Nice. I'm glad you are enjoying your JGC. I put a few hundred miles on a new Durango around Denver last month. One thing I didn't care for was the visibility. The a-pillars seemed to be very thick and positioned such that they were really in the way. Between the a-pillars and the low positioned rear view mirror I found it really uncomfortable driving mountain switchbacks.
Considering purchasing a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee
- Thread starter Roadkill
- Start date
Danimal
New member
But then, I don't personally see a JGC Summit diesel as a competitor to the 4R. It's a unibody rig with limited ground clearance and it's at least $55k.
With the things I was looking for, and the money I had to spend, that vehicle was simply not an option. I wouldn't have wanted what I perceive as a reduction in utility (which is likely not real, just my perception). I also wouldn't have wanted such a steep increase in price ($20k), no matter what features it has. I have not been shy to completely fill my brand new 2015 4R with dirt and gravel dust, pinstripe it on trails, and just generally use the thing. I couldn't bring myself to do that to a vehicle like a JGC.
Dan
With the things I was looking for, and the money I had to spend, that vehicle was simply not an option. I wouldn't have wanted what I perceive as a reduction in utility (which is likely not real, just my perception). I also wouldn't have wanted such a steep increase in price ($20k), no matter what features it has. I have not been shy to completely fill my brand new 2015 4R with dirt and gravel dust, pinstripe it on trails, and just generally use the thing. I couldn't bring myself to do that to a vehicle like a JGC.
Dan
RedRunner_87
Senior Member
I have been owned a 87 4Runner and a 97 GC(ZJ). My ZJ was pretty well modified and I really enjoyed it but it really turned me off from owning another Jeep. I drove my 4Runner pretty hard(first car) and never had any major issues. It seemed liked every time I took my Jeep offroad something happened to it. Blew the transmission @130K miles, the engine would randomly decide not to run when it was cold, they have a lot of electric issues. Not to mention the new GC are IFS/IRS which blows offroad. One of the other downsides is the unibody, when I was flexed out, you can't open the doors. I am really looking forward to getting back into a 4Runner. The new GC seem more mall crawler than offroading imho.
only if you get the diesel. ps- not a enough stuff to do to the JGC compared to runner.:surfer:
Scoobs
Member
Roadkill I hope you have purchased and installed DOM's injector plate on your EcoDiesel otherwise you might be in for a bit of a surprise when your DEF injector gets damaged. If you haven't installed one you should DEFinitely look into doing it ( Pun intended )
Attachments
Roadkill
New member
Like I said, great people here. Thanks for the heads up. Yes, I got one his skids during his initial manufacturing run and have been using it for over a year. Underbody protection is always a good upgrade, and I have an eye-roll especially dedicated to the EPA for insisting on DEF/SCR emissions equipment for diesels.
Dom makes great products and he is a stand-up guy... 8 months after I bought the plate he sent me some improved mounting hardware that he had included in subsequently improved manufacturing runs.
I like to do my own wrenching whenever possible. With the air suspension I just have it air up to the top setting, lock it, place some jack stands (safety third!), and then I can get under the vehicle on a creeper and change the oil (no ramps/jacks required, QwikValve FTW).
I'll probably install a full set of skids myself (the Summit trim doesn't come with them, but the Overland trim does). Going to Mopar.com, one can find exploded parts diagrams and parts numbers for practically any aspect of the vehicle, e.g.:
http://www.mopar.com/jeep/grand-cherokee/2014/
...and there are multiple online vendors that stock practically any of those parts. I almost bought a set last December when these vendors were competing and offering free shipping (heh).
As for other aspects, the instantaneous fuel consumption readout on the dash does make it a competition with oneself. My best ~400 km interstate run, without using hypermiling tricks, averaged 6.4 L/100 km (aka ~36.6 mpg [US], but fuel economy really should be measured as "fuel per distance" rather than "distance per fuel").
Oh, and I'll never buy another vehicle without ACC/"radar cruise control". Ever been stuck in a chain of vehicles on a state highway and the people in front of you can't figure out how to keep a steady speed? Heh. ACC is great even when not stuck in traffic.
Last edited:
Kennyr44
New member
My son in law was over with his diesel jeep and was complaining about its lack of power in the mountains. He wanted to trade me for my new limited. Like mine has more power, not. I do like his pr tailgate, heated steering wheel and bigger nav screen though. Not his MSRP. I already own one Lemon (ml350) thats the reason I bought a toy.
Roadkill
New member
Heh, I was going to say... "lack of power" (or torque) is not a common complaint for the diesel Jeeps (e.g. they have the same tow rating as the V8 engine models).
I wonder what his experience was related to.
Kennyr44
New member
He just says its a dog climbing the Colorado mountains. To be fair to my ML350 V6 it is way faster than my 4Runner.
Last year I test drove a 2015 ML350. I liked it a lot. Very nice engine and transmission. I wouldn't own one out of warranty, however.
sn_85
Senior Member
Another reason not to get a JGC!!! LOL
http://www.wired.com/2015/07/hackers-remotely-kill-jeep-highway/
New vulnerability lets attackers hijack Chrysler vehicles over the web | The Verge
http://www.wired.com/2015/07/hackers-remotely-kill-jeep-highway/
New vulnerability lets attackers hijack Chrysler vehicles over the web | The Verge
Last edited:
bluecollarjock
New member
5th Gen vs Grand Cherokee
I am sure various threads contain info on this comparison but I did not find one that is recent. I am not dedicated to one brand and admit I have a Jeep TJ Rubicon, and have had an XJ, WJ, and another TJ. I've had a 3rd Gen 4runner too I loved. I love Jeeps for what they can do in the woods. However, right now using a TJ as a DD is a pain, and/or I am just getting older and realize I never go off-roading as much as I daydream of doing so. I would rather have a smooth, quiet, cozy vehicle for the 98% of the time I am on the pavement. As it is right now parking is a nightmare, so I will need to dump my TJ then get into an SUV.
I was dead set on the 5th Gen (TP), rear locker, Toyota reliability, down the road if I am able to wheel more lots of lifts and aftermarket off road parts available. Well I hear someone mention getting 31mpg in a 4x4 Grand Cherokee. I am shocked at that kind of gas mileage. I did not dig too deep, but threads on Jeep forums about why some chose it over a 5th Gen are that it has more power, way better gas mileage, lower cost for comparable options, and much more comfortable interior. And this summer they are coming out with another Trailhawk edition that will have an improved suspension (but no locker).
So has anyone on here owned both perhaps? My biggest concern with a Grand Cherokee would be reliability, maybe not when it is brand new but 100k miles down the road. That is where the confidence with a Toyota comes in hopefully, my 3rd Gen 4runner had 170k miles on it when I sold it, and I would have driven it across country without hesitation. With my Jeeps it seems at 100k miles they nickle and dime you with all sorts of minor repairs. But I do appreciate power, interior comfort (I am a big guy), and with the gas prices in California 31mpg sounds pretty sweet.
A big factor will be what kind of deal I can get on either of them as well...
I am sure various threads contain info on this comparison but I did not find one that is recent. I am not dedicated to one brand and admit I have a Jeep TJ Rubicon, and have had an XJ, WJ, and another TJ. I've had a 3rd Gen 4runner too I loved. I love Jeeps for what they can do in the woods. However, right now using a TJ as a DD is a pain, and/or I am just getting older and realize I never go off-roading as much as I daydream of doing so. I would rather have a smooth, quiet, cozy vehicle for the 98% of the time I am on the pavement. As it is right now parking is a nightmare, so I will need to dump my TJ then get into an SUV.
I was dead set on the 5th Gen (TP), rear locker, Toyota reliability, down the road if I am able to wheel more lots of lifts and aftermarket off road parts available. Well I hear someone mention getting 31mpg in a 4x4 Grand Cherokee. I am shocked at that kind of gas mileage. I did not dig too deep, but threads on Jeep forums about why some chose it over a 5th Gen are that it has more power, way better gas mileage, lower cost for comparable options, and much more comfortable interior. And this summer they are coming out with another Trailhawk edition that will have an improved suspension (but no locker).
So has anyone on here owned both perhaps? My biggest concern with a Grand Cherokee would be reliability, maybe not when it is brand new but 100k miles down the road. That is where the confidence with a Toyota comes in hopefully, my 3rd Gen 4runner had 170k miles on it when I sold it, and I would have driven it across country without hesitation. With my Jeeps it seems at 100k miles they nickle and dime you with all sorts of minor repairs. But I do appreciate power, interior comfort (I am a big guy), and with the gas prices in California 31mpg sounds pretty sweet.
A big factor will be what kind of deal I can get on either of them as well...
Cymon
New member
You'll get a better deal on the Jeep. You will also lose value on it quickly and likely lose the $ saved on gas and maintenance, even if you're lucky enough to win the coin flip and not get one that ends up being lemon lawed. They drive great and do save you $ at the pump. They also have lots more technical doohickeys that can also malfunction. IMO lease a Jeep or Buy a 4Runner.
salong53
New member
I have no objective answer for your comparison, but I am a Toyota loyalist for the following reason: I have personally owned a Tacoma and 4th Gen 4Runner that both went over 200k miles with ZERO mechanical issues. In my family, a cousin owns a 3rd gen 4Runner with over 200k and zero issues, grandfather's 1st gen Tacoma went over 300k with no issues, and uncle owns a 1st gen 4Runner with over 300k with only 2 small spots of rust in the rear fenders (no mechanical issues).
The point is, these things don't break, and if I'm gonna spend $35000+ on a new vehicle, I plan to keep it for a pretty darn long time. Just my 2 cents.
The point is, these things don't break, and if I'm gonna spend $35000+ on a new vehicle, I plan to keep it for a pretty darn long time. Just my 2 cents.
iRide4Runner
New member
e60ral
Banned
[MENTION=71973]bluecollarjock[/MENTION]
I like the WK2 grand cherokee, but if you spend enough time on the jeep forums look at how many common problems and complaints there are. Even the people who said "yeah, definitely get the WK2 over the 5th gen" were posting threads like "Back in the shop... again" for all kinds of issues. The WK2 has an awesome interior, and all-independent suspension makes the road handling nice, but the reliability issue is a giant hurdle to overcome.
You mention fuel efficiency and power, but the only grand cherokees that arguably have both are the diese*l options which are more expensive. For the gas engines your options are either slightly better fuel efficiency, or worse fuel efficiency and more power, but not both. (*and don't forget that you can't compare mpg to mpg for diesel because the fuel price is different, you need to convert to $/mile)
You say that it will come down to what kind of deal you can get, but you need to consider your resale as well. You will be able to find better deals on WK2's, but that's only because 4Runners hold their value so well and don't have the same amount of depreciation. The WK2 may be less expensive now, but when you go to sell your vehicle you will also get a lot less than you would if you were selling a 4Runner so you need to look at the total lifetime cost of ownership (and when you include maintenance costs in that, the WK2 can get pretty pricey).
I was in your shoes last year, I really wanted the Grand Cherokee (it looks awesome and the interior is awesome) but the 4runner was just the no-brainer, easy decision, much more reliable vehicle. If you want to spend $20k-$30k on a nice but unreliable vehicle you should also consider used Range Rovers.
Take a look at these:
Transmission problems: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309...ee-transmission-problems-please-help-3329473/
Quadra Lift Problems: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/quadra-lift-problems-1144967/
Vehicle dead won't start : http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/2014-gc-dead-won-t-start-1555270/
Wiper motors failing: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/rear-wiper-motor-failed-anyone-know-how-replace-2420825/
dimming mirrors not working: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/drivers-side-auto-dim-mirror-not-working-3684985/
people having headlight problems not covered under warranty: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/hid-headlmp-assembly-not-covered-maxcare-3670113/
water pumps failing early: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/well-sucks-3661433/
blend door gears strip: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/no-heat-passenger-side-blend-door-gears-2181505/
more vehicles dying on the side of the road: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/my-2014-jeep-gc-diesel-summit-broke-down-today-bad-3572082/
steering wheel buttons stopped working: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/srevice-airbag-steering-wheel-controls-don-t-work-3632569/
more quadra lift problems: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/srevice-airbag-steering-wheel-controls-don-t-work-3632569/
and on and on and on.....
If I spend $30k and have to put up with all of that, I would rather just buy one of these for the same amount of money:
I like the WK2 grand cherokee, but if you spend enough time on the jeep forums look at how many common problems and complaints there are. Even the people who said "yeah, definitely get the WK2 over the 5th gen" were posting threads like "Back in the shop... again" for all kinds of issues. The WK2 has an awesome interior, and all-independent suspension makes the road handling nice, but the reliability issue is a giant hurdle to overcome.
You mention fuel efficiency and power, but the only grand cherokees that arguably have both are the diese*l options which are more expensive. For the gas engines your options are either slightly better fuel efficiency, or worse fuel efficiency and more power, but not both. (*and don't forget that you can't compare mpg to mpg for diesel because the fuel price is different, you need to convert to $/mile)
You say that it will come down to what kind of deal you can get, but you need to consider your resale as well. You will be able to find better deals on WK2's, but that's only because 4Runners hold their value so well and don't have the same amount of depreciation. The WK2 may be less expensive now, but when you go to sell your vehicle you will also get a lot less than you would if you were selling a 4Runner so you need to look at the total lifetime cost of ownership (and when you include maintenance costs in that, the WK2 can get pretty pricey).
I was in your shoes last year, I really wanted the Grand Cherokee (it looks awesome and the interior is awesome) but the 4runner was just the no-brainer, easy decision, much more reliable vehicle. If you want to spend $20k-$30k on a nice but unreliable vehicle you should also consider used Range Rovers.
Take a look at these:
Transmission problems: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309...ee-transmission-problems-please-help-3329473/
Quadra Lift Problems: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/quadra-lift-problems-1144967/
Vehicle dead won't start : http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/2014-gc-dead-won-t-start-1555270/
Wiper motors failing: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/rear-wiper-motor-failed-anyone-know-how-replace-2420825/
dimming mirrors not working: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/drivers-side-auto-dim-mirror-not-working-3684985/
people having headlight problems not covered under warranty: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/hid-headlmp-assembly-not-covered-maxcare-3670113/
water pumps failing early: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/well-sucks-3661433/
blend door gears strip: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/no-heat-passenger-side-blend-door-gears-2181505/
more vehicles dying on the side of the road: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/my-2014-jeep-gc-diesel-summit-broke-down-today-bad-3572082/
steering wheel buttons stopped working: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/srevice-airbag-steering-wheel-controls-don-t-work-3632569/
more quadra lift problems: http://www.jeepforum.com/forum/f309/srevice-airbag-steering-wheel-controls-don-t-work-3632569/
and on and on and on.....
If I spend $30k and have to put up with all of that, I would rather just buy one of these for the same amount of money:
Last edited:
Jernik
New member
When we were looking a couple years ago, price was a big factor. Seemed we couldn't get what we wanted in a GC for less than $50k (sunroof was a must - at the time you had to go up several price packages to get that in the wk2, might be different now). Trail Premium came in around $10k under that (MSRP sticker).
As for the vehicles themselves, we traded an 04 WJ. The 14 4Runner is closer to the WJ, IMO, than the WK2 is. WK2 was definitely a more car-like ride to me. IIRC, it also seemed that you had to use the infotainment system for just about everything. Driving down the road, I just want a few knobs that can easily be changed without requiring me to go through a bunch of "clicks" and pages on a touch screen.
So in that regard, I like the simplicity of the 4Runner better. I like that it doesn't drive like a car. It doesn't look like a car. I like that it's dependable. The mpg "loss" doesn't bother me one bit - I can buy a lot of gas for the $10k price difference. Oh, and the rear window rolls down.
I have absolutely 0 regrets in choosing the 4R over the WK2.
As for the vehicles themselves, we traded an 04 WJ. The 14 4Runner is closer to the WJ, IMO, than the WK2 is. WK2 was definitely a more car-like ride to me. IIRC, it also seemed that you had to use the infotainment system for just about everything. Driving down the road, I just want a few knobs that can easily be changed without requiring me to go through a bunch of "clicks" and pages on a touch screen.
So in that regard, I like the simplicity of the 4Runner better. I like that it doesn't drive like a car. It doesn't look like a car. I like that it's dependable. The mpg "loss" doesn't bother me one bit - I can buy a lot of gas for the $10k price difference. Oh, and the rear window rolls down.
I have absolutely 0 regrets in choosing the 4R over the WK2.
On my side of the garage sits my 2015 4Tunner TE. My wife's side has her 2011 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland. I would choose the 4Runner every time. I like the Jeep. All the options of the Overland make it a really nice vehicle. Knock on wood, the Jeep has been fairly reliable, no real issues save for a blower fan and steering wheel control button gone bad.
However, I much prefer the feel and ride of the 4Runner. To me it seems it has more character. That may just my bias. Plus, you don't see that many 4Runners unlike the JGC where you see 10 of them on a 5 miles commute to the store.
I would buy the 4Runner for the aforementioned reason, reliability and long term value. I like knowing I can trade or sell my 4Runner for top dollar the whole time I'll own it. Whereas with the Jeep it's worth way less than what we paid, and continues to slide down in value. Plus I know it's not going to be as near as reliable as it ages.
However, I much prefer the feel and ride of the 4Runner. To me it seems it has more character. That may just my bias. Plus, you don't see that many 4Runners unlike the JGC where you see 10 of them on a 5 miles commute to the store.
I would buy the 4Runner for the aforementioned reason, reliability and long term value. I like knowing I can trade or sell my 4Runner for top dollar the whole time I'll own it. Whereas with the Jeep it's worth way less than what we paid, and continues to slide down in value. Plus I know it's not going to be as near as reliable as it ages.
Similar threads
