Point me in the right direction

[cbsu]

Hi all,

Looking into either a Wrangler Unlimited or Toyota variation (narrowed down to Tacoma, 4Runner or Highlander).

I'm really not picky about the bells and whistles that come with these, just want something reliable and efficient for my needs. I'm obviously leaning more towards the Toyotas because of Jeep reliability (I have a few friends who always seem to have them in the shop) but was wondering which of the Tacoma, 4Runner or Highlander could suit my needs for:

- Poor weather conditions (snow, ice)
- Transporting of canine as well as family and pets (leaning more towards Tacoma as it has the bed)
- I will not be taking this off-roading
- Reliability & fuel economy (although I think they're all fairly similar with the exception of Highlander hybrid)
- Comfort (I'm 6'6" 300lbs)

Thanks all for any advice, suggestions, etc.

 

[surlydiesel]

No off road means Hybrid Highlander in my book. Unless you need to tow, or like the looks a truck you can save tons of gas with the Highlander. I've driven both a hybrid and non-hybrid and let me tell you, the hybrid is super fast and fun to drive, 28mpg on the highway. They are really big inside and ride nice. If I didn't tow often with my SUV, I would already have a Highlander in the driveway.

My 2 cents.
-jorge

 

[Clutch]

No off road means Hybrid Highlander in my book. Unless you need to tow, or like the looks a truck you can save tons of gas with the Highlander. I've driven both a hybrid and non-hybrid and let me tell you, the hybrid is super fast and fun to drive, 28mpg on the highway. They are really big inside and ride nice. If I didn't tow often with my SUV, I would already have a Highlander in the driveway.

My 2 cents.
-jorge

V6 Highlander has a 5000# towing capacity, while the 4Runner is 4700#...

...you better march down to the dealer and get yourself a Highlander!


cbsu: I would say the Highlander would be the best choice, it will get a smidge better mileage, and have the best ride.

But given your size, a LC200 (probably out of the price range though! ) might be more comfortable, I am only 5'8" and the the Highlander seems somewhat smallish to me, feels about the size of a 1st gen 4Runner.

Test drive them all and see what you like best.

 

[daveyboy]

I know you stated you narrowed it down, but you are pretty tall. Are the members of your family tall as well? Have you considered a Tundra Crewmax? The 2013s will still have the adjustable rear seats.

 

[tanglefoot]

I would recommend a Highlander as well, between the three, if you're not taking it off-road. It's really best-suited for the type of use you describe. It doesn't make much sense to lug a 2-speed transfer case, skid plates and a truck frame everywhere if you don't need them.

Also, for on-road use, automatic all-wheel-drive systems are so much more sure-footed and seamless than part-time 4wd systems.

I've heard that the Highlander Hybrid is an excellent tow rig as well. The capacity spec is reduced to help moderate inverter current but I've read of people effortlessly towing well over the limit with them (not that I recommend that).

There are several, similarly-sized crossovers you may also want to investigate, such as the Mazda CX-9 (engaging to drive), the new Nissan Pathfinder and the Honda Pilot.

Also, since you mention wanting a truck bed, you might want to check out the Honda Ridgeline. It's a rare configuration: an AWD unibody crossover with a truck bed. Although the lines of the bed are unconventional, camper shells are available for it.

 

[dorton]

If it's not going off road, the Wrangler shouldn't even be considered.

On road only, definitely the Highlander.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2

 

[wonderfulremark]

Sequoia