I've been looking at pulling the trigger for like three years.... I have a hard time making up my mind, obviously... So for those of you that considered the FJ or Wrangler Unlimited what was it that made you pick the T4R? Would the new Wrangler with the new pentastar engine be a game changer? Thanks for your time..
Why did you pick the T4R over the FJ or Wrangler Unlimited?
- Thread starter Sprocket
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An underpowered engine for the wrangler was the real killer. I see dirt often but I also need a truck that can take long road trips in comfort. The jeep just can't hang in that respect. I would like an FJ just fine but a little extra room and 2 more full sized doors sold the 4Runner.
SeattleMike
New member
The Wrangler has some real strengths off-road... but that's only good the 10% of the time you are off-road and the differences are not something that can't be remedied with a few mods to the 4R. However, there is little to nothing you can do to make a Wrangler more streetable without trashing it's offroad abilities.
The FJ... not as much cargo room, not as much comfort, and ZERO rearward visibility. And forget about passengers.
The FJ... not as much cargo room, not as much comfort, and ZERO rearward visibility. And forget about passengers.
If you just want a toy for off roading and pack light when you camp, then a wrangler is great. One of my good friends has one - as a toy - and we go out wheeling a lot. Its great off road, but two people and a weeks worth of camping gear are hard pressed to fit. Its actually laughable. He puts a hitch rack up front and in back.
The FJ is very cool, but as has been mentioned the visibility is terrible.
The 4runner is an amazingly capable vehicle right out of the box and is also very livable. Decent gas mileage, lots of room, and Toyota reliability. I have only had mine for a few months, but I have done serious off roading and its still great around town. Plus there are some things it does 'better' off road. Put the Wrangler down a rutted road and it'll bounce and jounce all over the place. I can cruise with my friend's wrangler and its smooth sailing for me, my son, and my dog (who LOVES the roll down back window).
The FJ is very cool, but as has been mentioned the visibility is terrible.
The 4runner is an amazingly capable vehicle right out of the box and is also very livable. Decent gas mileage, lots of room, and Toyota reliability. I have only had mine for a few months, but I have done serious off roading and its still great around town. Plus there are some things it does 'better' off road. Put the Wrangler down a rutted road and it'll bounce and jounce all over the place. I can cruise with my friend's wrangler and its smooth sailing for me, my son, and my dog (who LOVES the roll down back window).
Hawkdog21
New member
Never considered a wrangler. I was able to do lower 2 at tellico under my own power in my old 4runner and that is arguably some of the hardest terrain within 600 miles of me. Unless you are making a dedicated trail rig it doesn't compete. I can still valet my shiny new 4runner at a nice restaurant and think nothing about it if I am on a date, but I would never do that in some lifted wrangler. Yea, great off road, but since my offroad driving is maybe 5% of my total driving I want something that looks great, fits lots of people and gear and will be very reliable and comfortable on the road.
FJ is just too small for my needs and IMO looks kinda like a spaceship. I never really considered it to begin with either.
FJ is just too small for my needs and IMO looks kinda like a spaceship. I never really considered it to begin with either.
My 4Runner is an '03, but I'd make the same decision with a 5th gen:
FJ:
- hard to see overhead stoplights
- terrible visibility to the rear sides
- terrible visibility behind
- less room
- rear-hinged side doors are a huge pain
- rear seat is a dungeon
- side-hinged rear doors suck when you are parked on the street
Wrangler
- horrid to drive as an every day vehicle
- Jeep quality
- not as much room
- complete overkill for the offroading that I do (mostly on the beach).
- slow
FJ:
- hard to see overhead stoplights
- terrible visibility to the rear sides
- terrible visibility behind
- less room
- rear-hinged side doors are a huge pain
- rear seat is a dungeon
- side-hinged rear doors suck when you are parked on the street
Wrangler
- horrid to drive as an every day vehicle
- Jeep quality
- not as much room
- complete overkill for the offroading that I do (mostly on the beach).
- slow
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just to clear up a couple of things, OP was inquiring about Wrangler Unlimited (ie-4 dr). wheelbase is greater than 4R and there is plenty of cargo space. the lengthy wheelbase can actually be a negative.
gonna take more than a few mods to match ability off-road (solid front axle is probably the biggest thing).
drivability is not great, but i think a more powerful engine will improve that aspect.
Jeep reliability is a concern and Chrysler customer care/warranty sucks (they will try to deny as much as they can and don't care about customers). some dealer service departments are better than others, but the overall warranty direction comes from above the dealership level.
gonna take more than a few mods to match ability off-road (solid front axle is probably the biggest thing).
drivability is not great, but i think a more powerful engine will improve that aspect.
Jeep reliability is a concern and Chrysler customer care/warranty sucks (they will try to deny as much as they can and don't care about customers). some dealer service departments are better than others, but the overall warranty direction comes from above the dealership level.
iDRiVaT4R
New member
Over the FJ;
1. KDSS - Actually only reason I bought it and sold my 08' Tacoma.
2. 4 Real Doors - For easier loading of passengers
3. More interior space, less blind spots.
4. IMO looks more awesome
5. With Sliding Cargo Tray, Fold Flat rear seats, You get a flat platform for sleeping on.
Only two things that even got me looking at the 5th gen 4Runner as mentioned, KDSS and 4 real doors.
Over the Wrangler;
1. 4.0L V6 vs their minivan motor
2. You buy A jeep, your bound to spend way more on it than a Toyota, maintenance and accessories.
3. Seats do not fold flat at all, cannot sleep laying down in it as far as I know
4. 4Runner is more Family friendly IMO
When I bought my Tacoma I was actually looking at the Wranglers, but that motor just scared me some. My dad has a 2005 TJ Willy's Edition, and I used to own a 2000 Cherokee, both with the 4.0L Inline 6. Great motors, I just didn't feel comfortable with the new Jeep Engine.
I haven't done any research on that new Pentastar engine, but I'd still probably buy a 4Runner over a Wrangler. The wranglers IMO are better as an off road trail rig only vs everyday driver and weekend warrior.
1. KDSS - Actually only reason I bought it and sold my 08' Tacoma.
2. 4 Real Doors - For easier loading of passengers
3. More interior space, less blind spots.
4. IMO looks more awesome
5. With Sliding Cargo Tray, Fold Flat rear seats, You get a flat platform for sleeping on.
Only two things that even got me looking at the 5th gen 4Runner as mentioned, KDSS and 4 real doors.
Over the Wrangler;
1. 4.0L V6 vs their minivan motor
2. You buy A jeep, your bound to spend way more on it than a Toyota, maintenance and accessories.
3. Seats do not fold flat at all, cannot sleep laying down in it as far as I know
4. 4Runner is more Family friendly IMO
When I bought my Tacoma I was actually looking at the Wranglers, but that motor just scared me some. My dad has a 2005 TJ Willy's Edition, and I used to own a 2000 Cherokee, both with the 4.0L Inline 6. Great motors, I just didn't feel comfortable with the new Jeep Engine.
I haven't done any research on that new Pentastar engine, but I'd still probably buy a 4Runner over a Wrangler. The wranglers IMO are better as an off road trail rig only vs everyday driver and weekend warrior.
Over the FJ: FJ is too small for my needs. I need to be able to put carseats in the back seat and get small children in and out of the carseats. FJ is good for a twenty-something owner with no kids, but I needed something bigger and more practical.
Over the Jeep: Jeep quality is poor. Compare the resale value of a 3 yr old Jeep against a 3 yr old Toyota. There's a reason the Toyotas hold their value. It's little things - like the adhesives that Jeep uses on the interior will go bad/dry out after a few years. If you plan to keep it, it will drive you crazy with rattles after 3-5 years.
Over the Jeep: Jeep quality is poor. Compare the resale value of a 3 yr old Jeep against a 3 yr old Toyota. There's a reason the Toyotas hold their value. It's little things - like the adhesives that Jeep uses on the interior will go bad/dry out after a few years. If you plan to keep it, it will drive you crazy with rattles after 3-5 years.
Thai
Elite Member
The Wrangler Unlimited actually has pretty cargo size...and since, like FJ, the seats and floor are waterproof, cargo storage becomes easier if you have dirty stuff.
See above...Unlimited has awefully long wheelbase, which makes for very average (pickup truck like) breakover angle (20 degrees in Rubicon form). But, it does improve stability and storage capability.
The Wrangler resale value has traditionally been very strong, possibly on level with 4runners! No kidding...just look it up. Of course, this does not apply to the other Jeep models.
But, i agree with everyone above. Jeep Wrangler Unlimited is seriously lacking in everyday comfort. The new Wrangler (2011+) has a much improve interior, but the rear seat passengers will hate you! The rear seatback is NOT adjustable and thus, the passengers sit very upright...not comfortable for long distance for sure.
The current Wrangler is actually not as noisy as the previous generations...windnoise will always be a factor given its square shape. But, road noise itself isn't all bad, even with the BFG MudTerrains.
The biggest problem and the main reason why i will never get one is the safety aspect. Front crash scores have been good. However, it lacks side curtain airbags. There is optional front seat side airbags, but this only protects the thorax...and the rear passengers have no side protection. Upright rear seating also limits how happy my kids will be. And like most of you, i spend a lot more time on-road than off-road. So, the Wrangler is a cool 2nd car for local off-roading, but i much prefer something like the 4runner for long distance use or off-roading in another state.
As for the FJ, my brother has one. He has a 6-year old and a 10 month old. He manages fine...as the FJ is the family "minivan". The problem i have with the FJ is visibility and the fact that rear passengers feel claustrophobic because there is no real rear windows other than small portholes high up. The obvious nice thing about the FJ is that it is good off-road and has a waterproof interior.
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4RunnerRemodel
New member
I actually was going back and forth just last month between the 2011 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon or Sahara vs the 2011 4runner SR5. I decided a little over a week ago on the 2011 4runner SR5 4x4 w/ Premium Pkg.
The improved interior of the 2011 Wrangler is leaps and bounds better than the last Wrangler I had (2005 Rubicon). I think for me it came down to what most others have said, the 4runner was just more comfortable day to day for the amount of driving I do. The 4runner also has better towing, a little more cargo room, and better re-sale/reliability. Wrangler re-sale/depreciation is good, but not nearly as good in the first 5 years as the 4runner. After that they tend to hold their value very well due to their "toy" or "2nd vehicle" status because most people are looking at 5+ yr old ones so their value holds stronger after that point...in general anyways.
So, for me it was more important to have a more comfortable ride, slightly better re-sale, better reliability and quality of materials, and much better engine. I LOVE Jeeps and hope to get a 2 door again soon as a 2nd vehicle to be rough on and take the top down on nice days, but until they vastly improve the engine (need to offer a very strong V6 or the Hemi) so a 4 door Wrangler can merge onto the highway comfortably, I will not own another one as my daily driver. I will say that they do have all the creature comforts covered now though (i.e. heated seats, leather, navigation, bluetooth, Infinity stereo, etc).
The improved interior of the 2011 Wrangler is leaps and bounds better than the last Wrangler I had (2005 Rubicon). I think for me it came down to what most others have said, the 4runner was just more comfortable day to day for the amount of driving I do. The 4runner also has better towing, a little more cargo room, and better re-sale/reliability. Wrangler re-sale/depreciation is good, but not nearly as good in the first 5 years as the 4runner. After that they tend to hold their value very well due to their "toy" or "2nd vehicle" status because most people are looking at 5+ yr old ones so their value holds stronger after that point...in general anyways.
So, for me it was more important to have a more comfortable ride, slightly better re-sale, better reliability and quality of materials, and much better engine. I LOVE Jeeps and hope to get a 2 door again soon as a 2nd vehicle to be rough on and take the top down on nice days, but until they vastly improve the engine (need to offer a very strong V6 or the Hemi) so a 4 door Wrangler can merge onto the highway comfortably, I will not own another one as my daily driver. I will say that they do have all the creature comforts covered now though (i.e. heated seats, leather, navigation, bluetooth, Infinity stereo, etc).
homeyclaus
New member
Wait, don't those other models only get 19 mpg Hwy tops?
I am still shopping for mine, but pump-side math puts a friend's 2010 SR5 at 23 mpg. That's a 20% difference (which adds up) in addition to more room and a smoother on-road ride.
I am still shopping for mine, but pump-side math puts a friend's 2010 SR5 at 23 mpg. That's a 20% difference (which adds up) in addition to more room and a smoother on-road ride.
myk1013
New member
All 3 are nice trucks but..
Wrangler can't be considered a true SUV imo. It's a class on it's own.... a jeep. Duh! Underpowered engine and the features that we would like on it would drastically increase the price.
I love the look of the FJ and I actually had 1 for 2 years (see sig.) but a true 4 door SUV is what we need now.
The Runner is all the truck the 2 wasn't and then some . . . . so it was an easy choice.
Wrangler can't be considered a true SUV imo. It's a class on it's own.... a jeep. Duh! Underpowered engine and the features that we would like on it would drastically increase the price.
I love the look of the FJ and I actually had 1 for 2 years (see sig.) but a true 4 door SUV is what we need now.
The Runner is all the truck the 2 wasn't and then some . . . . so it was an easy choice.
I sold a 2008 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon to get back into a Toyota. I had lift, 33" tires and re-geared to 5.13's, etc. and that thing was a dog on the freeways out here in Colorado. In a headwind it could get out of it's own way. Jeep should have given it a V8 option. It's a good vehicle if you're strictly off-road or under 40 mph but you still have to get to the trails, etc. No way would I trade my Trail Edition in on one ever.
Scott
Scott
Good point. I won't buy a vehicle without side curtain airbags.
