2014 Wrangler Unlimited vs 4Runner
- Thread starter sf jakey
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Bevo
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:hello:
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Orangutan
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Hello, I have a 2014 JKU with an AEV 2.5 lift and 35"'s. Just like you, I owned prior Jeeps, starting with an 82 Scrambler CJ-8 and running through every model change since then (YJ, TJ, JK). This is my first longer wheelbase JK Unlimited, and even lifted, she has a much improved ride over the traditional 2 door shorter wheelbase Jeeps. Now, my 4Runner, not my 2001, but my TE with KDSS is smooth, much refined also, and as you know, with all the windows down and sun roof back, she is not much different then a Jeep running a safari top. Still, the 5th Gen. 4Runner edges out the JKU on highway rides, not as aerodynamic as a brick lol.
KidVermicious
New member
Butthurt jeepers are funny.
No hurt feelings here, I have already said it I think we have the best of both worlds now that we have the 4Runner and the Jeep. I believe in using a vehicle for its intended purpose but if I didn't I might not have the jeep since its not the best daily driver. I do stand by my comment that the Grand Cherokee is probably a more comparable vehicle to the runner since we considered one before buying runner. The comparable choices are very limited anymore with the FJ and Nissan going away.
Kid do you take your 4R out to Mineral and 5 mile? I would like to take a look at a trail rig to see which mods need to be on our list.
Kid do you take your 4R out to Mineral and 5 mile? I would like to take a look at a trail rig to see which mods need to be on our list.
Kennyr44
New member
My daughter has a 2013 wrangler and every time she picks me up I search for the right word to describe the awful ride. Stagecoach nails it. What a piece of shit on pavement. By the way her husband just traded his GC diesel for a GC srt. That is pretty bad ass. Its even fire engine red.
Jernik
New member
Depends on the daily drive. I had a TJ as a daily for several years, and there were attributes about it that I genuinely liked as a DD. For one, it was small. It could be easily maneuvered in traffic, and parking was a breeze, be it in a lot or of the parallel type. I found even when my commute was 20 miles, the TJ was a competent, fun DD. Also, I kinda liked listening to the rain on the soft top (soothing, reminds one of camping in a tent during a rain storm). Ice was a bit hairy with the short wheelbase, but I managed. Snow was fun, the deeper the better, if I could find unplowed county roads. As for shorter commutes, do you really need a plush, Cadillac style ride for a 5 mile trip?
I've not driven a JK, nor do I really care to since I do not like how they look. I'm sure it lands somewhere between what the TJ was and the 4R. But I like both the TJ and the 4R equally - my favorite 2 vehicles that I've ever owned. To me they're completely different, yet in some ways very similar...
mnofpeace
Member
for about 10 months, back in the early 90s, i had a borrowed Wrangler 2door as my daily driver. I was single, no kids, and it was just about the toughest vehicle i could find, looks wise. it was bouncy, and raw, minimalistic, and fit my personality being 21 22 yrs old. But then i got a job, a real job, and i wanted those same go-anywhere features in a vehicle that i didnt have to shout just to speak to the person in the passengers seat. So i moved up to a LandRover Disco...another great choice until it wasnt.
My best memory of the jeep was taking it from Ct. to DC, on a wonderful sunny day, top down, driving down the coast of NJ, stopping at each seaside town along the way. It was perfect for just that type of driving, dirt or pavement.
and as great as they are off-road...my SR5 is 9 times better doing anything and everything else...and is as good as i need it to be off-road and thru snow.
but the 'stagecoach' description is exactly what it feels like, bouncing over anything, hearing the road passing beneath you, hearing every wind blast, every rearview mirror whistle. it was great if you are in that mindset.
i thought i wanted a JK Unlimited until i started reading about it being 'a jeep thing' over and over...with the leaky roof panels, the wind noises, the small-ish interior...the 4runner is a much better choice for my needs.
Kennyr44
New member
They kept telling me the unlimited rides better so I went to a dealer and drove one. Sorry same stagecoach different western. The GC rides nice. Smoother than a 4 Runner. A salesman at my ex work used to say there's an ass for every seat. No matter what piece of crap you put on the lot someone will like it. Boy that's the truth if people like wranglers to drive down the highway in.
KidVermicious
New member
Definitely wasn't referring to you. :cheers:
I do, when it's running
. I need to get off my butt and finish my motor swap. You've got a 5th though, right? You're welcome to come look at my 1st but I don't know what you're going to learn, it's a completely different truck with a different set of weaknesses. I'm guessing, but I think to get a 5th gen to the top of Mineral Basin you'll just want a little lift, maybe skids and sliders to get past the only mandatory obstacle. Rattlesnake at Five Mile is easier, but you probably know that. To go past Rattlesnake and up Constrictor you'll definitely want that lift and armor, that plus ATRAC and 32-33" tires probably to get past Radiator Rapids anyway. I'm sure you're been up there in your Jeep but RR is a much different obstacle in a long wheel base rig.Lemme know or hit the club forum at the link in my sig any time you want to head out somewhere, we're generally on the trails at least once a month (Moab in two weeks, if you think you can hang :thumb3
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KidVermicious
New member
I'm sure the TJ rides a lot like my first gen, and I'm with you on all counts. Fun to DD, and who cares if it doesn't ride like a Cadillac? It's a fecking utility vehicle for hells sake.
Weyland-Yutani
New member
op2:op2::worthless:
Wow, as the OP, i didnt realize I had so much to learn about offroading and rockcrawling from a guy in Michigan. I mean, having a home in Truckee, Ca, just miles from the Rubicon, and the much more challenging Fordyce trail, on which Ive spent countless hours, days, and weekends actually using my jeeps, I thought I spoke with some authoriity on Jeeps. Especially since I BUILT each one myself.
I like my 4runner for its civilized manners. I dont love it like a Jeep. I get the Jeep urge quite frequently, then go to the dealer and try it out again, only to walk away with my 4runner. I may get weak someday and buy another Rubicon,but when I do I know in a short period of time I will wonder why I did. If I could justify haveing 3 vehicles, Id have the Jeep. If I could get a chance to drive an AEV built Rubicon, I may change my mind, since all reviews point to the improved ride and handling of the Jeep.
Until then, my only regret is that my Trail isnt nice enough compared to a Limited
I like my 4runner for its civilized manners. I dont love it like a Jeep. I get the Jeep urge quite frequently, then go to the dealer and try it out again, only to walk away with my 4runner. I may get weak someday and buy another Rubicon,but when I do I know in a short period of time I will wonder why I did. If I could justify haveing 3 vehicles, Id have the Jeep. If I could get a chance to drive an AEV built Rubicon, I may change my mind, since all reviews point to the improved ride and handling of the Jeep.
Until then, my only regret is that my Trail isnt nice enough compared to a Limited
fogcitysurfer
New member
I have a YJ and I absolutely LOVE it. Its a piece of crap, horrible leaf spring stagecoach ride on the road. But, there is nothing like having a Jeep to go screw around in. That being said, there is no way I would have one as my daily driver, not even a new one. I live in the mountains and the 4runner is perfect for the daily driver and when roads get washed out, or if I want to go find some trails. They are both great in their own ways, totally different beasts, and thats why I own both! Buy a nice 4runner and a cheap Jeep.
