Compare the2026 Toyota 4Runner VS 2026 Ford Bronco Sport

The Toyota 4Runner has standard driver and front passenger side knee airbags mounted low on the dashboard. These airbags help prevent the driver and front passenger from sliding under their seatbelts or the main frontal airbags; this keeps them better positioned during a collision for maximum protection. Knee airbags also help keep the legs from striking the dashboard, preventing knee and leg injuries in the case of a serious frontal collision. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer a front passenger side knee airbag.

In a Vehicle-to-Vehicle Frontal Crash Prevention 2.0 test conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), the Toyota 4Runner achieved a “Good” rating - the highest possible - in forward collision warning and automatic braking systems, outperforming the Ford Bronco Sport, which scored only an “Acceptable” in these critical safety features.

The Toyota 4Runner comes with a standard Panoramic View/Multi-Terrain Monitor and it also offers an optional rear camera washer to make backing always safe, regardless of road dirt or grime, while the Ford Bronco Sport doesn’t offer a camera washer, requiring manual cleaning.

Both the 4Runner and the Bronco Sport have standard driver and passenger frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, driver knee airbags, side-impact head airbags, front and rear seatbelt pretensioners, height adjustable front shoulder belts, four-wheel antilock brakes, traction control, electronic stability systems to prevent skidding, crash mitigating brakes, post-collision automatic braking systems, daytime running lights, lane departure warning systems, blind spot warning systems, rearview cameras, rear cross-path warning, driver alert monitors, available four-wheel drive and around view monitors.

The Toyota 4Runner weighs 606 to 2042 pounds more than the Ford Bronco Sport. The NHTSA advises that heavier vehicles are much safer in collisions than their significantly lighter counterparts.

Side impacts caused 23% of all road fatalities in 2018, down from 29% in 2003, when the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety introduced its side barrier test. In order to continue improving vehicle safety, the IIHS has started using a more severe side impact test: 37 MPH (up from 31 MPH), with a 4189-pound barrier (up from 3300 pounds). The results of this newly developed test demonstrates that the Toyota 4Runner is safer than the Bronco Sport:

	4Runner	Bronco Sport
Overall Evaluation	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Structure	GOOD	GOOD
	Driver Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	30	184
Neck Tension	89 lbs.	335 lbs.
Neck Compression	45 lbs.	67 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.43 in	.98 in
Shoulder Force	178 lbs.	223 lbs.
Torso Max Deflection	.79 in	1.42 in
Torso Deflection Rate	5 MPH	5 MPH
Pelvis	GOOD	POOR
Pelvis Force	446 lbs.	1383 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD
	Passenger Injury Measures
Head/Neck	GOOD	GOOD
Head Injury Criterion	51	142
Neck Tension	67 lbs.	178 lbs.
Torso	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Shoulder Deflection	.67 in	1.77 in
Torso Max Deflection	.94 in	1.34 in
Pelvis	GOOD	ACCEPTABLE
Pelvis Force	424 lbs.	1093 lbs.
Head Protection	GOOD	GOOD

Toyota pays for scheduled maintenance on the 4Runner for 2 years and 25000 miles. Toyota will pay for oil changes, tire rotations, air filter replacements, cabin filter replacement, brake fluid replacement, inspections, and any other required maintenance. Ford doesn’t pay scheduled maintenance for the Bronco Sport.

A hardened steel chain, with no maintenance needs, drives the camshafts in the 4Runner’s engine. A rubber cam drive belt that needs periodic replacement drives the Bronco Sport’s camshafts. If the Bronco Sport’s belt breaks, the engine could be severely damaged when the pistons hit the opened valves.

To reliably start during all conditions and help handle large electrical loads, the 4Runner has a standard 776-amp battery. The Bronco Sport’s 760-amp battery isn’t as powerful.

A reliable vehicle saves its owner time, money and trouble. Nobody wants to be stranded or have to be without a vehicle while it’s being repaired. Consumer Reports rates the 4Runner’s reliability 30 points higher than the Bronco Sport.

J.D. Power and Associates’ 2025 survey of the owners of three-year-old vehicles provides the statistics that show that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. J.D. Power ranks Toyota fourth in reliability, above the industry average. With 46 more problems per 100 vehicles, Ford is ranked 13th.

From surveys of all its subscribers, Consumer Reports’ March 2026 Auto Issue reports that Toyota vehicles are more reliable than Ford vehicles. Consumer Reports ranks Toyota first in overall reliability. Ford is ranked 11th.

The 4Runner has more powerful engines than the Bronco Sport:

	Horsepower	Torque
4Runner 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder	278 HP	317 lbs.-ft.
4Runner Trailhunter 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	323 HP	465 lbs.-ft.
4Runner 2.4 turbo 4-cylinder hybrid	326 HP	465 lbs.-ft.
Bronco Sport 1.5 turbo 3-cylinder	180 HP	200 lbs.-ft.
Bronco Sport Badlands 2.0 turbo 4-cylinder	250 HP	280 lbs.-ft.

As tested in Motor Trend the Toyota 4Runner turbo 4 cyl. is faster than the Ford Bronco Sport turbo 3 cyl.:

	4Runner	Bronco Sport
Zero to 30 MPH	2.6 sec	2.8 sec
Zero to 60 MPH	7.3 sec	9.2 sec
Zero to 80 MPH	11.9 sec	16.5 sec
Passing 45 to 65 MPH	3.6 sec	5.3 sec
Quarter Mile	15.6 sec	16.8 sec
Speed in 1/4 Mile	91.3 MPH	80.8 MPH

Regenerative brakes improve the 4Runner i-FORCE MAX’s fuel efficiency by converting inertia back into energy instead of wasting it. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer a regenerative braking system.

To lower fuel costs and make buying fuel easier, the Toyota 4Runner uses regular unleaded gasoline. The Bronco Sport Badlands requires premium for maximum efficiency, which can cost on average about 84.9 cents more per gallon.

The 4Runner has 3 gallons more fuel capacity than the Bronco Sport (19 vs. 16 gallons), for longer range between fill-ups.

The 4Runner has a standard locking fuel door with a power remote release convenient to the driver. The fuel filler door is not lockable on the Bronco Sport. A locking fuel door helps prevent fuel theft and vandalism, such as sugar in the tank.

In its Green Vehicle Guide, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) rates the Toyota 4Runner higher (6 out of 10) than the Ford Bronco Sport (5 to 6). This means the 4Runner produces up to 6.9 pounds less smog-producing pollutants than the Bronco Sport every 15,000 miles.

For better stopping power the 4Runner’s brake rotors are larger than those on the Bronco Sport:

	4Runner	Bronco Sport
Front Rotors	13.4 inches	12.1 inches
Rear Rotors	13.2 inches	11.9 inches

The 4Runner’s standard front and rear disc brakes are vented to help dissipate heat for shorter stops with less fading. The rear discs on the Bronco Sport are solid, not vented.

The 4Runner stops much shorter than the Bronco Sport:

	4Runner	Bronco Sport
70 to 0 MPH	170 feet	172 feet	Car and Driver
60 to 0 MPH	117 feet	129 feet	Motor Trend

For better traction, the 4Runner has larger standard tires than the Bronco Sport (245/70R17 vs. 225/65R17). The 4Runner TRD Sport/Limited/Platinum’s tires are larger than the largest tires available on the Bronco Sport (265/55R20 vs. 235/65R17).

The 4Runner TRD Sport/Limited/Platinum’s tires provide better handling because they have a lower 55 series profile (height to width ratio) that provides a stiffer sidewall than the Bronco Sport’s optional 60 series tires.

For better ride, handling and brake cooling the 4Runner TRD Sport/Limited/Platinum has standard 20-inch wheels. The Bronco Sport’s largest wheels are only 18-inches.

The Toyota 4Runner’s wheels have 6 lugs for longer wheel bearing life, less chance of rotor warping and greater strength. The Ford Bronco Sport only has 5 wheel lugs per wheel.

The 4Runner has a standard full size spare so a flat doesn’t interrupt your trip. A full size spare costs extra on the Bronco Sport. Without the option you must depend on roadside assistance and your vehicle will have to be towed.

The 4Runner offers an active front sway bar, which helps keep it flat and controlled during cornering, but disconnects at lower speeds to smooth the ride and offer greater off-road suspension articulation. This helps keep the tires glued to the road on-road and off. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer an active sway bar system.

The 4Runner offers an available driver-adjustable suspension system. It allows the driver to choose between an extra-supple ride, reducing fatigue on long trips, or a sport setting, which allows maximum control for tricky roads or off-road. The Bronco Sport’s suspension doesn’t offer adjustable shock absorbers.

For a smoother ride and more stable handling, the 4Runner’s wheelbase is 7.2 inches longer than on the Bronco Sport (112.2 inches vs. 105 inches).

For better handling and stability, the average track (width between the wheels) on the 4Runner is 2.9 inches wider in the front and 3.5 inches wider in the rear than the average track on the Bronco Sport.

The 4Runner’s front to rear weight distribution is more even (49.4% to 50.6%) than the Bronco Sport’s (57% to 43%). This gives the 4Runner more stable handling and braking.

The 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium executes Motor Trend’s “Figure Eight” maneuver quicker than the Bronco Sport Outer Banks (28 seconds @ .6 average G’s vs. 28.6 seconds @ .56 average G’s).

For greater off-road capability the 4Runner SR5 has a greater minimum ground clearance than the Bronco Sport Base/Big Bend (8.1 vs. 7.8 inches), allowing the 4Runner to travel over rougher terrain without being stopped or damaged. The 4Runner Trailhunter/TRD Pro’s minimum ground clearance is 1.3 inches higher than on the Bronco Sport (10.1 vs. 8.8 inches).

For excellent aerodynamics, the 4Runner has standard flush composite headlights. The Bronco Sport has recessed headlights that spoil its aerodynamic shape and create extra drag.

The 4Runner offers optional seating for 7 passengers; the Bronco Sport can only carry 5.

The 4Runner has 30.4 cubic feet more passenger volume than the Bronco Sport (136 vs. 105.6).

The 4Runner has .7 inches more front shoulder room, 2.7 inches more rear hip room and 2.2 inches more rear shoulder room than the Bronco Sport.

For enhanced passenger comfort on long trips the 4Runner’s middle and third row seats recline. The Bronco Sport’s rear seats don’t recline.

The 4Runner’s cargo area provides more volume than the Bronco Sport.

	4Runner	Bronco Sport
Third Seat Folded	44.8 cubic feet	n/a
Third Seat Removed	48.4 cubic feet	32.5 cubic feet
Second Seat Folded	84.4 cubic feet	65.2 cubic feet

To make loading and unloading groceries and cargo easier when your hands are full, the 4Runner Premium/Limited/platinum/Trailhunter/TRD Pro’s power liftgate can be opened or closed just by kicking your foot under the back bumper, leaving your hands completely free. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer a power or hands-free opening liftgate.

The 4Runner’s standard towing capacity is much higher than the Bronco Sport’s (6000 vs. 2200 pounds).

A Trailer Sway Control (TSC) is standard on the 4Runner, using the Enhanced Vehicle Stability Control sensors to detect trailer sway, then uses individual brakes to counteract any swaying and help keep the tow vehicle and trailer steady. A trailer sway program costs extra on the Bronco Sport.

The engine in the 4Runner is mounted longitudinally (North-South), instead of sideways, as in the Bronco Sport. This makes it easier to service and maintain, because the accessory belts are in front.

The 4Runner Premium/Limited/Trailhunter/TRD Pro/Platinum’s standard easy entry system raises the steering wheel and glides the driver’s seat back when the door is unlocked or the ignition is switched off, making it easier for the driver to get in and out. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer an easy entry system.

The 4Runner’s instruments include an oil pressure gauge and a temperature gauge - which could save your engine! Often ‘idiot lights’ don’t warn you until damage has been done. The Bronco Sport does not have an oil pressure gauge.

The 4Runner Platinum has a standard heads-up display that projects speed in front of the driver’s line of sight, allowing drivers to view information without diverting their eyes from the road. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer a heads-up display.

The 4Runner’s front and rear power windows all open or close fully with one touch of the switches, making it more convenient at drive-up windows and toll booths, or when talking with someone outside the car. The Bronco Sport’s standard power window switches have to be held the entire time to close them fully. Only its driver’s window opens automatically. With the Bronco Sport Outer Banks/Badlands’ power windows, only the front windows open or close automatically.

The 4Runner Platinum’s standard wipers adjust their speed and turn on and off automatically according to the amount of rainfall on the windshield. The Bronco Sport’s intermittent wipers change speed with vehicle speed but can’t turn on and off or change speed based on changing rainfall.

When the 4Runner Limited/Trailhunter/TRD Pro/Platinum is put in reverse, both rearview mirrors tilt from their original position. This gives the driver a better view of the curb during parallel parking maneuvers. Shifting out of reverse puts the mirrors into their original positions. The Bronco Sport’s mirrors don’t automatically adjust for backing.

Both the Toyota 4Runner and Ford Bronco Sport offer exterior mirrors that can be folded to provide convenience. The 4Runner offers available power folding mirrors, which allow for easy, one-touch folding or unfolding at the driver’s discretion. This provides added convenience when maneuvering or parking, as well as when walking past the parked vehicle. In comparison, the Bronco Sport’s foldable mirrors are manual, requiring the driver to get out and physically fold them once parked and unfold them before getting in.

Both the 4Runner and the Bronco Sport offer available heated front seats. The 4Runner Platinum also has standard heated second row seats to keep those passengers extremely comfortable in the winter. Heated rear seats aren’t available in the Bronco Sport.

Standard air-conditioned seats in the 4Runner Premium/Limited/Platinum/Trailhunter/TRD Pro keep the driver and front passenger comfortable and take the sting out of hot seats in Summer. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer air-conditioned seats.

Compared to the Ford Bronco Sport, the Toyota 4Runner Premium/Limited/Platinum/Trailhunter/TRD Pro eliminates the need for separate garage door openers and associated risks of losing, breaking, or having dead batteries with its standard integrated Homelink® universal remote controlled from the rear view mirror.

To quickly and conveniently keep personal devices charged without cables tangling and wearing out, the Toyota 4Runner TRD/Limited/Platinum/Trailhunter has a standard wireless phone charging system (Qi) in the front center console. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer wireless personal charging.

The 4Runner is available in both rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive configurations. The Bronco Sport doesn’t offer a two-wheel drive configuration.

According to iSeeCars.com the 2026 Toyota 4Runner retains 69.9% of its original value after 5 years, significantly more than the 48.91% resale value of the 2026 Ford Bronco Sport after five years, which can save the Toyota’s owner up to $3564 in depreciation.

Consumer Reports® recommends both the Toyota 4Runner and the Ford Bronco Sport, based on reliability, safety and performance.