4runner vs competition

[DDM4]

Been lurking for months. Thought I'd jump in here.

I am looking hard for our next vehicle. I've always driven full size trucks and suvs such as the chevy tahoe (which is what I will be replacing).

Currently, the options are the 4runner, JGC, FJ, or another tahoe. I like the utilitarian appeal of the FJ and in some parts, the 4runner however, the luxury of the other 2 options certainly are nice. I don't need a full size vehicle, such as the tahoe, as I don't tow much anymore. However, it's pricing in the used market make it attractive. I've owned many GM products and have had no more problems out of them than any other brands I've owned, including Toyota/Lexus. I don't do Moab type wheeling but I do some back country journeys that rules out a softroader.

I'm a big fan of the 4runner (my sister has 4th gen) but its pricing is perplexing to me. For example:

Building a Trail Edition 4runner with KDSS, NAVI, and remote start is about $1000 less in price to a Hemi 4x4 Limited with OffRoadII, NAVI, remote start etc. According to truecar, the negotiable price, in my area at least, for a JGC is a few 100 LESS than the 4runner. I know the more comparative 4runner would have the LTD but I'm interested in that model.

Apples to Apples, an objective person can not deny you get a fair bit more kit in the JGC, in the luxury department at least. That's leather seats, etc. etc. However, its capabilities seem to be almost all electronic based meaning, its ability to to off road relies heavily on software, not hardware. I understand it's not unique in that respect as the 4runner and the FJ have a fair bit a tech as well, but those 2 vehicles also have hardware to backup the tech.

I am looking for a 10 year car. Price to price, the JGC looks like a better deal but the 4runner is the far better bet on longevity sans major issues, according to the data. Things that concern me are the thin sheet metal, body roll, etc. One thing I like is vehicles that give me a "inside a vault" feel. Thin sheet metal doesn't sound like it fits that criteria.

I've read the FJ has some frame rust issues. Does the 4runner share the same frame as the FJ and if so, what have you heard on this issue? How about fender tearing, like the FJ has?

I have more, but this is long as is. :hiding:

 

[1engineer]

Been lurking for months. Thought I'd jump in here.

I am looking hard for our next vehicle. I've always driven full size trucks and suvs such as the chevy tahoe (which is what I will be replacing).

Currently, the options are the 4runner, JGC, FJ, or another tahoe. I like the utilitarian appeal of the FJ and in some parts, the 4runner however, the luxury of the other 2 options certainly are nice. I don't need a full size vehicle, such as the tahoe, as I don't tow much anymore. However, it's pricing in the used market make it attractive. I've owned many GM products and have had no more problems out of them than any other brands I've owned, including Toyota/Lexus. I don't do Moab type wheeling but I do some back country journeys that rules out a softroader.

I'm a big fan of the 4runner (my sister has 4th gen) but its pricing is perplexing to me. For example:

Building a Trail Edition 4runner with KDSS, NAVI, and remote start is about $1000 less in price to a Hemi 4x4 Limited with OffRoadII, NAVI, remote start etc. According to truecar, the negotiable price, in my area at least, for a JGC is a few 100 LESS than the 4runner. I know the more comparative 4runner would have the LTD but I'm interested in that model.

Apples to Apples, an objective person can not deny you get a fair bit more kit in the JGC, in the luxury department at least. That's leather seats, etc. etc. However, its capabilities seem to be almost all electronic based meaning, its ability to to off road relies heavily on software, not hardware. I understand it's not unique in that respect as the 4runner and the FJ have a fair bit a tech as well, but those 2 vehicles also have hardware to backup the tech.

I am looking for a 10 year car. Price to price, the JGC looks like a better deal but the 4runner is the far better bet on longevity sans major issues, according to the data. Things that concern me are the thin sheet metal, body roll, etc. One thing I like is vehicles that give me a "inside a vault" feel. Thin sheet metal doesn't sound like it fits that criteria.

I've read the FJ has some frame rust issues. Does the 4runner share the same frame as the FJ and if so, what have you heard on this issue? How about fender tearing, like the FJ has?

I have more, but this is long as is. :hiding:

Search the forums for many answers and opinions. I also have had many many vehicles over the years. I trade every 3-4 years because I put 30-35K/yr in miles on them. That said, I need a strong resale number and the 4Runner has every one you mentioned above beat. The biggest reason though is when I am driving at 11:00 pm down some lonely road headed home I want to GET home, not have some check engine light or some error code thrown at me. I want to get in the vehicle and have no worries. The 4Runner does that for me. Oh, and the 5G has a lot of tech but very robust. Good luck. Had mine now 6 months and 17K miles. Most on road but some off road.

 

[Y2KSR5]

Jeep Grand Cherokee is a POS. Even the new one is reporting lots of problems. Same old same ole on the new one. Water leakin in through A=Pillar, engine/transmission shudder.....FIRES in the cabin for wiring in roof panel. I used to ONLY drive Heeps because I was a sheep. After the $45K 06 Limited I had enough. Entire front axle assembly replaced @ 7500 miles along with rear diff rebuilds every 15K miles. Power windows always breaking, ETC went out at 10K miles and almost got me killed in an intersection, ABS module went bad at 200 miles. Yes, 200 miles. My 02 JGC Overland needed $5K worth of warranty work in one month. Both diffs rebuilt, rain sense module went out and needed new windshield since new module wouldnt adhere. Power steering pump bad, entire dashboard had to be ripped out to replace plastic blend door actuator....and to top it all off the Service Dept is HORRIBLE. The entire service dept at each dealer was full of thieves. Dont know what yr your Tahoe is but i drive one every day at work and the 07+ are complete JUNK. By 20K miles everything is falling apart. The other day the door wouldnt open so I pulled up on the plastic lock tab and it came out, stripped off the screw. Handling is awful and as big as those turds are, the back seat has no more room than a 4Runner. I guess if you need to tow then get a Tahoe. Im not a Toyota Fan Boi but the 4Runner is the best SUV out there for the money. My 5 cents

 

[KCcarguy]

Building a Trail Edition 4runner with KDSS, NAVI, and remote start is about $1000 less in price to a Hemi 4x4 Limited with OffRoadII, NAVI, remote start etc. According to truecar, the negotiable price, in my area at least, for a JGC is a few 100 LESS than the 4runner. I know the more comparative 4runner would have the LTD but I'm interested in that model.

Apples to Apples, an objective person can not deny you get a fair bit more kit in the JGC, in the luxury department at least. That's leather seats, etc. etc. However, its capabilities seem to be almost all electronic based meaning, its ability to to off road relies heavily on software, not hardware. I understand it's not unique in that respect as the 4runner and the FJ have a fair bit a tech as well, but those 2 vehicles also have hardware to backup the tech.


I have more, but this is long as is. :hiding:

Jeeps will always be a better deal. They don't have to deal with exchange-rate issues and taxes like imports do. Besides, Chrysler doesn't need to make a profit.....they have your tax $$$ to sustain them. :banana:

On a more objective note: I would argue that a 4runner TE is a far more capable vehicle off-road than a JGC. So, if you really plan on wheeling this truck I'd say 4runner hands down.

The sheet metal is flimsy, but not weak. It's high-tensile steel which maintains strength and reduces weight. Besides, the body is not the main structure of the vehicle as is is the the JCG, so I'm not surprised the Jeep's sheetmetal is thicker.

As far as handling goes, a TE with KDSS handles very nicely from what I hear.

If you like the vault-feel, the 4runner has a very well-built and solid feel from the inside (though plastics are cheap). The JCG won't feel so vault-like once the squeaks and rattles start. However, I will say my friends FJ has a very solid feel.....more so than my 4runner. You can tell that FJ was built to be used/ abused.

I don't think you could loose with either the 4runner or the FJ. But, if passenger/ cargo room isn't a hug deal I'd go FJ.

Finally....look around when you're out on the road How many 10+ year-old JGC's do you see that still look new? Now, how many 4runners do you see that still look new? Go test-drive a 5 year-old example of each and see the difference........case closed.

 

[Y2KSR5]

Heeps lose a LOT of value. They produce WAY to many and have to give huge incentivs all the time to unload that junk. My 2000 4Runner with 114K miles has a TRADE value of $7100. And thats an SR5. Now go look at a 2000 JGC fully loaded Limited, it will be worth about $1500-2500 on a trade and all the power options will be broken and the axles will be howling like a freight train.

 

[Edubsam]

Test drives are invaluable. Even if you are going to buy used, go drive new ones and see what you like.

 

[scanny]

When I was looking for a new vehicle I didn't buy JGC because of two reasons. First one is that Jeep has issues with reliability and as a result resale price is lower. Second is that when I test drove T4R I knew instantly that this is the vehicle I wanted. Even if it's not perfect and more expensive. I didn't get that feeling in other mid size SUVs I tried.

 

[Ripsnort]

Avoid any Jeep post-2000 models. They're garbage. I can give you many examples, the most recent is my co-worker whose had his 2009 Liberty into the shop for alot of issues.

I had my FJ for 5 years with no rusting issues, but then again, they don't salt the roads here in WA state like they do back in the midwest and East. However, there is the "FJ Shudder" (google it) and no ones figured out why they do it, yet more and more FJ owners are becoming aware of it.

Chevy is Government Motors. Enough said. :ak472:

I'm not well rehearsed on Nissan products....

Bottom line: If you're looking for a 10 year vehicle, it's Ford or Toyota.

 

[Y2KSR5]

Bottom line: If you're looking for a 10 year vehicle, it's Ford or Toyota.

Bingo! And the Explorer is now a Taurus wagon so they no longer make a midsize SUV.

I thought the pre 07 Tahoes were pretty well built but the new ones are complete crap. The front bumper has like 6 inches of ground clearance. Handles terrible. My neck hurts after work from the way that Tahoeturd makes my head bobble back and forth.

 

[dpreich]

"However, its capabilities seem to be almost all electronic based meaning, its ability to to off road relies heavily on software, not hardware."-This point is exactly why I will never buy a Jeep product again. I had an 06 Commander limited with a hemi. It had 60,000 miles and I was spending about $1,000 a month on repairs(no joke). The repairs were all electrical related( Control modules, sensors, etc.) I owned it outright, but I was spending more to keep it runnning than it would have cost me to buy a new car. The 4runner is more utilitarian than the JGC, but that is one of the reasons I bought it. If I could have, I would have gotten vinyl floors and manual hubs.

 

[Y2KSR5]

"However, its capabilities seem to be almost all electronic based meaning, its ability to to off road relies heavily on software, not hardware."-This point is exactly why I will never buy a Jeep product again. I had an 06 Commander limited with a hemi. It had 60,000 miles and I was spending about $1,000 a month on repairs(no joke). The repairs were all electrical related( Control modules, sensors, etc.) I owned it outright, but I was spending more to keep it runnning than it would have cost me to buy a new car. The 4runner is more utilitarian than the JGC, but that is one of the reasons I bought it. If I could have, I would have gotten vinyl floors and manual hubs.

How bad were your differentials howling? How many times did your "Auto-Up" windows go apesh!t and need new regulators?

 

[westwind77]

I am looking hard for our next vehicle. I've always driven full size trucks and suvs such as the chevy tahoe (which is what I will be replacing).

I will keep it short and sweet - given the choices you listed I would go for the 4R or the Tahoe. I'll be honest, I would have loved a Z71 Tahoe w/ leather and a few other goodies but that was WAY out of my price range. Then again I know a few friends who have Tahoe/Yukons that are at the 10 year mark and are falling apart, engine and drive train is still fine, but it is all the 'little things' (sunroof, windows, power seats, liners falling down, and the list goes on of things that are broken). I think the 4R will last longer than a Chevy or GMC but you are giving up a LOT of inside room, especially if you are used to driving a full size SUV. I came from a 99' Durango, not 'full size' but I honestly miss the length inside. My saving grace is that the 4R has a roll down rear window for all the items that normally fit into my D, now hang out the back. I do not regret my choice at all, just make sure you consider more than the longevity of the vehicle, make sure you will not curse yourself out every time you go to pack it up with stuff!

 

[dpreich]

How bad were your differentials howling? How many times did your "Auto-Up" windows go apesh!t and need new regulators?

The diffs were howling, the motor had the "hemi tick" really bad,it was leaking oil onto the exhaust and the transmission was acting up. That was in addition to the sensors going bad on a monthly basis. The problem was that all of the regulators and modules and sensors could only be purchased from Chrysler and they all cost at least $800.00 each. Another frustrating thing was that there was almost no aftermarket support for the JGC\Commander. I finally unloaded it when it started dying for no reason. It became a safety issue. Hopefully Chrysler\Fiat\Jeep has fixed these issues in the new JGC, but I doubt it.

 

[Y2KSR5]

The diffs were howling, the motor had the "hemi tick" really bad,it was leaking oil onto the exhaust and the transmission was acting up. That was in addition to the sensors going bad on a monthly basis. The problem was that all of the regulators and modules and sensors could only be purchased from Chrysler and they all cost at least $800.00 each. Another frustrating thing was that there was almost no aftermarket support for the JGC\Commander. I finally unloaded it when it started dying for no reason. It became a safety issue. Hopefully Chrysler\Fiat\Jeep has fixed these issues in the new JGC, but I doubt it.

My 06 "Hemi" sounded like a helicoptor if you had the windows down driving by a wall. That MDS function was a JOKE. Never got over 16mpg on the hiway. I really loved the throttle delay too.

I spent MONTHS researching vehicles and not articles that review BRAND NEW vehicles but forums where I read of the problems. The new Grand is every bit of a POS as the outgoing. Pick up my new 2011 SR5 tomorrow. My 11 yr old 4Runner is 100X nicer than my 06 Jeep was with 12K miles on it!!!!!!!

 

[Ridin4Runner]

Bingo! And the Explorer is now a Taurus wagon so they no longer make a midsize SUV.

LMFAO, I just had this conversation driving down the road the other day. You nailed it :bravo:

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Just remember with the Trail you cannot get auto temp, full time 4x4, V8 etc. If you like a lot of features it may not be for you. If you like a lot of luxury features the Jeep is for you. As you said you get a lot for the money.

 

[KCcarguy]

Just remember with the Trail you cannot get auto temp, full time 4x4, V8 etc. If you like a lot of features it may not be for you. If you like a lot of luxury features the Jeep is for you. As you said you get a lot for the money.

I bought a Ford Ranger 4X4 out of college instead of a Tacoma because it was a "good deal". 5 years/ 85,000 miles later I had a bad clutch and a non-functional transfer case. I traded it for a Toyota and never looked back.

 

[DDM4]

Thanks for the replies fellas.

Don't know where to start so I'll just jump in.

I have a pre 2007 tahoe currently but have a few thousand miles inside a 2007 Tahoe. (Twice took one on a road trip.) At 150k the drivetrain seems to be doing fine. GM has been doing the 5.3L 4speed thing for a while. They definitely should have it figured out. I've had a window go bad, a hinge on the back glass window break, and the sunroof is a bit iffy on if it's going to open/close or not. Leather is worn and the steering wheel looks like crap. I'm actually pretty happy with that small amount of problems.

I have towed north of 5000lbs maybe once. Dual axle hydraulic dump trailer. I believe I've filled the cargo area up maybe 4 times since 2001. Once was when we were moving and the other times were range trips in which I brought WAAAAY too much crap anyway. Lesson being, the space is nice but I definitely don't use it enough to NEED it. The used prices of the Tahoe and my general familiarity with it, is what keeps it on the list.

Auto temp is not a big deal at all. Leather is definitely not required if the cloth is nice. My wife's GTI is cloth for this reason. It was simply nicer than the leather available. GM products cloth, however, is pretty bad. Jeep as well. The 6cly in the FJ feels strong and more than enough motor for the truck. The 6cly in the JGC feels a bit behind the heft of the vehicle. I do not need a V8 for anything specific however, if I were getting the JGC, I would definitely opt for it as it's the better motor, from my research.

Surprised to see even a small amount of Ford love here. We've had nothing but problems out of Ford products in my immediate and extended family. My brother in law currently has a 2011 F150 that he's pleased with but time will tell. His other experiences have been negative.

I will keep it short and sweet - given the choices you listed I would go for the 4R or the Tahoe. I'll be honest, I would have loved a Z71 Tahoe w/ leather and a few other goodies but that was WAY out of my price range. Then again I know a few friends who have Tahoe/Yukons that are at the 10 year mark and are falling apart, engine and drive train is still fine, but it is all the 'little things' (sunroof, windows, power seats, liners falling down, and the list goes on of things that are broken). I think the 4R will last longer than a Chevy or GMC but you are giving up a LOT of inside room, especially if you are used to driving a full size SUV. I came from a 99' Durango, not 'full size' but I honestly miss the length inside. My saving grace is that the 4R has a roll down rear window for all the items that normally fit into my D, now hang out the back. I do not regret my choice at all, just make sure you consider more than the longevity of the vehicle, make sure you will not curse yourself out every time you go to pack it up with stuff!

This is interesting. What are your experiences with missing space? Like I said, I rarely use mine to its full potential but am a bit concerned I'm not comparing the sizes correctly.

Thanks again guys. :cowboy:

 

[Mguts]

I was in the same boat you were. I came from an old '95 2 door Tahoe. Was looking at new Tahoes, FJ's, and 4Runners.

I think with proper care a Tahoe will last. Just as you said, little things will go wrong, but the things that really matter will work good.

Fj Cruiser was high on my list, but the back seats made me not get it. With that 2 door Tahoe, it was a PAIN IN THE ASS anytime someone was going to ride in the back due to the fact that the front passengers had to let them in. It did, however, have a lot of leg room for the rear seat passengers. With the FJ, the front passengers are inconvenienced with people having to get in the back AND there is little to no room back there. Both not selling points for me.

4Runner has good room in the back, 4 independent doors, good amount of cargo room, smaller than a full size so it can fit on smaller hunting trails, excellent mpg (avg of 21.1, although i do alot of highway driving). It also has the reassurance and reputation that its going to last. The Tahoe will last, but the 4runner will last longer. Also, i was very skeptical of the thin sheet metal coming from a 95 Tahoe that I could stand on the hood and not make a dent. I must say though, it really does feel solid when on the inside. going over bumps, etc. it feels like a solid ride. also, in my experience, it seems that the newer GM trucks also use more flimsy sheet metal.

Sorry for the long windedness, but i must say that I was in the same boat as you. I am 100% glad with the decision I made.

 

[Schill38]

I was in the same boat a few months ago, test drove the JGC and hated it! And as others have stated, resale on the 4-Runner is going to be awesome. We bought a used 2004 Sport in Nov. of 08 for 15,900 and traded it in last month after putting an additional 50k miles on it and we got 14,400 for it!