Toyota 4Runner vs. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited

[Fo_SheeZy]

Check it out on cardomain!

Everyone is saying Jeep all the way, obviously they don't know what they're talking about..

http://blog.cardomain.com/blog/2008/11/toyota-4runner.html

 

[Clemsonfan15]

A kid at my school has a Jeep similar to that and it's decent, but I wouldn't want it. I would definitely take a 4th Gen over it.

 

[Sum_Devl]

I don't know it is kind of a toss up for me. It really depends on what you are comparing. As far as quality of the vehicle in general (fit and finish, ride, etc.) I would definitely say the 4runner hands down. Now if you are going for the wow factor (open air driving, ability and ease to customize, etc.) I would definitely have to say the JK.

My wife's 4runner

My JK

 

[Ulfr]

Well. Depends on what you want to use it for... If I were planin' on buyin' a new truck for offroad use, I'd go for the Wrangler..

But on the other hand, the 4Runner used to be a good offroader, but I would never have to think twice if I had to choose between the 4th gen 4runner and a Wrangler...
The wrangler is just so, rough and ... and... and,. it's a jeep!

(not that I'm sayin' that I'm leavin' the 'runners, just that Wranglers bear so many things over the 'Runners)

But I guess I'd have to swap axles anyway if I were goin' to put 44s under a wrangler. And prolly the tranny and engine as well...

 

[Thai]

But on the other hand, the 4Runner used to be a good offroader,

But I guess I'd have to swap axles anyway if I were goin' to put 44s under a wrangler. And prolly the tranny and engine as well...

I never knew that 4th gen 4runner is no longer a "good" off-roader. I don't know...the 2009 4runner Trail Edition sure looks capable and i would bet that it would be better than any stock 4runner before it, bar none.

BTW, if you buy the Rubicon version of the Wrangler, then you will have Dana 44 axles (hybrid version, which is stronger than regular D44s), 4:1 transfer case, and full lockers.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

If I was going on a long road trip the 4runner would be my choice but off road the Jeep would have the edge but day to day duty I'd still take the Toyota.

 

[Thai]

If I was going on a long road trip the 4runner would be my choice but off road the Jeep would have the edge but day to day duty I'd still take the Toyota.

Yup, agree 100%. With the 4runner (and FJ) getting close to the Jeep's off-road capability, the 4runner all-around appeal goes up.

 

[Ulfr]

I never knew that 4th gen 4runner is no longer a "good" off-roader. I don't know...the 2009 4runner Trail Edition sure looks capable and i would bet that it would be better than any stock 4runner before it, bar none.

BTW, if you buy the Rubicon version of the Wrangler, then you will have Dana 44 axles (hybrid version, which is stronger than regular D44s), 4:1 transfer case, and full lockers.

In my opinion, it's not as great offroader as the older versions, why? You've got the "new" IFS in the front (same as in LC/Prado 120). And you have to either swap transfer cases or turn the axle housing to fit it to the "Driver's side output" on the transfer. (No, I'm not gonna put american housings under a toyota!!!)
Of course, everything can be done, but I'm thinkin' it for offroadin' more than just crawlin' over few rocks and play in the mud.

But of course, this is just my opinion. For what I use these trucks, the jeep would be a better option.

 

[Thai]

In my opinion, it's not as great offroader as the older versions, why? You've got the "new" IFS in the front (same as in LC/Prado 120). And you have to either swap transfer cases or turn the axle housing to fit it to the "Driver's side output" on the transfer. (No, I'm not gonna put american housings under a toyota!!!)
Of course, everything can be done, but I'm thinkin' it for offroadin' more than just crawlin' over few rocks and play in the mud.

But of course, this is just my opinion. For what I use these trucks, the jeep would be a better option.

But then again, the 1st and 2nd gen 4runners did NOT come with traction control nor locker. So, yeah, i guess that driver's side output may be helpful in rare instances, but having locker + ATRAC would be a lot better for off-roading IMHO. As for IFS vs front axle, i agree with you...but then again, i rather have ATRAC + locker than solid axle. If you can get solid axle + ATRAC + locker, then i agree completely with you.

In addition, with 4th gen, you have stronger brakes and all-around disc brakes, a stronger frame (platform for mods), and more comfort...all of these are indeed significant in off-roading.

BTW, what kind of off-roading do you do??

 

[borgzman]

aa..I think the editor is pitting both vehicles for their overall versatility, what influences our choice are many criteria, and off-roading capabilities is one, and the only thing that the Jeep Wrangler can be compared to a 4runner.

What's so serious is, he said the "Wrangler killed the FJ" although influenced by those jeepers...

 

[sn0wrunner]

The 4runner is definetley the way to go. You can obviously make it really off-road capale as we have seen many 4th gens on this, and other sites. And toyota will hold its value much longer than some ol jeep. My brother just bought an 01 cherokee with 110K miles on it for $5K. I dont think you will be finding any 01 4runner with that few of miles going for under 8 or 9.

 

[Thai]

The 4runner is definetley the way to go. You can obviously make it really off-road capale as we have seen many 4th gens on this, and other sites. And toyota will hold its value much longer than some ol jeep. My brother just bought an 01 cherokee with 110K miles on it for $5K. I dont think you will be finding any 01 4runner with that few of miles going for under 8 or 9.

To be fair, the Wranglers themselves have traditionally held their value very well. And, with equal money to modify, it is a lot easier to modify the Jeep for off-road than it is for the 4runner. Out of the box, i don't think that there is any stock production vehicle on the planet that can match a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (short-wheelbase) off-road.

 

[G.I.G.]

Funny how they matched a SR5 up against a Wrangler Rubicon. Not exactly an apples-to-apples comparison if you ask me. I would be interested in seeing the new Trail Team edition 4R go up against the Rubicon. Or better yet, a 4R against a Jeep GC.

I owned a 1st gen and and 2nd gen GC. The 2nd gen had the V8 and Quadradrive which I would say is an equal comparison to my V8 4R SE. In no way would I say my old Jeeps performed better than my 4R off-road. I have driven some of the same trails with all three vehicles (all three are/were completely stock) and I don't think the Jeeps performed any better or significantly worse than my 4R. On-road there is no comparison, 4R is WAY better in handling, comfort, noise, etc. I've had my 4R for over a year now and there is no looking back to Jeep for me.

 

[Thai]

The 2nd gen had the V8 and Quadradrive

2nd gen QuadraDrive was a joke by all measure...it was barely adequate at what it does. Your 4runner's ATRAC is significantly better.

BTW, the new Wrangler comes with ATRAC-equivalent as standard equipment. The Rubicon comes with ATRAC plus full set of lockers.

 

[sn0wrunner]

To be fair, the Wranglers themselves have traditionally held their value very well. And, with equal money to modify, it is a lot easier to modify the Jeep for off-road than it is for the 4runner. Out of the box, i don't think that there is any stock production vehicle on the planet that can match a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (short-wheelbase) off-road.

The wranglers hold their value good too. Not to say your wrong... but did a little research and looked at the year 2000 4runners and the 2000 wranglers on craigslist and on the first page of the 4runners there were 26 4runners 4 sale over $9000 and there were only 12 wranglers 4 sale over $9000 which to me shows 4runners holding a little better value than the jeep... maybe its just me.

4runner
Jeep

You do make a good point about the wheel base, but no jeep is going to run longer than a toyota will.

You'll get more miles for your $ with the yota

 

[Thai]

The wranglers hold their value good too. Not to say your wrong... but did a little research and looked at the year 2000 4runners and the 2000 wranglers on craigslist and on the first page of the 4runners there were 26 4runners 4 sale over $9000 and there were only 12 wranglers 4 sale over $9000 which to me shows 4runners holding a little better value than the jeep... maybe its just me.

4runner
Jeep

You do make a good point about the wheel base, but no jeep is going to run longer than a toyota will.

You'll get more miles for your $ with the yota

Remember, 2000 Wranglers were a lot cheaper than 2000 4runner when you bought them new in 2000. So, given that, the 2000 Wranglers may indeed hold their value even better than the 2000 4runner! :awais:

Although you can get more miles in the 4runner, you can always buy new aftermarket parts to replace the crappy Chrysler stuff on a Jeep.

 

[G.I.G.]

2nd gen QuadraDrive was a joke by all measure...it was barely adequate at what it does. Your 4runner's ATRAC is significantly better.

Sorry for the confusion, I meant to say I had "Quadratrac" not "Quadradrive". It is the same transfer case, but Quadratrac (what I had) did not have the limited slip diffs in the front and rear. I was actually under the impression that Quadradrive was a pretty good 4-wheel drive system, relying on the limited slip diffs to transfer power, vs. ATRAC that requires the ABS system to "fool" the diff into transferring power to the wheel that is slipping.

The Rubicon comes with ATRAC plus full set of lockers.

What's the advantage of having both? Wouldn't the lockers replace the need for ATRAC?

 

[Thai]

Sorry for the confusion, I meant to say I had "Quadratrac" not "Quadradrive". It is the same transfer case, but Quadratrac (what I had) did not have the limited slip diffs in the front and rear. I was actually under the impression that Quadradrive was a pretty good 4-wheel drive system, relying on the limited slip diffs to transfer power, vs. ATRAC that requires the ABS system to "fool" the diff into transferring power to the wheel that is slipping.

What's the advantage of having both? Wouldn't the lockers replace the need for ATRAC?

QuadraDrive horror stories: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=57

Both lockers and ATRAC have their function off-road. ATRAC is pretty good on mild stuff or on stuff where steering is vital. Lockers are for more severe terrain where having traction is the most important thing.

This is why i am happy to see the marriage of ATRAC and rear locker on the FJ Cruiser and the upcoming 2009 4runner Trail Edition.

 

[sn0wrunner]

Remember, 2000 Wranglers were a lot cheaper than 2000 4runner when you bought them new in 2000. So, given that, the 2000 Wranglers may indeed hold their value even better than the 2000 4runner! :awais:

Although you can get more miles in the 4runner, you can always buy new aftermarket parts to replace the crappy Chrysler stuff on a Jeep.

I'd rather have a car I can rely on with quality stuff than a bunch of pos parts in it. The extra money is worth the time you save at places trying t fix the crappy jeep.

 

[davem]

i have both . my ride 2004 4runner sport ( see sig ) wifes ride 08 rubicon 4 door. lifted 4" 35" tires xtra bling. for quality,ride,comfort take the 4runner. for pure cool," check that out" -take the jeep.