Do I dare ask . . . Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

[Calif-4runner]

Ok Flame suit on = Check
Thick skin = Check

Here we go . . .

As the current owner of a 2007 4Runner in Galactic Gray with 140K miles I was toying with the idea of getting a new 2018 ORP in Magnetic Gray with KDSS.
Test drove one last weekend and was impressed but not wowed. I happen to be with a buddy (Jeep guy but I like him anyway) and we stopped by the Jeep dealer to look at the 2018 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk.

While the 4runner is the logical choice, I did some soul searching. I never go 4 wheeling. Snow yes, gravel roads yes, but nothing too wild. Never take it camping or anything like that. I commute 35 miles each way 5 days a week.

Pros - We all know them. Holds its value. Reliable as heck!
Cons - Under powered a bit (for me), dated interior

So we drove the Trailhawk with the 5.7L Hemi. WhooooYaaaa that thing scoots pretty well. Looks good (although that hood decal has to go). Has all the bells and whistles for daily driver and fairly capable off road for my off road needs.

Anyway what say the 4runner crowd. Am I crazy to even consider it?? (be gentle)

 

[DannyLlama]

this thread should be moved to the "Generally distasteful forum"

i kid

 

[e60ral]

they have the worst "days in shop" rating for new vehicles

if you don't mind owning a vehicle that is among the least reliable it's really hard not to like it, its more comfortable and is better on road than the 4Runner but it costs more up front and costs more to maintain

i started out leaning towards the wk2 grand cherokee but after lurking the jeep message boards quickly realized that i had no interest in dealing with the mechanical issues so many new owners had. when i compared that to this message board, where the common complaints were things like drinks rolling out of the back, it was a really easy decision.

even though i'm jealous of how much more comfortable the wk2 was, and how much i liked adaptive cruise control, i've never second-guessed my decision to buy the 4runner instead

 

[tristero]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/167077-jgc-vs-4runner-can-we-sticky.html

 

[TacoRunn0517]

Do it. It'll make for a great T4R case study...

 

[mybabydaddy]

I went and looked at a 2018 JGC High Altitude last weekend... originally, i started with the TrailHawk, but the HA fits my life a bit better. I too rarely see Off-Road (couple of times a year maybe)... and the normal TX once-a-year snow/ice catastrophe as well. The JGC just makes more sense. But sitting in the Jeep, then hopping right into my Runner, the Jeep wasn’t actually all that much nicer. The 19 speaker Harmon Kardon system would be a helluva nice upgrade (even after my current speaker mods).

So, the price, coupled with not really that much nicer interior, plus I still really like my KDSS Trail P... only leaves a few items to consider: nicer (read softer, quieter) ride and a few luxury amenities... vs my almost paid for, 1000% reliable, old faithful, love it for what it is Runner.

For now, the Runner stays in the garage for a few more years. [emoji51]


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[RCFJ]

While the 4runner is the logical choice, I did some soul searching. I never go 4 wheeling. Snow yes, gravel roads yes, but nothing too wild. Never take it camping or anything like that. I commute 35 miles each way 5 days a week.

Ill probably be in the minority but if you do no wheeling, no camping and commute 70 miles a day why on earth would you get a 4runner. I still wouldnt buy a jeep...but why dont you look into a CRV or RAV 4. Or even better yet - keep the 4runner in case you ever do want to get into some gravel roads and buy a commuter sedan. More comfortable, bettter MPG and more affordable than all other options.

 

[Xtremluck]

While the 4runner is the logical choice, I did some soul searching. I never go 4 wheeling. Snow yes, gravel roads yes, but nothing too wild. Never take it camping or anything like that. I commute 35 miles each way 5 days a week.

Why on earth would you drive and tolerate the negatives of a truck based vehicle with this use case. At most you need a sedan with snow tires.

 

[1996_Valencia_Owen]

Didn't like ALL U-connect vehicles (Fiat Chrysler) just have a HVAC screen bug that froze them out just this week?

Fiat-Chrysler does one thing right: It makes fast, sexy-looking cars.

And just like 1980s Ferraris, they're in the shop all the time.

I would never trust that combo for a vehicle where you may be in remote locations for days on end.

The rear cargo room in the JGC is also pretty sad.

For as small as the JGC is, it's a total shocker that it somehow manages to be like 500lbs+ heavier than a 4runner, too!

 

[JSparky]

I'm quite familiar with both vehicles. The Jeep is in no way comparable to the 4Runner offroad, low clearances, can only fit 32's, jeep's traction control system is nowhere near as effective as Toyota's, and nobody makes lockers for them. They have low range so they're better than a Subaru in the rocks, but that's about it. (Just wanted to get that out of the way for others reading this)

Since you're not off-roading, the only real reason to consider one is looks or the 5.7.. which is fine. I'd recommend a Limited model though, you can option it with the Hemi on coil springs. The air suspension on the higher end models fails all the time, I'd absolutely avoid it at all cost.

I drive my brothers wk2 frequently. I find that it drives "agitated". Took it over Donner* pass once and it felt like it was going to fly off the road with every lane change. It lacked the planted feel of the Toyota's. Visibility is also poor.

Perhaps consider other crossovers like the new Lexus NX? The new Armada hauls too, if you want to drive a land yacht.. it's priced well and super comfy in my opinion. Not sure what your desires are in terms of fuel economy and overall size.

 

[TacoRunn0517]

Didn't like ALL U-connect vehicles (Fiat Chrysler) just have a HVAC screen bug that froze them out just this week?

Fiat-Chrysler does one thing right: It makes fast, sexy-looking cars.

And just like 1980s Ferraris, they're in the shop all the time.

I would never trust that combo for a vehicle where you may be in remote locations for days on end.

The rear cargo room in the JGC is also pretty sad.

For as small as the JGC is, it's a total shocker that it somehow manages to be like 500lbs+ heavier than a 4runner, too!

https://jalopnik.com/fiat-chrysler-pushed-a-uconnect-update-that-causes-cons-1822939437

So this is what we are missing out on, eh?

 

[JSparky]

Do it. It'll make for a great T4R case study...

I'd like to see a study on Jeep versus Rover air suspension failure.. from what I've read they've both managed to produce some remarkably unreliable systems but Jeep may take the cake.

 

[BigEyeDuck]

While the 4runner is the logical choice, I did some soul searching. I never go 4 wheeling. Snow yes, gravel roads yes, but nothing too wild. Never take it camping or anything like that. I commute 35 miles each way 5 days a week.

Pros - We all know them. Holds its value. Reliable as heck!
Cons - Under powered a bit (for me), dated interior

Not yet an owner but in the market to replace my 2005 Nissan Frontier Nismo Crew Cab. You want to talk about dated interior?? Compare the 2005 Frontier with a 2018. Not a freaking thing has changed.

Power wise my Frontier will snap my neck back when I step on it at a stop light and that is only 260 horsepower (CAI and custom exhaust not withstanding).

To me the 2018 T4R ORP is night and day over the Frontier but unlike your decision tree, I do take my Nissan off road, a lot of camping and tow an off road rated camper to boot so yeah, I can see where you are coming from.

I have fixated on the T4R, now I am mentally discussing which trim do I really need. Though I want a Pro or ORP, the Pro is badging. ORP is cool and probably would not get stuck in the sand like I tend to do with my Nissan.

SR5 Premium?? Might work for me but for some reason I need to have a ORP.

Limited with the Pro black Matte wheels would work.

So I feel you in your indecision's.

 

[RUNTHAT]

In before the butthurt...
:llama:

 

[TacoRunn0517]

I'd like to see a study on Jeep versus Rover air suspension failure.. from what I've read they've both managed to produce some remarkably unreliable systems but Jeep may take the cake.

Knowledge is power...

 

[PaulB-2006 T4R]

I suggest getting an extended warranty. Overall Jeep and all FCA vehicles have the highest repair occurrences. I do think the JCG is a nice looking SUV and some of their colors are awesome (Rhino is my favorite) but that is were I stop.

If there is one infotainment system that is poorer than our Entune it is the UConnect. I have rented a number Jeeps, it is simply a maddening system (again not that Entune is a joy).

Buy a 4Runner and put red tow hooks on it and call it TrailhawkRunner!

 

[Heavy_GD]

In before the butthurt...
:llama:

I'm very disappoint in the lack of cut throat, witty, savage responses in this thread.

 

[RUNTHAT]

I'm very disappoint in the lack of cut throat, witty, savage responses in this thread.

I was expecting more of this:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/250887-had-my-18-limited-10-days-not-enough-power-me.html

 

[vondy21]

I was very close to buying a Trailhawk. I drove it quite a bit so I hope my info will help benefit your decision.

Here's what I came up with....

Grand Cherokee TrailHawk V6
Pros
1. Updated Tech
2. Great MPG - V6
3. Plenty of power
4. Luxurious

Cons
1. Reliability
2. Not as roomy
3. Didn't like the electric feel of the steering
4. Couldn't get used to the driving position
5. Visibility
6. Resale Value

4Runner KDSS OffRoad Premium
Pros
1. Reliability
2. Roomy
3. Good Visibility
4. Liked the drive better
5. Liked the steering better
6. Liked the driving position
7. Resale Value
8. Cheaper than GC

Cons
1. Dated Tech
2. MPGs
3. Slightly underpowered but not horrible (much better than the damn 2016 Taco I was trading in.)

When it came down to it, Reliability and cargo capacity really won out for the 4R. We use it for road trips with our two girls and the 4Runner has more room than any other midsize SUV or Crossover. So keep that in mind when someone comments that there is no use for a 4Runner if you don't take it off road. My cousin has a brand new highlander with a 3rd row and I'm shocked at how little cargo space it has compared to my 4Runner. I believe my wife's 2006 Highlander has more room in it than the new one. Nothing against the Highlander BTW, we love our 06.

We have a small boat we tow with it as well so there's another thing to think about vs a crossover.

There really was no other vehicle out there that did it for me, if they would update the 4Runner just a bit, I think it could possibly be the perfect vehicle, at least for me. It's tough deciding on buying a vehicle that has not really been updated in so many years and falls behind in tech and MPGs. Still, I don't think there is anything better in it's class at this time.

 

[PaulB-2006 T4R]

I'm very disappoint in the lack of cut throat, witty, savage responses in this thread.

We are feeling sorry for the OP and :deadhorse: