I know this is the jeep forum but gotta start somewhere. I am looking for a new vehicle. 95% will be daily driving to work and running kids around to various places, but my wife and I have been starting some overland type trips and really enjoy it. we live in pa and will try to drive out west (2k miles each way) at least once or twice a year, so it needs to be good for trips as well. once there I want to be able to camp off road and run as many passes and trails as possible. I have narrowed it down to jour with mild lift and 35's vs 4 door tacoma with mild lift and lockers with a cap on the bed. I would get more room with the taco and the bed but have always wanted a jeep. Anybody run a rubicon daily and regret it? I am coming from a ram 2500 megacab which is really comfy but a few places we went this year we were limited by its size and I don't want that to happen again.
JKUR or Tacoma
- Thread starter dado5
- Start date
mtnbike28
Expedition Leader
Jeep will be slightly better off road, but I think with kids and plans for long interstate drives, I would get the Tacoma. Mine goes everywhere I have wanted and the space to pack the gear for my hobbies and my wife and daughter's stuff from Florida to Nova Scotia and everywhere in between. Good luck with search!
ACLakey
New member
I've had both, a 2013 Tacoma 4 door TRD and a 2015 Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. Both were great rigs but I would choose the Jeep again over the Toyota.
The Wrangler is a more capable machine offroad and with a very inexpensive 2.5" lift can run 35's. The Tacoma takes a lot more time and money just to run 33's, you'll need a 6" lift to run 35's.
Both rigs were similarly equipped with electronic gadgets but the Jeep had a lot of little things that were more appealing... Sounds small but little things like pin lights in the cup holders, lit window controls, lever engagement transfer case(Toyota had unlit dash switch)
Both rigs had similar power and fuel mileage, resale is high on both. The Jeep was just more capable and thought out for offering.
The Wrangler is a more capable machine offroad and with a very inexpensive 2.5" lift can run 35's. The Tacoma takes a lot more time and money just to run 33's, you'll need a 6" lift to run 35's.
Both rigs were similarly equipped with electronic gadgets but the Jeep had a lot of little things that were more appealing... Sounds small but little things like pin lights in the cup holders, lit window controls, lever engagement transfer case(Toyota had unlit dash switch)
Both rigs had similar power and fuel mileage, resale is high on both. The Jeep was just more capable and thought out for offering.
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
Want versus need
If you can keep the ram, I'd get the Jeep... loaded (auto start, heated leather, etc.). If the ram wasn't staying, I'd get the Tacoma. There is nothing like having all that bed room.
I've wheeled with a couple of guys running overland setup Tacoma TRDs and am very impressed by their capabilities. Granted both these guys are good "wheelers", but it still took competent rigs to go where we went.
That said, I've always bought vehicles on want, not need, which is why I have a Rubicon. Three years later I still get a big smile every time I see it.
Either way you go, both are winners. :beer:
In the attached pictures, are two well setup Tacos. Both are forum members, and I'm sure they'd be happy to share their thoughts from daily driving, outfitting, and a lot of exploring/wheeling.
White Taco is AndyJMento
Red Taco is Younglexx
Hope this helps,
If you can keep the ram, I'd get the Jeep... loaded (auto start, heated leather, etc.). If the ram wasn't staying, I'd get the Tacoma. There is nothing like having all that bed room.
I've wheeled with a couple of guys running overland setup Tacoma TRDs and am very impressed by their capabilities. Granted both these guys are good "wheelers", but it still took competent rigs to go where we went.
That said, I've always bought vehicles on want, not need, which is why I have a Rubicon. Three years later I still get a big smile every time I see it.
Either way you go, both are winners. :beer:
In the attached pictures, are two well setup Tacos. Both are forum members, and I'm sure they'd be happy to share their thoughts from daily driving, outfitting, and a lot of exploring/wheeling.
White Taco is AndyJMento
Red Taco is Younglexx
Hope this helps,
Attachments
Capercrew02
Observer
Have you considered the Nissan Frontier pro4x or the Toyota 4Runner? The 4 runner would get you closer to jeep in off-road capabilities, while having more room. And the frontier can be had cheaper and I believe has a much better seating position for long interstate travel. Seating position was the #1 reason I chose my frontier over a taco, and have never regretted that choice in the 5 years of ownership so far. Tow capacity is another thing to consider, the jkur will limit you to the lightest of expo trailers if you go that route down the road, all the other choices can tow upwards of 5k#. Another consideration for the truck side, is although you get more storage, if you go crewcab with extended bed so you can sleep in it, you'll loose turning radius and trailability. If you choose crewcab short bed you don't have much of a benefit over any of the other SUV options because you still need a sleeping arrangement. Although I do lust after the at habitat for the jk and Tacoma.
If you've always wanted a Jeep I say get the Rubi!
I did a 2500 mile road trip over 12 days last September in my JKUR... with wife and 2 sons (12 and 8). Can't fit a lot of gear beyond basic luggage with 4 people, we had to AirBnB and hotels but wheeled some of the hardest trails in the southeast on built factory axles, 37's, and factory lockers. We went from S Florida to Northern Kentucky to see the Ark Experience stopping on the way to wheel Windrock OHV in TN and hit all the back roads and forest service trails we could on the way. Here's the crew in front of the Ark after going about 1500 miles on day 7...
Interstate travel was 80-90mph always. Not one complaint on comfort over the trip. I installed a rear seat recline kit a couple years ago ($70 off eBay) and have been careful about suspension set up to maintain comfort. Jeep always gets complimented on the ride quality.
Just to prove they actually didn't find it uncomfortable we just got back from another 1800 mile trip 2 weeks ago. My wife has a 2017 Toyota Sienna Limited but in a vote it was unanimous decision to take the jeep again to go wheeling and hit the mountains.
I had a 2007 FJ cruiser before the jeep on 33's with locker. It was very capable but not even close to as much fun or capable as my JKUR. When you say you wanted to do "as many trails as possible" that tells me you would like the jeep. If you said you wanted "best comfort possible for daily driving" then the Toyota.
Btw I daily drive my jeep 15k + miles a year and love every mile. After the first time you take the doors off you will never regret the jeep, lol
This is from another trip 3 years ago going up Bell Mountain in Georgia. A 1500 mile trip over 4 days and there were 5 of us that trip my stepson (who is above leaning on the jeep @ 17 and 6'2"!) was along on that one also. No complaints from anyone!
I did a 2500 mile road trip over 12 days last September in my JKUR... with wife and 2 sons (12 and 8). Can't fit a lot of gear beyond basic luggage with 4 people, we had to AirBnB and hotels but wheeled some of the hardest trails in the southeast on built factory axles, 37's, and factory lockers. We went from S Florida to Northern Kentucky to see the Ark Experience stopping on the way to wheel Windrock OHV in TN and hit all the back roads and forest service trails we could on the way. Here's the crew in front of the Ark after going about 1500 miles on day 7...
Interstate travel was 80-90mph always. Not one complaint on comfort over the trip. I installed a rear seat recline kit a couple years ago ($70 off eBay) and have been careful about suspension set up to maintain comfort. Jeep always gets complimented on the ride quality.
Just to prove they actually didn't find it uncomfortable we just got back from another 1800 mile trip 2 weeks ago. My wife has a 2017 Toyota Sienna Limited but in a vote it was unanimous decision to take the jeep again to go wheeling and hit the mountains.
I had a 2007 FJ cruiser before the jeep on 33's with locker. It was very capable but not even close to as much fun or capable as my JKUR. When you say you wanted to do "as many trails as possible" that tells me you would like the jeep. If you said you wanted "best comfort possible for daily driving" then the Toyota.
Btw I daily drive my jeep 15k + miles a year and love every mile. After the first time you take the doors off you will never regret the jeep, lol
This is from another trip 3 years ago going up Bell Mountain in Georgia. A 1500 mile trip over 4 days and there were 5 of us that trip my stepson (who is above leaning on the jeep @ 17 and 6'2"!) was along on that one also. No complaints from anyone!
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Aussiedogs
New member
I wasn't gunna reply as try to keep to myself but thought why not give my $.02 to maybe help with your decision. I won't go into reliability of the two that's a hot button. Mtnbke28 nailed it. I had a newer AEV lifted JKUR, cool, fun, offroad hands down best, nothing compares for hard core stuff. Road trips well? Not saying it can't be done it's just an adventure. Maybe I'm just old but I like the adventure to be when you hit the dirt not when your on the pavement. I sold mine after the first long road trip. If you have kids I would really look at the safety of the two also. Have you thought about a 4runner or equivalent? For what's it's worth I have a 03 Rubicon, '13 4runner and girlfriend has a '13 Tacoma. The 4runner is the one we use the most for our adventures it just works best. Good luck in your decision.
Just wanted to point out, in my last pic the Green JKU behind me had a AEV 2.5" lift. Belonged to my buddy who accompanied us on that trip. One of my kids (12 year old) was riding with him when that pic was taken. He hated the ride of that jeep. He got out and said it rode very rough and felt nauseous. Never a single issue in mine. My buddy sold that Jeep not long after the trip because after riding in mine he hated his. AEV is not a good ride.
Like I said be careful in your suspension set up if you go jeep!
DailyJeep
Adventurer
Is this the part where I get to tell you to buy my Jeep that's listed for sale?
As you've already read, people will be all over the place on this answer. It really comes down to personal preference and expectations. I'm happy to put 500+ mile days in with my JKUR (just did almost 100 miles this morning at 75). But I'm also the same person who would do that with a well-used XJ on 33s with lunchbox lockers. Clearly the person(s) above me thought differently, and that's where it comes down to the individual. I put 2600 miles on a rented Sequoia on a CO to MT trip last summer and loved it. Would I rather have it than my Jeep? Ehh, they both have their advantages/disadvantages but for what I prefer, I'm happy to daily the Jeep.
My personal experience would lean to SUV > truck for a family with kids. While it's nice to think bed cover will be sufficient for storage and whatnot, it's nice to have the immediacy and access of an SUV. But again, others will disagree and say Taco, etc met all their needs with kids. I would suggest checking out 4Runners like others mentioned.
I would say if you plan to modify/lift vehicle at all, the biggest piece of advice I'd say is try to drive whatever it is you think you want before you buy the vehicle and sink money into it. I never thought I wanted a Wrangler but driving a properly lifted AEV JKUR is what sold me as I didn't feel like I was making the compromises I was previously making in my XJs. [edit: and clearly other folks seem to have other experience] And I've had multiple people tell me they feel it rides much better than stock JKURs, whatever that means. But it's definitely still a compromise compared to X, Y, Z.
As you've already read, people will be all over the place on this answer. It really comes down to personal preference and expectations. I'm happy to put 500+ mile days in with my JKUR (just did almost 100 miles this morning at 75). But I'm also the same person who would do that with a well-used XJ on 33s with lunchbox lockers. Clearly the person(s) above me thought differently, and that's where it comes down to the individual. I put 2600 miles on a rented Sequoia on a CO to MT trip last summer and loved it. Would I rather have it than my Jeep? Ehh, they both have their advantages/disadvantages but for what I prefer, I'm happy to daily the Jeep.
My personal experience would lean to SUV > truck for a family with kids. While it's nice to think bed cover will be sufficient for storage and whatnot, it's nice to have the immediacy and access of an SUV. But again, others will disagree and say Taco, etc met all their needs with kids. I would suggest checking out 4Runners like others mentioned.
I would say if you plan to modify/lift vehicle at all, the biggest piece of advice I'd say is try to drive whatever it is you think you want before you buy the vehicle and sink money into it. I never thought I wanted a Wrangler but driving a properly lifted AEV JKUR is what sold me as I didn't feel like I was making the compromises I was previously making in my XJs. [edit: and clearly other folks seem to have other experience] And I've had multiple people tell me they feel it rides much better than stock JKURs, whatever that means. But it's definitely still a compromise compared to X, Y, Z.
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Aussiedogs
New member
Great opinions. I would have to agree with the posts about the AEV set up. Some say rides great some say not so much. I think it worked good but was a little rough. Mostly with the wind that we get, it was fatiguing and noisy to drive on the freeway. But that's more of a removable top and "solid axle" vs "IFS" issue in my opinion. Both have their pros and cons. Fun/offroad Jeep is gunna win everytime. I do like that you sit up off the floor more in the jeep then any Toyota which does make for better visibility and comfort. If you can keep the truck get an older Jeep. Problem solved.
TrailBadger
Banned
Just wanted to add my 2 cents here.. while I was out and about today trying to enjoy the weather and have a few beers while over at friends house. I watch a video from 2011 I believe of a Jeep safari trail ride. The trail ride was open to other vehicles as well.. There was this deep ditch which everyone had to cross. First an older Cj navigated the ditch, then a Yj, then JKU, mind you these first three jeeps weren't lifted to some degree.. then it was time for the Toyota Tacoma to make the ditch.. because of how long it was (longer then the JKU) it got snagged at the tailgate for about 10 mins but was able to pull out.. and this wasn't the first time I've seen a Tacoma make this type of ditch and not pull through successfully or with out getting caught. Moral of the story.. there's a fine line one must tip toe over when on trail rides.. In my Opinion.. the smaller the vehicle, the better chance you can get in and out without getting snagged on something or one can look at this the other way around.. lift the Tacoma, put larger tires on it and you might be able to cross that ditch without much effort.
thanks for the replies. I don't think there is a perfect vehicle for what i want. For 95% of my daily driving and local pursuits throughout the year a 4runner or F150 with a cap would be perfect. (I always have my fly fishing and mountain biking stuff with me at work incase i get off early and head to the forest roads. no rough trails just fire roads). I currently drive my ram to colorado every year to elk hunt and it is a great trip car (maybe a little rough riding). My concern is when I get there a full-size may limit some of the passes I want to go on. I do not intend to go to moab and run the rocks, more so I would like to do white rim trail and camp along the way. I would like a winch and front locker just in case. We were just in death valley in a rented jeep and went to the racetrack. If I had planned on it I would have loved to do lippincot pass but didn't. I don't think i would take a full-size down that. I'm not too worried about the vehicles ability to carry everyones gear for the kids as well since I have a quigley ford transit for when we all go away which is currently getting outfitted. I just am constantly running them somewhere everyday ( i have 5 kids), but I also want all of my stuff with me everyday. Probably no perfect answer. Maybe I'll just get a new raptor!
GetOutThere
Adventurer
I daily my JKUR with an AEV 2.5" lift, 35s, front bumper with winch, rear tire carrier, etc. Personally, I don't agree with the complaints leveled against this suspension set up from some in this thread. I found it to be equal in ride comfort to my stock suspension, and far more capable with loads, turns, and breaking. I love my Jeep, and it has taken me everywhere I have wanted to go. For about a year I also worked at a remote gold mine 900km (560 miles) from home. I made that drive once every two weeks. It was not terrible, but I wouldn't call it "comfortable" either. That being said, the Jeep seats have received a substantial upgrade since my 2012, so my discomfort may not be applicable to your decision. The Jeep steering is floaty on the highway and requires far more attention than an IFS set up like a Tacoma. NVH levels are not great on long highway stretches, and brakes are only adequate even when stock. Safety is also a concern, as my Jeep has no side curtain airbags, and not the best crash rating. Although I have had two vehicles rear end my Jeep and demolish themselves, one totally, with the Jeep receiving only cosmetic damage.
My Jeep is fantastic for me, but if I was in your position I'd get the Tacoma.
My Jeep is fantastic for me, but if I was in your position I'd get the Tacoma.
Comanche Scott
Expedition Leader
For when you absolutely have to get there overnight. :victory:
Man, thinking about this further, there are so many great choices that would fit for you. Glad I don't have to make this decision, but definitely looking forward to see what you decide.
Pictures would definitely be required, even if it's not a Jeep.
Good luck! :beer: