Wrangler 4xe vs Toyota 4Runner Hybrid: Which SUV Survives Misquamicut Sand And Still Drives To Work On Monday

Beach access around Westerly can get rutted, deep, and soft. You want grip in sand, ground clearance, and control at low speed. You also need to drive that same SUV to work on Route 1 the next morning. Two rigs jump out right now: the Jeep Wrangler 4xe and the new 2025 Toyota 4Runner i-FORCE MAX hybrid.

Power and torque hit

The Wrangler 4xe plug in hybrid delivers 375 horsepower and 470 lb-ft of torque from its turbo 2.0L engine and electric motors. Source Source It can also run in EV mode for about 21 miles and has an estimated total range around 370 miles. Source Source

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner i-FORCE MAX hybrid makes up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque from a 2.4L turbo engine plus electric assist. Source Source That is a huge jump over the old V6 4Runner used to run. More torque at low rpm means less digging and less wheelspin in deep sand.

Trail and beach hardware

Wrangler 4xe is still a Wrangler at heart. Solid axles. Real low range. Water fording up to 31.5 inches. Source You can also pull the doors and roof panels for open air fishing runs, or go with special Willys 41 style looks in 2025 that nod to Jeep's military roots with 33 inch tires and steel bumpers. Source

The 2025 4Runner rides on the same basic body on frame bones as the Tacoma pickup, now with modern suspension and available off road packages like the Trailhunter trim. Toyota says the 4Runner hybrid setup can tow up to 6,000 pounds and brings 33 inch tires, trail cameras, and even onboard air on some builds. Source Source

 

Daily life test

Wrangler 4xe rides better than the old Wranglers but it is still upright and honest. It feels like a trail rig, because it is. Source

The all new 4Runner finally got a modern interior after years of being old school. Toyota added a 14 inch touch screen, digital gauges, safety tech, and even kept the classic roll down rear glass in back. Source Source

The verdict for Westerly

  • Go Wrangler 4xe if you want max open air feel and EV torque for slow crawl control in deep sand by the jetty.
  • Go 4Runner Hybrid if you want Toyota comfort, a fresh cabin, and body on frame toughness with serious hybrid torque.

Both can survive Misquamicut. The question is how wild you want it to look when you pull into the parking lot Monday morning.