Considering Getting a Taco

Hey everyone! Not sure where to put this so I'll start this thread here (move if not allowed)...

I am trying to figure out my next vehicle because my current truck decided to die on me. Right now I am between a 2016 Tacoma TRD Off Road or a 2016 Wrangler Unlimited. They are both about the same price point and both have a manual transmission, which is a HUGE plus because I like to actually drive my vehicle.

I got to drive my buddies 2013 JKU off road for a little bit and enjoyed the ride through the woods on some mild trails in the Ozarks. Likewise, I have driven a lightly modded 2nd gen Tacoma down some similar trails and liked the way it feels as well.

90%+ of my driving will be commuting to work. I commute about 40 miles each way to work and I need something reliable that will last for 150k+ miles. With that being said, I am also looking for a vehicle I can have fun driving in.

Tacomas are reliable to a fault and it is not unheard of for them to make 300k+ miles, but they do not have a super fun driving experience day to day. A wrangler on the other hand isn't a very reliable vehicle (my buddy's 2013 has been in the shop more than on the road it seems like), but it is a fun experience with the doors and roof off.

I plan doing a few mods to either one but nothing crazy until the bumper to bumper warranty runs out.

Any thoughts on which is the better buy?

TL;DR 2016 JKU vs 2016 Tacoma TRD Off Road

 

Test them both. All I will say.

 

Honda Ridgeline

 

Too bad you can't wait for the jeep truck to come out in the next year or two.

Out of those two vehicles, from what I hear from previous jeep owners, I'd take the new taco. 2017 if possible, the 2016s are having small but annoying problems.

 

Best friend has a 2015 JK sport wrangler and I have 2016 TRD off road tacoma. His jeep is fun to drive for the experience of riding around with the roof and doors but not so much with any cross winds. Bump steer is some what of an issue with the solid axle with 2.5" lift. Stock both vehicles are fairly capable and similar beside the tacoma's approach angle. Simple modding the jeep I would say is capable up to 35" tires w/ proper gears. The tacoma 33" are pushing the wheel wells with 3" lift which require minimal trimming but 35" are obtainable. Price wise I believe the tacoma is cheaper seeing my friend got a sport for around 33K and I picked mine up for 34K but mine has multi terrain select and elockers. Which is about a 2k mod to get air lockers.

Update: I forgot to mention he hates to drive his jeep on any trip longer than a few hours. Says it takes a lot of energy driving high way speeds with drag and he is always correcting steering from cross winds.

 

No Ridgeline OP!!!!!

 

Sounds like the OP should get the truck, just because of your daily commute IMO.