Looking at JLU considering 4runner

[Renegade]

Just get both- problem solved! I actually sold my JK and have a 4runner right now. While it’s a nice driving SUV, I’m waiting for the Gladiator to get back into a Jeep. The only person who can really answer this question is you. Everyone is different and should make the choice which is best for them. Good luck.

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[MikeLewisMusic]

I would offer two point here--

1.) Jeeps (Wranglers I mean--I consider it the ONLY real Jeep) really aren't practical--I will tell my age here...my kids were small when I had a TJ, so my perspective is this...If you want to drive a Jeep, you will deal with the things that are more difficult in a Jeep. Baby seats and all the kid paraphernalia, wrestling matches in the back seat later on...all part of it. It was likely harder, but a hell of a lot more fun.

I would venture to say that a Jeep is the "practical" choice for less than 5% of those that own one...most of us drive Jeeps because we want to. To me a "practical" Jeep branded vehicle leans more toward the Grand Cherokee--owned one several years ago, and it was the most comfortable and dependable vehicle I've ever experienced...but limited in capability, compared to a "real" Jeep. I put over 200,000 miles on that vehicle, and it ended due to being totaled...otherwise, it wasn't done yet.

I had a Tacoma 4 door 4x4 TRD for many years...definitely less capable off-road than any of my Jeeps (owned 4 over the years), and and in my opinion no more comfortable a ride on the roads (and a much less durable bed than Ford or GM, but I know that isn't a consideration for you). I sold the truck and replaced it with the new style GMC Canyon, have been much happier with that than the Toyota.

2.) IMO, JL is the best Jeep yet, based upon the ones I've owned. To me it is more refined, better ride, more capable. I have no issues with climate--cold and snowy out today, no issue for my soft top--it is warm and dry inside after a few minutes running after remote start.

Keep in mind, though, that reliability is somewhat of a crap shoot. My JL has been extremely reliable (knocking on all the wood I can find), but I did have a few issues with the Toyota. So, it is a gamble, based largely on the individual vehicle you get. I would say the statistics mainly give you the probabilities on your gamble.

Good luck on your decision.

 

[freitz]

Just get both- problem solved! I actually sold my JK and have a 4runner right now. While it’s a nice driving SUV, I’m waiting for the Gladiator to get back into a Jeep. The only person who can really answer this question is you. Everyone is different and should make the choice which is best for them. Good luck.

True, already have to many "toys".

 

[freitz]

Stolen from Reddit:

The Toyota is tough, reliable and a beast off-road. Change the oil regularly and it will last forever. The jeep will get worse mpg, break often, be uncomfortable and is a beast off road.

The Toyota will move you and is probably a better vehicle. However, the jeep will move your soul. It's a tough decision. It's really win/win. The Toyota is like the wife always there, reliable, familiar. The jeep is the wild chick you met on spring break, you got wasted had crazy sex and she stole your wallet.

Ha that's a good one.

 

[Hgrace]

Go to a Toyota forum. Post same thing.
Link to forum

 

[freitz]

Go to a Toyota forum. Post same thing.
Link to forum

Ha did that a week or so ago. Both communities very open to cross communication. They are a little harsher on jeep folks.

 

[TrailTorque]

Ha did that a week or so ago. Both communities very open to cross communication. They are a little harsher on jeep folks.

That’s because they wish they were us and they’re mad because we know it.

As far as I know, they do not have a family like ours. But rather just a bunch of individuals driving their vehicles and that my friend is the chief difference in ownership of the two brands for me.

 

[Torero]

i know I’m going in a tangent here, but I’ll share my experience. I have four kids, all grown up now. There a was a time we had two, dah lol. Since then the family fun car was TOYOTA Land cruiser. Hands down the best family/adventure/towing car ever. Had many over the years and kept going back to them every time.
Now I have Rubicon and love it and drive it everywhere but for long trips it’s definitely a two seater. On top ofvcramped back seat, I have not been able to have 4 souls confortable about temperature inside the car. That is a real issue. Front seat no problem, back seat confort means terrible temperature in the front. Check it out.

 

[plex]

Since OP mentioned he had a couple of Jeeps (some of them were Wranglers), I say go for it. Life is short and there are too many things you need to worry about other than your choice of transportation.

With that being said, since OP owned Wranglers before, so he will have an expectation for road handling, noise, cabin temperature and such. If a first-time buyer want a family car, I say no. He/she will be very disappointed even if he/she happens to have a trouble-free JL.

The reality is I saw many many issues related to just poor parts selection and horrible QC implemented by FCA. The engineering design of JL has so much potentials, but unfortunately this design fells into the hands of the two most unreliable automobile manufactures; hand and they have a baby.

 

[chadly25]

Regarding the steering, I had the same concerns. I test drove my first Rubicon last year around February. The first thing I noticed was a ton of drifting above 40 MPH. This almost stopped me from ordering my Rubicon. I mulled on it for a couple months while reading this forum. I saw where some people were also complains about the drifting and there was a mention of overinflated tires. I put my order in am March 20th. Didn’t get it until a the end of July. I did notice a slight amount of drifting when I first got it. Deflated tires to 33 Lbs and it was marginally better. After driving it the steering got better and better. Around 2000 miles the steering no longer had any drift. I think there were some Jeeps out there with legitimate steering issues early last year but the issue seems to mostly be gone now.

 

[wvgasguy]

------

As far as "go anywhere"
Need to be able to get into the mountains during snow. We have a ski place Timberline WV we go to often in the winter.
Need to hand some off roading, nothing extreme but enough to have some quarterly fun.
Needs to handle sand and beach. We have a place in fenwick island. We drive on the beach with all the kids stuff.
Needs to handle 2 car seats and 15k miles a year for 6-7 years.
Needs to handle highway well, would like to cruise up 83 for work at 75-80 mph without wobbling.
Needs to fit stuff in it as far as camping etc.
Needs to have ability to mod slightly as far as little lift slightly bigger tires bumper etc.

These reasons why Wrangler and 4runner really all that fit the bill.

As far as size I'm 6' about 230-240. Shoulders are wide for sure. 46-48" chest. So I am not of a small frame.

I'm 6'1 and 260#. While the Jeep is smaller than the 4Runner I don't feel cramped up inside of it. I know I'm big enough that I prefer the Jeep and 4Runner seats over "sport" seats with side bolsters like the FX45 I used to have had. From the sound of your post perhaps you should consider a family trip vehicle (I have a Suburban LTZ to haul the grandkids places) and a daily fun driver like a Jeep. It doesn't sound like money is an issue. BTW, I drive my Jeep 80 mph frequently (daily)

 

[freitz]

I'm 6'1 and 260#. While the Jeep is smaller than the 4Runner I don't feel cramped up inside of it. I know I'm big enough that I prefer the Jeep and 4Runner seats over "sport" seats with side bolsters like the FX45 I used to have had. From the sound of your post perhaps you should consider a family trip vehicle (I have a Suburban LTZ to haul the grandkids places) and a daily fun driver like a Jeep. It doesn't sound like money is an issue. BTW, I drive my Jeep 80 mph frequently (daily)

Was trying to get one suv that did it all. Mostly because come spring after we move to a new house with more garage space, I plan on getting a porsche .

I will say the 4runner need to have the seat all the way on the bottom to not feel cramped then it feels fine. The Jeep's I haven't driven the new one yet. Always loved my jeeps.

I've had Ford expeditions and Tahoe's grew up and learned to drive on them... eh.. Nothing comes close for family hauling but I absolutely hate them lol.

 

[Jeepsmashin]

Test drive both thoroughly....

 

[The_Phew]

The real question is how many of these steering issues are real vs people just not willing to accept how a sold front axle setup drives. I would say there's a legitimate sway to the latter.

Many of the complaints are coming from prior JK owners who had no problem with how the JK steered.

 

[vilacr]

Here are my two cents...... I've owned many vehicles in the past, most recently '16 f150 crewcab. The f150 was a terrific vehicle for me and my family (wife and 2 daughters....youngest at the time was 11 and oldest was 21). Much like you I mulled over the decision, with much help from the guys on this board I traded my f150 for a 2018 sahara and haven't looked back. I love my sahara...on 01/23/19 I will have owned my sahara for 1 year. For my family our jeep has plenty of room, I'm 5'10" and weigh 270lbs (lift weights) with 54" chest.....I fit fine. I say if you want it get it.

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