JT instead of a 4Runner

[Tidewater]

I currently own a JTR, JKUR and my wife’s 2016 4Runner. Outside it’s reliability factor the 4Runner is garbage...and compared to a JT I wouldn’t even bother comparing it. The JT is better than both a Runner and the JK in nearly every measurable way. I won’t even drive or ride in our Runner. Underpowered, under-geared, ergonomics are horrid, offroad capability is laughable, the ride is terrible. No...just no. The Runners today are just minivans with different doors. They’re great for soccer moms and mall runs and that’s it.

Thanks for the feedback

Sponsored

 

[Tidewater]

I have both. I went from a 2016 Trail 4Runner to the JT Rubi. I still have the 4Runner and am about to sell it (just hit 50k miles).

They are both great vehicles. I love the Gladiator. It is more fun to drive, I’ve got a rack and a roof top tent so it is better for overlanding, though I could throw the RTT on the 4Runner.

As far as off road capability, the 4Runner is just as capable for what I’ve done. I just got back from a 5 day trip to the Maze in Canyonlands and it was me in the Gladiator. A 2-door wrangler and my friend in his 2015 4Runner Trail with 2” lift and 33” tires. He did everything I could do and never scraped whereas I dragged the tow hitch a few times and scraped the right rear bumper due to the longer wheelbase on my stock Rubicon.

And my 4Runner at 4 years and 50k miles is smoother running than my Gladiator at 6 months and 12k. The Toyota is just built well, road trips better, etc. now that it is cold out, the suspension on the Jeep squeaks a lot, runs a little tougher at startup. To me it is a question of Toyota versus Mopar build quality, especially since the Jeep cost 30-40% more!

But despite all that, I still prefer the Jeep. It is just more fun all around. I am trying to talk my wife into keeping the 4Runner so we have both as an option. But again they are both great vehicles. They are different enough I guess you should answer the truck vs SUV question first.

Rick

PS the other big factor for me was towing. The 4Runner has a 4700lb tow rating to the Rubi’s 6k. I’ve only towed about 3k with each of them (RV rental), and the Gladiator was a better experience, mostly because of wheelbase. Good luck deciding!

Great feedback. Thank you

 

[lrtexasman]

2020 4Runner made some nice improvements with the electronics and safety equipment. The SR5 or Off Road Premium is the way to go on a 4Runner. Solid, quiet riding SUV at highway speeds and comfortable around town. If you prefer a truck, need a bed, want more attention, or want to go topless get the JT. If you want a more civilized everyday vehicle with interior storage and 200k+reliability get the 4Runner.

 

[Tidewater]

2020 4Runner made some nice improvements with the electronics and safety equipment. The SR5 or Off Road Premium is the way to go on a 4Runner. Solid, quiet riding SUV at highway speeds and comfortable around town. If you prefer a truck, need a bed, want more attention, or want to go topless then get the JT. If you want a more civilized everyday vehicle with interior storage and 200k+reliability than get the 4Runner.

I have a 4Runner... trying to decide if I should sell it to get the JT or keep the 4Runner and my JK

 

[Gladiator4Runner]

I have a 4Runner... trying to decide if I should sell it to get the JT or keep the 4Runner and my JK

Keep the Runner and sell the JK and get a Gladiator

Sponsored