2014 Wrangler Unlimited vs 4Runner

[KCcarguy]

Also should bring up that it depends on how specialized you want your truck to be. The jeep has a much wider selection of aftermarket parts. I've been a little frustrated at what is available for the 4runner. For example, there is only one (as of now, unproven) snorkel system available for the 4runner. So, if you want to do water crossings, you're stuck with one choice vs several selections from more well-known manufacturers for the jeep.

 

[JayceeP]

No regrets trading in my 2010 4-door for the 4Runner. I do miss taking the top and doors off but, aside from the low headroom due to the sunroof, I love my 4Runner.

 

[Jeremy556]

I have new DuraTrac tires and some added armor on the Toyota. The Toyota handles the trails rated 1-3 easily. I just got drove a 4 rated trail this week in my Toyota in Moab & it succeeded; but there was too much banging, dragging and had 1 wheel in the air occasionally. I'll need more armor, a winch & more to continue driving the 4 rated trails.

I have no problems running 5-7 rated trails with 33"s and skid plates :noidea:

 

[JB.]

You must be referring to a different off-road scale.

On a Colorado 10 point scale (from the Adventure books), I can run 5-7 point trails (with great care) in my nearly stock 4th gen, but I've seen some of the stuff you run that I wouldn't touch so I'm curious what scale you are referring to? [MENTION=78273]Jeremy556[/MENTION]

Maybe my assumption is wrong that the book 10 scale and this 10 point scale are the same.

Or maybe it's simply the difference between extreme care and no problem.

 

[Jeremy556]

You must be referring to a different off-road scale.

On a Colorado 10 point scale (from the Adventure books), I can run 5-7 point trails (with great care) in my nearly stock 4th gen, but I've seen some of the stuff you run that I wouldn't touch so I'm curious what scale you are referring to? [MENTION=78273]Jeremy556[/MENTION]

Maybe my assumption is wrong that the book 10 scale and this 10 point scale are the same.

Or maybe it's simply the difference between extreme care and no problem.

I'm going by Traildamage's scale, as that seems to be the most consistent I have seen, and I'm trying to be conservative by going by the lowest rating of the trail, even if taking all of the obstacles.

Trail ratings are very subjective and conditions are always changing. I have had my ass kicked on "moderate" trails, and sailed through "most difficult" trails.

As far as dirtopia's scale, rocks, shelves, width, and grades they consider an 8, I have seen plenty of on Traildamage's 3-4s. As an example, I am going to steal an image from Snooperstyle, which I am pretty sure I recognize from Top of the World trail, which traildamage rates as a 3-4. I think their rating is a bit low for this trail. On the other side of the "loop" at the end of Top of the World, there are much bigger shelves and rock drop offs.

 

[STX4Runner]

^^^Yeah, that's Top of the World. I ran that last year (as well as Red Cone and Radical Hill in Colorado) with less than 2" inches of lift, stock size BFG All Terrains and rocksliders. These vehicles are very capable even mildly modded. Check out some of [MENTION=77684]WarnerD9[/MENTION]'s photos as well as [MENTION=78273]Jeremy556[/MENTION]'s too.

 

[DBA2GO]

[QUOTE=DBA2GO;1660044]I live in South Western Utah & often go to Moab. I have both a 2008 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited (4 door) Rubicon & a 2013 Toyota TE 4Runner.

Very good comparison of the two platforms. :thumb3:
The 4R is definitely not a crawler. However, given the type of off-roading you seem to do a lot, why did you choose the 4Dr JKUR?[/QUOTE]

First, I like the wheelbase > 110" (more confidence factor); but, most importantly, I sometimes have 3+ passengers Including my 89 year old mother-in-law. Plus, I can't get all of the gear I carry in the 2 door. 2 door = way more cool & much better break-over angle. 4 door = only way to go for me.

 

[DBA2GO]

No regrets trading in my 2010 4-door for the 4Runner. I do miss taking the top and doors off but, aside from the low headroom due to the sunroof, I love my 4Runner.

Yeah, I'd like a little better headroom too. I love both the Jeep & the Toyota.

 

[DBA2GO]

I have no problems running 5-7 rated trails with 33"s and skid plates :noidea:

The armor that I have added so far is just a pair of rock-rails. I'll have to step up to a full set of skids too.

I should have said in my post, I'll be still doing the 1-5 rated trails in my 4Runner. I'm keeping the stock sized wheels for now.

 

[DBA2GO]

You must be referring to a different off-road scale.

On a Colorado 10 point scale (from the Adventure books), I can run 5-7 point trails (with great care) in my nearly stock 4th gen, but I've seen some of the stuff you run that I wouldn't touch so I'm curious what scale you are referring to? [MENTION=78273]Jeremy556[/MENTION]

Maybe my assumption is wrong that the book 10 scale and this 10 point scale are the same.

Or maybe it's simply the difference between extreme care and no problem.

I'm just referring to the Moab EJS 10 scale. I should have said in my first post that I'll continue running 1-5 trails in my 4Runner. I do need skids though to continue to do those; and a winch for self recovery.

Like you said: I'm more of a cautious trail runner. I drive the trails with the plan of driving that same vehicle 330 miles to my home. So, some drivers will do a specific obstacle "no matter what." I'll pass if I'm not sure I can do it safely.

 

[JAD]

I have an 04 TJ Rubicon that I bought new. Immediately built it for off roading (full body armor, 3" of lift, 33's, and a winch). It was a daily driver for 4 years before my son started driving it daily to school. It has almost 90,000 miles on it now. It has been driven from STL to Moab twice and trailered another 4-5 times. It has been wheeled most of the mountain states and midwest. Scared myself many a time on some hellacious stuff and it has never let me down or dumped me. I'll never sell it.

Just bought an 2014 TE with the premium package. Why? because I wanted to still run a trail, climb a rock, swim a stream. Probably won't build it much. Certainly don't intend to abuse it like my Rubi (red of course). In fact, I presently am planning a trip to Moab/Colorado for August. My son and I will both be driving 4Runners (his is a 99 LTD). No trailer queens.

I really love both my vehicles. Body on frame kind of guy. They are two different animals. But you can't get it all in one vehicle.

 

[simplemind]

[/SIZE]

Very good comparison of the two platforms. :thumb3:
The 4R is definitely not a crawler. However, given the type of off-roading you seem to do a lot, why did you choose the 4Dr JKUR?

First, I like the wheelbase > 110" (more confidence factor); but, most importantly, I sometimes have 3+ passengers Including my 89 year old mother-in-law. Plus, I can't get all of the gear I carry in the 2 door. 2 door = way more cool & much better break-over angle. 4 door = only way to go for me.

Kinda figured there were more peeps involved for that decision (4dr), usually is.
I'm considering a JKR to protect the 4R, and thinking of going for a 2dr, since the western slope of the San Juan's has so many tight switchback trails that my 4R wheelbase can't negotiate w/o backing up (which terrifies the wife). Also I don't "need" the extra space of a JKU. Think my logic is askew? What is confidence uninspiring about a JKR?

 

[DBA2GO]

Kinda figured there were more peeps involved for that decision (4dr), usually is.
I'm considering a JKR to protect the 4R, and thinking of going for a 2dr, since the western slope of the San Juan's has so many tight switchback trails that my 4R wheelbase can't negotiate w/o backing up (which terrifies the wife). Also I don't "need" the extra space of a JKU. Think my logic is askew? What is confidence uninspiring about a JKR?

I just like the longer wheelbase when going up or down very steep trails. I put up with the longer turning radius. I know lots of folks who like the 96" wheelbase of the 2 door. That's the "real" Jeep you know! In addition to tighter turns, it has a much better break-over angle.

Additional point for 2 door Jeep: the Jeep 4 door has a 20.6 turning radius where the 4Runner has an 18.7 T.R. So, if you don't like the T.R. for the 4Runner, you really wouldn't like the T.R. for a 4 door Jeep.

 

[RubiconSS]

Funny. I posted in this thread back in March I believe.... just sold my 2012 4runner Limited and got a 2014 Jeep Unlimited.
As I said before, Love both Toyotas and Jeeps, just had the itch again.
The 4runner Limited was Loaded and a wonderful vehicle.
53 years old and drive about 75 miles highway every day.... loving the top off, doors off.
If I get bored I just take everything off. Like driving a Transformer
Still love my 4runner, if I wasn't a "one rig" kinda guy - I would have them both (along with a Camaro) and have it covered. Sold my CamaroSS a little while back.
Not enough garage room.
So, anyway Cheers to great rigs the Fun they give and those who love them, Cheers!

 

[DigableKid]

I can't explain it but even in it's near stock form, the Runner gives me a sense of pride when I drive it. No other truck has done that for me.

 

[RubiconSS]

Both the Jeep Wrangler and the T4Runner are iconic vehicles IMO. Should be proud of owning and driving your 4runner.

 

[fattire]

Great discussion here. I took my totally stock 2012 off-road for the first time last weekend. There were a ton of Jeeps there as can be expected. I have an immense amount of respect for the capabilities of both vehicles!

My wife wants an Unlimited and we hope to be in the position to have both the T4R and the Unlimited for a long time.

 

[My 4R & I]

Hi there,
New in T4R.org. Found this thread specially sf jakey's post so helpful as I'm thinking over 2015 4RT and WRU to buy one (only one!).
Took both for the short drive tests last week. My opinion as a mid off-roader and camper and also a FJC driver with no practical experience on any JW is,
WRU
Very lovely exterior and good looking.
Nice stock tire (BFG MT).
Uncomfortable seats (rear row is also tight for adult).
Also the driver room is a bit small and tight - to access the seat adjusting handles, had to open the door!
Stiff Steering - the dealer says because of the MT tires but I don't think as my FJC is so smooth with the Copper ST Max.
When changing from Tiptronic to D, the engine stopped/held for a 2-3 seconds and then accelerated! very strange for me.
No smooth driving feeling.
Acceleration is also disappointing to compare with similar class rigs.
Reliability?? - Read some threads in the net and also JW forums about the oil leakage of 2014 engine, bending the axles after a short jump on dune and ...!
No idea about off-raoding (maybe renting a JW for that)
No idea about open top roof on the highway - of course should be fun in streets and off road (if you are the first car in the line on dusty roads!!).

4RT
Driving and handling like FJC (I love it).
Nice roomy interior - front, rear seats/row and also cargo.
Also some room under the hood to add some accessories such as backup battery, air compressor and ...
Very ugly front face and bumper - hope to see more after market bumpers for 2014/15 4R in the near future.
Very crazy tire - the dealer says most people use 4R on the road! I agree may be for SR5 and Limited BUT this is 4RT (trail edition) with many off road options!! I can not understand Toyota in this case. Same as FJC trail edition this one should also come with BF AT. How care?
It was better if cargo slider comes as an option - I'll put it away as the custom drawer and fridge slider will come in.
Electric rear window is a lovely feature in all 4Rs - My dog and I would be so happy with that!
Backup camera is also a good feature - not available in JW.
The lack of more color variety - Jeep offers a nice list of colors for all tastes.
Reliability - see my signature.

I see my review is not in very off-road concept. These are my primary opinions after only two 30-minute test drives.

 

[PROFILER]

I seriously considered both when looking to purchase a new vehicle. I don’t think you will go wrong with either. For me it came down to a few things.

1. I kayak fish a lot and use the roof rack a couple times a week. I know you can get all types of modifications for the jeep like exterior shell roof racks to handle more weight but it was a matter of convenience for me for applying 2 simple cross bars on the 4runner and going.

2. Again the “roof”. I know it’s a big factor that a lot of people like to take the tops off on the jeeps which is a great feature but not one that I would use. This also affected my decision because while it’s a great feature if you’re going to use it I felt it made the ride louder in the jeep when using as a daily driver. My neighbor has one and its one of the first things I noticed when he let me take it for a few days to try out.

3. While this may just be in my head but it seems like every other car out on the road is a jeep which is great for the Jeep brand but I hate following the crowd and having the same thing as everyone else.

4. Reliability. Again any vehicle can be a lemon but as far as “brands” go from everything I’ve read in magazines, the web, and word of mouth it appears that Toyota as a brand is generally more reliable. My neighbor is on his 3rd jeep and he loves them but this last one he bought (2014) he’s had in the shop 5 times in the last 7 months and although he’s complained a bunch about this generation of jeep he still says he loves it because he’s a “jeep guy”…. To each their own.

5. While I do a bunch of off road trails to get to my fishing, mtn biking, hiking, and xc ski spots I myself have no plans to rock climb and push either vehicle passed the breaking point. I couldn’t justify the need for a Rubicon for my personal use. While I will do my share of off road 75% of my driving is local commute and the ride was much better in the 4runner.

I’m sure no matter which you chose you’ll be happy with.

 

[heygenius]

I'm another one that has both a Wrangler and a 4R. I'm surprised to see how many of us are out there! Like most, I love my Wrangler - modded out it's just cool and fun, but I would never get rid of my 4Runner. If I could only have one, it'd be the 4R hands down. As for the Jeep, it's noisy, it handles like crap, it rides like crap, it's underpowered, gets horrible mpg and has the aerodynamics of a brick. That said, nothing beats having the top down, doors off, cruising down the beach...