Considering purchasing a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[Roadkill]

I fully expect to be flamed for this, but I need some feedback about my comparative analysis. I have been planning to purchase a 2014 4Runner Limited, but last week I drove a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Despite my best efforts to hate it simply for being a Jeep, I failed.

I can hardly believe this, but I am actually considering purchasing a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. My original plan was to acquire a 4Runner and then modify it to have the features I wanted (eg. HID, tire pressure readout). However, the JGC ships with quite a litany of features that I really want—some of which aren't able to be added aftermarket. The convenience of having a vehicle ship from the factory with the features I want adds significant value to me.

Comparing a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit to a 2014 4Runner Limited:

Pros:

• 8 speed transmission
• Diesel option
• Self-leveling bi-xenon headlamps
• Automatic high beams (yes, these actually work)
• Heated second row seating
• Tire pressure values displayed in-dash
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Radar-based cruise control/pre-collision braking
• Blind spot monitoring
• Lane departure warning
• Remote start that doesn't suck (ie. vehicle stays on when the door is opened)
• Air suspension with adjustable ride height

Cons:

• It's a Jeep
• It's not a Toyota (yes, this is worth restating)
• It's assembled by UAW workers
• Reliability is apparently not a paramount consideration for Jeep/Chrysler
• No sliding cargo tray
• A surfeit of chrome trim, which leads to excessive sunlight reflection

I have to say that I really like the diesel option even if it doesn't pay for itself in the long run.

Now, please remind me of all critical features of the 4Runner that the JGC lacks that I have overlooked in my wanton, unrestrained heresy. Perhaps I may still be saved...

 

[limamike]

I fully expect to be flamed for this, but I need some feedback about my comparative analysis. I have been planning to purchase a 2014 4Runner Limited, but last week I drove a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Despite my best efforts to hate it simply for being a Jeep, I failed.

I can hardly believe this, but I am actually considering purchasing a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. My original plan was to acquire a 4Runner and then modify it to have the features I wanted (eg. HID, tire pressure readout). However, the JGC ships with quite a litany of features that I really want—some of which aren't able to be added aftermarket. The convenience of having a vehicle ship from the factory with the features I want adds significant value to me.

Comparing a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit to a 2014 4Runner Limited:

Pros:

• 8 speed transmission
• Diesel option
• Self-leveling bi-xenon headlamps
• Automatic high beams (yes, these actually work)
• Heated second row seating
• Tire pressure values displayed in-dash
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Radar-based cruise control/pre-collision braking
• Blind spot monitoring
• Lane departure warning
• Remote start that doesn't suck (ie. vehicle stays on when the door is opened)
• Air suspension with adjustable ride height

Cons:

• It's a Jeep
• It's not a Toyota (yes, this is worth restating)
• It's assembled by UAW workers
• Reliability is apparently not a paramount consideration for Jeep/Chrysler
• No sliding cargo tray
• A surfeit of chrome trim, which leads to excessive sunlight reflection

I have to say that I really like the diesel option even if it doesn't pay for itself in the long run.

Now, please remind me of all critical features of the 4Runner that the JGC lacks that I have overlooked in my wanton, unrestrained heresy. Perhaps I may still be saved...

Looks to me you're more concerned with highway features than offroad features. If that's the case, go with the Jeep. Good luck.

 

[Canazes9]

I think the value of the reliability of the 4Runner vs the Grand Cherokee can not be overstated. Odds are high that it will spend a great deal of time at the dealership being serviced. Regardless of what kind of warranty coverage you get w/ the Jeep, not having to pay for the repairs is a poor substitute for a reliable vehicle. I suggest you research the reliability a little more in depth before you purchase.

Best of luck with your choice.

David

 

[jonbob]

Kinda like the car and driver comparison that contrasted the JGC limited vs the 4 runner trail. Big surprise they liked the jeep better.

Most people choose the 4 runner because of the reliability and offroad capability. If those issues are secondary to you then maybe it's not for you.

My family used to be a jeep family and I've had several including older model jeep grand cherokees and a regular cherokee. Once I tried my wife's toyota tacoma I never looked back.

 

[Newf4R]

I considered these same two vehicles prior to the purchase of my 4Runner. I do enjoy all the bells and whistles that the jeep offers and still catch myself envying them when walking past the jeep. That being said, I also smile every time I listen to my friends with jeeps and dodges complaining about all the trips to the service dept. That alone is enough to tell me I made the right choice.

Whenever i see what i consider a lower quality vehicle loaded up with bells and whistles i think this. You can put lipstick on a pig... but it's still a pig

 

[1engineer]

Won't say much other than its tough to use all those cool features when its sitting still in a shop. Go to truedelta.com and go to the jeep forums. If you still want to buy one after reading about all the issues then by all means go for it.

 

[Lolrax]

If by some miracle Jeep had a reliability record like Toyota, I would dump my 4runner in a second for a Diesel jeep loaded to the gills. The only reason is reliability, also I like the 4Runners sheet metal a tiny bit more.

 

[Donkey]

The 2014 summit diesel stickers at over $56,000. That is Lexus GX money, and they have most of the gizmos too.

The Mercedes influence is obvious in the grand cherokee but it has strayed far away from what once was a solid axle, capable, affordable off road SUV.

Reading this forum one would think all toyotas don't require a factory warranty and toyota dealerships don't have service departments because no toyota ever fails and nothing ever breaks...also no jeep has ever made it to 10k miles. Lol

It is not my money but if you want a big luxury car with a hatchback get the grand cherokee...

 

[BlackWorksInc]

Well if you just need a grocery getter or whatever, then I guess the JGC will be okay; when its running...

But if you intend to do any off-roading...the JGC is still, as it always has been for some idiotic reason; Uni-Body.
Not to mention that in '07 Mercedes Benz was trying to dump ChryCorp on anyone they could (and yet VW/Audi who was buying everyone left and right at the time didn't even touch them) because they somehow managed to take MB parts and make them less reliable than they were on the Mercedes Benz! The JGC still shares a lot of components with the ML (or was it GL? I forget which one) class.

Wish you the best of luck either way you decide to go, just don't call your JGC an SUV.

 

[qs933]

I looked at the '12 GC when I was shopping -- on paper, things tilted towards the GC. In addition to what you mentioned, the Jeep has:

- Power rear hatch
- Locking fuel door (taken away on the '10+ 4R)
- In-glass antenna (vs. mast antenna on the '10-13 4R)
- Nicer interior materials (e.g. padded/leather-wrapped dash)
- Pricing for a Limited or Overland was pretty close to a 4Runner Limited
- The '14's UConnect 8" display is probably the best I've seen vs. any other manufacturer
- The '14 has a cool, configurable TFT display in the dash -- see it here:



Note that all of this has nothing to do with off-road capabilities or other things that are important to many other 4Runner buyers. I still went with the 4Runner. Why? Above all else, reliability and resale, especially in my state where Toyota has the highest market share of any manufacturer (=high demand for late-model Toyotas).

It seems odd to value resale that highly -- why sacrifice getting something better now for better resale when I get something better "next time." But I also know my own buying patterns. Resale is important to me.

Reliability and resale aside, there are things I enjoy about my 4Runner not found on the GC:

- Power rear-window -- driving with the sunroof open and the back window down allows the breeze to flow through the cabin without the noise and disruption you'd get from rolling down the side windows. I used to think sunroofs were useless...I actually use mine now.

- Power running-boards -- these are actually useful because they come down and out far enough to actually step on when entering and exiting

- Driving position -- for some reason, I couldn't get comfortable in the GC. I also didn't like the blind spot caused by the A-pillar and the side-mirror mount.

- This is so totally minor, but I noticed it when I drove a '14 GC recently: the 4Runner's windshield washer nozzles are hidden, while the GC's are still on the hood; the former looks much cleaner. Minor, but it bugged me as I drove the GC.

In the end, though, I wouldn't be swayed one way or another by opinions here. It's your money and you have your own priorities.

 

[WarnerD9]

I believe that I am in a good position to chime in here as our family has one of each, both purchased in 2011.

There are two reasons why I would buy a JGC over a 4Runner. Power and fuel capacity. The diesel option would be awesome.

But...

My wife's JGC has randomly shut down at freeway speeds three times. They still don't know why because its an electrical problem and there is no way to log the error. I would take a serious look at resale value as well. We tried to sell it after it had the issues but we would have taken a MAJOR hit with less than 10k on the vehicle. They are also much smaller inside. Our cars seat barely fits and you have to move the front seats uncomfortably close to accommodate. JGCs require premium fuel while Toyotas do fine on mid grade. The adaptive cruise function is a great theory but whenever you someone pulls in front of you it slows you way down and then speeds back up, which hurts mileage.

A JGC would be a great improved dirt road traveler, but if you are planning on doing anything exciting in it, go with a T4R.

Better yet get a Lexus GX460. It's got a great V8, and all the other techno wonders that tickle your fancy. That way you'd get the best of both worlds. That's what we will be getting once our lease is up on our Jeep.

 

[JayceeP]

JGC require premium fuel while Toyotas do fine on mid grade. The adaptive cruise function is a great theory but whenever you someone pulls in front of you it slows you way down and then speeds back up, which hurts mileage.

The owner's manual for the 4R only calls for 87/Regular and the GC's Pentastar calls for regular and the Hemi calls for mid-grade.... Unless you have the SRT as it does call for premium... Which is a whole different class of vehicle than the GC and 4R IMO.

Edit: not saying you didn't know that already..... Just clarifying for the OP in case he or someone else didn't know.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

The owner's manual for the 4R only calls for 87/Regular and the GC's Pentastar calls for regular and the Hemi calls for mid-grade.... Unless you have the SRT as it does call for premium... Which is a whole different class of vehicle than the GC and 4R IMO.

They also like to drop valve seats, so don't worry you won't be buying premium for too long anyways.

Edit- The Hemi (5.7L, 6.1L) engines I meant, not the Penta-crap engines, they have other issues.

 

[Roadkill]

I certainly appreciate all the responses.

It seems that reliability is the key differentiator. I have been impressed the reliability of my 14 year old Camry, but everything breaks from time to time: over the years it has needed a new EGR valve, a passenger side door latch replacement, a master cylinder replacement, etc. The apparent present lack of availability of a service manual for the WK2 JGC is more of a concern to me.

Several responses have raised the issue of resale value. That is definitely noteworthy, though likely not as applicable in my case as I plan to retain my next vehicle for 10+ years.

The 2014 summit diesel stickers at over $56,000. That is Lexus GX money, and they have most of the gizmos too.

True. Furthermore, this is the general price range of the ML350 diesel.

Reading this forum one would think all toyotas don't require a factory warranty and toyota dealerships don't have service departments because no toyota ever fails and nothing ever breaks...also no jeep has ever made it to 10k miles. Lol

Yes, I expected to need a few grains of salt. At least there were no allegations that unibody vehicles explode the first moment dirt touches their treads (haha).

 

[gooserunner]

In General...

In general, when I talk with people who own 4Runners, they are happy, and when I talk to people who own the NEW GC's, they can't wait to get rid of them. Chrysler has mastered the art of making cars that are built like sh**, but look good. They lure people in on the looks, make thousands on the sale - lure them back in with non-warranty covered issues, make thousands in service repairs - People sell their Chrysler products, get no trade in value, and they make thousands when they turn around and sell it. My uncle just bought a brand new GC Limited in Feb 2013. Already got rid of it. He hated it. Tons of issues, recalls, and service TSB's. Some covered, some not. And his previous vehicle was a Dodge Durango. That says a lot considering it was a 98 and he wanted it back over the GC.

As a former Chrysler employee, he lost faith in the company he retired from, and jumped over to Toyota - Finally.

Strong advice. Not worth it. I would still say the same thing to you even if you already bought one.

I looked at the '12 GC when I was shopping -- on paper, things tilted towards the GC. In addition to what you mentioned, the Jeep has:

- Power rear hatch
- Locking fuel door (taken away on the '10+ 4R)
- In-glass antenna (vs. mast antenna on the '10-13 4R)
- Nicer interior materials (e.g. padded/leather-wrapped dash)
- Pricing for a Limited or Overland was pretty close to a 4Runner Limited
- The '14's UConnect 8" display is probably the best I've seen vs. any other manufacturer
- The '14 has a cool, configurable TFT display in the dash -- see it here:



Note that all of this has nothing to do with off-road capabilities or other things that are important to many other 4Runner buyers. I still went with the 4Runner. Why? Above all else, reliability and resale, especially in my state where Toyota has the highest market share of any manufacturer (=high demand for late-model Toyotas).

It seems odd to value resale that highly -- why sacrifice getting something better now for better resale when I get something better "next time." But I also know my own buying patterns. Resale is important to me.

Reliability and resale aside, there are things I enjoy about my 4Runner not found on the GC:

- Power rear-window -- driving with the sunroof open and the back window down allows the breeze to flow through the cabin without the noise and disruption you'd get from rolling down the side windows. I used to think sunroofs were useless...I actually use mine now.

- Power running-boards -- these are actually useful because they come down and out far enough to actually step on when entering and exiting

- Driving position -- for some reason, I couldn't get comfortable in the GC. I also didn't like the blind spot caused by the A-pillar and the side-mirror mount.

- This is so totally minor, but I noticed it when I drove a '14 GC recently: the 4Runner's windshield washer nozzles are hidden, while the GC's are still on the hood; the former looks much cleaner. Minor, but it bugged me as I drove the GC.

In the end, though, I wouldn't be swayed one way or another by opinions here. It's your money and you have your own priorities.

 

[JayceeP]

I certainly appreciate all the responses.

It seems that reliability is the key differentiator.

When I drove 5 hours to Northern Cape Breton (beautiful btw) a few weeks ago there was something very reassuring about looking down at the steering wheel and seeing the Toyota emblem. No regrets whatsoever and I feel as though if I went the GC route, there would always be that pocket of uncertainty floating inside the back of my head.

Edit: I should mention I came from a Jeep to the 4R.

 

[gooserunner]

In Depth evaluation

Lets review these pros and cons:

Pros:
8 speed transmission - Expect to replace before 100k, and I'm sure 8 gears means $8000.

Diesel option - Filling an SUV is already expensive, now add $.50 more per gallon... For 2 MPG more?

Self-leveling bi-xenon headlamps - My uncle had 3 headlmap replacements in 5 months.

Automatic high beams (yes, these actually work)- Awesome until a cop pulls you over and cites you because they failed to turn off when he was approaching. If we are that lazy to flip the switch, we shouldn't be driving.

Heated second row seating - Where no one sits hardly ever...

Tire pressure values displayed in-dash- To distract you and a deer runs out into the road.

Rain-sensing windshield wipers - Again, are we that lazy of a nation? I can tell when i need to use these - When it rains.

Radar-based cruise control/pre-collision braking- LAZY... If I am about to be in an accident, I don't want anyone in control but me.

Blind spot monitoring - I would rather pay for $5 fish eyes for my mirrors and the Limited 4runners come with a nice backup cam.

Lane departure warning - Again... Fish eyes make this a non issue

Remote start that doesn't suck (ie. vehicle stays on when the door is opened)- Got me there, Toyota needs to step up their game.

Air suspension with adjustable ride height- Awesome feature! Until it breaks, which it will, because it is a Chrysler product now.

Cons:
It's a Jeep - Could have jus stopped there, enough said already.

It's not a Toyota (yes, this is worth restating) - Goes without saying

It's assembled by UAW workers - Especially if its from Toledo, Ohio's newly found red-headed step child.

Reliability is apparently not a paramount consideration for Jeep/Chrysler- TONS of issues with differentials and axle stability.

No sliding cargo tray - Had it in my 2011 Trail Edition, never used it, no big deal on this Con

A surfeit of chrome trim, which leads to excessive sunlight reflection- It's not really chrome, of course. Its plastic "Bling"

I fully expect to be flamed for this, but I need some feedback about my comparative analysis. I have been planning to purchase a 2014 4Runner Limited, but last week I drove a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee. Despite my best efforts to hate it simply for being a Jeep, I failed.

I can hardly believe this, but I am actually considering purchasing a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee. My original plan was to acquire a 4Runner and then modify it to have the features I wanted (eg. HID, tire pressure readout). However, the JGC ships with quite a litany of features that I really want—some of which aren't able to be added aftermarket. The convenience of having a vehicle ship from the factory with the features I want adds significant value to me.

Comparing a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit to a 2014 4Runner Limited:

Pros:

• 8 speed transmission
• Diesel option
• Self-leveling bi-xenon headlamps
• Automatic high beams (yes, these actually work)
• Heated second row seating
• Tire pressure values displayed in-dash
• Rain-sensing windshield wipers
• Radar-based cruise control/pre-collision braking
• Blind spot monitoring
• Lane departure warning
• Remote start that doesn't suck (ie. vehicle stays on when the door is opened)
• Air suspension with adjustable ride height

Cons:

• It's a Jeep
• It's not a Toyota (yes, this is worth restating)
• It's assembled by UAW workers
• Reliability is apparently not a paramount consideration for Jeep/Chrysler
• No sliding cargo tray
• A surfeit of chrome trim, which leads to excessive sunlight reflection

I have to say that I really like the diesel option even if it doesn't pay for itself in the long run.

Now, please remind me of all critical features of the 4Runner that the JGC lacks that I have overlooked in my wanton, unrestrained heresy. Perhaps I may still be saved...

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I think the main issue here is a difference in ownership mentality.

For me, I bought my 4th Gen Sport Edition because it felt like the right amount of "luxury" to me. It has power windows, locks, keyless entry, nice interior, beautiful styling, ect.

I've driven and been in many many high end luxury vehicles and they just don't sit well with me; its too much extra crap I don't need. I LOVE seat ventilation, I HATE crotch warmers, I am not a big fan of power seats (take too damn long to adjust), overly convoluted "fancy" interfaces that are just garbage (BMW i-Drive I'm looking at you! though I was playing with an '09 Audi Q7 that had a funky menu/interface) power rear doors, ridiculously squishy rides that make me feel like I need a hemorrhoid donut.

Plus, I bought my 4th Gen for a few main reasons:
~I needed something I could haul an engine or transmission in the back of and/or tow if I needed to.
~Still carry most of my friends
~Feel nice and modern
~Take off-road

A GX470 or pretty-boy wannabe JGC felt like too much posh crap that will get covered in dirty and look disgusting after a few runs and be just "too nice" on the trail. I mean how often are you going to take a GX470 through muddy hills, sliding all over the place, getting in and out to help others while caked in mud and rain? Those nice leather seats with all their little pores for the seat ventilation, and their motors and greasy under carriages getting covered in wet crap, that sounds like a recipe for job security (for me at least. )

Point being, many people bought a 4Runner not just because its reliable, but because its designed to be a tough, semi-luxurious, and nice vehicle to own. Its not as blinged out or ritzed up as a GL Class, JGC, or Audi Q7, but it will more than often be the truck that's out in the middle of the rain storm, sliding up the hill to pull that rich boy shaking like a Chihuahua in the driver's seat because god forbid he gets a spec of mud on his 50k+ CUV interior!

Bottom line:

You want a vehicle that's as reliable as it is capable on & off-road, the 4Runner will be waiting for you.

You want a glorified wagon (because really that's what a CUV/Uni-Body "SUV" is) with the bells and whistles to take your kids to school and back; maybe even up to grandma's farm on the dirt road? There's plenty choices out there that have no problem sacrificing capability for luxury, they'll even add in a AWD (Maybe a 4WD if you're nice) badge to make you feel better.

it just boils down to what you need out of your SUV; reliability & capability off-road vs. over compensation of gadgets and luxury to make up for limited capability and possibly poor reliability (in the case of ChryCorp/BMW products)

Edit-

GooseRunner, you made me smile

 

[Roadkill]

My uncle just bought a brand new GC Limited in Feb 2013. Already got rid of it. He hated it. Tons of issues, recalls, and service TSB's. Some covered, some not.

Interesting; do you have an example of something that was defective and was not covered?

Also, I may have failed to properly communicate. When I said, "last week I drove a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee", I really should have said, "last week I drove a 2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited over 2,100 miles all the while beating it like the rental car it was.".

Here is the exhaustive list of problems and dislikes I encountered:

• The Garmin factory nav sucked (I think all OEM navs suck, even the Toyota units I have interacted with)
• The electrochromatic mirrors did not remember which state I left them in, and turned back on every time I started the car
• The 120 VAC outlet had to be manually activated each time the car was started
• The cargo cover was finicky to secure and left nonpermanent marring on the plastic interior
• The "bling" on the sideview mirrors caused reflections in the cabin
• The XM radio would skip from time to time, even on the clear-skied, wide-open prairie
• Hesitation on launch if the accelerator isn't assertively pressed, though the 4Runner has similar issues. I just floored it when I wanted response, and I got it. (Thanks to this forum for planting that seed in my mind, btw)

...oh, and the liftgate struts could have opened the liftgate faster, but I am really starting to reach here.

Then again, perhaps I got the last remaining JGC that hasn't been recalled & subsequently crushed (haha).

 

[dorton]

How long do you plan on keeping it?

My friend purchased one against my suggestion. It's two years old, and is waiting on a tranny for a second time, and Jeep will not provide a loaner while he waits.