...

I guess I am not alone. I had a factory exhaust in my garage before I even got the keys to my 2020 TRD Pro 4Runner to replace the TRD Exhaust. Like you said, sounds good but it doesn’t have a place on a SUV.

My first Jeep was a 1958 Willys, and I've had seven over the years. I traded my last Rubicon for a Power Wagon. My heart says Wrangler but my head says 4Runner. I'm looking really hard at the Bronco though.

A have a surf (4Runner) Great 4x4

It took the 4-runner a whistle to get up the hill, you never used the bell.