5th gen runner vs new grand cherokee

[BlackWorksInc]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ring-purchasing-2014-jeep-grand-cherokee.html

This thread already covered A TON of the reasons why the JGC is mostly worse than the 4Runner.

Anything made by Chrysler that ISN'T a complete 100% rebuild from the ground up using Fiat's technology is still subject to Chrysler's "wonderful reliability..."

Plain and simple, Chrysler was such a great car company, Mercedes Benz couldn't sell them off in '07 when VW/Audi was buying every brand they could get their hands on at the time, they needed two bailouts, and now they're called Fiat.

 

[Nsoles]

I'm considering a new 4R and may offer my perspective as a Jeep guy.

Overall, I have not found the jeep reliability to be problematic. My last 3 jeeps I purchased near 100k mi, and drove to almost 200k, then sold still running. My experience would not prevent me from buying another jeep, but build and design quality certainly may have changed since my 2002 GC. Other immediate family members have had similar experiences with newer jeeps.

My sister strayed from the jeep family and bought a 2010 4R new. I recently rented a 2013 4R and drove it from LA to Maine, so I have some seat time.

I am strongly considering a new 4r, but have these concerns/dislikes:
-Rust potential. I now live in upstate NY, where salt/snow is mixed 2:1.
-Lack of 2wd/4wd/AWD xfer case. This gives ultimate flexibility, great for winter roads with some dry and some snowy.
-Design: . Radio and info display look like they are from 1985. Spare tire under vehicle (see #1). Poor lighting in rear cargo area. 3rd row seats make cargo height ridiculous with all rows folded. no one touch turn signals. Rear of vehicle looks bloated and disproportionate (subjective). I wasn't blown away by "fit and finish" people often tout (seems like a lot of hard plastic to me). Most other mfgs are using transmissions with more speeds, but I was not unhappy with mpgs or power delivery.

I know simplicity can lead to reliability, but I think some items screams "out dated". Since reputation holds resale value of 4rs so high, it makes the most sense to buy new- but im not sure I can justify the new price knowing some shortcomings.

Maybe a used 4th gen is more my speed?

 

[1engineer]

I know simplicity can lead to reliability, but I think some items screams "out dated". Since reputation holds resale value of 4rs so high, it makes the most sense to buy new- but im not sure I can justify the new price knowing some shortcomings.

Maybe a used 4th gen is more my speed?

A few things wrong with your first post:

Simplicity ALWAYS leads to reliability, as long as the task is accomplished.
Reputation IS NOT the driver of resale value. DEMAND is the driver.

Many vehicles have more bells and whistles than the 4Runner. The 4Runner is fairly simple in a complex market. If you got 200K out of a Jeep you are in the tiny minority. 4Runners routinely go that distance with nothing more than scheduled maintenance.

As far as justifying the price take a look at what a 2003 4Runner limited cost versus what a 2013 4Runner limited cost. Very little difference.

 

[nevada]

chrysler? no thanks.

 

[KCcarguy]

Place your vote

I want everyone to cast there vote! I'm a die hard toyota fan having owned several 4runners, a carolla and 3 tacomas. I personally think although toyotas are great cars they just dont build them like they did in the late 90s to early 2000s. The older tacomas 96-2003 where bulletproof same as 3rd gen 4runner. They dudnt really have nussence failures and few major problems. Then came along the 2004+ tacomas. I have not owned one but know several people who claim they've had one prob after the other. Not only that toyota has just gotten cheap in materials throughout vs a limited 2000. Obviously have to cut somewhere in this economy.

On a 2nd note ive never been a fan of jeep qualit and my 1996 grand cherokee v8 along with about 20 other family or friends have had the common tranny replacement under 100k among other things going out. Supposedly the American manufacturers like dodge and jeep gave supposedly really stepped up there quality the last few years, supposably on par with toyota.

As committed as I am to toyota or at least older model toyotas I'm really digging the new grand cherokee specifically the summit air ride model. Is it me or does that thing look bad ass! Especially the front end! I've always felt the 3rd gen runner was one if the best looking suv,s despite its age but I think this new jeep has it beat. I obviously don't have the 50k to cough up but If I where buying I think I would seriously consider it despite the poor track record. I just think it looks that much better than the 5th gen runner. I'm obviously not the only one as I have seen an obsurd amount of new ones driving around prob 10 or more to every runner.

I'm sure the majority of you will not part ways with your yota but do you think Jeeps playing hardball with this new design and quality revision. If not what the heck is jeep doing to sell do many if toyotas are obviously known to be more reliable? I dont believe its price like it used to be as these jeeps are not cheap now and most im seeing are the limited or summit models at 50k!
I also work at the hospital and am seeing quite a few Doctors trading in there beamers , audis, escelades for the loaded grands. I see a new one with tags about every 2 weeks and yet to see any MD,s driving 4tunners.

On a 2nd note could toyota have really lost a good majority of there cust base? I would bet toyota isnt selling anywhere near as many 5th gens since they rolled out the new style as 3rd gens in the same timeframe. Is it the ridiculous price that's driving people away or the fact it just seems kinda blah and not really eye candy unless you go with the limited that is! ?
Or am I just way out of line here and are either blind and just never seeing them and sales are great!
Last edited by Schargedtaco; Today at 03:50 AM.

I just recently test drove a couple JGCs with my Dad, who's interested in buying one. They are pretty awesome vehicles if you're looking for a luxury SUV. If you should get one or not depends on your plans for the vehicle. If you want a nice SUV to drive around in for a few years and trade, the Jeep would be great. If your looking for a workhorse SUV to use and abuse for many years and many thousands of miles, buy a Toyota. Simply put:

Jeep=disposable luxury vehilce with a touch of ruggedness

T4R=rugged, built-to-last vehilce with a touch of luxury

 

[mfregeau20]

Good points all around, I love Toyota and have since the first TR4"s came out with the removable top. those were the days LOL

I bought mine for the Reliability, style, and it is a Toyota 4 Runner -enough said.

Didn't buy it for loads of horse power etc. I will get a nice BMW 335i if I need that and want to go flying down the road. Vehicles are built for what they are intended for if you want boat loads of power for driving around in get a nice car. Power in the runner suits me fine. IMO

Agreed about the Super charger, had one in my 2001 Tacoma. Drove it like a menace to society :rockon:

 

[JSparky]

My brother is on his second grand cherokee, currently has around 150k on it with no major issues aside from the three transmissions jeep replaced under warranty/recall. We test drove the new GC's a couple months ago and found them to be very luxurious.. almost overkill on the interior appointments though. We test drove the new v6 and I thought it had plenty of oomph. The model we drove had an adjustable air suspension which was cool, however it had me a little concerned. I feel with all the gadgets jeep is putting on, it runs the risk of following Land Rover in the 4x4-reliability department.. it'd be great when it works but I'm not sure if I'd trust it out in the boonies. Visibility is better out of the 4runner too.

On another note, that same day we also test drove a brand new Lexus GX460 and fell in love (at least I did). It's like everything I love about the 4runner and more. Higher quality interior, v8, beefier body and overall build, plus it had both kdss and crawl control. If I was in the market for a luxury overland vehicle that would be at the top of my list.

 

[rbrownlie]

Last year, I engaged the same comparison as the OP, comparing a 4Runner Trail against a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Trail. I first test drove the 4Runner and then immediately went down to the Jeep dealer to try out the Grand Cherokee. The Jeep had an incredible interior although less cargo space than the 4Runner. The V8 on the Jeep was also great. Then, I tried to adjust the ride height with the Jeep's air adjustible suspension. I can't remember if it was button or dial, but whatever it was, I made the adjustments and ... nothing happened. Tried it again ... nothing happened. The salesman tried ... nothing happened. The sales manager tried ... nothing happened. A guy from the service department tried ... nothing happened. They said they could fix it. I said, "No thanks," and bought the 4Runner.

 

[JayceeP]

-Design: . Radio and info display look like they are from 1985......3rd row seats make cargo height ridiculous with all rows folded. no one touch turn signals. Rear of vehicle looks bloated and disproportionate (subjective). I wasn't blown away by "fit and finish" people often tout (seems like a lot of hard plastic to me). Most other mfgs are using transmissions with more speeds, but I was not unhappy with mpgs or power delivery.

Doesn't the GC have less cargo room?
I like the big back end. I personally find it adds legitimacy to what it is.
Fit and finish is great in my Limited and has plenty of technology. However, I don't need to be able to write code from my NAV screen.
More gears means more money doesn't it? Is a 6th or 8th gear really necessary?

To each his own for sure.

 

[cbreze]

-Rust potential. I now live in upstate NY, where salt/snow is mixed 2:1.
can anything survive a 2 to 1 salt snow ratio?



no one touch turn signals.

i don't get this. My 4R turn signals only take one touch. Up or down. Seriously if your talking about turn signals that work easier than that is it a really "must have" feature?

 

[JSparky]

Last year, I engaged the same comparison as the OP, comparing a 4Runner Trail against a Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Trail. I first test drove the 4Runner and then immediately went down to the Jeep dealer to try out the Grand Cherokee. The Jeep had an incredible interior although less cargo space than the 4Runner. The V8 on the Jeep was also great. Then, I tried to adjust the ride height with the Jeep's air adjustible suspension. I can't remember if it was button or dial, but whatever it was, I made the adjustments and ... nothing happened. Tried it again ... nothing happened. The salesman tried ... nothing happened. The sales manager tried ... nothing happened. A guy from the service department tried ... nothing happened. They said they could fix it. I said, "No thanks," and bought the 4Runner.

This happened to us too.. after playing around with it we discovered the doors had to be closed in order for the suspension to adjust, likely a safety feature. Saleswomen had no clue. If this is what happened in your case I don't know, but it stumped us for awhile.

 

[rbrownlie]

This happened to us too.. after playing around with it we discovered the doors had to be closed in order for the suspension to adjust, likely a safety feature. Saleswomen had no clue. If this is what happened in your case I don't know, but it stumped us for awhile.

The doors were closed. It just did not work.

I really wanted to like the Jeep. It looked good, the interior was super nice compared to the 4Runner, the V8 had plenty of power and sounded great. But, having been previously stung by crappy Jeep build quality, I was wary. The failure of the air suspension to operate sent me straight back to the Toyota dealer, a decision for which I have no regrets.

 

[Donkey]

I voted with my money today.

 

[dwc]

I have nothing useful to add, but I will type something anyway....

Just went over to Jeep's web site and the interior appears to be very luxurious compared to even the Limited, as others have mentioned. The displays in particular appear to be of a much higher quality.

I know Toyota is trying to improve the "perception" of luxury in the 6th gen, but I've never viewed the 4Runner as a luxury vehicle (even though it can run $40K). I view it as a practical, and capable, alternative to everything else in Toyota's product line. The FJ is very capable but has some limitations when it comes to creature comforts. The Sequoia is what you buy if you don't want to buy a Suburban. The Land Cruiser is now a luxury vehicle that I wouldn't be comfortable driving (or getting dirty, or eating in, or driving out of the garage).

I'd feel the same way about the JGC. It's too upscale for me. I hope Jeep continues to be successful. It's good to have a variety of alternatives.

 

[Nsoles]

i don't get this. My 4R turn signals only take one touch. Up or down. Seriously if your talking about turn signals that work easier than that is it a really "must have" feature?

Hardly a must have, but the economy Chevy rental car (cruze?) I had recently sparked a comparison to what "standard features" might include in 2013. If I was only considering the functional utility, none of the "bells and whistles" would matter. Im an advocate for simplicity (I shiver at the thought of air suspension), but like many, it's tough for me not to compare features before spending my hard earned money.

Per my rust concern- not much of anything can survive heavy winter salt, but some vehicles fare better than others. It may take a few more years to fully realize how toyota has done with the 5th gen, but I think it's a valid concern.

Perhaps the GC has evolved too far from its roots to compare to the 4runner now?

 

[Intruder]

Also what's everyone's take in which rig is the best trail rig out of the box? The 4runner trail vs GC air ride w/quadra trac?

No contest. Try to find a pic of a bone stock JGC doing something like this. My truck was completely stock and about 2 months old when this pic was taken. I've never seen a newer JGC on the trails but plenty of 5th gens.


Untitled by BurningChr0me, on Flickr

 

[Schargedtaco]

I beg to differ with 1Engineers comment

As far as justifying the price take a look at what a 2003 4Runner limited cost versus what a 2013 4Runner limited cost. Very little difference


2003 4runners are not priced anywhere near 2013 runners. Try a 15-20k gap. If that's pocket change for you Ya may want to get landrover!

 

[JB.]

Also what's everyone's take in which rig is the best trail rig out of the box? The 4runner trail vs GC air ride w/quadra trac?

The phrase "trail rig" implies hard, frequent use over a long period of time. In that respect (but not limited to), it's absolutely no contest. Not even a discussion.

 

[2013Trail]

No contest. Try to find a pic of a bone stock JGC doing something like this. My truck was completely stock and about 2 months old when this pic was taken. I've never seen a newer JGC on the trails but plenty of 5th gens.


Untitled by BurningChr0me, on Flickr

Why do you say that? The GC has enough ground clearance to make that maneuver.

 

[Intruder]

Why do you say that? The GC has enough ground clearance to make that maneuver.

Has nothing to do with ground clearance. Does the JGC have a rear locker?