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Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 4RUNNER

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by Klinsman55, Sep 12, 2020.

  1. Sep 12, 2020 at 10:08 PM
    #1
    Klinsman55

    Klinsman55 [OP] New Member

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    Falken Wildpeak AT3W 265/70R17 36PSI. KDSS. Tokico suspension. MTM camera system
    Looking to get either a T4R OffRoad Premium vs GC Trail Hawk

    any thoughts or feedback? 90% of my driving will be on road so like the drive of the GC better but hear they don’t have as good reliability or resale as the T4R.
     
    speedmaster likes this.
  2. Sep 12, 2020 at 10:12 PM
    #2
    Antman

    Antman New Member

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    I had a GC I hated it. Constantly broke down. Had one for a rental last year. It was nice, however I wouldn’t of bought it. I’d say do a 4runner. However at the end of the day it’s your money and your decision.
     
  3. Sep 12, 2020 at 11:07 PM
    #3
    DreamsComeTrue

    DreamsComeTrue New Member

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    4runner. It’s ok for road and for the rest 10% you need something capable and reliable. Just get a 4runner with KDSS
     
  4. Sep 13, 2020 at 4:53 AM
    #4
    karmatp

    karmatp New Member

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    All wheel drive Highlander might be a better fit if on road manners and reliability are what your looking for.
     
  5. Sep 13, 2020 at 6:36 AM
    #5
    kbp810

    kbp810 rebmem wen

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    The GC comes with the 3.6 pentastar engine, which is garbage; and that's before you even factor in all the other numerous quality issues that is the modern Jeep product. I can somewhat tolerate the "Jeep thing" on a wrangler, just because it's a wrangler, but I could never pay the jeep badge premium for anything else. Even the wrangler is a stretch... my 2015 Rubicon was a POS, and was the final straw that turned this life long Jeeper into a very happy and relieved 4Runner owner. When my wife was looking for a new vehicle, she wanted a new JL, we went a test drove one with the new 4cyl turbo hybrid engine thing, brand new with like 7 miles on it, and check engine light went off half way down the road, and had to drive it back to the lot in limp mode. Nope.

    Even if they've recently improved quality (which I doubt, based on feedback from multiple close friends who still drive jeeps), you've still got the resale value thing.

    Out of curiosity, just did a quick google search on values - 2018 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk, $26,000... 2018 4Runner Offroad Premium, $36,000.
     
    brownersd and Klinsman55[OP] like this.
  6. Sep 13, 2020 at 6:56 AM
    #6
    ForRun

    ForRun 4Runner

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    I used to love Jeep's but Fiat continually ruined them. I had one buyback and the last one I lost my shirt just to be rid of the darn thing.
    Research reliability and then find your answer. Also ask your self if you prefer loaner cars from enterprise often with jeep or simply drive a runner.
     
    Toy4X4 likes this.
  7. Sep 13, 2020 at 7:24 AM
    #7
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

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    These two vehicles aren’t even on the same page! One is a high quality vehicle made in a Lexus factory in Japan, to the highest standards by a brand known for durable vehicles, and the other is a vehicle that entropy will rapidly envelope as soon as you leave the dealership. What’s to decide?
     
  8. Sep 13, 2020 at 7:43 AM
    #8
    Klinsman55

    Klinsman55 [OP] New Member

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    good point on the 2018 resale difference. I hope the new generation T4R has some descent improvements in mpg’s and interior comfort
     
  9. Sep 13, 2020 at 7:45 AM
    #9
    Klinsman55

    Klinsman55 [OP] New Member

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    Falken Wildpeak AT3W 265/70R17 36PSI. KDSS. Tokico suspension. MTM camera system
    Good point as well. I guess I’ll have to test the next generation and see how she drives and make final decision
     
    Oldtoyotaguy[QUOTED] likes this.
  10. Sep 13, 2020 at 8:22 AM
    #10
    Spare Parts

    Spare Parts New Member

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    I wouldn’t buy a 4Runner looking for great mpgs, check out some of the hybrid options yota is putting out.
     
    Oldtoyotaguy likes this.
  11. Sep 13, 2020 at 8:24 AM
    #11
    akmerle

    akmerle New Member

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    Totally apples vs oranges, but this spring I traded in my 2014 Grand Cherokee SRT on my 2020 4R Pro.

    My SRT gave me exactly ZERO issues in its over 7 year life. The 7 year / 70K warranty was up, and didn’t want to temp fate. Loved that vehicle. Have never owned a vehicle for as long a period, and especially have never owned a vehicle that has given me less issues.

    Not enough changes to the SRT’s to get a new one, and wasn’t going to get a Trackhawk since the wife is the main driver. So went with the Pro, and love it as well.
     
  12. Sep 13, 2020 at 8:27 AM
    #12
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

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    Gas is cheap, unfortunately. Too cheap. The world will never be a better place with cheap gas.
     
    Klinsman55[OP], DrewMan and Toy4X4 like this.
  13. Sep 13, 2020 at 10:19 AM
    #13
    Gamma Ray

    Gamma Ray Be excellent to each other

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    Who cares? This never shows everything anyway.
    I've driven both. My dad has a Grand Cherokee. Granted, not a Trackhawk, but still. I'd go with the 4Runner. The Grand Cherokee has its merits, but it's kind of weird. The top of the door frame is also oddly low in relation to the seat, so I always hit my head going in. My dad has had to take it back to the dealer for a few issues, but not a lot lately. He's also not putting a whole lot of miles on it on the count that he's retired and doesn't go a lot of places. I don't know if it's going to outlive him, or at least outlive his ability to drive.

    It's perhaps easier to park than the 4Runner, though. I was feeling better about my 4Runner in the months during the lockdown when I wasn't really going anywhere, but in the past month since I've been getting out more again parking is really becoming its Achilles heel. It was really, really bad yesterday. I simply gave up on one spot and went to another spot. It was kind of embarrassing.

    I'd still take the 4Runner over the Grand Cherokee by a country mile, but that parking. Sheesh.
     
    Klinsman55[OP] and Oldtoyotaguy like this.
  14. Sep 13, 2020 at 11:07 AM
    #14
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

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    Hey @Gamma Ray , I haven’t noticed that as a problem! Is it the visibility, size? Maybe because it’s brand new? I used to park a double cab Tacoma in downtown Toronto on busy streets, so the 4 Runner is a breeze in comparison.
     
    Toy4X4 likes this.
  15. Sep 13, 2020 at 12:45 PM
    #15
    Gamma Ray

    Gamma Ray Be excellent to each other

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    Who cares? This never shows everything anyway.
    Visibility is fine. Size is a mark against it. It's bigger than I'm used to. The turning radius doesn't help things, too. I felt a little bit more confident with the turning radius in my old second generation Jeep Liberty, that's for sure. It might not have been that much greater, but it was at least something.

    It's fairly new. I got it in February this year. I am more familiar with it than my dad's Grand Cherokee, but I'd still rather park his in a tricky parking lot than mine.
     
  16. Sep 13, 2020 at 1:03 PM
    #16
    cmtaz

    cmtaz New Member

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    Here's a different view: I have one of each. 2017 JGC Limited 2wd & 2018 T4R SR5. With 37,000 miles the Jeep has been to the dealership twice (outside of oil changes). Apparently a sensor failed and the JGC was reporting it had been in a rollover :)

    JGC pros - interior is real leather, less cheap plastic, avg 29 - 30 mpg per week, ride is better, acceleration is better.
    JGC cons - Tires were wearing out after 34,000 miles (discount tire gave me a nice credit). After leaving it for 2.5 weeks while on a cruise, it need a jump start. For COMMUTING (35 miles each way) the JGC is hard to beat. A very comfortable ride.

    T4R pros - It's a Toyota, it may outlast me. Looks more aggressive, more modifcations available, 4wd - can really go off road. Great view of the road (Eibach lift kit).
    T4R cons - interior is fake leather, cheap plastic that is easily scratched, avg 16 - 19 mpg per week, ride was mushy, but is nice and firm thanks to Eibach.

    For AROUND TOWN driving the T4R is great. The T4R is also a great road trip vehicle, the only shortcoming maybe commuting on the highway. It is not as 'nimble or quick' as some of the other SUV, then again it is a TRUE off road vehicle.

    In short, when I was working I loved driving the JGC and found no quality issues. After retiring (the wife commandeered the JGC) I find the T4R the ideal ride, great Home Depot hauler, comfortable though not quite as much as the JGC, able to go off-road while on road trips.
     
    Last edited: Sep 14, 2020
    Toffees likes this.
  17. Sep 13, 2020 at 1:49 PM
    #17
    4RunnerRVA

    4RunnerRVA New Member

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    I drive 150 miles a day workwise.. and just traded in my 2015 GC. Loved the drive and features of it, but damn if that wasnt the most worrisome vehicle I’ve ever driven. Constantly in the shop.

    Switched to a 4R a few months ago and not looking back... for all reasons above!
     
    Oldtoyotaguy likes this.
  18. Sep 13, 2020 at 4:16 PM
    #18
    Oldtoyotaguy

    Oldtoyotaguy Paid cash for it

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    @Gamma Ray don’t avoid doing it! The more you do something, the better you get at it.
     
    Mitch likes this.
  19. Sep 13, 2020 at 9:10 PM
    #19
    canadian.bacon

    canadian.bacon H9 halogen is the best led bulb

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    I traded in my paid_in_full 2019 Ram 1500 classic (hemi) at 20k miles for a 4runner; I picked up the 4R on Thu. I'll let you guess why I did it, after being a domestic guy for as far as I can remember. I will never ever touch another domestic vehicle again, especially a Dodge/Ram/Fiat. The 320 BMW is being traded for a 'rolla hatchback manual and the '19 Mustang is being traded on for a Rav4.
    Call me crazy, but I am done with domestics.
     
    Klinsman55[OP] likes this.
  20. Sep 14, 2020 at 5:05 AM
    #20
    JHawk

    JHawk New Member

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    Having owned a brand new (then) 1995 Cherokee Sport, I can honestly say that reliability is a very real issue. It was back then, and I am sure it is still true today. Chrysler makes junk. Sitting next to my Shelby at a cars and coffee a week ago, were two Challengers, one a Hellcat. Huge, bloated pieces of junk.
     
  21. Sep 14, 2020 at 11:43 AM
    #21
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    True story: Boss’ wife got one brand new. Took it in for an oil change and the oil drain plug snapped off. How I could only imagine the impact gun they used was turned the wrong direction. Then a piece of gravel popped the tire on the way home...
     
  22. Sep 14, 2020 at 12:42 PM
    #22
    Spare Parts

    Spare Parts New Member

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    The first morning of owning my 09 taco, blew out front passenger side tire on the way to work.


























    I hit the dam concrete barrier on the edge of the side walk, in all fairness, they just put them in a week or two prior, and shrunk the width of the road some.
     
  23. Nov 27, 2020 at 8:17 AM
    #23
    rsimionas

    rsimionas New Member

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    Yes, the 4Runner is more reliable and has a better resale value. I like the 4Runner as well, but I ended up buying a GC trailhawk after test driving both. My GC has the hemi V8 engine and the mpg is comparable with the 4Runner’s, with way better performance for the hemi. The ride quality is day and night, the GC beats the 4Runner by far, better not to to test drive a GC if you want a 4Runner. I currently have 35k miles and zero issues, and I have life time service for the GC. The risk I’m taking with the GC is that it may need more service than the 4Runner, but maybe not...I think it’s a well calculated risk in exchange for way better performance and driving experience.
     
  24. Nov 27, 2020 at 12:16 PM
    #24
    ant the ninja

    ant the ninja New Member

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    I have both, 2020 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk and a 2020 SR5P. Well, the SR5P is my wife’s.

    It’s really hard to compare these two vehicles as I feel they are in entirely different classes. Yes they are both wildly capable off-road based trucks but that’s somewhat where the similarities end.

    I find my trailhawk to be extremely comfortable and quite even at 80mph, the 4Runner is, well, not. It’s bumpier, it’s louder, it’s handling is like a boat (no KDSS so can’t speak to that). The V6 in it is fine power wise but the transmission is ancient. Yes, I know the engine/tranny combo in the Jeep is old too but it’s much, much smoother.

    The 4Runner, in today’s time, is behind in a lot of aspects. Especially in tech and creature comforts and ESPECIALLY for the price. My Jeep feels luxurious, the 4Runner feels like you can really beat on it and it’ll take anything you throw at it and beg for more. It feels more raw.

    With that said, I love them both equally in there own right but I generally like my Jeep more but ask my wife and she adores her 4Runner and doesn’t like my Jeep at all.

    In terms of reliability and resale, hands down, no question 4Runner all the way. I had a 2015 Laredo with a ton of electrical issues, I had a 2018 trailhawk that the air suspension blew out on me at 9k miles and 12k, $3500 fix each time (covered under warranty) and now I’ve got a 2020 which has been problem free so far but it’s only got 7500 miles on it so we will see. The 4Runner on the other hand has had zero issues, none whatsoever other than a balance issue but that’s the tires fault not the truck.

    My take on it is that if you want something loaded with tech and creature comforts that, to me, feels more comfortable all around, go with the Jeep. If you want something that will be more utilitarian, something that you can really beat on that will be completely trouble free, and (IMO) better off road, 4Runner all the way.

    Cheers! (Please don’t come for me 4Runner mafia!)
     
    Klinsman55[OP], Toy4X4 and SlvrSlug like this.
  25. Nov 27, 2020 at 12:56 PM
    #25
    Toffees

    Toffees Stuff and things

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    Both are fine choices if they suit what you want, but if you don't know what you want yet then it's unlikely anyone can help you decide.
     
  26. Nov 27, 2020 at 1:13 PM
    #26
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Life is too short to drive a car you don't like!

    I went 4runner for off-road capability and overall brick shit-house build quality (based on previous 4runners).

    I am glad for the resale value, but it was only a factor in making me buy new VS used. I intend to drive this thing into the ground.:)
     

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