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.

Sponsored

 

[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.

Sponsored