Grand Cherokee vs 4Runner

M

Mr Mufakka

New member
Hello all. I'm in the process of finding my next vehicle. I'm usually pretty dead set on a certain model however I am having a hard time this go round. I'm trying to decide between the Grand Cherokee Laredo and a Toyota 4Runner SR5. If you have a few minutes and wouldn't mind helping me out, please share your opinion based on my notes below.

Used 2wd model 2010-2013
Preferably under 25k miles
Somewhere in the $24-28k-ish price range
Leather (I'm not against adding aftermarket)
Will probably install a mild lift (2-3") and slightly larger/more aggressive tires

I like the overall appearance of the GC better however, having owned a 2001 4Runner, I'm more comfortable with the longevity of a Toyota as I plan to drive this well into the 100k mile range.

Please share your experiences and opinion of your 4Runner. I'm posting this exact post on a Grand Cherokee forum to get their opinion as well.
 
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Mr Mufakka said:
Hello all. I'm in the process of finding my next vehicle. I'm usually pretty dead set on a certain model however I am having a hard time this go round. I'm trying to decide between the Grand Cherokee Laredo and a Toyota 4Runner SR5. If you have a few minutes and wouldn't mind helping me out, please share your opinion based on my notes below.

Used 2wd model 2010-2013
Preferably under 25k miles
Somewhere in the $24-28k-ish price range
Leather (I'm not against adding aftermarket)
Will probably install a mild lift (2-3") and slightly larger/more aggressive tires

I like the overall appearance of the GC better however, having owned a 2001 4Runner, I'm more comfortable with the longevity of a Toyota as I plan to drive this well into the 100k mile range.

Please share your experiences and opinion of your 4Runner. I'm posting this exact post on a Grand Cherokee forum to get their opinion as well.
Click to expand...

Easy decision.
 
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  1. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/135716-4runner-trail-jeep-rubicon-2dr.html
  2. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...ng-purchasing-2014-jeep-grand-cherokee-6.html
  3. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/133102-jeep-went-diesel-toyota-next.html
  4. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...oyota-4runner-over-fj-wrangler-unlimited.html
  5. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/106167-2012-4runner-vs-2012-jeep-grand-cherokee-2.html
 
Mr Mufakka said:
Well damn. Appears other had this predicament too! Thanks!
Click to expand...

Anyone whose not a loyal Toyota fan will have this predicament.

Spend some time on the jeep forum as well to see what they have to say.

My cousin was head bent on a Jeep GC and he got one. It's a lease, so he will just give it back before it starts falling apart.. So it all depends on you.
 
DannyLlama said:
Anyone whose not a loyal Toyota fan will have this predicament.

Spend some time on the jeep forum as well to see what they have to say.

My cousin was head bent on a Jeep GC and he got one. It's a lease, so he will just give it back before it starts falling apart.. So it all depends on you.
Click to expand...

Which is exactly what I fear. Maybe my original post here should have read...

"Are 4Runners still lasting as long as they always have?"
 
Mr Mufakka said:
Which is exactly what I fear. Maybe my original post here should have read...

"Are 4Runners still lasting as long as they always have?"
Click to expand...

In my experience with my 03' 4runner and a brand new 5th gen I traded it in on in 2010, absolutely.
The only problem I've even had with either was a rattle in the sunroof in the 2003, which was promptly fixed under warantee.
 
I think that we need a public ban ...much like a public lashing for those that refuse to search...I'm sure some enablers will reply....they always do..

:humble:
 

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Jeremy556 said:
Why?

The JGC is nicer, faster, handles better, and has more gizmos. It is also a notoriously unreliable vehicle.
Click to expand...

Why lift a 2wd is what I'm assuming you're asking? 99% for looks. To be honest, I do not like "soccer mom" look of a stock 5th gen 4Runner. It's just too bulky and squatty for me. Looks too "on-road" with it's street tires.
 
Titanpat57 said:
I think that we need a public ban ...much like a public lashing for those that refuse to search...I'm sure some enablers will reply....they always do..

:humble:
Click to expand...

Being a member of 100 other forums, I sincerely apologize. I know what it's like to visit in the same board multiple times a day and have to skip over the same question over and over again.

Sorry!!
 
Mr Mufakka said:
"Are 4Runners still lasting as long as they always have?"
Click to expand...

Yes.

I've had 4 JGCs. All had problems and were of different years. I've also had 3 Toyota 4Runners. Also of different years. Those were (still) bulletproof. Nothing major. Sure the Jeeps had more features, bells and whistles, etc, but what's it worth if they (and other major components) constantly break? New G. Cherokees are very nice, but STILL suffer from problems.

If you want to lease for a couple of years, get the car, I mean, the Grand Cherokee. If you want to own it comfortably (peace of mind) for 10+ years, get a 4Runner.

Giving ya pearls here..............................
 
Mr Mufakka said:
Being a member of 100 other forums, I sincerely apologize. I know what it's like to visit in the same board multiple times a day and have to skip over the same question over and over again.

Sorry!!
Click to expand...

You're ok...it's nice to have some fresh meat once in awhile...:croc:

good luck on your search..
 
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CookieRoe said:
Yes.

I've had 4 JGCs. All had problems and were of different years. I've also had 3 Toyota 4Runners. Also of different years. Those were (still) bulletproof. Nothing major. Sure the Jeeps had more features, bells and whistles, etc, but what's it worth if they (and other major components) constantly break? New G. Cherokees are very nice, but STILL suffer from problems.

If you want to lease for a couple of years, get the car, I mean, the Grand Cherokee. If you want to own it comfortably (peace of mind) for 10+ years, get a 4Runner.

Giving ya pearls here..............................
Click to expand...

Appreciate the insight.

It's funny but the Jeep guys are hinting at the same thing about it being "nicer" and no one has mentioned the longevity or it. Sort of the Jeep is better for a one night stand but the 4Runner is who you want to marry.
 
I drive a 4Runner ('03 4WD) because I take it offroad. It handles pretty well, for a truck. It brakes pretty well, for a truck. It rides pretty well, for a truck. But you'll never mistake the way it drives for anything other than a body-on-frame, solid-rear-axle, offroad capable truck. Every single time I drive Mrs. M1911s Mercedes C300, I am amazed at how badly my 4Runner drives, and the C300 is not exactly a sporty car. Fuel economy is basically horrible as well.

I put up with the way my 4Runner drives because I need the offroad capability. If I didn't need the offroad capability, I could get a vehicle of similar size that handles better, brakes better, rides better, and gets better fuel economy.

As for a 2WD 4Runner, I'm sorry but I just don't see the point. Taking a 2WD 4Runner and adding a lift and bigger tires will make it drive, brake, and ride even worse, while using more fuel. I can certainly understand lifting a 4Runner in order to get more offroad capability -- you put up with the disadvantages to gain that capability. But to put up with those disadvantages without intending to take it offroad? I'll never understand that. I really won't.
 
M1911 said:
I drive a 4Runner ('03 4WD) because I take it offroad. It handles pretty well, for a truck. It brakes pretty well, for a truck. It rides pretty well, for a truck. But you'll never mistake the way it drives for anything other than a body-on-frame, solid-rear-axle, offroad capable truck. Every single time I drive Mrs. M1911s Mercedes C300, I am amazed at how badly my 4Runner drives, and the C300 is not exactly a sporty car. Fuel economy is basically horrible as well.

I put up with the way my 4Runner drives because I need the offroad capability. If I didn't need the offroad capability, I could get a vehicle of similar size that handles better, brakes better, rides better, and gets better fuel economy.

As for a 2WD 4Runner, I'm sorry but I just don't see the point. Taking a 2WD 4Runner and adding a lift and bigger tires will make it drive, brake, and ride even worse, while using more fuel. I can certainly understand lifting a 4Runner in order to get more offroad capability -- you put up with the disadvantages to gain that capability. But to put up with those disadvantages without intending to take it offroad? I'll never understand that. I really won't.
Click to expand...

That's ok. I know there's a lot that share your viewpoint about lifting a 2wd. I'm not here to try and change that. To each there own really.

I'll be adding my first baby to the family in February and I tow a 19' boat fairly often, although not very far, during the summer. My wife drives a Lexus IS250. We'd really prefer an SUV for those reasons and I've been perfectly happy with my 2001 4Runner so I figure that's what I'll go with again. The GC really caught my eye though.

And I'm perfectly fine with the 4Runner driving like a truck. If it didn't, it would feel less bulletproof to me.
 
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