If you’re a Toyota enthusiast looking for the next set of wheels, you surely have heard of the new 2023 Tundra and 4Runner models. These definitely aren’t the same, so let’s do a 4Runner vs. Tundra comparison and see which one will be better for your needs. Whether it’s off-roading, commuting, or something in between, both vehicles have plenty to offer. I’ll break down all the key features so you can make an informed decision!
Choosing between the Toyota 4Runner and Tundra can be tough for Toyota lovers. While both are known for their ruggedness, reliability, and off-road capabilities, they have significant differences in body style, power and performance, cargo space, and price. Understanding these differences can help you make the best decision for your needs. Let’s dig deeper into the quality, reliability, and safety of these Toyota models.
Toyota Is a Company That Is Committed to Making High-Quality Vehicles
Toyota is a well-known Japanese automotive manufacturer that has been in business for over 80 years. Founded in 1937, Toyota has grown to become one of the largest car companies in the world, producing a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars and full-size trucks to luxury four-wheelers.
Toyota model longevity is one of the things that sets this car brand apart from other manufacturers. Toyota vehicles are known for their longevity and low vehicle maintenance costs, which has made them a popular choice for drivers all around the world.
This commitment to quality is reflected in their manufacturing processes for off-road vehicles, too, which emphasize continuous improvement and lean manufacturing principles. So, it is no wonder Toyota’s models are some of the most popular imported cars in the US.
The 2023 Toyota 4RUNNER Is a Midsize SUV
The 2023 Toyota 4Runner is an exciting midsize SUV that is expected to offer a range of new features and improvements over its predecessor. With a new design, improved performance, off-road capabilities, and spacious interior, it really impresses both current and new Toyota fans alike.
Don’t forget to completely boost it with the winter gear and best tires for an SUV, especially if you’re planning to go on some off-road tours. I personally always have it in my truck off-road snow chains, just in case.
The 2023 Toyota Tundra Is Four-Door Pickup Truck
The 2023 Toyota Tundra is generating a lot of buzz among truck enthusiasts, and for good reason. This four-door pickup truck is set to be one of the most capable and advanced trucks on the market. Toyota truly did an amazing job with this model – the new engine, new transmission, new chassis, and advanced Toyota safety technology and features.
Toyota 4Runner vs Tundra – Let’s Begin With Some Basic Differences
Are you a Toyota lover torn between two iconic vehicles – the 4Runner and the Tundra? Both of these vehicles are known for their ruggedness, reliability, and off-road capabilities. But when it comes to choosing between the two, it can be a tough decision. In this blog post, we’ll explore the differences between the Toyota 4Runner and Tundra to help you make the best decision for your needs. Here’s a basic compassion of these two models so you can get a bigger picture.
| 2023 Toyota 4Runner | 2023 Toyota Tundra | |
| Engine power | 270 hp @ 5,600 rpm | 348 hp @ 5,200 rpm |
| Drivetrain | Rear wheel drive | Rear wheel drive |
| Wheel type | Alloy wheels | Steel wheels |
| Fuel Capacity | 23.0 gal. | 22.5 gal. |
SUV vs. Truck Performance – Travel With Comfort and Convenience
When it comes to comfort and convenience, I must admit that Tundra has more features that would make my ride more comfortable. After all, with such an evolution of cars, I truly believe that Toyota is one of the car manufacturers that does the job right. But somehow, 4Runner hasn’t changed as much as other models did. On the other hand, they’ve done an amazing job with Tundra. This being said, let’s compare the newest models in the table below and see why these share some Toyota 4×4 vehicle features.
| Tundra | 4Runner | |
| Climate control zones | 1 | x |
| Air conditioning | Standard | Standard |
| Adaptive cruise control | Yes | Yes |
| Remote trunk/hatch release | x | Standard |
| Climate control type | Auto | Manual |
| Smart key | Smart Key System | Smart Key System |
| Folding rear seat type | Fixed | 40/20/40 |
| Auto-dimming rear-view mirror | Standard | x |
| Cargo area light | Standard | Standard |
| Dusk sensing headlights | Standard | x |
The Biggest Differences Between These SUVs Are Body Style and Size
The first major difference between the Toyota 4Runner and Tundra is their body style and size and as a result the class of the car. The 4Runner is an SUV, while the Tundra is a full-size pickup truck with two cab options – CrewMax and Double Cab. This means that the 4Runner is definitely a smaller vehicle. In the table below, you can check the complete Toyota Tundra vs. 4Runner differences in their dimensions.
| 2023 Toyota 4Runner | 2023 Toyota Tundra | |
| Curb Weight | 4,400 lb. | 5,160 lb. |
| Height | 71.5 inches | 78.0 inches |
| Length | 190.2 inches | 233.6 inches |
| Width | 75.8 inches | 80.2 inches |
| Wheelbase | 109.8 inches | 145.7 inches |
| Ground Clearance | 9.0 inches | 9.3 inches |
| Cargo Space | 47.2 cu. ft. | N/A |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room | 39.3 inches | 41 inches |
| Front Leg Room | 41.7 inches | 41.2 inches |
| Overall Interior Volume | 144.5 cubic feet | N/A |
If you’re someone who needs a lot of cargo space, then the Tundra is the better option. It has a larger truck bed and can tow heavier loads. The 4Runner has a smaller cargo area but still offers ample space for camping gear, sports equipment, and other outdoor essentials.
Toyota 4Runner and Tundra Differences – Colors and Materials of Interior and Exterior Available
Now let’s get into 4Runner and Tundra interior space. If you’re all about looks and want to have the ability to customize your four-wheeler, then you might choose 4Runner in this round. It’s because it has more exterior color options and interior materials to choose from than Tundra.
Here are the standard exterior colors for 4Runner:
- Barcelona Red Metallic
- Classic Silver Metallic
- Ice Cap
- Magnetic Gray Metallic
- Midnight Black Metallic
- Nautical Blue Metallic
Here are the color options for Tundra:
- Celestial Silver Metallic
- Ice Cap
- Magnetic Gray Metallic
- Midnight Black Metallic
When it comes to interior materials, with 4Runner, you can choose black/graphite and sand beige fabric seat trim, while Tundra has only a black fabric seat trim option.
Tundra Has Better Engine Performance Than 4Runner
The Toyota Tundra generally has better engine performance than the Toyota 4Runner. The Tundra comes with a powerful V8 engine that can produce up to 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque, while the 4Runner comes with a V6 engine that can produce up to 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. When it comes to towing capacity comparison, the Tundra wins and is better suited for hauling heavy loads. However, the 4Runner is typically more agile and easier to maneuver, making it a better option for off-road adventures.
Let’s compare base drivetrain specifications:
| Toyota Tundra | Toyota 4Runner | |
| Torque | 405 foot-lbs @ 2000 rpm | 278 foot-lbs @ 4400 rpm |
| Power-to-Weight Ratio | 0.068 hp per pound | 0.061 hp per pound |
| Max Payload | 1940 lbs | x |
| Towing capacity | x | 5000 lbs |
Fuel Efficiency SUV vs. Pickup – Check the Engine Specifications of Both Models
When it comes to power and performance, the Tundra has the upper hand. It comes with a V8 engine that can produce up to 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque for the ultimate travel experience. The 4Runner, on the other hand, comes with a V6 engine that can produce up to 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.
| Toyota Tundra | Toyota 4Runner | |
| Engine Size | 3.4 liters | 4 liters |
| Number of Cylinders | 6 | 6 |
| Engine Configuration | V | V |
| Transmission | Automatic | Automatic |
| Range (city/hwy) | 405 / 540 miles | 368 / 437 miles |
| EPA Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined MPG) | 18 / 24 / 20 | 16 / 19 / 17 |
| Recommended Fuel Type | Regular Unleaded | Regular Unleaded |
| Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type | 4X2 / 4X4 | 4X2 / 4X4, AWD |
Tundra Will Win Another Round When It Comes to Standard/Optional Features
No matter if you’re in one of the cities with the worst drivers or not, you need to ensure your four-wheeler has all the necessary tech features and options that will make your ride smooth. Not to mention that this step is absolutely a must when trying to overcome driving anxiety. Regarding these two Toyota models, check the table below and find which features you need more.
| Tundra | 4Runner | |
| Android Auto | Standard | Standard |
| Apple CarPlay | Standard | Standard |
| Wireless Smartphone Charging | Available | N/A |
| Keyless Ignition | Standard | Standard |
| Heated Seats | Available | Available |
| Adaptive Cruise Control | Standard | Standard |
| Leather Upholstery | Available | Available |
| Cooled/Ventilated Seats | Available | Available |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | Available | Available |
| Navigation System | Available | Available |
| Heated Steering Wheel | Available | N/A |
Join Toyota in the Ultimate Off-Road Capabilities – 4Runner vs. Tundra
Tundra or 4Runner? Both are designed for off-road adventures. However, the 4Runner is typically considered to be more rugged, and it’s known for superior off-road capabilities. All this is possible because of the features such as a locking rear differential, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. The Tundra, on the other hand, has impressive off-road capabilities but is more suited for hauling and towing heavy loads. This being said, here’s a comparison of the safety equipment available.
| Tundra | 4Runner | |
| Pedestrian Detection | Standard | Standard |
| Forward Collision Warning | Standard | Standard |
| Lane Departure Warning | Standard | Standard |
| Blind Spot Monitoring | Available | Standard |
| Lane Keeping Assist | Standard | N/A |
| Rear Cross-Traffic Alert | Available | Standard |
| Rear Seat Reminder | Standard | Standard |
| 360-Degree Camera | Available | Available |
| Driver Attention Monitoring | N/A | N/A |
Resale Value of 4Runner and Tundra – Who Won?
The price difference between the 4Runner and Tundra can also play a role in your decision-making process. The 4Runner is typically less expensive than the Tundra, making it a more budget-friendly option. That’s how a new asking price for 4Runner goes from around $42,000 to $57,000. While for Tundra, the new asking price starts from around $49,000 and goes up to around $69,000.
Both Models Have the Pretty Much the Same Warranty Options
When buying a car, ensure you search every detail about the warranty. A warranty is a guarantee from the manufacturer that the vehicle will function as intended and will cover the cost of repairs if something goes wrong within a certain period of time. That way you will choose the best deals for your needs.
| Warranty options months/miles | Tundra | 4Runner |
| Powertrain warranty months | 60 / 60000 | 60 / 60000 |
| Whole vehicle warranty | 36 / 36000 | 36 / 36000 |
| Anti-corrosion warranty | 60 / Unlimited | 60 / 60000 |
| Roadside assistance | 24 / Unlimited | 24 / Unlimited |
| Paint warranty | 36 / 36000 | 36 / 36000 |
| No cost maintenance | 24 / 25000 | 24 / 25000 |
Outdoor Enthusiasts’ Choice – SUV or Truck? With Toyota, There’s No Wrong Choice
So, based on 4Runner and Tundra reliability ratings, which is better for off-road adventures? When it comes to choosing between these two, it ultimately comes down to your needs and preferences. I personally prefer the Tundra because I love its overall exterior and interior sleek looks and the powerful engine. On the other hand, many people who are looking for a vehicle that can handle tough off-road conditions choose the 4Runner. But the Tundra is the way to go if you need a vehicle for towing and hauling heavy loads. Either way, you can’t go wrong with a Toyota.
