Shopping for a new vehicle, 4Runner vs Grand Highlander Hybrid vs ??

[68camaro]

Do you need the offroad and/or ruggedness advantages of a body on frame vehicle? Honestly, the current Jeep Grand Cherokee is a beautiful car and way more comfortable for highway driving than the 4Runner; main concern there would be longevity and reliability.

We have two Grand Cherokees a 2004 with over 240k miles and a 2014 with 330k. I am looking to replace the 2014 with much more reliable vehicle.

JGC's are perfect balance between comfort, off-road utility and MPG. However Jeeps reliability has dropped below Range Rover.

If Jeep still had Lifetime warranty I would buy again, but without it, no way. Chrysler kept my 2014 on road for 330k miles under warranty which I very much appreciate but I had a lot of issues. Now tranny shot (not there their fault, it lasted over 330k miles) and they are buying me out of my lifetime warranty so I will take buyout and buy new brand.

I was very fortunate to have lifetime warranty or I would have sold 2014 years ago. 2004 is differtent story.

I don't drive much off road but I like to have capable vehicle when I do. My off-road is mild also.

 

[AZ Craig]

We have two Grand Cherokees a 2004 with over 240k miles and a 2014 with 330k. I am looking to replace the 2014 with much more reliable vehicle.

JGC's are perfect balance between comfort, off-road utility and MPG. However Jeeps reliability has dropped below Range Rover.

If Jeep still had Lifetime warranty I would buy again, but without it, no way. Chrysler kept my 2014 on road for 330k miles under warranty which I very much appreciate but I had a lot of issues. Now tranny shot (not there their fault, it lasted over 330k miles) and they are buying me out of my lifetime warranty so I will take buyout and buy new brand.

I was very fortunate to have lifetime warranty or I would have sold 2014 years ago. 2004 is differtent story.

I don't drive much off road but I like to have capable vehicle when I do. My off-road is mild also.

Yes, this is the exact concern with Jeep now. I almost pulled the trigger on a 2023 Summit V8 JGC as our "non-4Runner" vehicle in the house hold due to the massive discounts on them, but was definitely worried about mechanical reliability of it. A major mess-up on numbers for a potential lease (thankfully) ended that though.

It's a bit hokey, but why not something like a Subaru Outback Wilderness? I think the freaking thing has as much ground clearance (if not more) than a 4Runner and has a reputation for being able to get through terrain offroad way more difficult than most of what anyone would ever consider doing with it.

Based on the 2024 Tacoma, 2024 GX550 and the upcoming 2024 LC, I just feel like the new crop of body on frame Toyotas (including the 6th gen 4Runner) are going to be such a huge step up from the 2024 4Runner that it doesn't make sense as a purchase currently.

 

[hoppyjr]

While it’s true the 4Runner is extremely reliable, this isn’t the kind of vehicle you buy because Consumer Reports rates it well. The 4Runner is just special. It appeals to a specific emotional thing, much like the old Land Cruiser did.

If you’ve been driving the Lexus LX I don’t think you’ll find the 4Runner acceptable. Maybe order the new Lexus GX, as it would be closer to what you are used to.

The Highlander and 4Runner shouldn’t be compared. If you’re seriously considering the former, just skip over the latter.

 

[Tonka23]

New Member here, 1st post......looking to replace 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland edition with 2024 4Runner TRD Off Road.

My biggest question is long range highway driving, will the 4runner TRD get bothersome at highway speeds for up to 6 - 10 hours? Would a different model be better? or best to look at another vehicle.

I went to dealer today to get on Land Cruiser wait list but they est. wait at 18 months.....yikes

Thanks

Stock 17 Limited that we have taken up to NY from FL numerous times. It is by far the nicest car I have done the trip with (2000s Volvo, Prius, Saturn, Uhaul Truck) so make of that what you will, however it also was the most comfortable outside of maybe the Volvo. For what is essentially a brick with 4 wheels it was a pretty smooth ride. Never felt like I was going 90+ when I was.

 

[oliviabrandon361]

After reading your posted list of vehicles I find it pretty hard to make a choice if I were you. No Honda or Toyota is going to be a bad choice on a new vehicle today, as both are pretty darn reliable over the years. At 78 years old I started out with Chevrolets, then went to Hondas and now in the last 2 years we are in Toyotas. My wife went from a Acura RDX to a Lexus RX 350 two years ago and we are very happy with it, so when the day came I started giving the Toyotas a good look at. I first thought I wanted a Tundra as I have always driven a pickup for the last 40 years, but seeing I don't really need a PU these days I started giving other Toyotas a good look at. How I landed on the new 2024 4 Runner TRD Off Road was just something that I really liked and as time passed I couldn't find another vehicle that took my mind of the 4 Runner. Now I will say here I will not off road this vehicle so the 4 Runner is way over kill, but I just liked everything about the 4 Runner, so that what I bought. They always say, test drive it and you will know what you want. My wife thinks it's great.

My 4Runner has always being part of my family....The are just so reliable to me.

 

[trainman605]

I don't agree or disagree with many of the post out there, as we all do what works for us, totally understandable. One person was told at his dealer that an 18 month wait and I think that is probably not unrealistic and you will probably have to pay over List Price in some cases, this will depend on where you live and what dealers do in your area. Plus the market will dictate what happens where you live and Toyota and Lexus are in most cases going to be the vehicle of choice, unless something big happen to change this. GM, FORD, and STELLIANTIS are pretty much screwed at this time, I think Toyota has got it right for the future of the automotive market.

 

[DAW89446]

My wife's 2014 Highlander is far superior to my 4Runner in almost every way, the only category the 4Runner wins in is that it's cooler looking

Beauty in the eye of the beholder: When I first got my 5th gen, to me it looked like an angry fish sucking a lemon. But the look has grown on me, I love my T4R!

 

[docboy]

While it’s true the 4Runner is extremely reliable, this isn’t the kind of vehicle you buy because Consumer Reports rates it well. The 4Runner is just special. It appeals to a specific emotional thing, much like the old Land Cruiser did.

If you’ve been driving the Lexus LX I don’t think you’ll find the 4Runner acceptable. Maybe order the new Lexus GX, as it would be closer to what you are used to.

The Highlander and 4Runner shouldn’t be compared. If you’re seriously considering the former, just skip over the latter.

So true. I bought the LX used (CPO), I couldn't justify paying $90k for a vehicle; even though it's a 2009 the interior is still very nice, albeit the infotainment system is outdated. Given its high mileage and high costs of maintenance/repairs needed, I figure I try to find something with good mpg (I drive about 300 miles/week), reliable, and yet a little more modern inside. I agree the 4R is somewhat of a downgrade compared to the LX; the 2024 4R interior quality is IMHO almost below that of my 09 LX, with exception of Apple Play/Android Auto.

Ironically Consumer Reports does not recommend the 4R, but gives it praise for its indestructible reliability.

Only thing holding me back on the 4R is its mpg, 16/19mg is not much better than the LX's 13/18, maybe same.

The new GX looks awesome! At $70k+ it is significantly more than the 4R/H/GH, but I'm not sure about its mpg at 15/21 and need for premium fuel due to it's twin turbo V6. I'll check it out for sure, I believe it arrives at dealerships anytime now.

So many choices...

 

[trainman605]

So true. I bought the LX used (CPO), I couldn't justify paying $90k for a vehicle; even though it's a 2009 the interior is still very nice, albeit the infotainment system is outdated. Given its high mileage and high costs of maintenance/repairs needed, I figure I try to find something with good mpg (I drive about 300 miles/week), reliable, and yet a little more modern inside. I agree the 4R is somewhat of a downgrade compared to the LX; the 2024 4R interior quality is IMHO almost below that of my 09 LX, with exception of Apple Play/Android Auto.

Ironically Consumer Reports does not recommend the 4R, but gives it praise for its indestructible reliability.

Only thing holding me back on the 4R is its mpg, 16/19mg is not much better than the LX's 13/18, maybe same.

The new GX looks awesome! At $70k+ it is significantly more than the 4R/H/GH, but I'm not sure about its mpg at 15/21 and need for premium fuel due to it's twin turbo V6. I'll check it out for sure, I believe it arrives at dealerships anytime now.

So many choices...

You have too many negatives toward the vehicles you are talking about, maybe you need to move on to something else.

 

[Yamahamer]

Ironically Consumer Reports does not recommend the 4R, but gives it praise for its indestructible reliability.

Only thing holding me back on the 4R is its mpg, 16/19mg is not much better than the LX's 13/18, maybe same.

The fuel mileage is exactly why Consumer Reports will not recommend the 4R.

 

[oliviabrandon361]

For Off Road, I recommend my 4Runner anytime.......:couch2:

 

[AZ Craig]

Stock 17 Limited that we have taken up to NY from FL numerous times. It is by far the nicest car I have done the trip with (2000s Volvo, Prius, Saturn, Uhaul Truck) so make of that what you will, however it also was the most comfortable outside of maybe the Volvo. For what is essentially a brick with 4 wheels it was a pretty smooth ride. Never felt like I was going 90+ when I was.

Suspension may be comfortable at 90+, but your engine will be laboring (especially out West) and God help you if you need to do any sort of evasive maneuver.

 

[AZ Craig]

The fuel mileage is exactly why Consumer Reports will not recommend the 4R.

Along with the archaic power train, and body on frame handling characteristics, and 15 year old dated interior design, and...

Don't get me wrong, I like mine. Just don't act like this vehicle is more than it is.