May be trading

Hola,

thinking about trading in the 4Runner for a Gladiator Rubicon. Just wanted to get thought from those who came from one or had/had one. Thanks I’m advance.

 

In all seriousness even the jeep guys don't really like those

 

Those things are UGLY.

 

My brother in law just got a 2019 4door jeep, the non rubicon, part-time 4wd, non-locking one. I got to drive it 20 miles or so and I was surprised at how silky smooth and responsive the engine and tranny was on-road. It was liquid smooth, way smoother than our 18 Highlander 8speed.

Then when I stopped in the driveway, the auto start-stop system turned the engine off, started it right back on when I put it in park, only for me immediately shut it off and hand back the keys. Our highlander does this too. It gets me Every. Single. Time. The ASS system causes feelings of rage to boil inside that make me doubt who I really am.

But I digress. Jeeps are really smooth! The suspension was pretty good too on choppy roads. I was shocked.

I was kinda dissapointed that I couldnt rest the hood on the windshield. Im assuming the windshields are still foldable? Everything is VERY tightly packed in the engine bay. Not sure how easy it is to service on your own.

If I got a gladiator, I would need enough money to buy a really cool topper with shit hangin off it. They look the best this way. Otherwise the proportions look kind of off to me…not enough bed in front of the rear axle, or the bed overhangs the axle too much (makes it look like they finished engineering the vehicle, then marketing said “we need more cargo area for the brochure”).

 

i had 3 rams 1500, all brand new - never again. ever. never.
the only good thing the rams did for me - they made me drive into the local toyota dealership and trade that turd for a 4runner

 

I had a gladiator that I traded in for the 4Runner. It’s a really fun truck. Pretty cool having a pickup that you can go topless with, and having the utility of a bed is great.

Few things to keep in mind. The 4Runner drives significantly nicer than the Jeep. The Jeep has a pretty rough ride with the solid front axle. It also wanders on the highway a lot. The 4Runner also has a significantly bigger cabin and it a lot quieter. The build quality isn’t even comparable. The 4Runner is miles ahead. I ended up trading in the Gladiator as I had multiple electrical issues and got death wobble. I have no plan on going back to a Jeep

 

I was still in the decision process a few months ago, looking at both the Wrangler and the 4Runner, and the stupid start-stop weighed heavily in my choice of the 4Runner. I remember being at the Toyota dealership for a test drive. There was a Prius parked in front of the 4Runner I was in, and I joked that I could drive the 4Runner right over the Prius. The salesman told me to treat the Prius with more respect. Without the hybrid Prius to raise Toyota’s aggregate fleet fuel economy, the 4Runner would have auto start stop too.

Yes. And they are very charismatic. I test drove a hybrid Wrangler and I can imagine the instant torque at the low end being very useful on the trail.

My niece has a newer Wrangler. Lots of difficult-to-diagnose problems.

 

The way things going I'm also thinking of going fuel economical options selling our 4Runners and buy a play Jeep Wrangler used. (I don't have any experience of Gladiator). Lucky my neighbor is somewhat expert on Jeeps so I can always get his help if I get issues buying used. I gave helping hand couple of times but did not get much knowledge on those work.

You don't have to go Rubicon as lift kits like Rock Krawler has quick swaybar disconnect end links. Me and my bud did face that electronic sway bar not connecting one time. So maybe electronic sway bar disconnects also may not be the most reliable. If you get Rubicon you can replace the electronic disconnect with a manual disconnector as well (if it fails).


Edit -
If you go Wrangler route there is Xtream Package you can add for $3999 (if i'm not mistaken) which my buddy added that gives 35in BFG KO2 tires, 1.5in lift, upgraded gearing, (forgot what else come with it) but a well worth upgrade.

 

After 2 tow's and 7 weeks in dealer service I took my 2019 Wrangler and traded it in for a 2021 4Runner. It was a fun ride, but the reliability and incompetent dealer service dept was a joke. I'd get an extended warranty, you're going to need it.

 

Thanks for all the replies. I appreciate them. I went and test drove on and I have to say the pickup was definitely nice. It shifts smoothly and the 4wd worked as it should. Of course for a 21 it better.

I hear you in the issues associated with breakdowns and reliability. I don’t think there still ever be another company that can match Toyotas reliability. On that note, you also put for it. Along with modifications I want to do and where I want my vehicle. The aftermarket world for the T4R is vast and ridiculously expensive, I’m sure it’s that way for a lot of vehicles modifications.

But from what I’ve seen of the Gladiator it can perform well right out of the box and mods are relatively cheaper.

just some thoughts and reasoning. Thanks for the replies. This is definitely not an easy decision which is why I’m reaching out to the group.

 

Jeeps handle way worse than 4runners, even my 97 is better than a new jeep. To me the gladiator is compromised in ways I don't care for. You can only get one configuration, 5 ft bed 4 doors. So as a pickup its not great. It also has at best 4700 lb towing capacity, even the 4runner has more. And it's bed compromises its breakover angles off road.

Buying a wrangler for better gas milage is funny. Stock they can get 20 mpg, but most people mod them until they get only 14 mpg (my family owns one I would know). Its not much better than my 4cyl 4runner. If you get the hybrid version then that is a different story, I only drove the 3.6. The diesel they sell it with scares me, it's a modern diesel engine that is sandbagged with modern emissions equipment and was an FCA engine, what could go wrong?

If you like the Gladiator, nothing else compares.

 

Hey, if you like driving rolling shit, go for it!

 

If only they weren’t extremely unreliable.

 

They look pretty cool if they have at least 37's and if you don't look at them from the side.

 

Nope.

 

As a previous rubicon owner, I will never own one as a daily driver again. Given mine was a lemon and going through oil pumps every 3 months, water pumps every 5, it left a bad impression on me. Although, the JK never left me stranded, got me where I needed to go, and was one hell of an off-roader. I sold it and bought a gx470 and became a toyota fan immediately. I was looking into gladiators and JL rubicons, but I went with my gut and bought a runner instead.

 

I've had 5 Jeeps and had a major problem with every single one of them. None of them were JL's, but death wobble can happen with every single Wrangler. After DW, on my last Jeep I will never buy another one again. I've had two 4R's without a single issue and I drive thousands of miles for trips with complete confidence. Its not perfect, but its close to a perfect vehicle for me.

 

Well shit, guess I’m gonna look at a newer 4Runner then. Easy to get bedazzled by something different on a test drive. Everything works and is new and shiny.
Main reason for wanting to switch it up was the availability to throw 37s on it with relative ease. But TBH once the appeal of 37’s wore off what would it be then? I’m happy with my T4R. It is a limited but it’s been modified. I think I see a TRD Off Road Premium in my near future. Also I think 35’s is plenty of tire for me. I ain’t getting any younger.

 

What about the new Tundra? Sounds like it could fit your needs

 

Oh I feel your reason for 37's haha, but for me and realistic purposes, I don't need 37's for a daily.

 

Hmmm...94 used Gladiators for sale on Carvana as of today...wonder why?

 

I purchased a new Jeep JKU in 2016 after years of having Toyotas (4Runners and Tacomas). I took care of it and all the mods were professionally installed with the best parts. 3 months into ownership I realized what the Jeep guys were talking about. You either get a good one or a bad one. I unfortunately got a bad one and the electrical gremlins were non-stop. I could never figure out what the root cause was and after about 16 months I traded it in. I wish you luck but I will not own another.

 

Well I pulled the trigger on a Tacoma off road. I did some more research and decided I didn’t have the time or patience to deal with a vehicle that was in the shop most of the time. Reliability won out and it’s pretty capable the way I bought it. So anyway, thanks for all the input and guidance. Mucho appreciated.

 

It's a shame the Jeep products are so unreliable. They are great fun to drive, lot's of tech, so many ways to configure. But... it's a numbers game for Chrysler and the house always wins. Enjoy the new Tacoma.

 

Enjoy the Chrysler reliability

 

I don’t get out much, but I’ve heard that you can rent jeeps at popular off road destinations such as Death Valley or Moab.

That might be an option that would give you the opportunity to have fun off road with a Jeep without the commitment of ownership.

 

Did you read the thread?

 

Did you not perceive my sarcasm?

 

Yes I did. And I see you didn't read the thread. Your sarcasm was lost on the fact that the OP bought a Tacoma.

 

You clearly didn't, his reply was pretty easy to see 2 posts above mine.