Considering purchasing a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee

[heygenius]

late to the party

I'm late to the party, but I just traded my 2010 LE on a 2014 Trail Premium. This makes my 4th 4R and I just keep liking them more. I too was VERY interested in the GC because of all the bells and whistles, but just couldn't past the quality issues. My best friend bought a GC at the same time so it'll be nice to compare it to my 4R as we put the miles on (so far he's had it in once to have the computer reflashed because it was shifting like a 16 year old learning to drive a clutch). I also have a 2010 Wrangler that's just a toy. There's SO much you can do to a Wrangler and it's a blast offroad and just kinda cool, BUT there is no comparing the quality of it to all the Toyotas I've owned. While no where near a GC, the Wrangler is very basic engineering, but that said, it has rattles, nothing is really tight, the soft top leaks a bit and on occasion the computer will do crazy things and I'll have to unhook the battery for a bit to reset it, but I knew all that going in (it's not a dd). If I could only keep one of them, it'd be the 4R hands down.

 

[philsey]

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...

So, [MENTION=80857]Roadkill[/MENTION] ..... I see you're still around ... but no evidence of what you bought. Spill it.

 

[jpog]

I've been there

I owned a 1998 Chili Pepper Red XJ Classic, and really loved that vehicle. It has power windows, locks, etc but durable cloth. The 4WD was simple and did its job without a fuss. The size, looks, everything was just "right" for us at the time. My wife even loved it and named it Bessie. Even with 100K+ on the odometer, no real problems.

After that we bought a Grand Cherokee trying to have another Bessie experience. More luxury, knobs and buttons, etc. The leather cracked quickly, rattles set in almost immediately, and the whole vehicle seemed to age faster than the calendar indicated. It never stranded us, but just seemed to be racing to the junk yard. So still remembering Bessie, we tried again. Another Grand Cherokee Limited. Same experience. We didn't keep it long. I never had reliability problems, but the materials just didn't seem to be of the same quality. That's why a good XJ still holds its value, but JGCs can be had on the cheap.

Since then I've owned a few different vehicles including full-size trucks, a 5-cyl H3, etc. All cool in their own right, but none gave the Bessie feel.

I believe the 2014 Barcelona Trail we just bought is the closest to Bessie that I can possibly find today. Same goldilocks balance of not too big or small, not too luxurious to get nasty but comfortable and convenient, solid feel, etc. Time will tell, but I'm feeling very positive about it so far.

 

[Daily-runner]

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.

Being in the car stereo business and have done a bunch of jeeps check your factory grounds. Jeeps for some reason don't grind off the paint at ground areas. They just screw the grounds on and call it a day. :doh:

 

[Y2KSR5]

I owned a 1998 Chili Pepper Red XJ Classic, and really loved that vehicle. It has power windows, locks, etc but durable cloth. The 4WD was simple and did its job without a fuss. The size, looks, everything was just "right" for us at the time. My wife even loved it and named it Bessie. Even with 100K+ on the odometer, no real problems.

After that we bought a Grand Cherokee trying to have another Bessie experience. More luxury, knobs and buttons, etc. The leather cracked quickly, rattles set in almost immediately, and the whole vehicle seemed to age faster than the calendar indicated. It never stranded us, but just seemed to be racing to the junk yard. So still remembering Bessie, we tried again. Another Grand Cherokee Limited. Same experience. We didn't keep it long. I never had reliability problems, but the materials just didn't seem to be of the same quality. That's why a good XJ still holds its value, but JGCs can be had on the cheap.

Since then I've owned a few different vehicles including full-size trucks, a 5-cyl H3, etc. All cool in their own right, but none gave the Bessie feel.

I believe the 2014 Barcelona Trail we just bought is the closest to Bessie that I can possibly find today. Same goldilocks balance of not too big or small, not too luxurious to get nasty but comfortable and convenient, solid feel, etc. Time will tell, but I'm feeling very positive about it so far.

Agree. 2 of the best vehicles I owned were a 92 XJ Ltd and 96 XJ Country back in the day. Were awesome. Experimented with every Generation of JGC and they were all junkpiles. The 5th Gen TE is the closest thing to a good XJ type SUV. No nonsense, capable, timeless...

For anyone even THINKING of a 2014 JGC......

Enjoy your Jeep Grand Cherokee


2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Electrical Problem - YouTube



Reason #2 Why NOT to buy a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee - YouTube

2014 jeep grand cherokee transmission failure - YouTube

2014 jeep grand Cherokee overland fail - YouTube

2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited Issues - YouTube

With Jeep Grand Cherokee your clock goes backwards. Lol

2014 Jeep Cherokee Limited Issues - YouTube



2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Dash Dead - YouTube

Trouble ShootingProblemsService - Jeep Garage - Jeep Forum


2014 Jeep Overland - Dash lit up like a christmas tree, speedometer not working - Jeep Garage - Jeep Forum


2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Uconnect Software Issues - YouTube

More electrical issues from my 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Sum - YouTube


My piece of crap 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit - YouTube

Why NOT to buy a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee ac seats dont work see other videos for better reasons - YouTube

Why NOT to buy a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee - YouTube

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Lemon - YouTube

2014 GRAND CHEROKEE LIMITED- SMOKING IN A BAD WAY!! - YouTube

2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Dash Dead - YouTube

#jeep fail Chrystler fail. - YouTube

Jeep 2014 Overland Navi Fail #lemon - YouTube

 

[e60ral]

I'm also an engineer making a spreadsheet comparing the GC to 4Runner. The only thing stopping it from being a no-brainer for me is that the interior fit and finish of of the GC is miles ahead. Why the hell does Toyota have to keep using painted hard plastic? I've owned a late model Tacoma, I know that it is going to get scratched and look like crap no matter what I do. In general I like the 5th gen a lot more than the 4th gen, I just couldn't quite fit comfortably in the 4th gen but the 5th gen is perfect size if I slide the seat all the way back.

I disagree with one of the posts above that jeep only stays in business because of their macho marketing. Just look at GC and the other Chrysler products right now, their design and aesthetics are incredible. The new design language they are using is awesome, and the GC is the only thing that can hold a candle to european models when it comes to fit and finish (and also poor reliability it seems).

Taking a GC on a mountain trip this weekend to rule it out, then renting a 4Runner for another trip in a few weeks to compare. Short of something surprising or me deciding I don't fit in the 5th gen, my money is on the easy pick right now.

 

[jrandom]

Personally, Wrangler is the only line of jeep I have ever considered purchasing. I still have a soft spot for them only because they resemble the old style FJ's, compact, body on frame, not too much bling and go nearly anywhere. If the current FJ line was more like its predecessor there is a good chance I would have bought one of those instead of my last couple 4runners.

I know opinions are like a-holes but that new Cherokee with the squinty little eyes is butt, the GC not as bad but ugh.

 

[1engineer]

I'm also an engineer making a spreadsheet comparing the GC to 4Runner. The only thing stopping it from being a no-brainer for me is that the interior fit and finish of of the GC is miles ahead. Why the hell does Toyota have to keep using painted hard plastic? I've owned a late model Tacoma, I know that it is going to get scratched and look like crap no matter what I do. In general I like the 5th gen a lot more than the 4th gen, I just couldn't quite fit comfortably in the 4th gen but the 5th gen is perfect size if I slide the seat all the way back.

I disagree with one of the posts above that jeep only stays in business because of their macho marketing. Just look at GC and the other Chrysler products right now, their design and aesthetics are incredible. The new design language they are using is awesome, and the GC is the only thing that can hold a candle to european models when it comes to fit and finish (and also poor reliability it seems).

Taking a GC on a mountain trip this weekend to rule it out, then renting a 4Runner for another trip in a few weeks to compare. Short of something surprising or me deciding I don't fit in the 5th gen, my money is on the easy pick right now.

You are an engineer and you are thinking of buying a JGC? Type of engineer?

 

[philsey]

.... Type of engineer?

"Railroad", I'm guessing.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

I'm also an engineer making a spreadsheet comparing the GC to 4Runner. The only thing stopping it from being a no-brainer for me is that the interior fit and finish of of the GC is miles ahead. Why the hell does Toyota have to keep using painted hard plastic? I've owned a late model Tacoma, I know that it is going to get scratched and look like crap no matter what I do. In general I like the 5th gen a lot more than the 4th gen, I just couldn't quite fit comfortably in the 4th gen but the 5th gen is perfect size if I slide the seat all the way back.

I disagree with one of the posts above that jeep only stays in business because of their macho marketing. Just look at GC and the other Chrysler products right now, their design and aesthetics are incredible. The new design language they are using is awesome, and the GC is the only thing that can hold a candle to european models when it comes to fit and finish (and also poor reliability it seems).

Taking a GC on a mountain trip this weekend to rule it out, then renting a 4Runner for another trip in a few weeks to compare. Short of something surprising or me deciding I don't fit in the 5th gen, my money is on the easy pick right now.

The issue is their "Fit & Finish" doesn't last long, rattles, squeaks, wears out rather quickly under use it seems. I have seen countless Dodge & Chrysler products that have the "fancy" interiors wear out fairly quickly within the last decade. Some of them are rental vehicles (seems that's about all Cry-Crap vehicles are useful for) of which I would expect to be the definitive test of wear, tear, and accelerated aging. I'm not talking about the "people trash them because they're rentals" damage, but rather seat seams, leather wearing out, common rest points, plastics being touched, ect. stuff that sees repeated use that would reflect 100k worth of wear in only half that time and mileage.

Toyota's interiors tend to last a bit better for painted plastics. I always get comments on how clean my 4th gen's interior is for being an '04 (part of that is being anal retentive about keeping my truck's interior neat, organized, and compartmentalized.) But there are small nicks and scratches that you'd really have to look for to notice with most of the painted plastics, the blacks tend to hold up better than the bright silvers.

 

[e60ral]

In my previous job I bought a bunch of trucks as fleet vehicle, every single Tacoma looked like shit in less than a year because of the scrappy painted hard plastic. It's pretty disappointing to see it used in a $30k+ vehicle. Otherwise the styling and interior are good, but they could have at least used soft touch finishes available even on vehicles half the price. You say small nicks are normal, but they really aren't on other vehicles at this price point (at least not with normal use)

 

[sn_85]

I owned a 2007 Tacoma DC for 7 years and besides one or two scratches the interior looks pretty good after all that time. I'd rather have interior that looks like "shit" rather than have all those fancy electronics "shit" out on me while driving. As far as their design cues go, the Grand Cherokee tries so hard to look like a European SUV such as the X5 or Audi Q7. Sorry but if I'm buying an SUV I don't want it looking like I'm going to a Whole Foods. Save that for the women...

 

[clin9383]

put a pig in a dress and lipstick, it's still a pig. if i can't drive it and keep it on the road it does me no good looking pretty sitting in a shop. most engineers prefer function over all else. i can live with boring interiors, i can't live with paying for a 40k paperweight.

 

[TheArkMaster]

Personally I think all the new stuff (auto wiper blades, all the beeping and chirping) is annoying. To much technology. If you like that, awesome! Go with the Jeep, but personally, I think it's all too much. That and Toyota has a name and a meaning. The name, Toyota. Meaning. It goes places. Without fail. My $.02

 

[TravelWest01]

Buy a sedan

Most of the features you want come on mid-priced sedans. My Honda Accord touring edition pretty much fits your requirements. 4Runner not for you probably.

 

[Muddy Duck]

The father-in-law just traded his JGC for a 2014 SR5. He said it was because my truck was only ever in the shop for routine maintenance, he liked how my interior had held up to the abuse I give it, and he said he trusted my choice because I "must have really done my research because I seem to be full of useful knowledge about my 4R."

I can't decide whether or not I should let him know where I get my "useful knowledge." It's a rough crowd around here.

 

[Jernik]

We were also considering a 14 JGC, but after driving one, I was less than impressed with throttle response and the 8 speed on the V6. Interior was nice, but everything seemed to function through the touchscreen. Way more gadgetry than we'd ever use. The ride was OK, but not what we were looking for. If I had to explain it, I'd say it was too car-like for what we wanted. Not to mention all the nightmares I've been reading about them.

Remember, we were coming off of 10 great years with an 04 JGC with the 4.0 I6. We loved that vehicle and never had a single issue with it, but it was time to upgrade. Jeep, IMO, has abandoned its roots and every year is trying to step closer and closer to the luxury market. That's not what I wanted. I wanted a truck based body on frame utility vehicle (even though the 04 wasn't BOF), that looked and drove like a truck while providing some comfort and the utility of a truck without pandering to the "crossover" crowd. IMO, only the 4Runner and Xterra are still doing this on a midsized platform.

We've had our TEP 4Runner for 2 weeks now. I knew I'd like it, but will admit I'm surprised at just how much I like it. Even the wife loves it, and I thought it would be a hard sell to her as she really liked the Jeep.

I think we made the right choice. I have absolutely NO regrets making the switch from Jeep to Toyota on this one. :thumb3:

 

[cd121082]

i will say this the only jeep i would buy in the regular jeep cherokee model not the new 2014 one but the 2001 and older one. Those things had a solid engine inline 6. Plus have u seen how a JGC looks lifted not as nice as a 4runner or the old JC.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

In my previous job I bought a bunch of trucks as fleet vehicle, every single Tacoma looked like shit in less than a year because of the scrappy painted hard plastic. It's pretty disappointing to see it used in a $30k+ vehicle. Otherwise the styling and interior are good, but they could have at least used soft touch finishes available even on vehicles half the price. You say small nicks are normal, but they really aren't on other vehicles at this price point (at least not with normal use)

If you think the fleet Tacomas looked bad, wait until the soft touch is torn, chipped, discolored, peeling, ripped, stuffing is showing, ect. It's a nice idea, but at this point your moving away from what most people want from a 4Runner and into GX460 territory. I wouldn't want too much more soft touch in my 4th gen than I have now and that feels almost too much at times already. It is hard to keep clean if you offroad a lot (unless it's smooth,which almost all of it never is), the material can get damaged easily just by dust abrasion, it can be easily torn if you use the vehicle for work/hauling, ect.

 

[Roadkill]

So, [MENTION=80857]Roadkill[/MENTION] ..... I see you're still around ... but no evidence of what you bought. Spill it.

Well, [MENTION=51186]philsey[/MENTION], I'm actually surprised how long this thread persisted. I mean, I thought it essentially died a year before you posted that message, so I didn't see your post until today. One necro deserves another, I suppose.

I was reticent to post the followup, because I really like the community here. This thread truly was an earnest question, but the topic is obviously also provocative.

So... those disclaimers aside (and because you asked), about 18 months ago I ordered a 2014 JGC Summit EcoDiesel, and god damn but I love that vehicle. I also liked that I didn't have to supplicate the manufacturer for an "allocation" or whatever; I just had the dealer place an order to the factory for the precise vehicle configuration I wanted, and then, via direct contact to me, Chrysler sent regular email/web-based updates as my vehicle order made its way through scheduling, manufacturing, and ultimately through a prompt delivery on their original target date.

I am absolutely convinced I made the correct decision for me, and I would buy it again without hesitation. Just thinking about my diesel Jeep makes me smile, and driving it is even better.

Cheers to everyone here on t4r.org, though; you are a great bunch of people, even if I will be first against the wall when the Toyota revolution comes (heh).