Jeep Wrangler 4xe vs. Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro: The Ultimate Off-Road Hybrid Showdown
The Jeep Wrangler and Toyota 4Runner are American off-road legends—rugged, battle-tested, and beloved by enthusiasts. Now, both have entered the hybrid era, blending electrification with go-anywhere capability. But which one reigns supreme? We tested the 2025 Wrangler 4xe Rubicon and 4Runner TRD Pro head-to-head to find out.
Hybrid Power: Performance Over Efficiency
Neither SUV delivers stellar fuel economy, but that’s not really the point.
- Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
- Powertrain: 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder + hybrid system (326 hp, 465 lb-ft torque)
- MPG: ~17 combined (barely better than the old V6)
- Verdict: The i-FORCE MAX hybrid is tuned for low-end torque, making it a beast off-road but underwhelming on efficiency.
- Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon
- Powertrain: 2.0L turbocharged 4-cylinder + PHEV system (375 hp, 470 lb-ft torque)
- MPG: ~20 combined (with 22 miles of EV-only range)
- Verdict: The plug-in hybrid advantage helps for short trips, but gas mileage is still mediocre.
Bottom Line: If you want a hybrid for efficiency, look elsewhere. These are built for capability, not fuel savings.
Off-Road Prowess: Jeep’s Legacy vs. Toyota’s Refinement
Both SUVs are incredibly capable, but in different ways.
- Jeep Wrangler 4xe Rubicon
- Clearance: 10.8 inches
- Angles: 47.4° approach, 40.4° departure
- Features: Front & rear lockers, disconnecting sway bars, 33-inch tires
- Verdict: The Rubicon is a factory-built trail monster—no upgrades needed.
- Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
- Clearance: 10.1 inches
- Angles: 33° approach, 24° departure
- Features: Rear locker, Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select
- Verdict: Extremely capable but needs mods to match the Rubicon’s extreme angles.
Winner? The Wrangler takes the off-road crown, but the 4Runner is no slouch.
Daily Driving: Comfort vs. Compromise
Here’s where the Toyota pulls ahead.
- 4Runner TRD Pro
- Ride: Truck-like but tolerable
- Interior: More spacious, quieter, better visibility
- Family-Friendly: Easier car seat access, larger cargo area
- Wrangler 4xe Rubicon
- Ride: Bouncy, noisy, and tiring on long trips
- Interior: Improved but still cramped
- Fun Factor: Removable doors and roof (if you dare)
Bottom Line: The 4Runner is the better daily driver, while the Wrangler is a weekend warrior.
Killer Features
- Toyota’s Integrated Air Compressor – Inflate/deflate tires with the push of a button. No extra gear needed.
- Jeep’s Open-Air Freedom – Nothing beats dropping the top on a sunny day.
- 4Runner’s Roll-Down Rear Window – Perfect for dogs or camping airflow.
Pricing: Neither Is Cheap
- Wrangler 4xe Rubicon: Starts at $63,390
- 4Runner TRD Pro: Starts at $66,900
Final Verdict
- Choose the Wrangler 4xe if…
- You prioritize extreme off-roading
- You love open-air driving
- You can live with its rough daily manners
- Choose the 4Runner TRD Pro if…
- You need a family-friendly off-roader
- You want better on-road comfort
- You appreciate Toyota’s reliability
Our Pick? For most buyers, the 4Runner TRD Pro is the smarter choice—unless you’re a hardcore Jeeper at heart. 🚙💨