2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Toyota 4Runner
The SUV segment is always one of the most competitive. Major manufacturers present plenty of top-tier choices, meaning you can sometimes be overwhelmed.
Two standout SUV options for 2025 are the Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Toyota 4Runner. Each offers an impressive driving experience that caters to different needs. Our team at Auburn Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram (CDJR) pits the Toyota 4Runner vs. the Jeep Grand Cherokee head-to-head so you can see whether it’s the Jeep or the Toyota that’s best for you.
Overview of the Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Grand Cherokee is quickly becoming a whole lineup of its own within Jeep’s wider offerings, and the two-row 2025 Grand Cherokee remains largely unchanged from the previous model. With the Grand Cherokee, Jeep offers a dynamic off-roader with a luxurious ride.
Jeep wants to make sure there’s a Grand Cherokee to fit everyone, with nine trim levels available. The high-end Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve boasts several luxury features, including Palermo leather seating, 21-inch alloy wheels, and a premium audio system. The base-level Grand Cherokee Laredo A is no slouch, though, offering elegant cloth seating, LED lighting, and a thoroughly modern infotainment system.
Overview of Toyota 4Runner
If Jeep looks to refine the SUV driving experience with touches of luxury, the 4Runner is all about stripping things back to basics. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is the quintessential off-roader. The latest 4Runner retains the roll-down rear window you’ve come to expect, and the overall design remains ruggedly familiar.
Despite that nod to nostalgia, Toyota has modernized the 4Runner to try to catch up with some of its competitors’ technology and features.
Performance and Capability Comparison
Here’s a rundown of the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner’s drivetrains and power.
Engine Options and Powertrain Performance
The non-hybrid Jeep Grand Cherokee has a 3.6-liter V-6 engine, capable of delivering 293 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive (RWD) is standard, with all-wheel drive also available. All Grand Cherokee trims deliver an extremely smooth ride, with even greater comfort in the higher-end configurations, thanks to adaptive dampers and air springs.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner uses a powertrain similar to Toyota’s Tacoma pickup truck. This 278-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission. RWD is standard, with a four-wheel drive system also available. You’ll find the 2025 4Runner far smoother on the road than previous iterations.
Off-Road and Towing Capabilities
The 4Runner remains true to its off-roading heritage, despite the improved ride. It’s dynamic and responsive in the dirt, and available extras such as an off-road cruise control system, known as Crawl Control, locking rear differential, and disconnecting stabilizer bars boost the off-road experience.
The Grand Cherokee is no slouch when it comes to adventure, either. Certain trim levels are geared for optimizing off-road performance. The TrailHawk trim, for instance, combines the top-tier Quadra-Drive II four-wheel-drive (4WD) system with a front anti-roll bar disconnect, providing superior wheel articulation on uneven terrain.
Towing capacity might be a deciding factor when you look at the Toyota vs. the Jeep in an off-road showdown. The 4Runner now offers a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 pounds. However, this falls just short of the 6,200 pounds the 2025 Grand Cherokee can tow.
Technology and Infotainment Features
The 4Runner has undergone a significant infotainment upgrade for 2025. An 8.0-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia screen now comes standard, running the latest Toyota software. A 14-inch display and 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster are also available. All 4Runner models have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, USB-C ports, and a nifty digital key system that lets you lock, unlock, and even start the vehicle from your smartphone. Options include a wireless smartphone charging pad.
The 4Runner’s tech upgrade is to try and keep pace with feature-heavy competitors such as the Jeep Grand Cherokee. Elegantly angled in the Grand Cherokee’s dashboard is a 10.1-inch touch-screen display. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and SiriusXM satellite radio are all standard. Options include in-dash navigation with real-time updates for traffic and weather, a 10-inch head-up display, or a digital gauge cluster. A 10.3-inch display for front-seat passengers is also available. For the ultimate audio experience, the standard six-speaker stereo can be upgraded to either a nine-speaker Alpine or a 19-speaker McIntosh setup.
Safety and Reliability Evaluation
Both vehicles have a comprehensive suite of safety and driver-assistance features. The Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 bundle includes standard safety features such as automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection, lane-departure warning with lane-keep assist, and adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature.
The Grand Cherokee includes similar standard safety features. Jeep’s proprietary Hands-Free Active Driving Assist system is available on the Summit and Overland trims. On compatible highways, the vehicle will work autonomously to keep in the center of the lane and a safe distance from the car in front.
Pros and Cons Summary
Both the Grand Cherokee and the 4Runner are impressive vehicles. Which car wins the battle comes down to which one fits your driving needs the best. The 4Runner is built more for adventure, while the Grand Cherokee is about refined, balanced ride quality.
The 4Runner may be the better option for those looking for a rugged and reliable off-roader, but it falls short in interior sophistication and technology. The Grand Cherokee is the more luxurious and feature-heavy of the two SUVs. It’s a competent enough off-roader, but if you really want to get the most out of it, choose an off-road-focused trim such as the TrailHawk.
Make the Right Choice for You at Auburn CDJR
Let us help you find your perfect car. Our dedicated team is here to match you with a vehicle that best suits your driving needs and preferences. Stop by our Auburn dealership or contact us today to discuss what you’re looking for in an SUV and arrange a test-drive of one of the premium offerings available on our lot.