Prado vs Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD

[Croozer Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Croozer]

Im keen to hear from those who may have had a look and/or drive of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee, particularly the CRD. As Toyota owners, most of you will have become accustomed to relatively high standards of fit and finish and reliability; cornerstones which Toyota have built its namesake on. Some may dispute this, but I think its a fair comment. That said, I've been holding off from purchasing a 4WD after selling my LC100 TD two years ago and have been waiting for the right time...and right vehicle. Ive had my sights set on the LC150 GXL D4D for some time, however the introduction of the new Jeep Grand Cherokee CRD Laredo has caught my interest.

Ill freely admit to knowing very little about Jeep other than their tattered history of quality and reliability issues. If I am to believe the latest hype, Jeep appears to have overcome many of these problems. Certainly, its a good looking vehicle (to me anyway) and the new V6 diesel (CRD) is a force to be reckoned with. To boot, with a sticker price of $55k (not including any discounting) it appears to represent reasonable value. So, I ask a hord of one-eyed Toyota fans (myself included), for those who have had the inkling to check it out, what is your opinion of the new Jeep Cherokee CRD? Has the quality and reliability improved and does it represent a true competitor to the Prado? If not as a hardcore 4WD, then at least as a comfortable family tourer capable of packing the kids, camping gear and heading off for a week or two with black-top touring and light to medium 4WDing in mind (what the majority of Prado owners are most likely to encounter rather than hardcore 4WDing). Im genuinely interested to hear your thoughts.

[KIMBOPRADO Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close KIMBOPRADO]

Found this recent link, what the poms think about them

http://www.evo.co.uk/carreviews/evoc..._overland.html

[Russ WA Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Russ WA]

It looks good and I don't know much about that particular model but some things to consider with Jeeps are.
> Size of fuel tank compared to Prado .
> Resale value
> Maintenance costs.
> Costs of modification and parts available.Bull Bar,Roof rack,Lift Kit.
They use imperial bolts and torx type bolts which are hard to find in the middle of a long week-end if you manage to break something.
For a long keeping car I would still favour a Prado but if you replace cars every few years maybe worth considering.

Cheers Russ

[JoshF Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close JoshF]

August 2011 - 4x4 Australia did a compare of the two in a petrol flavour

[DSzuke Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close DSzuke]

It's funny you mention this Croozer as I have been considering the exact same issue.

I have lurked on PP for a while now with my heart set on a Prado but the Jeep caught my attention and I've been to the dealer for a look (not a drive yet).

Questions about the fit, finish and reliability are what I have wondered as well. The spin talks about the Mercedes chassis as well as the interior design being Merc sourced as well. They say it is the most "un-Jeep" like Jeep ever.

I like the look of the Quadra-Lift but am not convinced of the long term reliability of airbags plus the technology to run them. I think I'd probably just get a coil sprung one.


RussWA has touched on most of the reasons I am undecided.

I'd like a long term keeper to set up for touring. I'm not convinced the Jeep is up for that.
If it breaks down in the middle of nowhere it will be virtually unfixable. Fixing a Toyota shouldn't be problem.
It doesn't do the seven seats either which is something I wouldn't mind.

There is no doubt they are good value for features. The equivalent Prado would be 15K more.

My current thought is to hold off and grab a bargain in 12mths time when they would have devalued significantly.


Interestingly when I log on here I get plenty of adverts for the Jeep popping up. The inter-web knows I am looking!!

[Croozer Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Croozer]

Mmmm, Prado still seems to be a more sensible option. If only it came out with a V6 diesel... Still, as many have already said, the current D4D seems to hang in there and be up to the job.

[DSzuke Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close DSzuke]

yep... I agree. Prado = sensible, but the Jeep looks sweeeet

[Leethal Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close Leethal]

Having done outback and cape trips with friend in a diesel jeep, the fact that the Jeep seemed incapable of driving past a fuel bowser without stopping for a drink is something to consider if touring is what you want to do.
Otherwise the Jeeps performance was very good although as discussed suspension mods etc were limited in choice.

Lee

[JoshF Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close JoshF]

$20 - $30K is still a vast difference between the 2 though ignoring fuel load capabilities, are there long range tank options avaialble for the Jeep as yet?

[Hutch Addicted PP Member Find all posts View Profile Close Hutch]

I traded a jeep on the prado, it was a fun car that I enjoyed using as a 4WD, two main issues were warranty claims which I had few, in saying that I think the new stuff have moved ahead by a long way. Other main issue was buying aftermarket equipment for it was hard. Have I regretted selling the jeep for the Prado, absolutely not, the Prado would rate as the best car I have owned ever. The new Grand is good looking piece of kit and at a sharp price certainly worth a look, but in the long run, quality, aftermarket parts, dealer network, resale value and seven seats would sway me back to another prado.
If I won lotto tonight though I might just get one to compliment the prado!

[tassie tiger Advanced Member Find all posts View Profile Close tassie tiger]

Jeeps sadly are virtually worthless and unsellable after they hit the ten year mark. Prado not so.

Looks sweet though.

[Fox Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fox]

I am the process of replacing my 120 GXL, and I have researched and driven a number of vehicles to see what is out there. I really like the GC Limited, paticularly the 5.7 Hemi, but I would never buy it, it would have to be the diesel. What did the GC no favours was the foot park brake - just too close to my shin. Great value for money but full of electronic stuff that would probably break? I also thought the D4 would be a winner but my son thought the rear seat wasn't all that comfortable. What surprised me was the 200 Cruiser, it was so easy to drive and just has a feeling of being as solid in 5 years time as it is today (just like my 120). It has the least amount of "bling" but is extremely comfortable.
I will most likely sign up for a 150 GXL TD tomorrow for November delivery but I have 24 hours to convince myself I don't need the 4.7 V8 petrol cruiser. I did drive the TTD cruiser, 650 nm of torque!!
In summary, loved the GC, just couldn't own one. It' hard to go past another Toyota when we have had such a good run with the 120.

[Fox Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fox]

I am the process of replacing my 120 GXL, and I have researched and driven a number of vehicles to see what is out there. I really like the GC Limited, paticularly the 5.7 Hemi, but I would never buy it, it would have to be the diesel. What did the GC no favours was the foot park brake - just too close to my shin. Great value for money but full of electronic stuff that would probably break? I also thought the D4 would be a winner but my son thought the rear seat wasn't all that comfortable. What surprised me was the 200 Cruiser, it was so easy to drive and just has a feeling of being as solid in 5 years time as it is today (just like my 120). It has the least amount of "bling" but is extremely comfortable.
I will most likely sign up for a 150 GXL TD tomorrow for November delivery but I have 24 hours to convince myself I don't need the 4.7 V8 petrol cruiser. I did drive the TTD cruiser, 650 nm of torque!!
In summary, loved the GC, just couldn't own one. It' hard to go past another Toyota when we have had such a good run with the 120.

[Fox Junior Member Find all posts View Profile Close Fox]

Sorry for double post

[mendo Lurker Find all posts View Profile Close mendo]

I have also been considering the same. I have a 120 D4D and have been looking at the 150 for 6 months...i have a small family now and want curtain airbags. The 150 just isn't worth it. Its a step backwards except for airbag safety. I'd prefer to keep the 120....having driven the diesel jeep on the weekend, i have decided to skip toyota for a generation and give it a go hopefully in three years Toyota have got a decent diesel engine and caught up with the competition. I would be happy to return.