2012 Tacoma vs 2012 Jeep Wrangler

Thank you!! This is my third Toyota... Never going back!


05 matrix
94 4runner
04 tacoma

 

I'll put in my 2 cents. Coming from a guy to owned a 09 Wrangler X for almost 3 years, it sucked. I cannot comment on reliability over the long run as I couldn't make it that long.
I know its apples to oranges with the new Pentastar engine. Besides the fact that it was a turd which may or may not be different now with the new engine. It also had poor towing capabilities. Even with stock dueler tires the ride was less than stellar, add a 2.5" lift and 33" tires, and it was unbearable. MPG was decent but driving a giant box was not, with KS winds it would dance all over the road. Minimal storing/hauling space. Windshield cracked after 3 weeks of ownership, and replaced x 2 in 3 years.
The good: well top off/down doors off cruising around in the summer time. Off-road capabilities also good. The heater was amazing. Engine would get hot extremely fast resulting in less wait time for heat, and much hotter than the Tacoma. Aftermarket add-ons also easier to find, and more vehicle specific.
However, one must remember that this was originally designed as an off-road vehicle modified to meet on road standards. I made the switch because I don't need an off-road vehicle, I need a daily driver. Personally I want an on-road vehicle with off-road capabilities. That is why I made the switch to a Tacoma; probably wouldn't recommend to a friend and most definitely won't buy another Jeep unless drastic changes are made.

 

i miss it

 

Like some of you have said in this thread, the wrangler is better suited for weekend off-roading and sucks a daily driver. That pretty much sums it up. Tacoma it is!

 

damn i didn't realize the new pentastar added 80 hp, something to look into for my next vehicle!

 

If you need a bed, Taco. If you crave the open air drive, Jeep. Otherwise go test drive em both. The salesmen await your arrival!

As for reliability, etc - everything has issues. Some have been problematic with certain motors, transmissions, etc. Just check out the forums and you'll know where the issues are for both. As for US made, doesn't worry me. I put well over 100k on an F-150 before the Taco. Minor issues like anything - nothing major. Drive it like you own it and it'll last. And if you are buying new, what's the worry - you get a warranty. Odds are in 2-3 yrs you'll be trading anyway.

 

Same. I had a 2000. It looked awesome, was very offroad capable, but good luck fitting anything in there or being able to steer the darn thing at highway speeds. Sometimes I miss my jeep, but I'll get one someday as a SECOND vehicle. An offroad-specific vehicle has no place as a daily driver.

 

In August I traded my 2007 JK unlimited for my 2011 Tacoma TRD OR. Loved the jeep, road great. Amazing off road and handled great on road. It was the lack of power and the poor mileage I got for a V6.

I love the Tacoma and I have owned 6 different Toyota 4WDs but would consider the JK again with the new engine.

JK had billies 5100 all around 3" lift quick disconnect swaybar and 33s.

Both are great

 

My lifted wrangler handled amazing on the road. It was the 4 door. My 84 CJ also handled well on road (obviously comparing to something similar). I even turne dog the stability control because it was too sensitive and the lift made it prematurely activate

 

I love the Wrangler, I was looking at them when I was buying my Tacoma only thing is I needed a bed to haul my motorcycle so I had to pass on the Wrangler. But if it wasn't for that I probably would have gotten one!

 

Yeah, that's why I need a p/u truck for too. If I still lived in Colorado it would be a very difficult decision b/c I stayed in the mountains. I've seen people rough riding Jeep Wranglers in the mountains without the doors on, top off and windshield down with the wind blowing in their hair and it just looked like they were having a blast 4 wheeling. I guess I could get the same effect on a dirtbike.

 

But, you can't creep a dirtbike. My last YJ build had a final crawl ratio of 121:1 I could put it in 4 low, first gear, start it by just turning the key and it would start inching ahead. No gas pedal or clutch needed.
NV4500 tranny, Rubicon transfer case and super low gears.
BUT, it was a squirrelly thing on the road with full time lockers front and rear, coil suspension conversion at 5.5" lift plus 1" body lift and 35" mud tires. I would love to have a Jeep toy again, but the Tacoma is a much better decision for me now since I'm not running trails anymore. That is a very expensive hobby and I spent more time fabbing, modding and fixing than I did on the trails.



It was a lot of fun, but too much money and work.

 

I drive crazy NJ highways to work everyday. I wouldn't trust a jeep to keep me alive. If you HAD to be in a vehicle that was going to roll 6 times down the NJ Turnpike, would you want to be in that jeep above or a 2012 Tacoma. I'm pretty sure the 2012 still comes with the side airbags, right? Does the jeep?

 

I almost resent that.. I had a full cage welded in and tied to the frame, but, point made.

 

I am just about to sell my '02 TJ Sport. it has 170,000 km on it and despite my best efforts, it's falling apart and full of rust.

I was looking at the '12 Tacoma and waiting for the '12 Wrangler. The "new" engine has been used in other Chrysler vehicles for a while and I really like the new interior. Never did like the '06-'10 jeeps at all.

I ended up getting an '06 Tacoma DC with 240,000 km on it! and it's in MUCH better shape than the TJ even after being used as a parts delivery truck most of it's life. You just don't see wranglers with that kind of mileage on them. I loved the jeep and knew what I was getting into, but it's a POS in terms of reliability. You just accept as a "jeep thing" and get good at fixing stuff.

so far the Tacoma blows the doors off the TJ in terms of fuel mileage, and I have actually said to a couple people that the Tacoma feels like a caddy after being in the jeep. I don't know how anyone wheels the double cabs, I guess the jeep spoiled me in that sense, compact and goes over most anything.

We have six months of crappy weather here. You get sick of swapping the hard/soft tops and need someplace to actually put the hard top when it's off (new modular top may be easier to deal with... 4 door top must be a nightmare)

sorry to ramble on.. I love jeeps but I love the taco more.

 

Yep, they are optional on all 07-12 Wranglers.

 

Jeeps are bad ass!

I miss my 00 TJ. If I had the cash for a second vehicle I would get a Wrangler in a heart beat.

But since I have had Tacoma's I am not sure why I had NOT ever had a pick up before. For a daily driver the Tacoma is way better. For wheeling the jeep was a blast. I could never treat my Tacoma like I did the jeep in these photo's.

 

Lol, my bad. That was a little rude. I wasn't trying to bash your ride.

 

unless you get a 4 door the wrangler is useless for anything other than riding in. Awfully tough to get your new washer home in one

 

I was going to get a Jeep before I decided to get my tacoma. So because I had feelings for jeep, i went out and rented one. I know the one i rented wasnt the best, but i figured it would give me a feel for if i like jeep..

I have to say, it was the worst thing i have ever driven in my life! I hated every min of it....