From taking on your commute down the Golden State Highway to embarking on epic adventures at Volcanoville, you’ll want a vehicle that can hold its own in various driving scenarios. Unfortunately, those interested in off-roading will find that many off-road oriented vehicles just aren’t cut out to be everyday travelers; however, a handful prove otherwise. Ford and Toyota both say that their off-road SUVs, the Bronco and 4Runner, are ready for whatever the road or trails toss their way, but is this actually the case?
If you’re interested in a Ford Bronco for sale near Elk Grove, you’ll want to work with a knowledgeable team with a fantastic inventory, which is exactly what you’ll find at Future Ford of Sacramento. Regarding the 2025 Ford Bronco vs the 2025 Toyota 4Runner, which model can perform optimally, regardless of the terrain beneath their tires? Let’s find out.
Powertrain Performance
As you’re making your way around Sacramento County, it helps to ride in a vehicle that makes the most of your journey, even if it’s not particularly exciting. Fortunately, the 2025 Bronco does this effortlessly, with a slew of powertrains offering unbeatable excitement. In contrast, the 4Runner limits the thrill potential due to its lack of energetic options.
Opting for any of the Bronco’s three available engines will grant you more power than the 4Runner’s two options, making it easy to coast forward with ferocity, even on the pavement. Its entry-level powertrain is the 2.3L EcoBoost turbocharged four-cylinder, which makes 300 hp and 325 lb-ft of torque, while the 4Runner’s standard 2.4L i-FORCE turbocharged four-cylinder only makes 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.
Those who want maximum excitement on the road and off will be drawn to the Bronco Raptor. Its 3.0L EcoBoost powers a turbocharged V6, making 418 hp and 440 lb-ft of torque to intensify any ride. The 4Runner can’t come close to this level of power, so if you’re seeking out a more energetic traveler as you make your way past Laguna Community Park, you’ll want to be riding in the Bronco.
Everyday Drivability
Now that you know which SUV has more power to add to your ride, how do these rugged adventurers handle when they’re not traversing dangerous terrain? When rolling down the highway, you need to be driving a vehicle that provides you with a comfortable, stable, and enjoyable ride, and not every off-road vehicle can offer this.
Thankfully, the Ford Bronco can, with a ride quality that’s smooth and agile on the open road. It exhibits accurate steering and overall refined handling—something that can’t be said for every off-roader out there, the 4Runner included. With seven available drive modes, including those suited for on-pavement journeys, tailoring your ride to suit the road conditions is easy in this Ford favorite.
The bad news about the 4Runner is that it feels very much like a truck-based vehicle, with less smooth handling than the Bronco. This makes it difficult to enjoy your time on the highway with this clunky travel companion leading the way. If you want pleasing on-road refinement, you’ll want the Bronco in charge of your Elk Grove travels.
Off-Road Tools
The 2025 Ford Bronco and 2025 Toyota 4Runner are geared towards adventure, and whether you wish to stay local or plan a trip to Lake Berryessa, you’ll need an off-road companion with the tools to hold its own when the ground becomes dangerous. This is no sweat for the Bronco, with access to several G.O.A.T. (Goes Over Any Type of Terrain) Modes, as well as a HOSS System (High-Performance Off-Road Stability Suspension) to help you traverse some of the most treacherous environments with extreme precision.
The Bronco offers excellent ground clearance of 13.1 inches. It provides up to 37 inches of water fording abilities and Trail Turn Assist to help you easily maneuver around trees and other obstacles, thanks to a tighter turning radius. You’ll also take advantage of Trail 1-Pedal Drive, which utilizes one pedal to accelerate and brake to make navigating the elements easier.
Despite the 4Runner’s robust appearance, it doesn’t offer as many handy off-road tools to help you when the ground gets gritty, with access to only three driving modes, compared to the Bronco’s seven. It does provide you with an electronic locking rear differential and a stabilizer disconnect mechanism, but as far as off-road features go, the Bronco certainly offers more.
Off-Road Handling
Elk Grove drivers with a passion for adventuring will find that the Bronco puts its off-road tools to work, offering one of the best, most confident experiences on the trails and beyond. Its enhanced HOSS systems offer unparalleled control, regardless of the terrain, while durable performance features, like a heavy-duty steering rack and integrated front reservoirs, allow this off-road hero to cruise over any surface with unbridled ferocity.
Those who want the most exciting off-road features to improve overall handling in the 4Runner are limited to the hybrid models, which offer extras like manually adjustable dampers and more adventure-ready elements. So, if you’re not interested in a hybrid, the 4Runner limits your exploration potential to the gas-only models.
Other Aspects to Consider
Driving an off-road-oriented vehicle, like the Bronco and 4Runner, means that you can conquer more environments than regular everyday vehicles; however, it’s important that these vehicles can transition seamlessly from the trails to the Sacramento Freeway. After all, who wants two dedicated vehicles, one for adventuring purposes and one for the daily drive? That’s not a very good use of your hard-earned money.
The good news is that the Bronco understands this clearly, offering durable, easy-to-clean appointments to ensure you can easily clean up after a muddy weekend in the wilderness. With access to rubberized floor mats with drain plugs and marine-grade vinyl seats, cleaning up after an off-road adventure is a breeze in the Bronco.
Plus, with comfortable features inside, like a heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, heated seats, and more cozy elements, taking on your daily commute will be more enjoyable in this off-road wanderer. The 4Runner is a little bit on the basic side, especially in lower-priced trims, which can take away from your overall comfort, and with a cramped third row, having guests on board may not be in the cards for you, especially if you signed up for carpool duty at work.
The Verdict
Ultimately, it comes down to your unique needs behind the wheel. If you want to sail down the Elk Grove streets comfortably, then instantly transition to the trails, the Bronco offers more of the features you need to achieve this.
It showcases more exciting powertrains and more refined handling to make the most of your daily commute down the highway, accentuated by some of the best off-road tools in the biz. Unfortunately, the 4Runner lacks driving excitement and handles more like a truck than anything else. When it comes to off-road tools, although it has some, it doesn’t offer as many as the Bronco.
When you want to maximize your time behind the wheel, only one vehicle can do this, no matter where you travel. The Ford Bronco has the features and capabilities to keep you satisfied on the highway and the trails, holding its own, regardless of where you choose to roam.
