Considering a 2014 Trail

[peanut]

Have many of you left a JK to go into a 4 runner? I feel like it will be a little less off road capable mostly rock crawling but that the Toyota could be modified. What it comes down to is I just moved out of CO and I have a 2013 JKU 10A Rubicon which is great for most things but I am spending a lot of time on the HWY... I was thinking the trail edition would be good for now for trail use as well as DD. I have a dog but no kids.
If you left a JK and moved into a 4 runner do you miss anything about the jeep? any regrets?
What I am debating on is a 2014 premium trail with the KDSS.
Thanks!
Edit: Part of my reasoning is I hate Chrystler so I am not considering a different jeep. I am looking for something more reliable.

 

[Donkey]

Previous JK, YJ, ZJ, WJ owner here. Only one was stock.

2013 trail with KDSS now, my first Toyota. I miss nothing about my old jeeps except for those perfect days to drop the top. I can always pick up an older TJ or YJ to relive those days but my 4runner is here to stay. My stock trail goes most everywhere they did (within reason for stock tires and suspension) with ease and is far more comfortable on the highway.

My jeeps were all fairly reliable but I don't miss things like the idler pulley on the 4.0L, intake manifold of the 5.2L or the blend doors/general jeep gremlins on the WJ. My 4runner is more comfortable, has a larger interior and is far quicker. KDSS is totally flat in the corners. Far safer vehicle for my family.

One can certainly run 35's on a JK with a minor lift and go more places but I've grown out of that. Oh and just fyi pretty much everyone here HATES jeeps.

 

[peanut]

haha figured most hate jeeps but an honest statement is great. So what are your thoughts on the KDSS offroad? Compaired to how a jeep rides offroad is really what I am trying to understand... I also need to figure out if I can install a winch on the 2014 trail. Maybe on a hiden winch mount...

 

[Intruder]

Never driven a JK but I've wheeled with them before and wheeled my Trail Edition a little bit. The biggest differences you'll notice off road are IFS vs SFA, no front locker, longer wheelbase, and different gearing. KDSS is a passive sway bar disconnect so you will have beefier sway bars that sort of slack themselves in certain situations off road. It's not quite like having a true sway bar disconnect, but you don't have to carry a bag of zip ties and crawl under your truck at the beginning and end of the day (unless you have an electric disco and have no idea what I'm talking about). There are a few guys around here who traded in their non-KDSS 5th gens for Trail Editions with KDSS. If you do a search you should find the threads and their reasoning for it or they'll post here soon enough.

The 4Runner has way better manners on road than a JK but you're trading off a little of the off road capability for it. At the same time, how much time does the average person spend driving off road vs on road? 1% vs 99%? Maybe as high as 5% vs 95%?

 

[Donkey]

haha figured most hate jeeps but an honest statement is great. So what are your thoughts on the KDSS offroad? Compaired to how a jeep rides offroad is really what I am trying to understand... I also need to figure out if I can install a winch on the 2014 trail. Maybe on a hiden winch mount...

It rides similar off road. My jk was a two door, the front axle provided more feel as in you knew what it was doing. 4runner is pretty soft and comfortable. The ifs feels different, not in a bad way. Very confident ride. KDSS is impressive, I only test drove the SR5 on road but the difference there was night and day. I've never seen them side by side on an rti ramp but it provides for more flex than I was expecting, especially down travel in the front end. Stuffs the tire in the rear easily. I banged the front skid plate pretty good crossing some ruts. 2.5 or 3 inch lift with a winch and 285's would make for a very capable rig. check out the lifted and off road pic thread...

 

[JSparky]

I used to daily drive my 07 JK Rubicon 2-door (35's with long-arms). Ran Charouleau Gap outside Tucson with my friend earlier this year in his 3rd gen 4runner (lifted on 33's) and was so impressed I proceeded to buy a 5th gen Trail for myself when I got back to California. Coming from a Jeep I couldn't believe how easily it handled the trail. They handle unsealed/washboard roads significantly better than solid front axle vehicles, and the kdss does seem to maximize wheel travel while greatly reducing body roll on the road.. sr5 and kdss/trail test drives were night and day to me. I drove my jeep through a variety of conditions over the years and have a pretty good feel for how it drives. That said I feel much safer driving the 4runner, its just inherently a safer vehicle to drive, handling-wise and impact-wise.

I also like how easy they are to mod. You don't have to mess with high-steer kits, replacement links, driveshafts or anything like that, most components remain stock. I don't know how much time you've been researching but front coilovers and rear shocks and springs will clear 33's and it produces a very balanced, capable overland rig. The only other thing most recommend is replacing the upper a-arms, but thats pretty much it.

I still love jeeps, but for me and what I'm doing the 4runner makes a lot more sense now. Obviously it really comes down to what your individual needs are.. but to answer your question I made the switch and I'm very satisfied with my decision. I hope that helps.

 

[Curt Sauve]

haha figured most hate jeeps but an honest statement is great. So what are your thoughts on the KDSS offroad? Compaired to how a jeep rides offroad is really what I am trying to understand... I also need to figure out if I can install a winch on the 2014 trail. Maybe on a hiden winch mount...

The reason that most of us on here hate Jeeps, is because most of us have owned one.

 

[JayceeP]

The thing I missed about my 4-door JK this summer was taking the top and doors off. I devised a little pully in my garage so I could remove the hard-top myself. Other than that, my LE has all the bells and whistles my Jeep didn't have. I know quite a few Jeep owners reported leaky hard-top issues.

You mentioned the highway driving. The 4Runner cruises along effortlessly in comparison to the 3.8L my 2010 JK had. Not sure how the new Pentastar pulls along- I guess you could speak to that. Fuel economy is comparable but better in the 4Runner despite having full-time 4wd. I didn't calculate very many tanks in the JK, but if I had to guess, I would estimate a 5-10% improvement in fuel economy in the 4Runner vs my JK.

 

[Donkey]

I devised a little pully in my garage so I could remove the hard-top myself.

Brings back jeep and harbor freight hoist memories, old house old jeep:

I bet that hoist is still mounted to the studs in the attic...

 

[WODWorldWide]

The jeep is great for the summer with the top but that's about the only time it comes out of the garage. I drive 40 miles to work and back 25 from denver to Longmont every day and the trail has all the comforts I need. We will see how it is once I put a new lift and tires on.

Edit: also, go to mountain states Toyota if you decide. The best service I've ever had and walked out with a really good price with a bit of haggling.

 

[Stifler]

I have a JKU for the trail and my 4runner is for DD and light off road/camping. JKU is far superior off road but mine is built! JKU is getting a 6.2 transplant this coming year

 

[NuclearN8]

I traded my 2010 JK Mountain edition (MT) for a 2007 limited without xreas and a 2005 sport with xreas. While I realize neither of these are 5th gen's or have kdss... my point is I do not regret this decision one bit. My only concern would be if the kdss is as unfriendly as the xreas when it needs maintained... not sure on this. guys in this section of the forum should know best on the maintenance costs of kdss if any... the xreas requires complete replacement when something leaks more than once (luckily mine hasn't yet) and this is when most 4th gen guys go the aftermarket suspension for an upgrade in offroad capability m(to match the jeeps)...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xfYNEQKh38Q

My advice would be to trade or sell the JK and pick up a used 2010/11 trail edition coming off of lease.... you're not going to missing out on much between these years and the 2014 besides a different front bumper cover and about 10K in your wallet.

fwiw...I don't hate jeeps. I actually love them for what they are....
The 4runner is just a better all around vehicle in every category except off-roading in stock form (and it sounds like that's what your after at this point in your life). happy shopping!

 

[Prestige Worldwide]

I just purchased a 2013 TE and the Jeep Wrangler was part of my consideration process. I went with the 4R because I found it to be much more comfortable and 80% of my driving is pavement. One of the major things I did not like about the Jeep was that the rear seats were not adjustable. The Jeep is a very capable vehicle, but I think the 4R will be more than capable of handling the off-road use it will see with me. Good luck with your decision!

 

[nguyenn]

I just recently purchased a 2014 trail edition prem. I absolutely love it. Although I havent driven a jeep before, I am very happy with the 4R. Super comfortable ride. Cant wait to test her on the trail. Good luck with your decision.

 

[peanut]

Right now I am struggling to find a trail edition with KDSS anywhere near me.... I might have to look at them next time I take a trip to CO or stop along the way when I go to WI if I can find one. It seems like for the improvements in the brakes and interior it is worth getting the 2014 over a used one?

 

[NuclearN8]

Right now I am struggling to find a trail edition with KDSS anywhere near me.... I might have to look at them next time I take a trip to CO or stop along the way when I go to WI if I can find one. It seems like for the improvements in the brakes and interior it is worth getting the 2014 over a used one?

All within a days drive...

Cars for Sale: 2010 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 in North Pekin, IL 61554: Sport Utility Details - 329986571 - AutoTrader.com

Cars for Sale: 2010 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 Trail in Bismarck, ND 58504: Sport Utility Details - 340662669 - AutoTrader.com

Cars for Sale: 2010 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 Trail in Cape Girardeau, MO 63701: Sport Utility Details - 362519397 - AutoTrader.com

you can also check the classifieds on this forum. I believe there's a few threads there worth reading...

 

[m(a)ce]

lots of informative and honest posts above. good stuff.

I have a built JKUR that we've used for rock crawling and camping/fishing trips. I had TJ before that. My gf is on her 2nd Jeep. We've had positive experiences with the brand in terms of capability off road and (try not to laugh) reliability.

Gfs new JK is a Rubi so it seemed redundant to get another one. Figured I'd try something different & eventually build it as more of an overland fishing rig. This fall I worked out a good deal on a '13 Trail with KDSS and took the plunge.

So far I really like the 4R. Dealer experience has been solid. On road its great & a pleasure to DD. In stock form the 4R has some noticeable nosedive but otherwise handles well at all speeds. Great manners for where I spend 80% of my time. Haven't had it off road in anything but some deep snow but it did well.

Good cargo space and rear seats are more comfortable for passengers. I was running my hardtop on the Jeep so the switch the to 4R was less painful haha. Sunroof/rear window make it quite airy in the cabin but still offer some security. Cockpit takes a little getting use to. Some things will seem quirky if you're use to Jeeps (e.g. no always on cigarette lighter). Also I wish the Trail offered factory option for heated seats or leather.

I've been checking out the aftermarket support and it seems good but obviously less than Jeep. But as we all know there's a lot of junk out there for Jeeps too.

Looking forward to some adventures in the new rig.