4Runner vs Explorer

[AustinCyclist]

Oh man.......here we go again.
:ybrick:

Sorry. Has this been debated before!? on a 4r forum? ha..

Well, we own both, and fan of both, so I have a good view of the pros/cons. Obviously, toyota folks would mainly be leary of the JGC from reliability history as compared with the stellar 4r record.. and that is completely valid concern. And why I have the 4r myself. However, if you move past that single item, which we're definitely gambling on.. (did get extended warranty on Jeep.. not the 4r) Thus far, we've had zero issues with the jgc. Its not a fair comparison as my 4r is base and j is overland.. with the air conditioned seats, blind spot vehicle notification (little yellow light on side mirrors), remote start, adaptive cruise (that will actually apply brakes), 30gig harddrive that will rip CDs for you in the car, collision warning system, VoiceR, usb, bluetooth, nav, rear entertainment w/ wireless headphones, auto bright's dim, headlights, auto rain sensor wipers, controls on the "back" of the steering wheel in addition to front, the saddle leather.. wood steering wheel, leather on dash, blah blah.. its a space station.. As complex as it is.. with as many failure points.. I've had more issues with the 4r surprisingly.. long term, we'll see of course.. and I would suspect it to eventually go the other way..

I won't compare the offroad merits, as we use both as grocery getter/kid-hauler/family vehicles.. my offroading consists of being self propelled on my mountain bike to single track trails that 4x4 vehicles wouldn't fit thru..

 

[offroadingatc]

Sorry. Has this been debated before!? on a 4r forum? ha..

Well, we own both, and fan of both, so I have a good view of the pros/cons. Obviously, toyota folks would mainly be leary of the JGC from reliability history as compared with the stellar 4r record.. and that is completely valid concern. And why I have the 4r myself. However, if you move past that single item, which we're definitely gambling on.. (did get extended warranty on Jeep.. not the 4r) Thus far, we've had zero issues with the jgc. Its not a fair comparison as my 4r is base and j is overland.. with the air conditioned seats, blind spot vehicle notification (little yellow light on side mirrors), remote start, adaptive cruise (that will actually apply brakes), 30gig harddrive that will rip CDs for you in the car, collision warning system, VoiceR, usb, bluetooth, nav, rear entertainment w/ wireless headphones, auto bright's dim, headlights, auto rain sensor wipers, controls on the "back" of the steering wheel in addition to front, the saddle leather.. wood steering wheel, leather on dash, blah blah.. its a space station.. As complex as it is.. with as many failure points.. I've had more issues with the 4r surprisingly.. long term, we'll see of course.. and I would suspect it to eventually go the other way..

I won't compare the offroad merits, as we use both as grocery getter/kid-hauler/family vehicles.. my offroading consists of being self propelled on my mountain bike to single track trails that 4x4 vehicles wouldn't fit thru..

Well said. I think you have a great mentality about this - buy cars for what they are. No car is perfect

What really confuses me is everyone on these boards who criticize the reliability of Jeeps etc and also own extended warranties on their Toyotas.

 

[lezavw90]

We picked up our 12 Limited 4runner back on Dec 10th. We looked at the 4runner, JGC, and the explorer. The explorer was ruled out as the backseats were the same size as our Tacoma double cab we were trading in. The explorer has a bigger rear cargo area than the 4runner but at the cost of rear seat room. The interior of the Explorer felt small on the inside considering it looks quite large from the outside When sitting in the front seats I felt very shoulder to shoulder to the passenger, it's like the body panels are a foot thick. Overall it looked like a nice vehicle, I reallly liked some of the finishing touches on it like the cover that goes over the rear hitch to make it look like the rear bumper. I nice idea for the amount of time you use the hitch.

I really wanted to like the JGC on the showroom floor it is an awesome vehicle. But I couldn't get over the reliabilty, as much as I wanted all the gadgets and options, all the forums I went to 90% of the posts were problems. I couldn't believe it.

 

[sooner02r1]

An exploder is a van cleverly disguised as an suv. There is no comparison to a 4runner. if they made the rear doors slide on the exploder it would be a direct competitor of the dodge caravan.

 

[lezavw90]

Kinda what Sooner said. When we had our Tacoma, it was a truck and did truck like things. The term "SUV" in the automotive industry is this massive grey area, they call whatever they want an suv to sell vehicles. To me suv is a truck with no box, you can tow, go offroading, and such. When we were looking for our next vehicle I was amazed at the diversity between brands. It pretty much worked out to that if a vehicle has awd it counts as a suv.

Terms are pretty much gone nowadays and there's no defined lines between, car, truck, van, cuv, suv. You really have to look deep into the spec numbers to determine for yourself what will work for you regardless of the term used to sell a vehicle.

To me the 4runner is a true SUV.

Off topic, I'm really looking forward to when all automotive companies start using the new towing standards, and the tow ratings of the big 3 one tons start dropping huge numbers. It'll be a nice start to getting standardization within the industry.

 

[Slag]

One good thing about the explorer (1990's) was the 8.8 rear axle. That is all have I have to say.

 

[scanny]

In the matter of fact Ford has pushed me towards 4Runner. After lease for my '08 Escape expired I was going to lease '10 Explorer, but I could find one. 11' Explorer has disapointed me. It's not an SUV anymore, it doesn't have much clearance, it's unibody, AWD is fully automatic, you can't control it. So I had very small choice and I'm glad that I test drove 4Runner. I liked how it handles, I liked it's offroad capability, it's not an ideal vehicle of course, but I haven't seen a better SUV in the price range for my needs. And I don't need 3rd seats anymore but I need opening rear glass so I can load 8' or 12' long things once in awhile. I'm sure that new Explorer is a nice vehicle and I would definely consider it if I was looking for a minivan. Reliability probably is worse than Toyota's but it's a personal luck thing, I didn't have much problems with my Fords, they tend to develop a leak or show "check engine" light about once a year, but problems were never over $400 to fix and I've never got towed.
So I'd say go for what you like better and what better match your needs.

 

[TRDSmokedU]

Sorry. Has this been debated before!? on a 4r forum? ha..

Well, we own both, and fan of both, so I have a good view of the pros/cons. Obviously, toyota folks would mainly be leary of the JGC from reliability history as compared with the stellar 4r record.. and that is completely valid concern. And why I have the 4r myself. However, if you move past that single item, which we're definitely gambling on.. (did get extended warranty on Jeep.. not the 4r) Thus far, we've had zero issues with the jgc. Its not a fair comparison as my 4r is base and j is overland.. with the air conditioned seats, blind spot vehicle notification (little yellow light on side mirrors), remote start, adaptive cruise (that will actually apply brakes), 30gig harddrive that will rip CDs for you in the car, collision warning system, VoiceR, usb, bluetooth, nav, rear entertainment w/ wireless headphones, auto bright's dim, headlights, auto rain sensor wipers, controls on the "back" of the steering wheel in addition to front, the saddle leather.. wood steering wheel, leather on dash, blah blah.. its a space station.. As complex as it is.. with as many failure points.. I've had more issues with the 4r surprisingly.. long term, we'll see of course.. and I would suspect it to eventually go the other way..

I won't compare the offroad merits, as we use both as grocery getter/kid-hauler/family vehicles.. my offroading consists of being self propelled on my mountain bike to single track trails that 4x4 vehicles wouldn't fit thru..

These are all features that will break on a Fiat/Chrysler. Anyway, on many Jeep forums owners have expressed concern over issues with the engine, electrical, and AC. You may be the lucky one who will have fewer issues with the Jeep in comparison to a 4Runner, but trust me, it is very rare.

As a matter of fact, carcomplaints.com has received a significant amount of complaints on the JGC; much more than the 4Runner. In 2011 car complaints received 34 complaints on the JGC ranging from engine to suspensions and all in between. The 4Runner on the other hand had 1 complaint for battery draining frequently.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Complaints, Problems & Defects Information | CarComplaints.com

2011 Toyota 4Runner Complaints, Problems & Defects Information | CarComplaints.com

I'm glad you like the JGC, best of luck with it. But in the long run, the 4Runner will still be running.

 

[muddyYota]

Bubble vs Box

I like the box

 

[rjmckay99]

To think I was disappointed in the latest Grand Cherokee... This? Really? I have seen a couple around, but I thought it was the newest Ford Escape. Unibody, front wheel drive, lifted wagon is what it is. Nothing wrong with that, except you can get a non-lifted wagon or minivan, that will do everything better than that, for probably less money.

That's the Ford Edge, even more CUV than the Exploer. To the OP I agree with the other posters. It's apples to oranges comparing the 4R to the Explorer. Body on frame vs unibody. Transfer case vs AWD. I have heard very negative reviews about the Explorers handling, same guys that raved about the Jeep Grand Cherokee's, and were pleasantly surprised by the 4R. I have tried both and even as a body of frame truck to 4R still handles better IMO. Can't comment on the livability factor as I didn't get that far with the Explorer, although I would imagine it is a little better as grocery getting mall crawler, as this was it's intended purpose. Good luck with the decision. It's going to come down to what you plan on doing more than the merit's of the vehicles themselves.

 

[BigredTEX]

All this talk about explores makes me wanna cry about what theyve become. owned 4 different ones a 90, 95, 02,and an 04 all were great and super reliable, they were lets see....TRUCKS. now theyre unibody POS's that cant even haul or tow anything its so frustrating :redbrick:

 

[AustinCyclist]

These are all features that will break on a Fiat/Chrysler. Anyway, on many Jeep forums owners have expressed concern over issues with the engine, electrical, and AC. You may be the lucky one who will have fewer issues with the Jeep in comparison to a 4Runner, but trust me, it is very rare.

As a matter of fact, carcomplaints.com has received a significant amount of complaints on the JGC; much more than the 4Runner. In 2011 car complaints received 34 complaints on the JGC ranging from engine to suspensions and all in between. The 4Runner on the other hand had 1 complaint for battery draining frequently.

2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Complaints, Problems & Defects Information | CarComplaints.com

2011 Toyota 4Runner Complaints, Problems & Defects Information | CarComplaints.com

I'm glad you like the JGC, best of luck with it. But in the long run, the 4Runner will still be running.

I checked out your car complaints.. agree JGC has more. the graph looks bad.. but when you drill down.. its total of 14ppl who complained about the engine.. then you see 7 just have problem with engine light.. meh! I'm not concerned.. and in the other categories.. now if it was in the hundreds or thousands.. maybe I'd take notice..

Here is a motor trend long term review: 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Long-Term Update 7 - Motor Trend


I do agree long term the j might have more issues.. but I know a couple of friends with the 5.7 hemi and its been rock solid for them.. 100k plus in some..

My 2001 tundra was a toyota and had a ****load of problems.. still loved that truck.. sold it at 80k. I also have an old volvo s90 '98.. 100k miles and never had a single issue.. statistically, some vehicles may have more problems then others.. but if you take care of em, most vehicles regardless of brand will serve you well. My olds cutlass calais in high school went to 180k and was still running when I sold it.. with a 4-banger.. I tend to thing the JGC is engineered a bit better than that one was.. but we'll see! anyway, I like it .. like both. It also tells you tire pressure in each tire.. oil temp, tranny temp, coolant temp.. ohhh soo many sensors to break! ha..

 

[Pensacola33]

I cannot answer since I am partial to imports. Ford and Toyota? Really?

 

[4Runnerspv]

The new Explorer is based of the Taurus platform. Enough said. You can not compare the 2!

 

[CanukRunner]

I think if you want to buy a AWD car like a 2012 Ford Explorer, I would consider buying something that's good at something..

Like an Audi A3 TDI, good on gas..

Subaru WRX STI, fun and fast...

ETC..

4runner is a body on frame SUV.... so its not comparable to a car.

 

[Catchlight]

The only Ford Explorer I've driven is the 1998 model that is part of a home exchange we are presently enjoying in Austin, TX. This might be relevant to the OP's question because six months ago I replaced a 1998 4Runner SR5 with a 2011 Trail Edition.

My '98 had 210,000 miles on it when I sold, and still looked and drove much like it did when new, and got the same gas mileage. I sold because it was starting to show the beginnings of body rust under the trim after 13 winters of road salt on frequent ski trips, and I know from experience that Neil Young was right when he sang "rust never sleeps".

The '98 Explorer is showing its age a lot more. Many plastic pieces have broken off, and the seats sag uncomfortably. The steering is stiff, and the body-on-frame ride is like a Wells Fargo wagon in an old western movie. Squeaks and rattles are numerous. The engine runs very rough, and depletes world oil reserves at a a rapid rate. And it has just 157,000 miles on it, 50,000 less than my old 'Runner which drove smoothly on and off pavement. I doubt that the Explorer has been abused, since it's owned by a retired church minister. Mine endured a lot of travel on logging roads and worse, and stood up to it well.

I got a surprisingly good trade-in value for the '98 Runner, and the dealer sold it on his own lot. This Explorer would fetch next to nothing as a trade, and would be scrapped as unsellable.

Much has changed in 14 years, but regarding durability and resale I would expect the same trajectory for a new crossover Explorer, assembled with indifferent quality control someplace in North America versus a new 4Runner built with precision in Japan by the folks who wrote the book on quality control.

 

[jreask]

The decision:​

~original[/IMG]

 

[Y2KSR5]

Having owned old 4Runners, old Jeeps and new 4Runner and new Jeep I will say 3rd/4th Gen 4Runners are infinately superior to any Chryco Jeep JUNK of those eras. I was extremely let down with my 5th Gen 4Runner. I took a HUUUUUGE gamble going back to Jeep but I am so glad I did. I love my new Grand Cherokee. Everything about it and it feels so much more solid than my 2011 4Runner. Ford/GM/Chrysler have made huge improvements while Toyota has gone downhill. My 2 cents. Plus side, the 4Runner is still holding its value but that will change as the word speads from people like me who junmped ship from Toyota.

That being said, the 4Runner is THE midsize vehicle to get if you are gonna beat on it offroad...its frame/drivetrain are awesome.

 

[jspagna1]

The only Jeep I've ever owned was when I leased a 95 JGC Laredo V8 all time AWD. Truck was a beast and fun to drive especially in the winter. Leased for 2 years and for that short a time on;y had occasional electrical gremlins. Then went a bought a new 97 4Runner and still own it today. Enough said!

 

[harper7]

Having owned old 4Runners, old Jeeps and new 4Runner and new Jeep I will say 3rd/4th Gen 4Runners are infinately superior to any Chryco Jeep JUNK of those eras. I was extremely let down with my 5th Gen 4Runner. I took a HUUUUUGE gamble going back to Jeep but I am so glad I did. I love my new Grand Cherokee. Everything about it and it feels so much more solid than my 2011 4Runner. Ford/GM/Chrysler have made huge improvements while Toyota has gone downhill. My 2 cents. Plus side, the 4Runner is still holding its value but that will change as the word speads from people like me who junmped ship from Toyota.

That being said, the 4Runner is THE midsize vehicle to get if you are gonna beat on it offroad...its frame/drivetrain are awesome.

So now your a Jeep fan boy who was just bashing Jeep two months ago after just posting this.... http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/103792-seriously-impressed-2.html#post929568
and this http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/103792-seriously-impressed-3.html#post930726
Ah .....why troll here bashing 4Runners when they have Jeep forums who would love to hear your OPINION.
Funny troll video.....watch at your own discretion.

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