CAR WARS! Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Unlimited vs. Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro?

Two wickedly hot vehicles on the market especially here in SoCal, home of the Spies are the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the Redesigned Toyota 4Runner.

I see the Wrangler Unlimited (I own a 2015 Sahara model) all the time but more and more I'm seeing the redesigned Toyota 4Runner everywhere from San Diego to LA.

Every Forerunner owner I speak with seems to be a conquest from Nissan and what really sold them was that bold big mouth face and the bulletproof reliability reputation.

Both companies offer versions that are specifically known for their off-road prowess. The Rubicon and the TRD Pro Edition.

I tested the 2016 4Runner Limited last week and was blown away how Lexus-like the interior finish and quality was.

I liked it so much I'm thinking of getting the 2017 TRD Pro Premium.

Both companies vehicles have their pros and cons and there is NO wrong choice.

But what we want to know is right now if you were in market WHICH one would YOU end up purchasing?

So tell us if you ARE in market and what your choice would be.

And to make it fun, tell us your option list and which color combo you would buy...and don't forget your reasons WHY.

Here we go!

Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon or Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro?

Spies, discuss...

Sciros - 7/29/2016 1:58:25 AM

+3 Boost

It's written 4Runner.. and honestly it's a far better vehicle that will last longer and have lower operating costs over its lifetime, being a Toyota truck. I prefer white, and may as well go all-out with the TRD Pro trim with the optional shocks in this case (although for real I like the Limited's full-time 4WD that you also find on the Land Cruiser). Total price around $45k.

Agent001 - 7/29/2016 2:14:21 AM

0 Boost

Thanks for the spelling heads up. Autocorrect isn't always autocorrect! I like that Orange color but it is no longer available. New for 2017 will be a color called 'Cement'. I'm told its not flat like the sand but metallic. Like a Mica.

001

Agent001 - 7/29/2016 2:15:48 AM

0 Boost

And i like the Limited best as well, but the deal breaker is the missing old school land cruiser style Toyota name on the front grill of the TRD.

001

valhallakey - 7/29/2016 7:30:44 AM

+3 Boost

Not going to comment on the last longer/operating costs as I think most of that is BS these days. What I will say is that the Jeep has a huge after market community giving you a zillion ways to customize your ride. Also a beefier build for off roading. Things like a solid axle, short wheelbase make a Jeep unstoppable in the rough. On the other hand if you need the Lexus interior a Jeep will disappoint you. The interior is not bad, but not plush either.

skytop - 7/29/2016 12:52:24 PM

0 Boost

What happened to the front grill of the 4Runner? It is the most hideous design ever created by the mind of man. Looks like the a 4Runner hair lip.

2ndbimmer - 7/30/2016 9:52:25 AM

+1 Boost

Not even close. The wrangler. More fun in the summer with the top down. Handles better in the snow. A million ways to customize it. The 4runner has turned in to a soccer mom vehicle, no matter how you spin it.
I would get a wrangler from American Expedition Vehicles so I can get the Hemi engine and dana 60 axles. I would get a gunmetal gray color.

rrshango - 1/18/2017 7:47:55 PM

+1 Boost

Currently own a Jeep Unlimited Rubicon. No doubt it's awesome off road but a little cramped. Just ordered a 2017 TRD Pro 4runner in cement. Will keep both for while and report back. I think in the end I'm going to prefer my Jeep for my Moab trips. But will also will enjoy the comfort and ability of the PRO for everyday use and taking the back trails up into the mountains (live in Colorado)for a day of fishing with the dog and family. I don't think there's a loser here just depends on what you want to do. Both vehicles are probably 1-2 Jeep-Toyota for out of the box off roading. Had an H-2 at one time wasn't even close to the jeep in capability. My 150 supecrew FX4 was better. Unfortunately watched a brand new Range Rover get destroyed on one tril in Moab last year. Point is if you considering either vehicle and plan to go off road your on the right path.