2011 - Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota 4Runner vs Nissan Pathfinder

[JeremyD]

OK - getting to the time that I need to replace my 2005 Nissan Armada. The AC is making funny noises, the Power Steering pump is leaking, Have a leak at what looks like the rear main seal.

Anyway - for 148,000 miles it's been pretty trouble free - Brakes, Batteries, Tires... That's it.

The Armada has towed the boat (3200 lbs) and the car on occasion. Every once in awhile - the access to our neighborhood floods - where I have to ford standing water - no more than a foot - or two.

So looking to downsize just a little as the Armada is a freaking land barge - and I wouldn't mind getting better gas mileage (armada get's maybe 14-15mpg on a good day)

So Pelican brain trust - which one? 2011 - Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota 4Runner vs Nissan Pathfinder

They are pretty similar priced with the options (leather, bluetooth, etc)

I looked at the Jeep out of a recommendation of a friend and was surprised at how nice it was (and with 4 x 4 on the jeep their mileage only suffers 1 mpg) Although I am worried about build quality.

The Toyota is nice - but there are less of them around to choose from (two of the local dealers have [ONE]) to choose from. (best mileage, less towing capacity)

The Nissan pathfinder seems to be the cheapest of the bunch - but also gets the worse mileage. but has the highest towing capacity.

Thoughts? I usually buy new - and drive the tar out of them...

[Dantilla]

My personal preference is the Jeep. But that's just because 4Runners and Pathfinders seem so boring. They disappear in a sea of blandness in any parking lot.

[Rot 911]

I think I have owned every generation of Grand Cherokee that has been made. Lots of experience with them. And without fail, the first year of each generation has been beset with teething problems. I can't help but think this generation will be no different.

[RWebb]

in St. Poot, FL you are most likely concerned with mud

is there some other kind of terrain you traverse - trips to Colo.??

if flooding is the only issue, then a 6 cyl. Subaru might be just the ticket for towing & driving on pavement

I'd expect gas prices to go up - maybe a LOT - in the next few years.

the new Jeep looks pretty nice - I started a thread on it here; if you search it up, you'll find several replies

Toyota has a huge rep. - for good reason

[island911]

Jeep Grand Cherokee vs Toyota 4Runner vs Nissan Pathfinder


pffftttt . . . Porsche 955

[JeremyD]

I was looking at the Tourag also - but am very concerned about their reliability ratings...

Really don't like spending my time at the shop.

The Subaru won't tow whipped cream off the top of a moca latte.

[monoflo]

JEEP.

Way the best one they have ever done
Mflo

[RWebb]

6 cyl. Sube won't tow??

ok, what about a Honda Pilot?

if it was me, I'd get the Jeep just to see if they have really improved it...

[911boost]

The Toyota is probably going to be the most trouble free for a DD, but I would be a little worried with the towing. I am guessing you are looking at the V6 version, if its the V8, I am sure it will tow just fine.

I'd stay away from the Pathfinder as I haven't heard the best about them.

As stated, the Jeep may have some growing pains since it is its first year.

How about a used Cayenne S?

[vash]

i dont care what toyota says. 3200 lbs would be heavy. my tacoma boast 6400 lbs-towing, and it would struggle. i used a friends toyota..exactly like mine. we towed my bro's bass boat. maybe 3000 lbs. it was a real struggle with the mildest inclines. i get 20 mpg. the 4runner is worse.

a full sized chevy pickup? not even on the table? they get about the same mpg as my truck..but will have better wheelbase and better towing abilities..

[tangerine911S]

The 2011 Cherokee's are sharp!

[onewhippedpuppy]

The new Cherokee is supposed to be super nice, but based on their past expect a vehicle that doesn't hold up well, is unreliable, and with resale value that drops like a rock. The 4Runner is basically the exact opposite. Personally I dig the new Trail model.



You might enjoy this article: Jeep Grand Cherokee vs. Kia Borrego, Nissan Pathfinder, Toyota 4Runner - Comparison Tests - Auto Reviews - Car and Driver

The Pathfinder isn't even in the same ballpark as the other two, it's an absolutely antiquated model dating back to 2005. A co-worker just bought one and I was totally unimpressed, not as nice as my 2003 4Runner and already squeaky though nearly new. This is coming from a Nissan fan mind you, I love our Armada.

[UconnTim97]

I was just going to suggest the same article, Matt beat me to it. It is a good read and should help in your search.

[JeremyD]

Thanks guys - always value the varied opinions I get here. No Randy - The Honda is not known to tow worth a crap either. Luckily Florida is Flat.

[911boost]

The Honda's warranty is voided if you submerse the rear half shafts, so yeah, towing a boat with it is not a good idea.