Do I dare ask . . . Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

[Toffees]

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)

Not crazy at all, but this is your ordinary "Do I date or marry?" question. What do you want out of your next wife car?

Do you want pure sex with high maintenance? (The JGC ain't this, but it never hurts to lie to yourself when asking this sort of question)

Or do you the friend you've always known, who still can get up for a good romp from time to time?

 

[Calif-4runner]

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

i kid

HAHA! I knew it going it though!

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

OK That is actually pretty funny!

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

I know it's coming . . .

We are feeling sorry for the OP and :deadhorse:

HA! Yeah I did search but missed the sticky.

For what it's worth I'm keeping my 4runner regardless of which new rig I get. It's paid for, runs well, and I can use it when the GC Trail is in the shop every other week for repairs! Lol

I do like the styling of the GC (red tow hooks aside) over the 4runner. I do like the ride height (sitting above traffic) in the 4runner and the GC which is why I am looking at those even tho I rarely venture offroad.

 

[Calif-4runner]

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.

Vondy thanks for the detail info above. The cargo space is not much of a concern for me as I have 3 grown boys and when we head anywhere on vacation (driving) it's usually 2 cars anyway.

It really comes down to the reliability for me. Like many here I have heard the horror stories about GC over the years. Supposedly it's getting better, but like anything you do hear the horror stories along with the "My GC has 200K miles on it and I have yet to change the oil" kind of stuff over on the Jeep Forums.

Thanks again Vondy that was quite useful.

 

[nismospec]

I was in the same market, looking at the Altitude's.
I travel a bunch for work and seemed to always end up in a JGC as a rental.

I did like them, but after reading forums and talking to colleagues it seems that not many were 100% happy with their vehicle, and yes there were a few horror stories.

So I figured I'd have to fork up for their warranty package which seemed like a waste of money. Looking back, yeah that huge touchscreen and thumping stereo would've been nice, but just opening and closing my 4runners doors give you that sense of a solid build that Jeep just doesn't have. Plus, my dogs love that rear sliding down window!

Look at the other Fiat/Chrysler vehicles. Man they look awesome right off the showroom floor, but yikes at 75K.

 

[mybabydaddy]

When it came down to it, Reliability and cargo capacity really won out for the 4R.... 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...



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.[/QUOTE]


^^^^ This EXACTLY (for me)....




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[LimeLED]

FWIW, here is what NADA shows for 5-Year Cost to Own for both (no options on either, just the trim level):

2018 4R ORP (MSRP $40,690): $42,700
2018 GC TH (MSRP $44,590): $50,173

I used a Bay Area zipcode for these as well.

Add a few thousand to the 4Runner for KDSS, moonroof, etc.
Potentially add A TON of money to the GC if you start adding options (V8, diesel, safety package, luxury group, etc). Not only will the price skyrocket, but you rarely get much of the options back in resale value either.

Due to the GC's poor resale and poor reliability, I would say that it would probably cost substantially more than the 4R in the long term. Just something to consider.

 

[nismospec]

When it came down to it, Reliability and cargo capacity really won out for the 4R.... 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...



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.

^^^^ This EXACTLY (for me)....




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]

Here here on the cargo space. That's what I needed, more room. Sure there are other vehicles out there that have just as much if not more space, but I don't care for Ford, GMC, or any other US made vehicles, not a fan of FWD vehicles, so the list gets real small real quick.

Reliability....check.
RWD.....check.
Import.....check.
Tons of space.....check.

 

[TacoRunn0517]

[MENTION=96880]Vondy[/MENTION] has a fair and well thought pro and con breakdown for both vehicles. Most 4Runner owners know that this vehicle isn't the ideal vehicle for everyone. I'm in the same boat that I don't do off-roading. What I do is play, coach and officiate sports with more of my time being spent on the road during the fall and winter. The 4Runner just made the most sense to me and the fact that I can grow with it while having a family is a big bonus.

 

[vondy21]

Vondy thanks for the detail info above. The cargo space is not much of a concern for me as I have 3 grown boys and when we head anywhere on vacation (driving) it's usually 2 cars anyway.

It really comes down to the reliability for me. Like many here I have heard the horror stories about GC over the years. Supposedly it's getting better, but like anything you do hear the horror stories along with the "My GC has 200K miles on it and I have yet to change the oil" kind of stuff over on the Jeep Forums.

Thanks again Vondy that was quite useful.

My boss put 100K on his 3 year old Grand Cherokee Overland without a single problem, until recently when the electronics started to go, then he traded it in on another GC, Hight Altitude I believe.

So yeah, you hear the stories good and bad. Still the sure thing is the 4Runner has the reliability and resale. If I had gotten the GC I would have defiantly purchased the extended warranty. Still, even with a warranty, I don't want to be stranded on a road trip because my vehicle crapped out.

I do love the look of the gray TrailHawk, it's a good looking SUV.

 

[Gecko]

Have you thought about a Limited AWD Highlander?

Yes, seriously.

We have three of them in the family and I've had two friends cross shop them against the RX 350, X5, MDX, QX60 and GLE and ultimately choose the Highlander because it's the right combination of power, features and value. I love the Highlander and almost bought one instead of my 4R -- as a single 30 year old guy.

The Highlander has 8 inches of ground clearance and an AWD system that is plenty for snow, ice, gravel, sand, etc. The Limited has so many nice features like heated and cooled seats, lane departure alert, automatic braking, automatic high beams, blind spot monitor, panoramic roof, 360 degree camera, great JBL audio system, etc. The interior is really nice with perforated leather, synthetic wood, LED accent lighting and a ton of little touches the 4Runner doesn't have.

That 3.5L V6 also hauls ass and gets pretty decent MPG - around 19 combined. If you're ok with a crossover, I really think the Highlander is the one to beat. Many members here have added one or switched to one and are very happy.

(I also think they look great in black, gray or white with the Lexus saddle leather interior)

 

[Calif-4runner]

Have you thought about a Limited AWD Highlander?

Yes, seriously.

We actually did look at the Highlander when we bought my wife's Rav4. Nice rig for sure. Wife wanted something a bit smaller so we got the 2010 RAV.

I know it's the vanity in me, but I just don't see myself driving a Highlander. While yes my 4runner is a urban cement poser, it does have a bit of "manly" flare to it. LOL

I may try to find a Hertz or Enterprise that rents GC and rent one for a week to try it out for more than a test drive.

 

[vondy21]

I know it's the vanity in me, but I just don't see myself driving a Highlander. While yes my 4runner is a urban cement poser, it does have a bit of "manly" flare to it. LOL

I get that. Not that I would be embarrassed to drive a crossover but with a house full of females, including the dog, I felt I needed to at least drive a "manly" vehicle. Although I see more women in 4Runners than men come to think of it.

The only other vehicle I probably would have bought was my friends VW Touareg TDI. That thing is built like a tank and that diesel pulls like a dream. He wouldn't sell though, probably for the best since VW doesn't have the best reliability and are expensive to work on.

Have you looked at the VW Atlas? I think it's "manlier" than most of the crossovers out there.

 

[Rightside Up]

Our Jeeps have all been reliable.

 

[TacoRunn0517]

Our Jeeps have all been reliable.

A little more insight?

 

[mybabydaddy]

Also - so it’s more clearly stated for those that get muddled in opinions... I tell this to my wife when she asks the difference...

Simple, it’s a #s game. There are plenty of people who own Jeeps, and have never had an issue. There are people that have owned 4Runners, and DID have issues. The reality lies in the scale of occurrence... or probability.

Chances of being in the shop with a JGC, maybe 3, or even 4, out of ten owners. Chances of being in the shop with a 4Runner... prob less than 1 out of 10. Can you have good luck with both? Of course you can.

.... but the odds are in favor of The Runner. If your life is one with flexibility to make some warranty-covered shop visits, then take the chance and enjoy. But for people like me with ridiculous schedules and fight for every minute of free time they can...? Well, you know....


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Rightside Up]

A little more insight?

'07 JK
'14 compass
'14 GC Overland
'15 JKU Rubicon

 

[TacoRunn0517]

Nice. Assuming you got a lot of mileage out of each vehicle, I'm impressed.

 

[Calif-4runner]

Also - so it’s more clearly stated for those that get muddled in opinions... I tell this to my wife when she asks the difference...

Simple, it’s a #s game. There are plenty of people who own Jeeps, and have never had an issue. There are people that have owned 4Runners, and DID have issues. The reality lies in the scale of occurrence... or probability.

Chances of being in the shop with a JGC, maybe 3, or even 4, out of ten owners. Chances of being in the shop with a 4Runner... prob less than 1 out of 10. Can you have good luck with both? Of course you can.

.... but the odds are in favor of The Runner. If your life is one with flexibility to make some warranty-covered shop visits, then take the chance and enjoy. But for people like me with ridiculous schedules and fight for every minute of free time they can...? Well, you know....

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I'm in the same boat as you. I do ask myself though, of those 3-4 out of 10, did they buy new or used, routine maintenance, preventative maintenance, etc. I'm fairly anal with oil changes, and routine preventative stuff, but you are correct . . . chances are higher (overall) that I would have a un-scheduled "event" in a GC than a 4Runner for sure.

 

[quicksandTRDPRO]

Vondy thanks for the detail info above. The cargo space is not much of a concern for me as I have 3 grown boys and when we head anywhere on vacation (driving) it's usually 2 cars anyway.

It really comes down to the reliability for me. Like many here I have heard the horror stories about GC over the years. Supposedly it's getting better, but like anything you do hear the horror stories along with the "My GC has 200K miles on it and I have yet to change the oil" kind of stuff over on the Jeep Forums.

Thanks again Vondy that was quite useful.

If it really comes down to reliability as you stated, then it's not even close, the 4R hands down is more reliable.

 

[fixer5000]

i have owned 2 jeeps in the past. a 98 and a 99 grand cherokee. i would be very concerned about the reliability more than anything else in jeeps. this is why i now have 2 toyotas in the yard!!