Grand Cherokee vs. 4runner Trail

[U81I812]

Past Cherokees and Grand Cherokees were built with unibody chassis, not sure if they upgraded to new ones to a full frame. Just about all Cherokees would start getting body sag as the vehicle got older, you would have to lift up on the door to close it. Past 4Runners were build with full tubular frames, pretty sure the new ones are built the same.

Personally I wouldn't consider a unibody for even a occational off road vehicle.

[Ghosty]

I vote this guy

That "Fishing Team" Tundra is sick. I also love the Wrangler 4door in white with white hardtop. Saw one downtown last weekend, so nice! So glad they started coming out with color-matched tops instead of just black.

[Goodburbon]

Past Cherokees and Grand Cherokees were built with unibody chassis, not sure if they upgraded to new ones to a full frame. Just about all Cherokees would start getting body sag as the vehicle got older, you would have to lift up on the door to close it. Past 4Runners were build with full tubular frames, pretty sure the new ones are built the same.

Personally I wouldn't consider a unibody for even a occational off road vehicle.

You'd be missing out.

[Ronin13]

I honestly don't think the new 4Runner is ugly- I think it looks pretty nice. Having owned a 4Runner ('00), and my brother owns a Jeep GC (2002), I like the Toyotas better- they last longer, are a little bit better for fuel (at least in the older ones, the bro's Jeep is a thirsty V8 beast, whereas the Yota was a 6 cyl). Mark me down for the Toyota...

[funkymonkey1111]

O look what i found:

The 2013 Toyota 4Runner is ranked:

• ^#20
  #20 in Affordable Midsize SUVs
• ^#13
  # 13 in Off-Road SUVs

Let's see, which is rated higher? humm

From the "list": "For the relatively few drivers who require an all-conquering, all-terrain SUV, the Toyota 4Runner is a top choice. Those city folk who need more passenger space and less off-road capability would be better served by a car-based crossover SUV."

Thanks for the tip--your great citation to the list settled the argument here.

[BlasterBob]

We have a 2010 Tundra Crewmax. Great truck and rides like a limo. Has only 50,000 miles on it and have/had only two problems with it. 1. Damn low tire sensor light on constantly even with proper tire pressure. So, tire air module was replaced. Cost for the fix was about $130 for that little farting part which did at least include it's installation. 2. Has been pulling to the right so had front end realigned but is still pulling to the right even on a level road with very little crown to it and NO cross winds. The mechanic indicated that the alignment is right but it could be a slightly defective tire. Original tires were replaced about 1,000 miles ago with Goodyear Wrangler DuraMax with some very aggressive tread. Other than that, the Tundra has been very satisfactory (for me) with the exception of the pulling to the right which just bugs the hell out of me. Yeah I know, this isn't a 4runner but it is a TOYOTA.

[The Nuge]

If you want a true unbiased look into each, wait till Petersons Off Road does a comparrison. Till then, you are just looking at opinions (this goes for the major magazines too). I hear the rubicon is getting a third row seat, so, maybe that could be a #3 to your list?

The Wrangler took #1 again this year...

Spyder makes a good point to look at the reviews. My only caution to you would be to really read the articles. Peterson is fair, but some are geared to Jeepers. Here is a magazine that the Toyota community goes to, to get it's fix. www.4wdtoyotaowner.com

[Ghosty]

That reminds me, another reason you might consider the 4door Wrangler instead of GC is it's as close as you're gonna get to a "convertible" SUV. Great fun in the Summer, my buddy had a 4door Islander. Fun cruising around with the entire top off and all windows open. I'm guessing your wife/kids would love that too.

[reapur]

I have a 2000 4Runner, bought it new. It's totally modified and lifted with armor all around, it's been rock crawling to almost every trail in the state, the under side armor is dinged and scraped it will make you laugh. I can still hit 85 just coming down the on ramp on harmony road, a big feat for such an old heavy girl wearing 33" shoes. Besides oil changes (engine transmission, diffs) I've only had the timing belt and water pump changed. Looks new and runs like new. If toyota kept this level of quality then I would recommend a 4runner.

[ChunkyMonkey]

There is a reason why miners/oilers use toyota in the outback of Australian desert, tropical jungle of SE Asia, and all over Africa. If you want to be a backyard mechanic, then yes, get the jeep.