What To Know
- When it comes to off-road enthusiasts, the Toyota 4Runner and the Jeep Wrangler are two of the most revered vehicles on the market.
- According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2023 Toyota 4Runner has a combined fuel economy rating of 17 mpg, while the 2023 Jeep Wrangler has a combined rating of 20 mpg.
- The 4Runner has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the Wrangler has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
When it comes to off-road enthusiasts, the Toyota 4Runner and the Jeep Wrangler are two of the most revered vehicles on the market. Both are known for their rugged capabilities, but how do they stack up when it comes to gas mileage?
Fuel Economy Ratings
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the 2023 Toyota 4Runner has a combined fuel economy rating of 17 mpg, while the 2023 Jeep Wrangler has a combined rating of 20 mpg. This means that the Wrangler has a slight edge over the 4Runner in terms of fuel efficiency.
Factors Affecting Gas Mileage
Several factors can affect the gas mileage of an SUV, including:
- Engine size and power
- Vehicle weight
- Drivetrain
- Tire size
- Driving habits
Engine and Power
The 4Runner comes with a standard 4.0-liter V6 engine that produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler is available with several engine options, including a 3.6-liter V6 that produces 285 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. The Wrangler’s more powerful engine contributes to its slightly better gas mileage.
Vehicle Weight
The 4Runner is a larger and heavier vehicle than the Wrangler, weighing in at around 4,500 pounds compared to the Wrangler’s 3,700 pounds. The extra weight of the 4Runner reduces its fuel efficiency.
Drivetrain
Both the 4Runner and the Wrangler are available with either rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive. Four-wheel drive systems generally reduce fuel economy, but the difference is negligible in this case.
Tire Size
The 4Runner comes with standard 17-inch tires, while the Wrangler comes with standard 18-inch tires. Larger tires can reduce fuel economy, but the difference is again negligible.
Driving Habits
The way you drive can significantly impact your gas mileage. Aggressive driving, such as rapid acceleration and braking, can reduce fuel efficiency.
Real-World Fuel Economy
The EPA’s fuel economy ratings are based on ideal driving conditions. In real-world driving, you can expect to get slightly lower gas mileage. The actual fuel economy you get will vary depending on the factors discussed above.
Which SUV Has Better Gas Mileage?
Based on the EPA’s ratings, the Jeep Wrangler has slightly better gas mileage than the Toyota 4Runner. However, the difference is not significant, and both SUVs offer comparable fuel efficiency.
Other Considerations
In addition to gas mileage, there are other factors to consider when choosing between the 4Runner and the Wrangler. These include:
- Off-road capability
- Towing and payload capacity
- Interior space and comfort
- Price
Ultimately, the best SUV for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
Recommendations: The Final Verdict
The Toyota 4Runner and the Jeep Wrangler are two excellent choices for off-road enthusiasts. While the Wrangler has a slight edge in gas mileage, both SUVs offer comparable fuel efficiency. The best way to decide which SUV is right for you is to take them for a test drive and see which one best meets your needs.
Questions We Hear a Lot
Q: Which SUV has better off-road capability, the 4Runner or the Wrangler?
A: Both SUVs offer excellent off-road capabilities, but the Wrangler has a slight edge due to its shorter wheelbase and better approach and departure angles.
Q: How much towing capacity do the 4Runner and the Wrangler have?
A: The 4Runner has a maximum towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, while the Wrangler has a maximum towing capacity of 3,500 pounds.
Q: Which SUV has more interior space?
A: The 4Runner has more interior space than the Wrangler, with a maximum cargo capacity of 89.7 cubic feet compared to the Wrangler’s 72.3 cubic feet.