Considering 4Runner SR5; JGC Laredo also in mix

[JAGMBA]

I had a Jaguar X-Type, Infiniti G35x (best car I've ever owned), GTI MkV, and Commander (4.7 V8 & QTII) before trading for this GLI. The new JGC has the interior closest to the G35 in terms of fit/finish/materials/features. Even with the leather package, the 4Runner interior is a step behind the one in my Y2k Honda Civic, but that thing was as reliable as a stone ax and anvil; gas, oil change, drive. The Commander was just as reliable also after I got some manufacturing defects addressed; I just hated the small fuel tank and poor fuel economy. Loved taking it off-road here in abandoned quarries. Anyway, I figure I can fix the 4Runner interior enough to be serviceable via an aftermarket stereo upgrade and (possibly) seat coverings, and I can fix the handling issues via shocks and roll bars, but I can't fix poor reliability or the lack of peace of mind that comes from getting screwed by electrical gremlins that magically disappear before I can get to the dealer (Jaguar, Commander, and GLI). FYI, the other vehicles I'm debating are/were wagons in the Venza (space/comfort/style) and TSX Sportwagon (performance/fuel economy). Having owned so many vehicles in the last 11yrs, I just want one vehicle that will get me thru the next 8yrs until my child drives or 10yrs when she heads off to college. The Jeep doesn't seem to fit the bill the more I think of it, so the 4Runner has won the SUV side of the decision bracket, but next I need to settle the wagon side then compare the two head to head.

 

[TOYSTRY]

I had a Jaguar X-Type, Infiniti G35x (best car I've ever owned), GTI MkV, and Commander (4.7 V8 & QTII) before trading for this GLI. The new JGC has the interior closest to the G35 in terms of fit/finish/materials/features. Even with the leather package, the 4Runner interior is a step behind the one in my Y2k Honda Civic, but that thing was as reliable as a stone ax and anvil; gas, oil change, drive. The Commander was just as reliable also after I got some manufacturing defects addressed; I just hated the small fuel tank and poor fuel economy. Loved taking it off-road here in abandoned quarries. Anyway, I figure I can fix the 4Runner interior enough to be serviceable via an aftermarket stereo upgrade and (possibly) seat coverings, and I can fix the handling issues via shocks and roll bars, but I can't fix poor reliability or the lack of peace of mind that comes from getting screwed by electrical gremlins that magically disappear before I can get to the dealer (Jaguar, Commander, and GLI). FYI, the other vehicles I'm debating are/were wagons in the Venza (space/comfort/style) and TSX Sportwagon (performance/fuel economy). Having owned so many vehicles in the last 11yrs, I just want one vehicle that will get me thru the next 8yrs until my child drives or 10yrs when she heads off to college. The Jeep doesn't seem to fit the bill the more I think of it, so the 4Runner has won the SUV side of the decision bracket, but next I need to settle the wagon side then compare the two head to head.

Congrats on the decision.............you'll be happy with your choice it appears.

 

[-JD-]

The only thing the 4runner has over the Jeep is possibly better reliability. The Jeep has many more options/features for the same price.

Right, but how much is a vehicle that doesn't work worth??

to me, nothing....

 

[KCcarguy]

The Jeep doesn't seem to fit the bill the more I think of it, so the 4Runner has won the SUV side of the decision bracket, but next I need to settle the wagon side then compare the two head to head.

You're not gonna go wrong with any of the three choices. The TSX wagon is pretty sharp, but rear seat legroom is almost non-existent.

 

[tjnaples]

The 4Runner is bulletproof, and full of serendipity. Hell go on YouTube and you'll see lots of Gen 1 4Runners still out there from '84. My TE w/KDSS handles phenomenally on road for a "truck". And please remember it isn't suppossed to be a crossover. The Highlander is just as big inside if you want to go that route.

BLUF? You're an idiot if you don't get one. I'm not sure I'd make a good salesperson as I would tell customers the same thing. Yeah I'd be fired before long.

 

[Quentin]

TOYSTRY - I think the gas mileage is due to where you live versus the truck itself. I've averaged 22.07mpg over the past 15287 miles in my T4R according to my Gas Cubby iphone app. High was 24.99 (I think the gas pump clicked off a bit early as the dash showed 23.7mpg on that tank) and the low was 19.64mpg (winter gas, all 6 mi commute where I barely get up to operating temps). Also check out this link: 2010 Toyota 4Runner Trail Edition vs. 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited - Specs and Test Data - Motor Trend

The 4Runner was faster in nearly every measurable (other than figure 8) and it got 14.4mpg observed versus the 12.8mpg of the JGC. Simply put, you not hitting the EPA numbers doesn't mean that the 4Runner is worse on gas than the JGC when a more apples to apples test, like the MT one, says otherwise.

 

[Gasdoc]

The only thing the 4runner has over the Jeep is possibly better reliability. The Jeep has many more options/features for the same price.

I've got a 4R LE on order right now. I also looked at the JGC Overland Summit. It was nice to drive with plenty of power. I went home and searched forums about each vehicle. Over here, everyone seems to be very happy with their 4 runners. At jeepgarage it seemed like a very significant portion were complaining about major breakdowns and electrical problems. I would really have to dig deep to find people that were happy with their Jeep. That talk from Chrystler about changing the company to produce good dependable vehicles seems to be just a sales pitch.

For me reliability means quality. I don't want a vehicle with fancy features that is likely to break down or fall apart. If I was going that route a Range Rover would be at the top of my list. Like many here have said, the 4 runner is built and marketed to be a bad assed off road truck that will last for decades if you treat it right. It looks like a truck and drives like a truck. To me the interior of the LE is plenty luxurious for a truck. I couldn't be happier with my decision and am counting the days until my 4R gets in from Japan.

 

[TRDSmokedU]

Hahaha it's basically a cheaply built Mercedes Benz GL350. dont get me wrong, i enjoyed my wrangler while i had it, it just didnt cut it as a road trip/ future family vehicle. and as i said, the JGC rode like crap. i was shocked at how poorly i rode, especially with the new suspension and unibody design.

I drove the Overland the other day to compare it. I am still shopping around so I took my dad's Pathfinder V8 and my sister followed me in her 2011 Limited 4Runner. The Overland had the V8 and 20 inch wheels. It road more like a truck than the Pathfinder or 4Runner. From 60-0 in braking the JGC had an irritating shake to it. The interior was nice, but the leather dash does not seem like it will hold up well. The wife and I are expecting so we are looking for a vehicle that that haul all the baby stuff in the cargo area. The Jeep's cargo area was awful but the second row seats were a little better for leg room. That was until you put the driver seat back all the way. The JGC is not as tall so I felt as if I were driving a crossover or station wagon. The Hemi was a joke especially when compared to the V8 Pathfinder. The V6 limited felt more powerful than the Hemi.

Overall, I was not impressed. I really don't know why the media and motor mags have praised this new JGC. It is not all it's cracked up to be but I guess when our Government gives billions to GM and Chrysler they all of sudden become worthy of praise. The fact that kills me is people think they are supporting America when they purchase a POS Chrysler product. First the JGC rides on a modified Mercedes frame (Germany) and Chrysler is owned by Fiat (Italian).

 

[1engineer]

All anyone needs to look at in theses comparisions is residual value, and not the "projected" residual value crap. Sure the jeep is redesigned but so is the 4Runner so look back over several years and find out how much a used one is worth today. You will lose if you buy the Jeep. Is the Jeep really worth losing 5-6K more than the 4Runner when you get rid of it? After that look at dependability. Look at previous generation. Jeep has not changed nor has Toyota. Both the new models of Jeep and Toyota are different but the quality is the same as their respective generations. If you still want to buy a Jeep after that then you are a special person.

 

[blademan]

If you still want to buy a Jeep after that then you are a special person.

...and "special" should be highlighted....:nerd:

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Not every one is happy. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/93135-sold-my-5th-gen-final-thoughts.html I have a 91 Jeep Wrangler (4.0, manual trans) that still runs like a top and have had minimal problems with it even after beating it in the desert. That thing is still worth about 3K easy after 20 years. I have been very pleased with my 03 4runner as well. Hopefully a few changes will be made in the 2012 4runner option wise to increase their appeal to more buyers.

 

[DaveS]

If you decide on the Jeep I recommend you lease it over 4 years with a warranty to match - I can promise you anything Chrysler built is well past it's prime at that point and most of those fancy gadgets you may be impressed with now will likely be about to fail or have already been replaced at least once.

Steer clear of the air lift suspension trickery if you do go JGC - looks clever in the ads but several owners have been reporting problems with it, in particular the compressor overheating and failing, leaving you stranded with a bunch of warning lights flashing before you. If you plan to use the truck in the winter, you may want to also invest in a good sleeping bag and a pair of thick socks...

 

[JayBe]

Not every one is happy. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/93135-sold-my-5th-gen-final-thoughts.html I have a 91 Jeep Wrangler (4.0, manual trans) that still runs like a top and have had minimal problems with it even after beating it in the desert. That thing is still worth about 3K easy after 20 years. I have been very pleased with my 03 4runner as well. Hopefully a few changes will be made in the 2012 4runner option wise to increase their appeal to more buyers.

Those 4.0L Inline 6's were great engines. I couldn't believe it when Jeep ditched them in place of a smaller V6 from a minivan. My '08 Wrangler Unlimited was so severely under powered. If some people swap in Hemi's. I don't know why jeep couldn't offer the 4.7L V8 as an option in the wrangler

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Those 4.0L Inline 6's were great engines. I couldn't believe it when Jeep ditched them in place of a smaller V6 from a minivan. My '08 Wrangler Unlimited was so severely under powered. If some people swap in Hemi's. I don't know why jeep couldn't offer the 4.7L V8 as an option in the wrangler

The 2012 Wranglers are getting the new 3.6 engine like in the new Grand Cherokee. This should help in the power department.

 

[JayBe]

Yea I heard that too.

 

[KCcarguy]

Another former Wrangler owner here. Mine was totally reliable as well. However, I don't think experiences with the Wrangler can be translated to the GC. I think my Wrangler never broke because there was NOTHING TO BREAK..... no A/C, no power windows, etc. The GC has a lot more bells & whistles. As far as 4.0 six goes, I think a lot of Jeep guys still like the TJ's because of the bulletproof reputation of the 4.0. Who cares about a little extra power when you sacrifice durability.