The Bronco blends vintage-inspired styling with serious off-road chops, and for 2026, Ford celebrates its heritage with a limited-production anniversary model. Toyota's 4Runner, meanwhile, carries over unchanged after a recent redesign. Find out which is the best off-road SUV to help you decide which one deserves a spot in your garage.
Key Takeaways:
- Ford celebrates the Bronco's 60th birthday with a new limited-production Anniversary Edition.
- The Bronco starts at a slightly lower price than the Toyota 4Runner and offers a wider range of trim levels.
- While both are highly capable off-road, the Bronco delivers more engine and transmission choices.
What's Different for the 2026 Ford Bronco and Toyota 4Runner?
The biggest Bronco news for 2026 is the arrival of a 60th Anniversary Edition. Based on the Outer Banks trim, it includes the Sasquatch Package, exclusive red-and-white exterior accents, special "60" badging, and vintage Bronco logos throughout the cabin. Aside from that special edition model, the rest of the lineup is unchanged. As of June 2026, Bronco trims are:
- Base: $42,490
- Big Bend: $42,990
- Black Diamond: $47,485
- Outer Banks: $50,085
- Badlands: $50,885
- Heritage Edition: $53,620
- 60th Anniversary Edition: $61,545
- Stroppe Edition: $71,990
Toyota doesn't make any changes to the 4Runner. Buyers will find the same trim lineup as before, with starting prices that come in a bit higher than the Bronco.
- SR5: $43,665
- TRD Sport: $50,145
- TRD Off-Road: $52,085
- TRD Sport Premium: $55,505
- TRD Off-Road Premium: $57,865
- Limited: $58,295
Ford makes tech easy by giving every Bronco the same 12-inch touchscreen with Sync 4 featuring Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with over-the-air software updates. Most trims include built-in nav, while higher trims upgrade the standard seven-speaker audio system.
The 4Runner starts with an 8-inch touchscreen, though many trims upgrade to a 14-inch display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard here too, as are multiple USB-C ports. Toyota also offers a digital key system that lets you unlock and start the SUV from your smartphone, along with an available wireless charging pad.
Tech
| 2026 Ford Bronco |
2026 Toyota 4Runner |
| 12-inch touchscreen across lineup |
Standard 8.0-inch touchscreen, optional 14.0-inch display |
| Ford Sync 4 system |
Toyota Audio Multimedia system |
| Over-the-air software updates |
Multiple USB-C ports and digital key system |
Bronco vs. 4Runner Engine Performance on and off the Pavement
Ford gives Bronco buyers more flexibility. The standard 2.3-liter turbocharged four-cylinder produces 275 horsepower on regular fuel or 300 ponies when filled with premium. Buyers can pair the engine with either a seven-speed manual or a 10-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive comes standard.
Drivers can easily switch into four-wheel drive for rough terrain before returning to two-wheel drive, once the pavement ends. Combined with independent front suspension and accurate steering, the Bronco feels surprisingly composed whether you're crawling over rocks or commuting through town.
Toyota has but one engine choice--a 278-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder paired with an eight-speed automatic. Rear-wheel drive comes standard, while available full-time four-wheel drive adds high- and low-range gearing. Depending on the trim, buyers can also equip features like a locking rear differential, disconnecting stabilizer bar, and crawl control for tougher trails.
Which SUV Comes Out Ahead: The 2025 Ford Bronco or Toyota 4Runner?
The Toyota 4Runner is certainly an excellent choice for buyers who want a capable SUV with proven off-road hardware, but the Bronco offers more variety. From its multiple powertrain choices to its wide selection of trims--including the eye-catching 60th Anniversary Edition--it gives shoppers more ways to tailor their SUV to their lifestyle. If you're ready to see it, contact us today at Banner Ford of Monroe!