Considering Selling my 3rd Gen for a Wrangler JLU Rubicon

Like the title says, considering selling my 2016 Tacoma TRDOR DCSB for a Wrangler JLU. Had my truck for a couple years, and I like it for the most part. Unfortunately, when I bought it I was an idiot and bought it in 2wd. Now, I want to get something in 4x4. I’ve been waiting, and like the 2020 Tacos but am considering the wrangler for a couple reasons.

1) Off-road capability. It seems like the rubicons are more capable off-road than the tacos. I won’t be doing hardcore rock crawling but it will be nice having a capable off-road rig without much modding.

2) More comfortable seating position. I’m a taller guy and it seems like the cabin on the wrangler is more suited for taller people. I get uncomfortable on long road trips in my truck.

3) Gas mileage is about the same or fairly close. I’ll be commuting a fair distance about 5 times a month for work from the Valley in LA to OC, so freeway miles. My taco averages about 19 right now and it looks like the wranglers get close to that.

4) Size. Living in LA, my Taco seems somewht large and I think the size of the wrangler would be a little easier to park and get around

5) Camping. I have a RTT and it seems like there’s a bunch of options for racks so I can still go to the beach and national parks and camp.

My only reservation about the wrangler is reliability. A little unsure with how they are, especially coming from a Toyota where I’ve had absolutely nothing major and only a couple minor issues, mainly the transmission shifting when I first bought it.

Thoughts, should I go over to Jeep or is it worth staying with Toyota?

 

That’s the best news i heard all day.

 

I was momentarily tempted by the Gladiator. Top down, fun truck, I'm sure. But for me, reliability and safety trumps all else.

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a25411607/2019-jeep-wrangler-euro-ncap-crash-test/

The thing got ONE star crash test rating.

 

I have both......I have had Jk's as well and the new JL is 100% better. I got the 3.6 which is the same motor Chrysler has been using for many years, no concerns. I would not get the 2.0 IMO due to it being new and MAY have issues. I have the 2 door and get over 20mpg consistently with my jeep.

 

The JL Rubicon is definitely more offroad capable. I'm a mopar guy. I love jeeps. BUT I love real jeeps with lifts and big tires... I was between the taco and JL. Jeeps have tons of aftermarket options, so that's a plus. I'm going to get the taco mostly because of the independent suspension. The solid axle on the JL requires maintenance and is not really intended for freeways, imo. I need an everything vehicle. 85% freeway and on road, 15% significant off road, but not rock crawling. I'm getting the taco bc it fits my criteria. In LA, I'm not sure why you'd want a real offroad vehicle. Price difference for the JL is significant too. That's my 2 cents...

Peace.

 

Oh, the pentastar 3.6 is a great engine. It will crush the taco on mpg if driven responsibly.

Peace.

 

If you can make the numbers work, why not!

 

I had an LJ before jumping to the Taco, and still consider TJ/LJs the pinnacle of all jeep models. That being said, I spent a LOT of time repairing/rebuilding that sucker, and I can say that Chrysler cuts corners where the daylight doesn't shine. There are a whole boatload of different issues related to the JK, some of which are also related to cost-saving measures. The JL has a great engine and excellent aftermarket support...unfortunately, Chrysler's previous sins in the Wrangler series weighed heavily on my mind when I was shopping for a new rig. Taco FTW!

 

Reliability should be a concern for a daily driver. If I were considering buying a Jeep (and I have previously owned a Jeep), I would only buy new or used with factory warranty. That offers you $ protection but does not keep you out of the dealers service bays. The reality is if the Tacoma is not comfortable for you, find something that is.

 

Short term the Jeep may not be a bad purchase, but long term it will never be as trouble free as the Taco. Just my .02...


I considered the Ram before I bought my current truck but I am in it for the long haul and no way the Ram would of been as reliable.

 

2 and 4 contradict each other. The Wrangler is smaller and I doubt you would be more comfortable. You get two big guys in a wrangler and it looks like a clown car. It definitely won't be more comfortable on long trips. The wranglers ride like garbage.

The Wrangler is still a fun vehicle. I had one for several years, but it just wasn't practical.

 

I also cross shopped the Rubicon with a Taco a couple months ago and live in LA.
Ended up with the Taco. Although I understand what you mean about the size. I barley fit into any parking spots length wise here in LA, it can get annoying.

Main reasons being:
The new JL Rubicon price tag is an abomination.

Wanted reliability as i'd be buying vs leasing.

Although the Rubicon is more off road worthy, fact is i'd be spending 95% of my time on the highway and don't want to be in a loud and uncomfortable ride.

 

The JL Wrangler has improved dramatically over the JK. The engineers did an amazing job addressing all of the shortcomings of the previous model.

My only reservation is the seemingly endless FCA recalls and long term reliability down the road. If you keep your vehicles for 3 or less years I would say go for it (under factory warranty).

 

FYI I rented a Wrangler and was pleasantly surprised by the mpg I was getting for the V6. It was over 20 on the freeways and pretty comfy. You are right I'm a short guy and feel like my Taco requires a bit of gymnastics to get into (I'm used to it though as I had a mustang before). Still love my Taco but if I ever stop needing to haul things or can afford a Gladiator... =)

One last edit, buddy and neighbors both had older Wranglers. Don't expect the same reliability out of them as the Taco. Still fun but be prepared to take it to the dealer a few times and when out of warranty you better not lose your 10mm

 

I have a 2019 tacoma trd off road 4x2 and my wife has a 2018 jeep wrangler jl sport with rubicon tires, wheels, suspension and front bumper. The wrangler drives really good, mpg sucks, I get more on the tacoma, on the wrangler the only thing that is really annoying is the wind noise, thats something to get used to. It only has 12500 miles and I already had the whole engine replaced 2 weeks ago under warranty due to internal failure, oil pump problems. Other than that it drives good. They also have a steering wandering issue when driving on the highway, mine is good on that. As soon as The powertrain expires I will get another one, i'm not keeping this thing without warranty, not reliable as toyota.

 

Do it.
You won't be dissapointed.
You can get an entry level JLU Rubicon for $45k. Or an "18" holdover for less than $42k.

Get the 7 yr/70k coverage and don't look back.

I'm a taco guy guy. I've owned my pre runner since the day it showed up on the lot in Dec of 2001. I've enjoyed modifying it over the years and it's treated me well.

But an out of the box off road capable 4x4 with manual t case with 4:1 ratio, the ability to fit 35's with no lift, 37's with a 2in lift. Removable top, removable doors, front/rear lockers, electronic sway bar disco.
It's a no brainer.

 

I had an 88 Jeep that I bought new and had zero issues with it for the 4 years that I owned it. That said I did see a Jeep on fire a few months ago on the side of the highway. Not a brand new one but a fairly new Rubicon unlimited.

 

When you talk about tried and true for the Jeep 3.6L, I had to laugh. Worst motor ever put in a Wrangler. I had owned 7 of them from 2012 to 2017 and finally came to my senses and bought the Tacoma. The Wranglers are a great concept but after the 4.0L I6 was replaced, just not the same. I still get emails from the Wrangler forum with complaints from owners about head problems on newer models that was supposed to be fixed for the 2013 model year. Don't know what version they are on now AA, AB, AC, AD, probably up to AZ at this point. Bad concept motor to which no engineering modification can fix.

 

Wish they never got rid of that workhorse of an engine, 4.0 straight 6.

 

1 star in Europe, 1 star in Australia, and they refuse to crash test them in America