Why I am switching from Jeep to Toyota

[Mikencapo]

I've been an avid camper and overlander most of my life. I'm in my early 40's, and I have owned 5 Jeeps over the years. 3 Wranglers, an XJ, and a WK2. I've never been into the ducks, and can't stand the clicky culty Jeep meet ups, but I have enjoyed being able to camp off grid in remote areas. My fiance currently drives my 2020 WK2, but it's strictly on road, and I own a 2020 Rubicon. It's loud, uncomfortable, drives poorly, and has fex luxuries. The positive side though is I have camped places in the blue ridge not accessible to most people.

Unfortunately I have now had this Jeep towed out of my driveway twice for electrical gremlins. It's currently in the local Mom and Pop shop trying to be figured out. Its been 3 weeks. I am so scared this vehicle is going to leave me stranded way off grid. The only other Jeep I ever had to have towed was my XJ, but that's just XJ life. That truck took a beating, and I literally took it off a jump as a kid lol. Reading forums, I am shocked to see these electrical issues are pretty common. I don't understand how so many people can be having these issues with Jeep, yet the issues are varied and different. It's so frustrating.

Anyways, once I get my Jeep back from shop I'm trading it in on a Trailhunter. I love the reliability of the Toyota, and the fact so many things I normally add are included and covered under warranty is a huge plus. I always install onboard air, roof rack, skid plates, ditch lights and sliders. I am a little concerned on mounting a winch, but I'm sure aftermarket will catch up soon. Even though I like ARB quite a bit, I'll replace the roof rack, and probably eliminate the snorkel. I can't stand the sound, and never go through more than 36" of water. I'm a little disappointed that at this price point a sunroof isn't an option, but having ventilated seats in an off road vehicle is awesome!

My first car i ever owned was a '81 Corolla. With 150k+ miles, that thing ran for 18 months, and I sold it for $100 less than I paid. Should have stuck with Toyota.

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[rfdj]

I too have had many Jeeps spanning over 30 years (list below). I drank the Kool-aid, got ducked, went on Jamborees, joined clubs and had a great time. Over those years there were many advancements and justified price increases, but as I went to terminate my lease the value was down as a result of quantity over quality and I reached a breaking point.

I was able to get into the new SR5 for less than the used 4xe, insure it for less, add more mpgs, more room, more passengers, more towing, more technology. Cant even imagine my mind blowing that would have happened if I would have gone to the Limited trim (the only other 3rd row).

My kids now scope out all the 4Runners. They are learning it's history and generation differences. Is it a 2dr/4dr pickup? wheres the spare? is there a spoiler? does it have fangs? Does it look like Dad's? The first time I learned to drive was on a 1983 Toyota Pickup. It's not a homecoming to Toyota, nor is it goodbye Jeep. It was an end to a chapter to start the next.

We don't need Toyota turtles, Grogus, or a wave. I will park next to other T4Rs if there is spot open and eye any mods you've done

1993 Grand Wagoneer
1998 Wrangler Sahara
1996 Grand Cherokee
2001 Liberty
2012 Wrangler Rubicon
2019 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon
2022 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon 4xe

 

[Roach011]

Can relate to this completely, though from the blue oval.

Had a 23 bronco, loved it. Really a fun ride but spent more time in the shop than on the trails. I finally was left stranded w/ a burned valve which ultimately lead to a complete cab off motor rebuild. That joker was traded in as soon as I found my 4rnr

 

[HVLA]

Jeep will get you there. Toyota/Lexus will get you back. ?

 

[ModernDay4Runner]

Anytime I look at lists of reliable and unreliable vehicle rankings, Toyota is high on the Reliable ranking list and Jeep is high on the Unreliable ranking list.

 

[AggieOE]

I have both and will attest to both. I bought the 2016 JKUR new and the 2015 4Runner 2-yrs old.
The 4Runner needed a new wheel bearing and both front window motors replaced under 60k miles. That's it though.
The Jeep has had all four wheel speed sensors replaced, had the notorious rocker tick which replaced all the rockers/shafts (>$4k worth of work), bad fuel injector, and had a gasket leak that ruined an O2 sensor - all of which was covered by my extended warranty ($200 deductible). Uncovered was the thermostat replacement.

The 4Runner is hands down more reliable but none of the Jeep issues left me stranded. The wheel speed sensors put me in limp mode and the others just threw codes. If anything, the wheel bearing could have been catastrophic.

All that being said, this will likely be my last new Jeep. Although fun and enjoyable to DD, I'd replace with a 4Runner, LC, or GX. I just like the Toyota family more. 10-air bags, reliability, and kids makes that an easy decision.

 

[willcasp]

I just replaced my 2018 Wrangler Sport S JLU with a 2025 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium this past weekend. Took the Jeep from Seattle to the Arctic Ocean twice. Loved the Jeep. Hated dealing with the dealer or Stellantis. I had the manual transmission that was under perpetual recall. What pushed me over the edge was the paint starting to bubble. I understand that was due to a prep defect at manufacturing time. I was 1 year out of the lawsuit induced warranty extension on the paint. I understand there are two more class actions in the works. Paint that lasts more than 6 years is actually a thing. Now, it is someone else's problem. My co-workers with 4runners have had good experiences with the local dealership. I get that manufacturers make mistakes. It is all in how they deal with getting them fixed that matters.

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