Do I dare ask . . . Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

[md-lucky]

Really interesting to read this thread after this weekend!

I really have not had any loyalty in manufacturers over the past decade or so. I've owned Fords. I've owned Dodges (Cummins, more precisely). Now we currently own a Tacoma and my 4Runner.

Close family members are in the market for a new to them vehicle. They asked for my help in looking at vehicles and options. We had many lined up, but the top 2 were the limited 4Runner and the Jeep Summit with a 5.7.

There are a lot of little difference that helped the decision... But a HUGE part of their final decision to get the Summit over the 4Runner was one of the common things we see on this forum all the time: the 4Runner is woefully under-powered.

This was blatantly evident when they took the two options out on the freeway for the test drive. Both cases had 4 full sized adults. In our area, we are at high elevation and have very high speed limits. 4500ft+ plus and a posted speed limit of 80mph. If you are a 4Runner owner... You probably already know how it preformed out on the freeway. The Jeep was simply better in every way for this type of driving.

For me... I wouldn't jump ship to a Jeep for anything. Even after seeing the difference out on the freeway. I love my 4Runner. I wouldn't trade it for any other option out there today.

But I completely and 100% understand why someone WOULD choose the Jeep over a 4Runner. It was painful with a full load of adults hearing that transmission drop down and the engine revs scream to make 80mph. It was not a proud moment for Toyota.

I wish them well and sincerely hope they do not have issues with their Jeep. If you make the jump I would hope the exact same. Every manufacturer is going to have problems... but I think the odds are higher you may have problems with that manufacturer over Toyota. Good luck in your decision!

 

[MTN4RNR]

My only experience with a Jeep GCTH was in the forest, my buddy and I were trying to get to some still snowed in lakes. We passed this brand new Jeep parked on the side as we made it through this snow section with ease. I wasn't lifted. Only tires. We eventually came back down and found the guy that was parked stuck in the same snow bank. Bad. He said that he saw us do it, so he tried to follow, burying his new rig to the frame. I was able to squeeze around him to the other side and pull him out. Off of the snow, I noticed that he had lodged a 2-3" diameter stick under his bumper. Somehow he had broken a front shock line (adjustable suspension) and his front shocks were completely deflated. So from my experience, stock 4R to stock GCTH, the 4R proved a bit more capable and because of all of the tech jammed into the Jeep it was easier to break on the trail (and he had to drive the rest of the way out with his family on no front suspension :smow.

I post this as OP mentioned that he plans on being able to drive forest / gravel roads with snow. Not every Jeep driver is like this guy, but I think there is come basic correlation between the stock two vehicles. Take it for what it's worth

 

[BigEyeDuck]

I thought the engine that is in the current generation 4Runner is highly regarded and the new engine that is in the Tacoma is the under powered, highly, almost too electronically managed that is giving new Tacoma owners fits.

The hate for the 4Runner engine is a little concerning being a person in the market.

I have already discarded the Tacoma due to the rear seat size and the issues with the overly managed transmission and moved on to the 4Runner but the same complaints still exist to a certain extent.

 

[honda250xtitan]

I thought the engine that is in the current generation 4Runner is highly regarded and the new engine that is in the Tacoma is the under powered, highly, almost too electronically managed that is giving new Tacoma owners fits.

The hate for the 4Runner engine is a little concerning being a person in the market.

I have already discarded the Tacoma due to the rear seat size and the issues with the overly managed transmission and moved on to the 4Runner but the same complaints still exist to a certain extent.

it's not that bad. you just gotta mash the pedal. They don't have the sweet 1st gear that nissan puts in their trucks...aka stop light to stop light rocket:cheers:

 

[Senorlechero]

I thought the engine that is in the current generation 4Runner is highly regarded and the new engine that is in the Tacoma is the under powered, highly, almost too electronically managed that is giving new Tacoma owners fits.

The hate for the 4Runner engine is a little concerning being a person in the market.

I have already discarded the Tacoma due to the rear seat size and the issues with the overly managed transmission and moved on to the 4Runner but the same complaints still exist to a certain extent.

Go drive one, heck ask to borrow it and drive your daily route or an area you’re familiar and comfortable with.

Some people are overly sensitive to engine and transmission noise, and some people expect WAY too much from a big BOF V6 SUV.

We have absolutely LOVED our 4Runners. Both 5th gens so both with the 4.0 and 5 speed.

Go drive it, and if ya like it, buy it and be another member of the “I drive the best car in the world” club!
If you don’t like it, go find something you do like!

As to the OP, no way would I look at Jeep. I’d wait for the Subaru Ascent before going with a Jeep.

 

[brtnstrns]

I thought the engine that is in the current generation 4Runner is highly regarded and the new engine that is in the Tacoma is the under powered, highly, almost too electronically managed that is giving new Tacoma owners fits.

The hate for the 4Runner engine is a little concerning being a person in the market.

I have already discarded the Tacoma due to the rear seat size and the issues with the overly managed transmission and moved on to the 4Runner but the same complaints still exist to a certain extent.

Yeah, I come from the land of V8 Mustangs and the engine in the 4Runner is plenty to get out in front of and around other drivers. It's really not as bad as people make it out to be.

 

[hazards280]

I’ll chime in here and say that I’ve owned two WK2 GCs (2011 Summit & 2015 HA) and both were pretty damn reliable for us. We put on 140,000 miles on the 2011 and the only issue we had the entire time was a failed water pump. Both of them has the 5.7L and the water pump is known to be a weak leak.

Additionally, they both had the Quadra-lift Air Suspension and neither gave us a lick of trouble. We truly used the air suspension as well since we towed a 5,500lb TT quite often and the vehicle was almost perfectly level. I think they key factor here is that the system in FCAs vehicles use closed systems that use an on board tank of Nitrogen to feed the individual bags. Open air systems of the past would draw in outside air, and the over time the moisture would cause failures due to the moisture and rust.

I moved to the 4Runner for the body on frame construction, resale value and reliability. My other half actually prefers the GC and has been talking about purchasing a SRT as DD. Different strokes for different folks!

 

[UncleRico]

Yeah, I come from the land of V8 Mustangs and the engine in the 4Runner is plenty to get out in front of and around other drivers. It's really not as bad as people make it out to be.

Exactly this. I just moved from a Tundra to a 4Runner and it has plenty of power.

 

[kwhoadley]

Buy the warranty

For what its worth... I currently own a 2014 GC Limited. I sold my 2004 T4R Sport for it. I regret that decision almost every single day. Once the Jeep gets out the shop I will looking to unload it for a 5th Gen. I have not had anything serious go wrong but several minor things that Jeep can not seem to fix, resulting in it sitting in shop for several days at a time.
I was fortunate enough to get a T4R ( 5th Gen, SR5) as a rental for 2 weeks and here are my observations:
- I think the ride quality is pretty comparable between the two ( maybe slight advantage in the noise level to Jeep)
- Visibility and ride height are much better in the T4R
- Gas mileage comparable ( maybe 1-2 better for Jeep on highway). Highest I ever managed was 22 with the V6 not going over 70.
- Power is comparable. I think I like the 5sp tranny vs 8sp. Jeep constantly downshifts on the smallest grades, constantly jumping between 6th and 8th.
- Obviously tech in the Jeep Limited smokes the sr5, and the interior is far superior in every way even compared to a limited T4R (minus space).

All that being said Im counting the days until I can be done with the Jeep. Way too many Saturdays spend waiting at the dealership. Ill sacrifice some interior cosmetics for reliability. Still trying to decide between the ORP or Limited. Ill admit I got spoiled by the creature comforts of the jeep (keyless entry+push button start= keys never come out of your pocket, remote start and power lift gate all in one key fob, heated seats, heated steering wheel, awesome sound system). The limited will satisfy all of these but the exterior is an eye sore compared to the ORP.

Anyways, sorry for the long post. Cant wait to post pics of the new T4R shortly!!

 

[Calif-4runner]

Thanks guys for all the good feedback and insights. I thought I would get more beat up for even asking.

Most likely the 4Runner will be the new addition. Just wish it had a V8!

 

[ADK Explorer]

Should we talk him off the edge or place bets on the splatter pattern?

 

[Jhalko]

Thanks guys for all the good feedback and insights. I thought I would get more beat up for even asking.

Most likely the 4Runner will be the new addition. Just wish it had a V8!

Buy a LExus GX if you want a V8.

People say this is such a cruel world... You got off so easy. :whipping2

 

[Calif-4runner]

Buy a LExus GX if you want a V8.

People say this is such a cruel world... You got off so easy. :whipping2

Haha! Yeah you guys went pretty easy on me. Not like the guys over on Mustang forum when I asked “Boss 302” or “M3” lol

 

[DesertCanyons]

Jeep GC vs 4Runner

Yes, the Jeep looks good. I drove a 1995 JGC Orvis Edition for 18 years. It took me every where, was reliable and easy to repair. You can't say that for the current JGC. I looked at them in 2015 and read the user reviews before I settled on the 4Runner.

That 5.7L Hemi will require premium gas. So will the Lexus GX460 V8. The T4R runs on regular for 20 cents less per gallon. When the price of gas goes back up, and it will go back up, the T4R will be much more affordable to drive.

Good luck with your choice.

 

[WaldoJPL]

...They Are Being Nice To Ya Here!

Haha! Yeah you guys went pretty easy on me. Not like the guys over on Mustang forum when I asked “Boss 302” or “M3” lol

...You're lucky ya asked on this forum....folks over on the Tacoma forum are a bit more rabid in their replies...and a lot more harsh in their views!...

...At least here...the majority of replies were kind and really helpful!...:bravo:

 

[Gclark949]

Had it, got rid of it

I got rid of my 2015 JGC after 8 months. I will tell you that the depreciation is horrible and should not be overlooked. My only problems included; 1) incorrect transfer case control module from the factory (4WD would not engage), 2) off road air suspension height adjust with known engineering defect of horrible noise over every bump, 3) diesel def fluid level gauge stuck.

The diesel was very nice and would give 28 MPG highway reliably. That is the only thing I miss.

 

[Coastie6]

I can only speak from our experience. Had a 2001 Wrangler with well over 100K mi never did anything but standard schedule maintenance, great vehicle. went back and forth on another and decided to "upgrade" because of family needs to a 2005 Grand Cherokee. That vehicle was by far the WORST we've owned, and we've owned quite a few over the years. Someone mentioned earlier about being one of the worst with regards to days in the shop. YES, that was our experience. So much so that I'd hoped we could file a lemon law claim. Instead, after just a couple of years we dumped it and I got my wife a new Honda CRV. Best decision ever. That was our experience with the GC, again we wanted to love it as much as we did the Wrangler. Still wish we hadn't sold that ole Wrangler. I'm too new to the 4R to compare, but so far I love my new 2017 only has 1,400mi on it though.

 

[e60ral]

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.

except that's not a good story; a vehicle going 100k miles without an issue should be the normal expected result, not a positive outlier

and even in the good story it had electrical problems bad enough the owner sold it instead of dealing with them. none of this is a good story.

these things are so unreliable it's almost like if you took a jeep but had italians make it

 

[probos]

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)

I don't think it's a bad consideration at all.

The current 4Runner has two benefits that are universally agreed upon (for the most part) - dependability/reliability and good resale value.

Engine (coupled with the 5speed tranny) is average at best. Mileage isn't good. Looks are polarizing. Room inside is pretty good. Relatively comfy ride and handling overall considering it's a truck and obviously, off the lot it's pretty capable off road. If you don't need the off road capability and want something more sporty, comfy, performance oriented, better mileage, etc, there are many options in the current market. The Jeep GC is a good choice. They always get dinged for reliability but I know plenty of people that own them that have never had an issue. Definitely more power, on-road handling/comfort better, generally considered a good looking vehicle, etc. Lot's to like. Personally, I probably wouldn't take one over my 4Runner, but the timing of your thread is interesting as I've been considering moving on from the 4Runner to something more refined, nimble and car-like from a drive perspective. I literally never take it off-road, so, I feel like a bit of a boob driving it sometimes -- and it's my everyday drive. Anyway, good luck.

 

[Tx4Runner18]

I thought the engine that is in the current generation 4Runner is highly regarded and the new engine that is in the Tacoma is the under powered, highly, almost too electronically managed that is giving new Tacoma owners fits.

The hate for the 4Runner engine is a little concerning being a person in the market.

I have already discarded the Tacoma due to the rear seat size and the issues with the overly managed transmission and moved on to the 4Runner but the same complaints still exist to a certain extent.

It's not bad and well worth it to take the leap. I love my 4runner, and when there is a time I need to "get up and go" people seem to forget you can put it in standard and shift yourself, revving the rpms much higher before shifts, simple automatic just won't do.

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