Bronco - Jeep - 4Runner ???

[Sparse Gray Hackle]

I’m thinking about replacing my older mid size truck with a reliable, capable, and enclosed vehicle. I’m a dirt/rough road type that likes upland hunting and exploring the back of beyond. My current thinking has me leaning towards a Bronco or a 4Runner, but haven’t ruled out a Jeep.

I’d like to have the dogs crated in the back, and enough room for camp/hunting/fishing gear in the second row area. Since I live in snow country, good traction control and a rear locker is needed. I also don’t want to beat myself or the rig to death on washboard roads.

What would you pick, and why? Are there other vehicles I should consider? My preferred budget tops out at about $70-75k.

 

[herothedog]

I’m thinking about replacing my older mid size truck with a reliable, capable, and enclosed vehicle. I’m a dirt/rough road type that likes upland hunting and exploring the back of beyond. My current thinking has me leaning towards a Bronco or a 4Runner, but haven’t ruled out a Jeep.

I’d like to have the dogs crated in the back, and enough room for camp/hunting/fishing gear in the second row area. Since I live in snow country, good traction control and a rear locker is needed. I also don’t want to beat myself or the rig to death on washboard roads.

What would you pick, and why? Are there other vehicles I should consider? My preferred budget tops out at about $70-75k.

I like solid front axles, stronger and can take more abuse. Jeeps have those. I personally drive a RAM Powerwagon ('23), and solid axles plus front and rear lockers have gotten me out of a couple pickles without having to winch. However, it is full sized, and the areas I tend to find myself there are a lot of shelf roads and the size of the truck is not comfortable. I plan on keeping the RAM forever.

But I have checked into the new 4Runner, especially the hybrid version for the ability to have off grid power. I've learned my lesson on 1st model year vehicles so I'll wait three years to the next revision.

There is also the Ineos Grenadier: https://ineosgrenadier.com/ I've seen a few but never been in one. On one had seems very capable out of the box, but also seems to lean heavy on luxury and (too much) tech. Also being an exotic mix of parts could be a pain to repair especially in the back country.

I do have a reservation on the new Scout, the extended range version. IF I do get one, it will be my first electric vehicle. I don't know how far into the back country I would take it (extended range version is supposed to be able to much more than 300mi). It might be used just for a daily driver. But another new platform so I will lease it and won't modify it at all, if it works out I'd look at buying the v2 version.

 

[Todd780]

As you live in snow country I would personally lean toward a Bronco w/ sasquatch pkg or the 4 Runner to get a 4HI option.

For day to day, I think they are more livable than the Jeep. The Jeep would be better at the off road stuff though.

Drive 'em all and see what you think. I would personally lean toward the Bronco because I think it's a good balance between the Jeep and 4Runner.

Decent road manner plus the fun of being able to take the top and doors off are a win for me. Your preferences may differ.

FYI, I say this as a previous owner of a '00 TJ & '24 Rubicon....