The Boston Celtics and the Los Angeles Lakers. The Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers. The New York Yankees and, well, everybody. You can only settle some epic rivalries on the field. We will try to resolve another time-honored rivalry on the screen – the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2024 Toyota 4Runner.
These two athletic SUVs have long histories of appealing to owners who need composed daily drivers capable of romping in the dirt on the weekends. The Grand Cherokee and the 4Runner have loyal followings, each taking a unique path to satisfying their fans.
Which midsize SUV is best for you and your family? Let’s compare the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and the 2024 Toyota 4Runner to find out.
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
The Jeep Grand Cherokee succeeded the Cherokee in the Jeep lineup in 1993, after Chrysler bought Jeep from AMC in 1987. All-new for 2022 and now in its fifth generation of production, the GC comes in nine trim levels and a plug-in-hybrid (PHEV) version, which we cover as a separate model. Eight of the Grand Cherokee’s trim levels offer 2-row and 3-row (Grand Cherokee L) models, and six trims come with standard rear-wheel drive (RWD or 4×2). The base Laredo A model is an outlier, as it only comes in the standard length and cannot be upgraded to 4-wheel drive (4×4). Prices start at $38,290, including a $1,795 destination fee.
Jeep Grand Cherokee Highlights
Luxury variants: While Jeep has dropped the high-performance Trackhawk version of the Jeep Grand Cherokee, it still features some high-zoot trim levels like the Overland, Summit, and Summit Reserve, all of which start over $60,000 with premium finishes and luxury features.
Advanced technology: The Grand Cherokee’s technology packages are more advanced than the 4Runner’s, including Uconnect 5 Nav with a 10.1-inch touchscreen and a 19-speaker McIntosh high-end audio system in the Summit Reserve model.
Interior space: With 59.2 inches of front shoulder room and 58.0 inches of rear shoulder room, the Jeep Grand Cherokee feels spacious and comfortable. The 4Runner’s 57.8 inches front/57.8 inches rear feels cramped by comparison, partially because of a larger center console and bulky armrests.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Jeep Grand Cherokee models for sale near you
2024 Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner debuted in 1984 as a compact SUV based heavily on the Toyota Pickup. In five generations of production, the 4Runner evolved into a midsize SUV, even featuring an available third row of seating in some trims. 2024 marks the final year of the fifth-generation 4Runner, as an all-new 2025 version is on its way. The 2024 Toyota 4Runner comes in seven trim levels. The SR5, TRD Sport, SR5 Premium, and Limited trims have standard 4×2 with 4×4 available, while TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and TRD Pro models are 4×4 only. Pricing starts at $42,600, including a $1,395 delivery fee.
Toyota 4Runner Highlights
Body-on-frame: Since its pickup truck roots, the 4Runner has never shed its body-on-frame platform, a feature valued by committed off-roaders. The Jeep Grand Cherokee uses a frameless, unibody platform.
Power rear liftgate window: The rear window in the 4Runner’s liftgate slides up and down, a signature feature Toyota has maintained through generations. This function eases access to the cargo compartment and extends the load length of the bed – a feature beloved by carpenters and surfers alike. The Grand Cherokee’s liftgate window is fixed in place.
Vaunted resale and durability: Legend has it that the 4Runner is indestructible. Of course, that’s not true, but we’ve seen many examples with over 200,000 miles on the odometer still going strong. The resale market for used 4Runners has been strong for years.
Check this week’s Fair Purchase Price or see the Toyota 4Runner models for sale near you
Similarities
The Jeep Grand Cherokee and the Toyota 4Runner each project a confident air on- and off-road, and you can set both up to back up that attitude.
Conclusion
The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2024 Toyota 4Runner are both icons in their own right. They each have loyal fan bases and appeal to a wide set of buyers. The current Grand Cherokee and 4Runner generations proudly display the benefit of intelligent evolution. Choosing between them is a matter of budget and taste – you can’t go wrong.
Which one is right for you and your family? Take a test drive and decide.
| 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2024 Toyota 4Runner | |
| Starting Price | $38,290 | $42,600 |
| Popular Powertrains | ||
| Engine | 3.6-liter V6 | 4.0-liter V6 |
| Horsepower | 293 hp @ 6,400 rpm | 270 hp @ 5,600 rpm |
| Torque | 260 lb-ft @ 4,000 rpm | 278 lb-ft @ 4,400 rpm |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic with RWD | 5-speed automatic with RWD |
| Fuel Economy | 22 mpg (19 city/26 hwy) | 17 mpg (16 city/19 hwy) |
| Also Available | AWD, Plug-In Hybrid 4xe | AWD |
| Specs | ||
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/36,000 miles | 3 years/36,000 miles |
| Powertrain Warranty | 5 years/60,000 miles | 5 years/60,000 miles |
| NHTSA Overall Safety | 5 Stars | 4 Stars |
| Max Seating Capacity | 7 | 7 |
| Wheelbase | 116.7-inches | 109.8 inches |
| Overall Length | 193.5 inches | 190.7 inches |
| Width | 77.5 inches | 75.8 inches |
| Height | 70.8 inches | 71.5 inches |
| Turning Diameter | 38.0 feet | 37.4 feet |
| Headroom, Front | 39.9 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Headroom, Rear | 39.4 inches | 38.6 inches |
| Legroom, Front | 41.3 inches | 41.7 inches |
| Legroom, Rear | 38.2 inches | 32.9 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Front | 59.2 inches | 57.8 inches |
| Shoulder Room, Rear | 58.0 inches | 57.8 inches |
| EPA Cargo Volume | 37.7/70.8 cubic feet | 46.3/88.8 cubic feet |
