Do I dare ask . . . Grand Cherokee Trailhawk

[mybabydaddy]

I am completely shocked at this thread... civilized banter on both sides of the argument. That’s it... I’m done with this forum!
[emoji51]


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[nb rob]

ahh yes, the trail walk edition
complete with hi-viz tow hooks.

MTN4RNR, I am now suspect of all of your photos, due to your excellent and tasteful license plate coverups.

 

[3rdPlatoonDoc]

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.

I came to a 4Runner from an 04 Explorer with a V8. Took a little getting used too but not the big deal people make it out to be. I don’t notice any lack of power nowadays and I’m a guy who has a heavy foot.


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[MTN4RNR]

ahh yes, the trail walk edition
complete with hi-viz tow hooks.

MTN4RNR, I am now suspect of all of your photos, due to your excellent and tasteful license plate coverups.

I wish I could take credit for this cover up, sadly I cannot because he didn't even have his plates yet... 2 weeks old and he was mad that he was stuck. "The dealership said it would be great off-road" was what I remember him saying... ound:

 

[Joshi]

I bought a 2015 WK2 limited in September of that year. Four transmissions, five valve bodies, dozens of phone conversations, and one lawyer later (all within 20,000 mi), FCA finally agreed that there might be an issue with that vehicle and agreed to a buy back. You can guess what my advice is regarding the WK2 or, more pointedly, FCA.

Odd thing about the WK2 (or maybe about me) on short trips, up to ~3 hours, it was the most comfortable vehicle I’ve ever driven. However, after 12 hours in it I felt much more fatigued and sore than I do after the same in my present ’17 ORP.

 

[BigEyeDuck]

I came to a 4Runner from an 04 Explorer with a V8. Took a little getting used too but not the big deal people make it out to be. I don’t notice any lack of power nowadays and I’m a guy who has a heavy foot.


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I think I am getting a good sense of the spectrum of reviews. Again, coming from a 2005 Frontier that had the radiator polluting the transmission issue at 90K that cost me 3500.00 to fix plus two failed Cats at 1200.00 each, I am looking for reliability, interior space, and something that can tow 2200#.

Personally I think the current 2018 Pros and Off Roads are sexy as hell and the wife and I are all in. Problem is I live in a market were Pros and Off Roads never make it to a sales lot so I have a bit of bird dogging in my future but all worth it.

 

[cbreze]

I bought a nice, used, very low milage Mazda Miata for city driving and kept my Yota for fun off road stuff. The Miata was a blast to drive, got fantastic milage and had super fast acceleration. AND....Totally problem free.
To trust a Jeep for a 70 mile round trip daily commute is nuts. That milage would rack up fast. To much shop time and way, way to much total uncertainy in the over all reliability dept. Also, way over priced for value received. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Calif-4runner]

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.

Probos your post pretty much sums up my thinking. The power, comfort and more "sporty" car like handling could be fun on the day-to-day. Keeping my 2007 Sport as well so I would still have that.

We are not "Boobs" for never going off road. I prefer the label "Highway Capable Rig! :biggrin2:

 

[blkwtr]

I have a hunting buddy with a 2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the hemi and all options. Really, really nice. I have a 2016 SR5 4runner. The 4runner has more room. The Jeep has broken down twice and had to be towed to the dealer. Once was bad battery and once was bad fuel pump. Each time it took 4 days to get it repaired and the dealer supplied a rental. The 4runner has been a flawless underpowered machine.

 

[ByeJeep]

Jeeps are nice, when they work. If reliability's not a factor for you go for it. I'm done with 'em. One thing to consider is how long you intend to own it, poor build quality and inferior materials makes them not age well.

 

[philsey]

......

^^^ 10 extra T4r.org bonus points for screen name.

 

[tristero]

Jeeps are nice, when they work. If reliability's not a factor for you go for it. I'm done with 'em. One thing to consider is how long you intend to own it, poor build quality and inferior materials makes them not age well.

Chrysler: How can we possibly make our vehicles less reliable?
Sergio Marchionne: Tienimi la birra

 

[ByeJeep]

^^^ 10 extra T4r.org bonus points for screen name.

heh... thank you, thank you very much.

 

[LandCruiser]

Jeep has much nicer interior and infotainment than anything Toyota can offer, it also has the option for a proper V8, which Toyota seems allergic to.

With that said, it's not a BOF vehicle, has independent suspension front and rear, and despite having a t-case, all it can really do is jack its suspension up before it gets stuck.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

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!!

Your insights are interesting. I have never owned a WK2, but I owned a WK 05 JGC Hemi and I test drove a WK2 before ultimately purchasing my 5th Gen in 2012.

I felt the 4Runner was more solid in ride quality, while the WK2 handled better. I also noticed the WK2 had a lot of suspension noise, and interior noise.

I felt the 4Runner easily had a more "quality" interior... in terms of panel gaps, and material quality. The WK2 in higher trim levels is impressive looking, but from the vehicles I looked at and test drove, it became apparent to me that fit and finish wasn't going to be as good over the long term.

It's all relative though, and if I didn't plan to keep the vehicle as long... I would likely have traded it before the interior wear was an issue.

 

[sr5owner?]

Consumer Reports lists the 5.7 jeep less than a second quicker than the 4.0 4runner.
Maybe their employees learned how to deal with the dead zone on our gas pedals?

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[WallyT4R]

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)

Get a Subaru Forester or AWD Honda CRV or Highlander. You are commuting and need an occasional snow capable vehicle. Why not get an efficient car for that???

 

[kwhoadley]

Your insights are interesting. I have never owned a WK2, but I owned a WK 05 JGC Hemi and I test drove a WK2 before ultimately purchasing my 5th Gen in 2012.

I felt the 4Runner was more solid in ride quality, while the WK2 handled better. I also noticed the WK2 had a lot of suspension noise, and interior noise.

I felt the 4Runner easily had a more "quality" interior... in terms of panel gaps, and material quality. The WK2 in higher trim levels is impressive looking, but from the vehicles I looked at and test drove, it became apparent to me that fit and finish wasn't going to be as good over the long term.

It's all relative though, and if I didn't plan to keep the vehicle as long... I would likely have traded it before the interior wear was an issue.

*** Yes by far the 4runner is a more solid ride quality. It just feels better, hard to explain. But I do think that the WK2 is a little quieter at highway speeds. Probably negligible, just figured it was worth mentioning.

*** Higher quality in the long term, couldn't agree more. I think this is systematic to the whole vehicle though as Ive had countless minor issues (rattles in the interior, steering wheel vibration, system updates gone wrong). Hands down I think Toyota is a far superior long term vehicle. Maybe Toyota= higher quality by keeping things simple? I love everything about the Jeep... if it didn't malfunction all the time.

*** I will be finishing my Military contract in about 2 years. So I am looking to drop the Jeep for a T4R soon. I want a vehicle that I will not have to worry about for many years to come. My income is going to take a big cut for a few years so I need something reliable.

 

[MrJux]

Here's something fun; compare the comments here (or any of the Jeep threads) with this old JeepForum.com post asking if OP should buy a 4Runner.

Even they love our rides.

 

[thedamartini]

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'd say do it. I appreciate my 4Runner but it doesnt inspire me. If I did it over again, I would probably get something that I WANT to drive on the road and get a 3rd gen 4R project truck. I feel like my 5th gen just tried a bit too much to be the swiss army knife. It's just not as good as other vehicles at most things but can do enough of it all. After a year now, I dont like the seats. I really dont care that my $40k truck looks broken as **** because of the toyota lean. It doesnt like hills, and ah. I love it though. Not sure Ill be keeping it forever though.