The Ford Bronco mixes its vintage vibe with serious off-road muscle, and even pays homage to its past with a new legacy-inspired trim. But it has some stiff competition in the Toyota 4Runner? Let's break down their features below in this 2026 Ford Bronco vs Toyota 4Runner comparison.
Key Takeaways
- Ford adds a 60th Anniversary edition to the Bronco lineup for '26.
- As of May 14, 2026, the Bronco offers a wide range of pricing options, from $42,490 to $71,990. The 4 Runner starts a little higher.
- For this year, the 4Runner has no new changes.
What Are the Bronco and 4Runner Changes for 2026?
2026 Bronco updates center around a 60th Anniversary model that Ford adds to the lineup. Built on the bones of the Outer Banks trim, it adds a Sasquatch package and old-school red-and-white paint. The small details--"60" badges and bucking bronco logos in and around the cabin-- make this vintage-styled Bronco a must for collectors.
Ford offers the Bronco at a price nearly every buyer can meet. They 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
There are no new changes to the 4Runner for '26. Its trims are:
- 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
Bronco vs. 4Runner: Modern Tech Marvels
The Bronco features a standard 12-inch touchscreen across the board with Ford's Sync 4 software, wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and over-the-air updates. That's right, this system allows you to refresh software from anywhere.
Lower trims on the 4Runner feature a standard 8.0-inch touchscreen, though a larger 14.0-inch display is available. You get wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plenty of USB-C ports around the cabin, and a digital key system that turns your phone into a remote for locking and starting your SUV. There's also an available wireless charging pad.
Tech Features
| 2026 Ford Bronco |
2026 Toyota 4Runner |
| Standard 12-inch touchscreen across the board |
Standard 8.0-inch touchscreen with optional 14.0-inch display |
| Ford Sync 4 system |
Toyota Audio Multimedia system |
| Over-the-air software updates |
Multiple USB-C ports, and a remote digital key system |
Bronco and 4 Runner Powertrains and Off-Roading Prowess
The 2026 Bronco gets its power from a turbocharged 2.3-liter four-cylinder engine generating 275 horsepower on regular gas; with premium, you'll get 300 ponies and 325 lb-ft. A 7-speed manual and a 10-speed automatic are available, and rear-wheel drive comes standard.
The Bronco has serious trail credentials. You can manually engage its four-wheel-drive system when the going gets rough and disengage once you're back on asphalt. An independent front suspension and well-tuned steering round things out, keeping the drive composed whether you're on a dirt path or a daily commute.
The 4Runner takes a similar approach, as it pairs a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with an eight-speed automatic for 278 horsepower. Rear-wheel drive is also standard here, but an available full-time four-wheel-drive system adds a two-speed transfer case with both high and low ranges. Off-road capability gets a bigger boost from optional locking rear differentials, disconnecting stabilizer bars, and a terrain-specific crawl control system.
Which Trail-Ready SUV Will You Take Home?
Whether you're drawn to the accessible entry-level trims or the limited-run 60th Anniversary Edition, the Bronco offers a personality and feature set that's tough for the 4Runner to match. Reach out to Karl Flammer today to see it in person!