Looking for a new suv

[matt85]

So i got tired of my Ram 2500, it was really too big for my needs and was getting up there in miles. So, i traded it in on a new Jeep 2-door Wrangler. While i like the Wranglers size and abilities... I hate its drive train! I also dont trust its reliability as the build quality seems quite poor.

So im on the hunt for something similar in size and capability to the Wrangler, but better built.

Basic requirements:
- small, preferably not much bigger than the 2-door Wrangler.
- 4x4 with enough ground clearance to deal with fallen trees and moderately deep snow.
- the ability to tow at least 1000lb
- enough space in the back to haul 300lb of salt pellets (big 50lb bags) for maintaining a communal well. (The Wrangler can do it with the rear seat removed).

Any suggestions? Thank you!

 

[Moody808]

Classic Mercedes G Wagen or a Toyota FJ Cruiser. My FJ was the most unstoppable reliable vehicle I've ever come across and I 100% regret selling it.

 

[Wyfox]

Ineos

 

[Alistair]

If you want new, a Toyota 4Runner seems to be an option. I'd wait for a year though, let them iron out any new model issues first.

A Ford Bronco is an option I guess, but it won't be any better made, or any more reliable.

If second hand, maybe a last gen Toyota or Lexus.

Honestly, for the use case you describe, even something like a Subaru Forester Wilderness would serve your needs for snow, the odd trail, hauling and towing a bit. It's rated for 3,500lbs in that trim. Cheap 'n' reliable too. It just depends if you care purely about utility and reliability, or if the 'manly off-road SUV vibe' matters to you.

 

[Altitude sickness]

Lexus GX 470

 

[farmer_john]

Ineos

Ive been eying those.
Whats everyones thoughts and experiences?

 

[Wyfox]

Everything Ive seen has been great. Couple other forums I'm on have owners that all speak positively about them. Im trying to talk my wife into driving one so ai get to use it too...

 

[deewayne2003]

Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro - it’s 4 doors but great vehicle.

Toyota FJ cruiser - no longer made and if you find a good low miles ones you’ll pay a premium.

 

[Wishfulthinker580]

4Runner is pretty sweet. We’ve got the trd off road version and it’s pretty awesome. It’s the older 6 cylinder version. Pretty sure it could go anywhere

 

[SCHUNTER73]

The older 4 runner with the bulletproof v6. I think ‘21 or ‘22 was the last year with that engine.

 

[matt85]

Most of those vehicles are larger than what im looking for. My favorite part of the Wrangler is that its only 14' long.

Im not concerned about looks. I ride a motorcycle most of the time and only use the suv for the winter commuting and utility tasks.

 

[lkydvl]

Toyota Highlander

 

[375 Ruger Fan]

@matt85 what engine and transmission does your current Wrangler have and what specifically about it don’t you like?

When I was a teenager, my dad bought a CJ7 new. It had the straight 6 and a GM Turbohydromatic 400 tranny. No AC, no frills. My dad used it as his every day driver for about 10 years and I bought it from him and ran it for about 5 years. Pretty trouble free vehicle. It performed well off-road but wasn’t fun for long road trips. Rough ride and noisy. I’m looking for one now, to leave at my hunting property in Oklahoma. The old CJ are hard to find and tend to be more expensive than the newer (late 90s and early 2000s) Wranglers. The new and newer used Wranglers and Gladiators are overpriced for what they are.

 

[Alistair]

Most of those vehicles are larger than what im looking for. My favorite part of the Wrangler is that its only 14' long.

Im not concerned about looks. I ride a motorcycle most of the time and only use the suv for the winter commuting and utility tasks.

I suggest you look at the Subaru Forester then.

Slightly longer at 15.25ft, but not massive by any means and a good foot shorter than a 4Runner.

Bronco is about 14.5 ft, but again, swapping a Jeep for a Ford isn't stepping up in quality by any real metric.

 

[Rare Breed]

So i got tired of my Ram 2500, it was really too big for my needs and was getting up there in miles. So, i traded it in on a new Jeep 2-door Wrangler. While i like the Wranglers size and abilities... I hate its drive train! I also dont trust its reliability as the build quality seems quite poor.

So im on the hunt for something similar in size and capability to the Wrangler, but better built.

Basic requirements:
- small, preferably not much bigger than the 2-door Wrangler.
- 4x4 with enough ground clearance to deal with fallen trees and moderately deep snow.
- the ability to tow at least 1000lb
- enough space in the back to haul 300lb of salt pellets (big 50lb bags) for maintaining a communal well. (The Wrangler can do it with the rear seat removed).

Any suggestions? Thank you!

I know everyone wants to put it down but if I was buying new I would get the Labd Rover Defender 90 two door series

 

[Rare Breed]

$55 to $65k

 

[Ravensview]

My wife has a ford bronco and it has been a great suv for her, we live in snow country and she drives a lot of miles daily for her job. When she bought new I had FALKEN wildpeak tires swapped out for the factory tires.

 

[Razorback]

I’m about to get an ineos grenadier. Those things are awesome. Just need to sale my 72 bronco to free up garage space.

 

[matt85]

what engine and transmission does your current Wrangler have and what specifically about it don’t you like?

Ive got the 6 speed manual transmission on my '25 Wrangler sport. I have driven manual transmission vehicles most of my life... This is easily the worst. Its just the right combination of poor throttle response, overly tall gears, and extremely narrow friction zone to piss me off on a regular basis! The best part is when you stall the vehicle (not "if" but "when"), it wont let you restart it unless you come to a complete stop... the tinest amount of wheel movement will prevent a restart. Found this out the hard way a few weeks ago at a light.

Top the above design "features" with dubious build quality and its got me looking for something new.

 

[shootist~]

Maybe a smaller truck?
It's not an suv, but I love driving my GMC Canyon.