forwheeler
New member
Hi all - new here. I'm going to buy an SUV soon and wanted some opinions from current owners. I'm trying to decide between the Grand Cherokee Overland (2014) and the 4Runner Limited. They seem to be about the same price out the door and pretty similar in terms of capability (stock). The GC is more of a luxury car, while the 4Runner seems a little more dependable and rugged.
A little about what I will use the SUV for:
- I spend 10% of the time offroad, but nothing too crazy, mostly just getting to trailheads, lakes or rivers to go hiking, biking, skiing or fishing. I live in Colorado, if that matters. I mostly just don't want to get stuck in the backroads.
- 90% on road, but mostly just going a few miles in my town, to work or the store. No long commute. The occasional winter trip on a snow covered highway to go resort skiing.
- I have a dog who I think will love the rear window in the 4R, and a kid (which is one reason I want the limited -- leather is easier to clean).
- I don't tow anything now, but would like the ability to tow a camper in the future. Less than 5,000 pounds.
- Traction in the snow is important for those ski trips and just getting around in the winter.
A few specific questions:
- I know the 4R is body on frame and the GC is not. But I thought that would mean the 4R could tow more, but it can't (according to the specs). Why is that? Any other real world benefits of body on frame? I know its "stronger" and "tougher", but what does that mean in terms of real world benefits?
- I have heard a ton of great things about the Quadra-Drive 4WD system on the GC. I also have heard that the 4R is a great off-road truck, even in stock form. How does the 4R's 4WD system compare to the Quadra-Drive? Has anyone driven both of them in the snow or off-road? Are they "about the same" or does one have a clear advantage (remember, I'm thinking about the limited, full-time AWD version)?
- I live in the mountains and the 5 speed auto in the 4R seems like it might leave me wanting for more gears (the GC has 8). Right now I have a car with 7 gears and over 300 hp. How does the 4R do in the mountains with only 5 gears? Is it enough power to tow a camper up a mountain?
- Why don't all SUVs have that back window that can roll down like the 4R? That thing is awesome. That might be the deciding factor for me. Do most 4R owners use it a lot, or do you forget about it after a week of ownership?
- If I go with the 4R, I'll probably get the 3rd row seat just for the occasional situation. How tight is it back there? Can an average size adult fit back there for a short 10 minute ride across town?
I'm interested in any other thoughts you might have regarding a 4Runner vs. Grand Cherokee. I assume most people here are bias towards the 4R, but I'm still interested in your thoughts. Thanks.
A little about what I will use the SUV for:
- I spend 10% of the time offroad, but nothing too crazy, mostly just getting to trailheads, lakes or rivers to go hiking, biking, skiing or fishing. I live in Colorado, if that matters. I mostly just don't want to get stuck in the backroads.
- 90% on road, but mostly just going a few miles in my town, to work or the store. No long commute. The occasional winter trip on a snow covered highway to go resort skiing.
- I have a dog who I think will love the rear window in the 4R, and a kid (which is one reason I want the limited -- leather is easier to clean).
- I don't tow anything now, but would like the ability to tow a camper in the future. Less than 5,000 pounds.
- Traction in the snow is important for those ski trips and just getting around in the winter.
A few specific questions:
- I know the 4R is body on frame and the GC is not. But I thought that would mean the 4R could tow more, but it can't (according to the specs). Why is that? Any other real world benefits of body on frame? I know its "stronger" and "tougher", but what does that mean in terms of real world benefits?
- I have heard a ton of great things about the Quadra-Drive 4WD system on the GC. I also have heard that the 4R is a great off-road truck, even in stock form. How does the 4R's 4WD system compare to the Quadra-Drive? Has anyone driven both of them in the snow or off-road? Are they "about the same" or does one have a clear advantage (remember, I'm thinking about the limited, full-time AWD version)?
- I live in the mountains and the 5 speed auto in the 4R seems like it might leave me wanting for more gears (the GC has 8). Right now I have a car with 7 gears and over 300 hp. How does the 4R do in the mountains with only 5 gears? Is it enough power to tow a camper up a mountain?
- Why don't all SUVs have that back window that can roll down like the 4R? That thing is awesome. That might be the deciding factor for me. Do most 4R owners use it a lot, or do you forget about it after a week of ownership?
- If I go with the 4R, I'll probably get the 3rd row seat just for the occasional situation. How tight is it back there? Can an average size adult fit back there for a short 10 minute ride across town?
I'm interested in any other thoughts you might have regarding a 4Runner vs. Grand Cherokee. I assume most people here are bias towards the 4R, but I'm still interested in your thoughts. Thanks.
