Who came from a Grand Cherokee? Ride quality comparison.

[RedWings]

Looking at getting out of my 2020 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk soon. I have had a few Grand Cherokees and have enjoyed them. Quality is my main concern going forward with them so looking at different options.

I've been reading a lot and the biggest take away is the ride quality between the WK2 (unibody) and the 4R. I'm really interested in the 26' TRD Sport Premium and wondering if the "ride like a truck" is noticeable compared to the Grand Cherokee. I will rent one or test drive one soon but looking for actual users input.

PS..Love that there is a message board for the G6.

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[Sween77]

I think it is noticeable. Having said that…I really like mine. I’ve test driven most of the trims as well. They all drive like a truck IMO.

 

[Nodak]

well trying to compare a unibody (20 trailhawk grand cherokee) to a bof vehicle is not a good apples to oranges.

the 4R is always going to ride harsher than a unibody

you are trying to (paraphrase here) compare a car to a truck

 

[TMcGee3]

I drove a 2015 JGC Limited (with Off Road II package -- can't speak to specifics on shocks/suspension, but it definitely felt kinda "off-road" tuned) for 11 years. I now have a '25 ORP hybrid 4R, and, to me, they are fairly similar, at least in terms of feeling the smaller bumps. The 4R may be a little rougher in this regard, but not a lot. The 4R also handles the bigger bumps better, imo.

I will also say that the full time 4WD system of the JGC often felt jerky to me. If you hit uneven spots in the road at 20-30 mph (on-road driving in eastern MA, lots of potholes, lol), you could feel the power shift between the axles as it was going along, and it was not great (particularly if wet or light snow). The 4R doesn't do this in rear wheel drive (vast majority of my driving).

Overall, I prefer the 4R slightly, although I'm sure the highest trims in the modern JGC probably ride a bit better. Hope this helps.

 

[Jbob14]

I notice in these blogs that there appears to be a HUGE difference in ride depending on which 4Runner trim you have, so be aware they all have generally different suspensions. I came from a 2023 GC Trailhawk (4xe...which spent almost as much time in the shop as in my garage...).

I've had my 4Runner Trailhunter about 6 weeks now with about 2,000 miles and here's my thoughts:
- Ride quality: it actually seems smoother over bumps and bad Colorado roads than my GC for my trim level.
- Stability: body roll and plunging when I hit the brakes are significant on the 4Runner, something that was almost non-existent with the GC's air suspension. It definitely took some getting used to, but it's also to be expected for a body-on-frame SUV.

Overall I miss the GC's air suspension and adjustable height/ride settings, but in my opinion the 4Runner wins in every other category (except fuel mileage!).

 

[Kickin716]

I came from a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited. I loved that vehicle, loved the ride, I loved the power and especially the interior and quality of materials. However, it was back to the dealer more times than I care to count. I had problems with the two batteries, one for the stop start went bad under warranty like three times, but the biggest reason I walked away where the paint issues. The hood is aluminum and apparently Jeep put some crappy primer on because it kept bubbling and peeling along the hood lip and towards the back near the windshield. Jeep fixed it under warranty no less than four or five times but they would never strip and repaint the whole Hood. I was nearing the end of my warranty. When I asked them about getting it fixed after the warranty was up they said it would be on my dime. Screw that, I traded it in and never looked back. It's a shame because it was a decent vehicle. Looked at the new WLs on the lot and the interiors felt cheap and the buttons were even cheaper. Hard pass. I'm glad to be in my third Toyota 4Runner.

 

[4Everest]

I came out of a 2015 GC Overland (so I had the Quadralift suspension too) though I have a different spec 4R than you're looking at.

To me, the GC's air suspension was very harsh over big bumps, which is kind of like how this OR rides. So I don't feel much different, and honestly was expecting to ride pretty harsh with a body on frame construction. That said, I've driven a Trailhunter and that suspension was much more compliant/cushy if that's what you're after.

The best thing is to test drive one and see how you like it. Good luck choosing. I was sad to see my GC go, but it was time for something newer and I really like the 4Runner overall.

Small thing to look out for: the 4Runner is longer, so check your garage dimensions if that's a thing for you.

 

[lanadeldeathray]

I notice in these blogs that there appears to be a HUGE difference in ride depending on which 4Runner trim you have, so be aware they all have generally different suspensions. I came from a 2023 GC Trailhawk (4xe...which spent almost as much time in the shop as in my garage...).

I've had my 4Runner Trailhunter about 6 weeks now with about 2,000 miles and here's my thoughts:
- Ride quality: it actually seems smoother over bumps and bad Colorado roads than my GC for my trim level.
- Stability: body roll and plunging when I hit the brakes are significant on the 4Runner, something that was almost non-existent with the GC's air suspension. It definitely took some getting used to, but it's also to be expected for a body-on-frame SUV.

Overall I miss the GC's air suspension and adjustable height/ride settings, but in my opinion the 4Runner wins in every other category (except fuel mileage!).

Hey Jbob14—nice to meet a fellow ex-4XE owner. Like you, I went from a Trailhawk parked in a recall lot to a Trailhunter safe in my garage. Unsurprisingly, I agree with the points you made.

To answer the OP directly: I actually prefer the more truck-like ride of the 4R. It's less refined, but also more enjoyable. Above 75mph or so, it does start to struggle compared to the 4xe. I am continuously impressed with how quiet the interior is—noticeably quieter than the 4xe. I presume this is the active noise cancellation, extensive sound dampening, and double-paned windows in the Trailhunter at work. While the 4R's interior is less luxurious, it's also more responsive and better designed imo.

I do miss the air suspension's adjustable height, particularly on the trails. However, this is overshadowed by my lack of back pain now that I no longer carry the fear that my Jeep could become a 5,500 lb deadweight stuck in the middle of nowhere. That's assuming it didn't spontaneously explode instead. (sorta sarcastic but also not)

 

[Nodak]

Overall I miss the GC's air suspension and adjustable height/ride settings, but in my opinion the 4Runner wins in every other category (except fuel mileage!).

hey its a blessing in disguise long term wise have a simple suspension in the 4R

it was $800 axle in the 5G limited when the xreas shocks went bad

the 6G limited/platinum with the AVS suspension will be expensive to replace when they go bad since its a more complicated version of the xreas system that you just cant abandon in place or not cost an arm/leg to upgrade/replace.

at least with the lower trims, you wont get error codes replacing the shocks with aftermarkets.

 

[HotWheels4]

Looking at getting out of my 2020 Grand Cherokee Trailhawk soon. I have had a few Grand Cherokees and have enjoyed them. Quality is my main concern going forward with them so looking at different options.

I've been reading a lot and the biggest take away is the ride quality between the WK2 (unibody) and the 4R. I'm really interested in the 26' TRD Sport Premium and wondering if the "ride like a truck" is noticeable compared to the Grand Cherokee. I will rent one or test drive one soon but looking for actual users input.

PS..Love that there is a message board for the G6.

I traded in a 2019 Grand Cherokee High Altitude with the hemi 5.6. It was on the quad lift suspension that yes failed and cost 7k to replace.

With that said it was a comfortable ride. I went with a TRD Off Road Premium as it comes with better shocks and tires that soften the road driving and the seats are MUCH better than the GC. The Trd Sport Premium will be stiffer, shorter sidewall tires and yes will be rougher.

If you want a bit more comfort i would recommend the Off Road Premium.

The sport will be much harsher feeling coming from the GC.

Platinum awd is very harsh in my opinion too.

Was sad to see the GC go too, it was a mix of all the bells and whistles, sport, off road and better towing. It was ahead of its time for 2019 just with a suspension that is way to costly to replace.


The SR5 uses a standard suspension tuned for everyday comfort, while the TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium feature Bilstein monotube shocks with remote reservoirs for off-road durability. The TRD Pro adds TRD-tuned FOX QS3 adjustable shocks with rear remote reservoirs for high-speed off-road performance, and the Trailhunter uses Old Man Emu forged monotube shocks with remote reservoirs optimized for overlanding loads.

The TRD Off-Road suspension features standard off-road suspension with Bilstein shocks, an electronic locking rear differential, and all-terrain tires, which enhance its capability on rugged terrain compared to the TRD Sport's more street-oriented suspension. This setup allows for better traction and stability in challenging off-road conditions.

The advanced shock technology in the 2026 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium enhances off-road performance by providing better suspension articulation and improved handling on rough terrain. This technology allows for a smoother ride and greater stability, making it ideal for adventurous driving conditions.

 

[NotApplicable]

the 6G limited/platinum with the AVS suspension will be expensive to replace when they go bad since its a more complicated version of the xreas system that you just cant abandon in place or not cost an arm/leg to upgrade/replace.

I’ve read you can easily replace the AVS shocks with non-AVS shocks and just zip tie the connectors down; no codes thrown etc.

I feel like x-reas was far more complex with the cross-vehicle hydraulic lines etc. Avs is just adaptive electric dampening right

 

[ShotsFired]

I came from a 2019 Jeep Grand Cherokee limited. I loved that vehicle, loved the ride, I loved the power and especially the interior and quality of materials. However, it was back to the dealer more times than I care to count. I had problems with the two batteries, one for the stop start went bad under warranty like three times, but the biggest reason I walked away where the paint issues. The hood is aluminum and apparently Jeep put some crappy primer on because it kept bubbling and peeling along the hood lip and towards the back near the windshield. Jeep fixed it under warranty no less than four or five times but they would never strip and repaint the whole Hood. I was nearing the end of my warranty. When I asked them about getting it fixed after the warranty was up they said it would be on my dime. Screw that, I traded it in and never looked back. It's a shame because it was a decent vehicle. Looked at the new WLs on the lot and the interiors felt cheap and the buttons were even cheaper. Hard pass. I'm glad to be in my third Toyota 4Runner.

After failing to fix it 3 times, you should have threatened to lemon law it. It did qualify after 3 failed attempts. My wife did so with a Denali that had a terrible mold smell and the same battery issue.

 

[Nodak]

I’ve read you can easily replace the AVS shocks with non-AVS shocks and just zip tie the connectors down; no codes thrown etc.

I feel like x-reas was far more complex with the cross-vehicle hydraulic lines etc. Avs is just adaptive electric dampening right

xreas the only complicated part was the hydraulic fluid that transferred between the cross linked shock. when they went bad all you had to do was replace the shocks with bilstien 5100's and abandon the lines in place. its was a pure mechanical system and had no sensors on them.

to replace the shocks and fluid would be around $800 axle for oem shocks. it was great since it really didnt involve anything extra unlike the avs system.

the avs system uses electronic solenoids within the struts and shocks to rapidly change the stiffness of the damping fluid.

• Bypassing the System: If you unplug AVS shocks to install aftermarket setups, your 4Runner will throw system codes. You will need AVS error cancellers or dummy resistors plugged into the factory wiring harness to stop dashboard warning lights.
• Compatibility Check: When shopping for lifts, ensure the kit specifies compatibility with the AVS system. Many standard 6th Gen kits are not designed for AVS-equipped models

personally i dont like avs. too me is seems the ride is worse than a normal suspension setup. xreas was way better. and i can tell the xreas was better for the handling is way better on my on ramps i have to deal with going home from work. i have a better top speed merging in the xreas 4runner than i do in the avs 4runner by about 10-15 mph coming out of the radius curve. even that gutless 4.0L was pretty good in those on ramps vs my avs 25 4R. but at least the new turbo makes up the speed after the curve.

dont care for it in our 23 tundra platinum and not really fond of it in the 4R platinum, but its minor thing in the grand scheme.

 

[NotApplicable]

xreas the only complicated part was the hydraulic fluid that transferred between the cross linked shock. when they went bad all you had to do was replace the shocks with bilstien 5100's and abandon the lines in place. its was a pure mechanical system and had no sensors on them.

to replace the shocks and fluid would be around $800 axle for oem shocks. it was great since it really didnt involve anything extra unlike the avs system.




personally i dont like avs. too me is seems the ride is worse than a normal suspension setup. xreas was way better. and i can tell the xreas was better for the handling is way better on my on ramps i have to deal with going home from work. i have a better top speed merging in the xreas 4runner than i do in the avs 4runner by about 10-15 mph coming out of the radius curve. even that gutless 4.0L was pretty good in those on ramps vs my avs 25 4R. but at least the new turbo makes up the speed after the curve.

dont care for it in our 23 tundra platinum and not really fond of it in the 4R platinum, but its minor thing in the grand scheme.

FWIW, I think your AI is wrong. I’ve read first-hand reports from owners of 6th gen Limited or Platinums that simply replaced their shocks with standard shocks, zip tied the connectors down so they wouldn’t flop around, and drove. No codes, no errors.

One example https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...-with-avs-review-ride-quality-improved.10263/

 

[zhenyizhainan]

This brings back some painful memories. Once my Grand Cherokee crossed the 60,000-mile mark, it felt like everything started falling apart. Warning lights kept popping up, repair bills kept piling up, and owning it turned into a nightmare.

I also rear-ended a Toyota RAV4 on a freeway on-ramp once. The RAV4 barely had a scratch, while my Jeep ended up with a destroyed radiator, a major coolant leak, and even slight frame damage. Thankfully, the insurance company declared it a total loss and paid out the claim in full. To this day, I still can't wrap my head around how that happened. Maybe I just don't understand the physics behind it.

I ultimately chose this Japanese-imported 4Runner. It might not match the Grand Cherokee in terms of comfort, but I have great confidence in its quality. I trust it will always get me home safely.

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