4Runner vs Wrangler - Help me decide

T

TravelingTaco

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Hi 4Runner enthusiasts!

I purchased a new 2021 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro in lunar rock last October. Turns out, its a lemon and Toyota is buying it back. Now I need to decide between a JL Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon and a 4Runner (ORP or TRDP).

Has anyone owned both/or came from the wrangler platform?

I'll be getting a hard top and installing some sound deadening in the event I go the wrangler route.

4Runner Pros: Larger storage space, sliding down rear window (for the dogs), readily available, great aftermarket, capable off road, best looking SUV of all time, and more plush for a DD.

4Runner Cons: Dated tech and sluggish compared to the Jeep. I can't believe it doesn't even have blindspot! I'm not a fan of the stock suspension and will change it.

Wrangler Pros: More off road capable. Top and doors off. Better tech/features. Larger aftermarket.

Wrangler Cons: Cost. Its louder on the highway. Potential reliability issues (but I can't say I'm thrilled with Toyota at the moment).

Background info: Will be used as a DD on a 9 mile each way commute. Also used on the weekends for overlanding/camping. Not serious wheeling. Plan to do some minor mods like rock sliders, lights, bumper/winch, full spare, and possibly suspension on the T4R.
 
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Probably not the best place to ask if you should buy a Jeep but I can tell you I’ve owned both vehicles (2015 JK & 2019 4Runner TRD off road)

In my opinion Jeeps are weekend fun cars. They are extremely loud vehicles and develops many squeaks, clicks, rattles, and any other noise you can think of as years go by. As far as reliability I did not own mine too long because I got fed up with the noises and was looking for a more comfortable vehicle.

I do like the fact they are very easy to modify and relatively inexpensive to do so. I also like the wide range of accessories the Jeeps have. Everyone who owns a Jeep will say hi to you, give you a thumbs up or a peace sign as you stroll by them, and think you’re awesome. There are lots of Jeep groups you can join and meet new people. The 4Runner community is not a broad so in my opinion that’s a cons if you like meeting new people.

Overall, I would definitely stick to the 4Runner. Hope this helps you!
 
Fermn said:
Probably not the best place to ask if you should buy a Jeep but I can tell you I’ve owned both vehicles (2015 JK & 2019 4Runner TRD off road)

In my opinion Jeeps are weekend fun cars. They are extremely loud vehicles and develops many squeaks, clicks, rattles, and any other noise you can think of as years go by. As far as reliability I did not own mine too long because I got fed up with the noises and was looking for a more comfortable vehicle.

I do like the fact they are very easy to modify and relatively inexpensive to do so. I also like the wide range of accessories the Jeeps have. Everyone who owns a Jeep will say hi to you, give you a thumbs up or a peace sign as you stroll by them, and think you’re awesome. There are lots of Jeep groups you can join and meet new people. The 4Runner community is not a broad so in my opinion that’s a cons if you like meeting new people.

Overall, I would definitely stick to the 4Runner. Hope this helps you!
Click to expand...

Thanks for the reply. I wanted to hear the 4Runner praise here before making a decision. The local overlanding group - awesome group of people - is probably 90% Toyotas. They are pulling for the 4Runner. They people who have Jeeps love them, and keep buying more.

I hear you on the interior rattles and being loud. Thats why I want to add the sound deadening material. Yea it'll be a pain in the rear pulling the carpet and seats but, it'll probably quiet things up a bit.

The community aspect is a great point. I do enjoy meeting new people and seeking new adventures. Thats what live is all about.
 
I own a 2018 TRDprem and rented a 2019 Wrangler Rubicon. The rubicon drives like shit as the steering wheel tends to wander. If you go to the jeep forum, a lot of people have the same issue on brand new wranglers. The tech in the wrangler is decent and it’s a fun car but it’s not the best car for traveling or driving daily.

It’s really a no brainer, Japanese makes better cars.
 
The 4Runners are made in the factory in Japan, rather than in the Tacoma factory in Mexico - should be a difference in build quality. Old tech means proven tech, and aftermarket products for the last decade will fit. Without all the bumper sensors you'll have one less worry in your build.
 
You'll find that the folks here do respect Jeep Wranglers true enough. We all know what it can do, and what its capabilities are. Add to that the Jeeps looks, and how it can be mod'd to be personalized, and that gives it an added umph for the owners of them.

4Runners, at first they look sort of blah...you dont really see it in them at first. but then you drive one, and you realize its as solid as anything you have ever owned. It literally drives as if its whispering to you "cmon now, we can do MORE..." when you get it off road, you can drive over almost anything short of true rock-crawling, and it just sort of does it without an exertion. it can take whatever you dish out, and is still ready to drive home in comfort. Sure, the Jeeps top comes off, but when you roll down all of your windows, that back window, and open up the moon roof, that wind is pretty nice, and still quieter than in the Jeep. Then when the seasons change, the Runner keeps you warm as any normal vehicle should, where as the jeep, well...youve got to keep the heater fan on blast, for sure.

Ive owned both also...a 94 wrangler sport, and now a 2014 4Runner...i LOVED pulling the top down and riding in the sunshine in my jeep. I loved being able to drive over almost anything in my way and bouncy bounce along like a kid riding in a tonka truck. But now, as a full grown man, ive driven my 4Runner in all of the same places, taken all of the same road trips, towed with it...and slept in it as well. And at 124,000+ miles, it runs the same as new-ZERO problems since bought new, where my Jeep did not after only 75K miles.

The Jeep is a great 3rd/4th vehicle to own...jump in it and zip around in the summertime/top down breeze in your face, or pull it out and run thru any snowfall in the winter. For all other times, daily driving especially...the 4Runner is just sort of a more livable option.

just my 2 cents.
 
I've owned both. A 2016 JKU and now my 2018 ORP. If you don't need the capability I'd stick with the 4Runner. It's a much more solid vehicle, more comfortable, more reliable (your experience is very uncommon), and has much more room inside. It also still has a great aftermarket.

But, if you are looking to try something new a JL Rubicon is an amazing vehicle and will get you anywhere you need to go right out of the box. There isn't a more fun driving experience than top/doors off and the community is pretty great too. FCA reliability is still questionable, but it's gotten much better in the last few years. Just don't get an angry grille please....
 
For me, at this point, if I bought a "Wrangler" it would fill the beater, rock-crawler, toy role. A watchthisholdmybeermobile.

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk
 
I’ve owned three wranglers and 2 4Runners; I agree with those above, wranglers are great for weekends and top down driving. They aren’t quite as fun as a DD. If you’re concerned about the sluggishness, check out a Sprint Booster.
Burtman Industries
Jason at Burtman Industries is great!
 
Our current setup is a 2017 TRD Pro 4R and 2020 Gladiator Rubicon. So not a Wrangler, but they are fairly similar, especially inside and power train. Both DD with 50mi round trip commute.

I’ve put 90k miles on the 4R in 4 years, several multi-thousand road trips. Averages about 18mpg. Stock suspension and tire size. Winch, sliders, rack and RTT. I’ve taken it on Black Bear, Imogene, Mineral Pass, and a few Moab trails. As long as you are reasonable with your trails and pick your lines, the 4R can handle its own. While I agree that the 4R is underpowered, I don’t expect it to be a sports car and it doesn’t really bother me. I find the Jeep seats to be more comfortable so far. I feel like the interior plastics are a little chintzy. I honestly feel like the biggest changes from my first gen Tacoma are a backup camera and Bluetooth. I plan on putting 200k+ miles on it.

The Gladiator is running 4.10 gears, 37s, a 2” lift, sliders, full skids, winch and bumpers. Averages about 16.5mpg. It honestly surprises me how lively it feels when I merge onto the highway. Again, it’s not my sport car and I don’t drive fast, but it feels faster than the 4R. Interior quality seems to be much better than previous years, and it rides smoother (still a Jeep). A bit more cabin noise than the 4R at higher speeds (Hot Heads Headliner). The 3.6 has been in the Wrangler since 2012 and has done fairly well thus far. HVAC and heated seats in the Jeep blows the 4R out of the water. Same with the factory LEDs (compared to halogen on 4R), Infotainment and backup camera. Hoping to get the Gladiator to Ouray/Moab this year. I’ll keep it for the foreseeable future, due to the stigma of reliability I am less optimistic.

Introduce yourself and post in the JLforums and you’ll have people give the opposite story of this thread.
 
Wrangler:
Pros: solid front axle - much better articulation; better approach and departure angles; much easier and cheaper to work on - maintenance or modification.
Cons (the reasons I bought the 4runner but am still questioning my decision from time to time): lacks side airbags; too small to put a bike or sleep inside; small rear passenger doors; miserable defrosting at bottom corners of front windshield.
 
This one was one of my favorite threads on the topic.

4 reasons why Jeeps are better than 4Runners
4 reasons why Jeeps are better than 4Runners - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

Or here
4th gen vs 5th gen vs Jeep - Help Needed
4th gen vs 5th gen vs Jeep - Help Needed - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

Or here
Amazing difference between 4runner forum and Jeep JL forum.
Amazing difference between 4runner forum and Jeep JL forum. - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
 
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4Reak Show said:
This one was one of my favorite threads on the topic.

4 reasons why Jeeps are better than 4Runners
4 reasons why Jeeps are better than 4Runners - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

Or here
4th gen vs 5th gen vs Jeep - Help Needed
4th gen vs 5th gen vs Jeep - Help Needed - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum

Or here
Amazing difference between 4runner forum and Jeep JL forum.
Amazing difference between 4runner forum and Jeep JL forum. - Toyota 4Runner Forum - Largest 4Runner Forum
Click to expand...

I spent close to 15 years on different Jeep forums before here. It is really amazing how much complaining and negative there is on them compared to over here. The good part about them is that if your Jeep has something break on it there is a 110% chance somebody elses has and there is a write up on how to fix it!
 
I've had two Jeeps (an '89 Cherokee which at that time had the same running gear as the Wrangler, and an '06 Wrangler JK). Both had numerous problems over the years. I have also rented Wrangles from time to time to do the trails in Western Colorado.

Now I have a 4Runner SR5 Premium which I love. The 4Runner is so much more comfortable on the trail than the Jeeps ever were, and in my opinion, just as capable if you have a modest 2" leveling kit and better tires than comes from the factory.

The only advantage of the Jeep Rubicon is the lower gear ratio for slow speed rock crawling, but I've never needed that on the trails that I go on.

My vote would be for the 4Runner.
 
If you're comparing both, you should probably throw the Bronco into the mix. Maybe not this initial year, but if you're willing to accept the tradeoffs in a Jeep you'll probably accept the tradeoffs in a Bronco.
 
Wrangler if you want limitless aftermarket and maximum offroad performance.

Runner if you want really good offroad performance but also want good on road characteristics.

Neither can tow, both are slow and neither have very good storage (maybe better in the Jeep).
 
If you've ever owned a kitchen utensil that has one purpose, that's kinda like the jeep imo. Great for that one purpose, but not great in every other aspect... for my needs/wants, anyway. I couldn't swallow the resale also which nobody has mentioned yet.

I'd give the 4runner another chance. The chances of the same person coming across 2 lemons is incredibly, incredibly rare. What was wrong with it, if you don't mind me asking? For the sluggishness, I'd look into a pedal commander, sprint booster, or just jump straight into a re-gear.
 
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