Compare 2019 Toyota 4Runner vs. Grand Cherokee

Off-roading enthusiasts know that some of the most memorable driving happens where the asphalt ends. In this off-roading-centric head to head comparison, we will take a detailed look at the key differences between the 2019 Toyota 4Runner and the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee, including detailed analysis of each contender's performance both off and on the road, reliability, and interior space and comfort. In every category, the Toyota 4Runner stands out from the crowd.

Both vehicles come well-equipped for off-roading fun⁵⁶. The 4Runner offers available Multi-Terrain Select and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)³⁵. Grand Cherokee has available Base Selec-Terrain System and Hill Start Assist. We will expand on these off-roading features in the next two sections of this comparison which detail performance and reliability features.

These two vehicles have reliable warranties, too. In addition to comparable basic and powertrain warranties, both vehicles include roadside assistance and factory scheduled maintenance plans. These will be detailed in the section entitled “Reliability”.

In this head to head, we will take a deeper look at the comfortable details, trusted reliability, and off-road capability of both the 2019 Toyota 4Runner and the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Let's begin.

In terms of performance, both the 2019 Toyota 4Runner and the 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee are capable off-road vehicles. However, one performer in this head-to-head comes out ahead in terms of performance capabilities.

A functional drive is important, especially in a vehicle expected to face the demands of off-road adventure⁵⁶. In the spirit of functionality, 4Runner TRD trims offer an active sway bar system for better cornering. Grand Cherokee does not offer an active sway bar system. However, both vehicles come with a standard stabilizer bar. Additionally, the 2019 4Runner SR5 4X4 has a lower gross vehicle weight rating at 6300 lbs. vs. the Grand Cherokee Laredo 4WD, which comes in at 6500 lbs.

When it's time to hit the trails, having a vehicle with the greatest off-road capability gives off-road drivers peace of mind. The 4Runner has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Grand Cherokee at 9.6-inches. Grand Cherokee's minimum ground clearance comes in at 8.6-inches. This means that the 4Runner could handle rougher terrain with greater ease. Plus, 4Runner's wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel-bearing life, less chance of rotor warping, and greater strength. In comparison, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has only 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

When looking at off-road technology, 4Runner has available Multi-Terrain Select and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)³⁵, plus the 4Runner TRD Off-road and TRD Pro have electronically controlled locking rear differentials. Grand Cherokee offers available Base Selec-Terrain System and Hill Start Assist, but no Grand Cherokee trim has a locking rear differential⁵⁶.

In addition, the Toyota 4Runner also offers greater power in the V6 engine category. 4Runner’s 4.0 DOHC V6 produces a significant 18 lbs.-ft. more torque (278 lbs.-ft. vs. 260 lbs.-ft.) than the Grand Cherokee’s standard 3.6 DOHC V6. The Grand Cherokee offers 4 engine options which include a 3.6L Pentastar® V6, a 5.7L V8, a Supercharged 6.2L V8, and a 6.4L V8 whereas the 4Runner only offers one engine option.

Being able to rely on your vehicle on and off the road means that drivers have more time for adventure. As such, ToyotaCare is a major advantage in reliability¹¹.

All leases and purchases of new Toyota vehicles receive free 24-hour Roadside Assistance for two years/unlimited miles plus no-cost scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first³⁸. To compare, Grand Cherokee comes with a 60-month roadside assistance plan up to 60,000 miles. However, for a factory scheduled maintenance plan, Jeep Grand Cherokee owners will have to choose the Trailhawk® or higher trim ($44,295 starting MSRP). Or, if a lower trim is purchased, owners will have to enroll in extra-cost JEEP® WAVE program -- see a Jeep dealer for pricing and term details.

With a major focus on reliability, it is no wonder why Toyota won the title for Best Resale Value Brand for 2018 according to Kelley Blue Book®⁴¹. Meanwhile, Grand Cherokee was named the “Ideal Vehicle in the Mid-Size SUV Segment” in AutoPacific’s 2018 review.

A 2019 J.D. Power and Associates U.S. Vehicle Dependability StudySM (VDS) of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the long-term dependability statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Jeep vehicles. J.D. Power ranked Toyota 2nd in reliability (tied with Porsche) – well above the industry average. With 59 more problems per 100 vehicles than Toyota, Jeep is ranked 25th.

To top off the reliability category, 4Runner comes with a full-size spare tire standard. A full-size spare tire is an optional (extra-cost) feature on the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

A functional interior keeps drivers and their passengers comfortable for both long commutes and off-road exploring. The 4Runner SR5 4X4 has a much higher payload capacity than the Grand Cherokee at 1625 lbs. vs. 1370 lbs. Plus, 4Runner has more front legroom at 41.7-inches vs. Grand Cherokee's significantly smaller 30.3-inches.

On top of this, 4Runner also has available third-row seating, allowing it to seat up to seven passengers. Grand Cherokee's two rows of seats offer maximum seating for just five.

Drivers can take significantly more with them in the 4Runner.

The 4Runner's cargo area with rear seats folded down provides 89.7 cu. ft. of volume, offering room for much more than Grand Cherokee's 68.3 cu. ft. of cargo space volume with the rear seats folded down⁴². A low lift-over cargo hatch design makes loading and unloading the 4Runner easier.

The 4Runner’s cargo hatch lift-over height is 30.7 inches, while the Grand Cherokee’s liftover is 32.4 inches. Plus, 4Runner offers an optional sliding cargo floor that is capable of supporting 440 lbs. to make loading and unloading easier and safer. The Jeep Grand Cherokee does not offer a comparable hidden load floor like you would find on the Jeep Cherokee.

4Runner delivers a unique combination of off-road capability and versatility that the Jeep Grand Cherokee has options to compete against. However, 4Runner also offers a more functional interior space. With its available third-row seating, 4Runner offers seating for up to seven. Grand Cherokee only offers seating for five. Plus, 4Runner has more legroom for increased comfort. The 4Runner also features significantly more cargo space and the convenience of a sliding cargo floor⁴². The Grand Cherokee does not offer a hidden load floor that you would find on a Jeep Cherokee.

Grand Cherokee Laredo’s starting price (MSRP $31,945) is initially lower than 4Runner’s ($35,110), though it runs to over $50,000 in the Summit trim and that doesn’t count the SRT and Trackhawk performance models. Those can be more than double the cost of 4Runner (MSRP $68,145 and $86,650, respectively)¹².

Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the performance capabilities of the 2019 4Runner TRD Pro Trim which has standard Multi-Terrain Select, locking rear differential, and Hill Start Assist Control (HAC)³⁵. Plus, with greater ground clearance and more wheel lugs per wheel than the Grand Cherokee, the 4Runner is better equipped for off-road adventure⁵⁶. To compare, Grand Cherokee also has Hill Start Assist and driver selectable modes as a standard feature, but only offers a limited-slip rear differential which is a significant off-roading disadvantage.

Don't forget that Toyota is known for reliable vehicles: Toyota is a Kelley Blue Book® Best Resale Value Brand for 2018⁴¹, and J.D. Power 2019 ranks Toyota tied for 2nd in reliability, above the industry average and well above Jeep’s 25th ranking.

Once you add up these great benefits, it becomes clear why the 2019 Toyota 4Runner is our winner in this off-road centric head to head competition.