Why did you pick the T4R over the FJ or Wrangler Unlimited?

My cousin has a '14 Unlimited as his "toy". His DD is a BMW X6. After 300 Miles in the Jeep I couldn't wait to get out of it. Noisy, crappy A/C, cramped interior, rough ride...no thanks.

Not to mention that Jeep has gone from being owned by the second worst build quality/reliability company; Chrysler.
To the #1 worlds worst; FIAT.


I will take my 4Runner over that piece any day...


It’s Stellantis now. Puegeot is 50% partner on all previously Fiat Chrysler vehicles so maybe their quality and reliability will go up?
 
My buddy's wrangler is sweet, but he's usually fixing something on it. I like the FJ a lot, but the passenger space is lacking, especially since I have a kid. That's why I chose a 4runner..Checks all the boxes for my needs.
 
For me:

Jeep - As much as I would like to have a Jeep Wrangler, reliability makes them a non-starter (pun intended) for me. Putting all of the windows down, including the back window, is what my daughter now calls "Jeep mode"... Close enough for me.

FJ - Wanted one ever since they came out. Finally test drove one. Poor visibility for basically everything behind the front seats killed it for me.
 
The post is worded as if thise others were even a consideration.

I went to the dealer to buy a 4Runner.. never even thought about any other option(other than trim level)
 
I currently have a '15 4RL and I wasn't in the market for a Wrangler back then as the JK-series Wranglers weren't of interest to me. Now that I'm looking at a new vehicle, I'm very much interested in the Wranglers. In fact, some dealers in the US are willing to go as low as 6-8% below invoice (not msrp) on Wranglers that are ordered right now and that makes a Rubicon with a Diesel a very compelling offer at about $51,489 modestly equipped (no 8" screen, Alpine system, or the "Safety" and "Advanced Safety" packages). The only big negative for me with the Wrangler that I strongly dislike is the lack of curtain airbags. I have kids and want to keep them safe in an accident. The lack of curtain airbags has me very concerned of serious head injuries to them should a side impact occur.

Not to sound spoiled (I know, I know...first world problems) but I currently have a '22 TRD Pro 4R on order that I could cancel if I want to. Yes, the TRD Pro is a great 4R and all, but I'd be going from one 4R to essentially the same 4R with a different trim package. It's kind of hard to get excited about that especially since it's the same weak 4.0 liter paired with the ancient 5 speed auto that gets abysmal gas mileage. But it has side curtain airbags and I think I heard the 22 4R's will have the blind spot monitoring so that's a plus. Admittingly, LED lights and Apple CarPlay are huge plusses too. But I still really, really like the Wrangler for pretty much the same money as the 4R TRDP
 
Last edited:
I find all the Jeep hating based on unfactual statements or on Jeeps that have been ragged on or misused.
From my experience as well as Venture4x4 and TheRoadChoseMe, the Jeep JK platform has been plenty reliable. I've had mine for 5 years (80k miles) and haven't had any issues besides wheel speed sensors going bad on me at around 65k miles. Whereas, I had to replace both front window motors on our 4Runner at around 80k.

Other than those issues, both vehicles have been great.

So with reliability a moot point, the decision depends on your lifestyle.

The Jeep is fun to drive around town and literally the best vehicle on a trail.
The 4Runner is easy to drive around town and is more enjoyable on the highway but is still plenty capable on trails.

Since most of my traveling consists of highways until I can get to a trail, If I could only pick one, I'd pick a TRD Off-Road 4Runner with a locker, small lift, and some good ATs.

But I don't since the 4Runner is my wife's DD and the Jeep is my DD. :)
 
New 4runner owner here, came from a 2012 JKU rubicon.
I had a love/hate with that Jeep. It was lifted on 35’s, got compliments everywhere I went, but it rode like an old hay wagon and Leaked water when it would rain.
The main reason I sold it was the rear-main seal was “hemorrhaging oil” per the dealer. After some forum reading it seemed this was common.
Being 6’2” I also felt cramped in it.

It was way more than capable for anything I did, but there is something I miss about taking off the top and doors.

All that being said I have zero complaints about my 4Runner. It rides/drives amazing. I do want to install a small lift and some 285’s in near future.
 
Picked the T4R over the Jeep due to quality and reliability. Seen and heard stories of Jeeps being stranded on the side of the road, but haven't heard of similar issues with a T4R of any generation. On a personal preference, prefer the aesthetic looks of the T4R as well.
 
I didn’t have confidence in:

1.) Anything Mopar developed under Fiat
2.) Rigs with modular/removable tops
3.) Pentastar V6, would have loved the inline 6 though


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I didn’t have confidence in:

1.) Anything Mopar developed under Fiat
2.) Rigs with modular/removable tops
3.) Pentastar V6, would have loved the inline 6 though


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


Have you seen that, while everyone is running to EV, Mazda is about to release a line of vehicles with a brand new badass I-6? Longitudinally mounted in most cases.

I’m so excited to see and drive them.
 
Like many i went from a wrangler to the 4Runner for several reasons. 3 check engine lights, countless electronic gremlins, power steering cutting out randomly etc...

Ill miss the removable top, and the doors, it really is a fun vehicle but wasnt worth the hassle. As soon as my warranty ran out i traded it in.

Funny thins is the new JLs come with an app that tells you if there are any issues or if your tire pressure is low and what not, a month after i sold it i remembered i had the app still and i opened it before deleting it from my phone and a new warning popped up about a check engine light lol
 
Have you seen that, while everyone is running to EV, Mazda is about to release a line of vehicles with a brand new badass I-6? Longitudinally mounted in most cases.

I’m so excited to see and drive them.


Sounds like it’s worth a test drive! Hate to see so many fall back to 4 cylinder + CVT while waiting to develop full EV drive lines ready for prime time. Ahem, Subaru.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
I wanted reliability and versatility. The 4Runner has both. Despite being old school, my 2021 TRD Pro has CarPlay which is nice. I wanted 4 doors. Off road capability is pretty good although not as good as a Rubicon or Bronco. Engine and transmission are not overly impressive but good enough. I have done two all day drives and the 4Runner was fine. It handles highway droning fine. I've been off road and for my needs it is great and suspension is surprisingly good. Sometimes I haul a dirt bike on a hitch rack and that works well. I like the spare tire underneath so it does not interfere with carrying stuff on hitch racks. My 4Runner ticks all the boxes in ways the FJ and the Wrangler cannot. Also before the 4Runner I had a Subaru Crosstrek and it was too small and delicate. My dirt bike on the hitch rack was way over the tongue limit and it felt that way. Also the smaller wheels and average suspension made the Crosstrek disappointing off road. Bumps that get soaked up off road with the TRD Pro would beat up the Crosstrek. The new Bronco is exciting in a lot of ways, but the 4Runner is still more versatile for my needs.
 
To offset performance, you have just about the toughest and most reliable drivetrain components that exist. I love that the drivetrain is a dinosaur.

100% this. I do love the tried and true motor, especially after the complaints I've heard on the new Tacoma's motor.
 
I didn’t have confidence in:

1.) Anything Mopar developed under Fiat
2.) Rigs with modular/removable tops
3.) Pentastar V6, would have loved the inline 6 though


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Jeep (Stellantis?) has been developing a new I6 for quite a few years. I hope it makes it into production, possibly as soon as the '22 model year (not holding my breath though).
 

Members online

Forum statistics

Threads
278,315
Messages
3,554,130
Members
248,016
Latest member
Advally Service

Trending content

Back
Top