Avoid the Toyota 4Runner for the Jeep Grand Cherokee Instead
Both the Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner are nice off-roaders around the same price. So, do you go with the dependable Toyota 4Runner or to you pick the classic Jeep Grand Cherokee? Both models have been around for years, proving themselves as excellent options to buy, but only one can be better.
Jeep Grand Cherokee VS Toyota 4Runner
The Jeep Grand Cherokee starts around $32k, while the Toyota 4Runner hovers around $36k. So, what makes the Toyota 4Runner worth paying an extra $4,000 for? Perhaps, it’s the fact that it offers a cramped third row for children to sit in while we won’t see that feature on the Jeep Grand Cherokee until late 2021 or 2022.
Along with being cheaper, the Jeep Grand Cherokee will also provide savings at the fuel pump. It gets up to 19 mpg in the city and up to 26 mpg in the city. The Toyota 4runner is stuck at 16 mpg in the city and only gets up to 19 mpg on the highway.
Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4Runner performance
The Toyota 4Runner comes with one engine option, which is a 4.0-liter V6 that provides 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. When properly equipped, the 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 lb. It can also accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 7.7 seconds, which seems a bit slow for a luxury SUV.
The Jeep Grand Cherokee has a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine that pumps out 295 horsepower and 260 lb-ft of torque. Then it offers three different V8 options that you can upgrade to. Also, it can tow up to 7,200 lb, out powering the Toyota 4Runner.
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With the base engine, the Jeep Grand Cherokee can accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. However, with the 6.4-liter V8, it can reach 60 mph in only 5 seconds. It’s safe to say that the Cherokee provides a sportier ride.
Both SUVs are outfitted with skid plates and off-roading suspensions, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee provides a better on the road experience. It’s more comfortable to drive with a quieter interior.
Getting into which vehicle is the better off-roader comes to comparing each trim level to determine the type of off-roading you’re interested in. However, the Toyota 4Runner does have an electronically locking rear differential.
Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota 4runner features
The Jeep Grand Cherokee is noted for having a nicer, more modern interior than the Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner is plain and simple on the inside while the Grand Cherokee has Nappa leather with other bells and whistles.
Both of these SUVs have modern tech with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but the Toyota 4Runner has an 8” infotainment center compared to a 7” one in the Jeep Grand Cherokee. They also both have safety features such as rear-cross traffic alert, lane-keeping assistance, and more.
The Grand Jeep Cherokee seems to have the Toyota 4Runner beat in every category, except for having a tiny third row of seats. If you have kids to fit in your SUV, then go with the 4Runner. Otherwise, the Jeep Grand Cherokee provides more comfort, fun, and convenience.
