Dallas is a modern urban jungle just a short drive away from the rugged outdoors, so it’s no surprise that many Dallas drivers are drawn to a sturdy off-road SUV. In this ultracompetitive segment, it can be hard to decide which vehicle is best. That’s why our experts at Planet Ford Dallas have put together this guide exploring the benefits of two standout favorites in this market: the 2025 Ford Bronco and the Toyota 4Runner.
The 4Runner wasn’t always a go-to off-roader, but Toyota addressed this issue with the 2025 model, particularly with the Trailhunter trim. The 2025 4Runner embraces Toyota’s legacy of durability to bring time-tested performance into the modern age. This change exemplifies Toyota’s renewed focus on off-road capability to better compete with the 4Runner’s American counterparts.
The 2025 Bronco, meanwhile, is a marvel of modern Ford engineering, marking a fresh take on a classic and perennially popular nameplate. Excelling off the beaten path is a core part of the Bronco’s identity, and its door and roof panel removal design offers a unique approach to open-air adventure. While retaining the core essence of the Bronco lineage, the 2025 model embodies forward-thinking design and engineering, with its advanced driving technology and variety of configurations.
The Bronco has a diverse range of engine options, starting with a standard 300-horsepower 2.3-liter EcoBoost I-4, a 330-horsepower 2.7-liter EcoBoost V-6 in the Badlands trim, all the way up to a 418-horsepower 3.0-liter EcoBoost V-6 in the range-topping Raptor. This diversity means there’s bound to be a Bronco that fits your off-roading needs.
The 4Runner has fewer engine options than the Bronco, but it’s still adept at low-speed rock crawling and towing. The engine options include a 2.4-liter turbocharged i-FORCE engine and an i-FORCE MAX hybrid option. The hybrid option offers the most power, delivering an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
Here’s where the debate gets more complex. The maximum towing capacity of the new 4Runner is 6,000 pounds, making it an excellent choice if you’re looking for an SUV that can haul a camper, boat, or other heavy gear. This far surpasses the Bronco’s towing capacity, which varies from 3,500 to 4,500 pounds depending on the trim and configuration.
However, there’s a trade-off. The Bronco has the edge when it comes to carrying gear, with a robust payload capacity of around 1,100-1,400 pounds. This outshines the 4Runner Trailhunter’s estimated 895-pound payload capacity. So, the Bronco is the better choice for moving equipment such as tents, recovery gear, and other essential items.
When you’re in the market for an off-road SUV, the most important factor to consider is the vehicle’s off-roading capability. Both the 2025 4Runner and Bronco are built on body-on-frame platforms with traditional two-speed transfer cases and multi-mode off-road drive systems. However, their exact approaches to conquering the terrain are different, and it’s clear that Toyota is trying to make up some lost ground with the 2025 4Runner.
What sets the Bronco apart is its off-road prowess, beginning with up to 13.1 inches of ground clearance that easily surpasses the 4Runner’s maximum 10.1 inches. This elevated stance allows the Bronco to more handily conquer uneven terrain while offering a clear view of any potential driving hazards. The Bronco also has a more aggressive approach and departure angles, allowing it to more easily navigate steeper obstacles.
In head-to-head off-road tests, the 4Runner is at a disadvantage when it comes to navigating challenging off-road terrain, though the 2025 model displays impressive articulation and shows marked improvement in its off-road capability compared to previous generations.
The 4Runner boasts its new stabilizer disconnect mechanism on certain trims, which offers extra suspension articulation on uneven surfaces. It also employs Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Monitor system, allowing you to view the terrain beneath your vehicle in real time.
Meanwhile, the all-conquering Bronco is equipped with Ford’s G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Terrain) Modes, which automatically adjust vehicle settings to tackle a variety of driving conditions. The 2025 Bronco also features Trail Turn Assist, which brakes the inside rear wheel to achieve a tighter turning radius and improved maneuverability. The Bronco also makes excellent use of electronic lockers and advanced traction control to navigate off-road obstacles.
Ultimately, the decision between the Ford Bronco and Toyota 4Runner largely comes down to personal preference. The 4Runner is an excellent choice if you want a blend of capability and reliability. It has a refined ride and an undeniable towing performance, and the hybrid engine offers a terrific combination of power, torque, and efficiency. But as an out-and-out off-roader, despite the improvements made for 2025, it still falls short of the Bronco.
The Bronco remains the standout choice if you want a trail-ready adventurer. With its commanding stance, the latest off-road technology, a range of engine options, and formidable payload capacity, the 2025 Ford Bronco edges out the 2025 Toyota 4Runner as the best off-road SUV.
The Ford Bronco SUV handles the demands of the daily commuter and becomes an all-terrain beast when you venture off the beaten path. To experience it for yourself, contact us or stop by our Dallas, Texas, dealership today to arrange a test-drive. Our expert team is on hand to answer any questions you might have about the 2025 Bronco and to help guide you through every step of your sales journey.
