Comparison of Jeep Grand Cherokee and Toyota Land Cruiser

“The cooler the jeep, the farther to run after the tractor,” modern motorists joke. Whether there is some truth in this joke, in fact, it directly depends on what kind of SUV you drive. Today the market is full of tempting offers. But if you are looking for a car with a respectable appearance, which is easy to operate and excellent cross-country ability (it can easily "jump" on any curb, behaves well in snowfall and on a country road after rain), then dealers will probably advise you on choice of two running models: Grand Cherokee or Prado. But which of these machines is better?

"Trick" in cross-country ability

The mid-size SUV Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is the brainchild of a large Japanese concern of the same name. Toyota introduced the first Prado models back in 1987. Then the "chip" of this model was a high cross-country ability. Surprisingly, it is achieved with the ease of handling inherent in sedans. Then it was possible to purchase three-door and five-door Prado, equipped with both diesel and gasoline engines.

The model has gained well-deserved popularity and fit into the corresponding segment of the global automotive market. Nine years later, Toyota released the second generation Prado. It was followed by the third ... The most recent version was released in 2014.

"Dashing" glory

Jeep Grand Cherokee is a US native. This car is considered not only the best project of the Chrysler manufacturing company, but also bears the title of the most beautiful SUV in the world. Cherokee was released in 1992.

In the nineties, this car acquired the corresponding "dashing" fame in our area. But not only the "new Russians" showed interest in the SUV. Over five years, one and a half million cars were bought, which emphasizes the prohibitive popularity of the model in the world. By the way, even today Cherokee is not inferior to competitors in its segment leadership.

Armored car against the riddle

Of course, when there is a choice of Prado or Grand Cherokee, appearance plays an important role. Jeep Grand Cherokee, like a real Yankee, looks very confident and even a little aggressive. Such a man! The car looks like a slightly smaller armored car. Against its background, the Prado looks a little slimmer - due to the height, the body seems to be slightly narrowed. But the car is a status car and with some kind of mystery. It seems that only a special person can manage it. Remember, for example, what the devil "wears"? ... And what, following this logic, does he drive?

Case "Price"

Let's talk about prices. The cost of the base model Jeep Grand Cherokee starts at two million rubles. The minimum price tag for the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado is 2.4 million rubles.

Expensive salon

Let's see how much comfort the manufacturers cared about when equipping the Cherokee and Prado saloons. So, what will please the Grand? Here, high-quality, expensive materials were used for decoration. Wood inserts add richness to the interior. There are plastic parts, but they are completely in harmony with the general idea. Overall, the Jeep is ergonomic. The driver's seat and passenger seats are easily adjusted "for you". You can quickly understand the electronic control system, everything is very accessible. The only thing that spoils the overall impression is the massive and high threshold.

Off road reality

When you find yourself inside the Prado, at first it may seem that you are in the passenger compartment - almost everything is here without bulky elements. But take a look at the torpedo - it will quickly bring you back to reality. The dashboard is massive and protrudes forward, leaving no doubt about the reliability and passability of Toyota.

Possesses a vehicle and an appropriate off-road (high) seating position. Due to the fact that the manufacturer did not skimp on glazing, the car got excellent visibility (better than in Cherokee). Finishing materials are also quite good, although not as expensive as in Grande. There is also a more sophisticated control system (buttons are scattered), and it will take more time to figure it out.

Go!

And how do the discussed models behave on the way? The Jeep Grand Cherokee does not differ in the temperament of an adrenaline-driven driver, but for an SUV it has quite decent dynamics. The automatic machine works smoothly, smoothly, without "jerking" and endows the car with the maximum competitive qualities required in any driving situation. Grand on the straight line is very calm and stable, although sometimes it is not agile enough when cornering.

Bent equanimity

But what about the Prado? This car is also calm. Motorists say that Toyota runs like clockwork on the road. The car accurately responds to control commands, and on the track, the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado becomes generally unperturbed. Although the machine, admittedly, works more rudely. And the car rolls when braking and cornering.

Test drive of the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado car:

Surprise under the bottom

To be honest, there are surprises under the bottom. In particular, the Jeep can unpleasantly surprise. The bottom of the "Yankee" is covered only with ... plastic, which is very easy to "lose" while driving on the road. Although, it must be admitted that the distribution box is located high, and the levers and wiring look very solid.

In Toyota, the units on the bottom, on the other hand, are well protected by metal sheets. And they are also located so that there is a lot of "emptiness" and the car simply has nothing to cling to obstacles with.

Test drive Jeep Grand Cherokee:

How feelings flare up

So what do we have? Two excellent "rogues". Of course, the stable and balanced Prado beckons, which has entered a new stage of development, is distinguished by good driving qualities, cross-country ability and a good interior. But the long-standing love of Russians and Cherokee is a special topic. And now, when the car has appeared in a new guise, with a luxurious interior and boasts an arsenal of driving "gadgets", feelings flare up in a new way.

Who will win this battle of the titans - Grand Cherokee or Toyota Prado? Time will judge.

Our reference

Jeep grand cherokee

Pros: Good build quality. Feeling of high cost in the cabin. Complete "understanding" with the driver and excellent behavior on the road. Good off-road conditions.

Minuses: Meager underbody protection, modest design of the center console.

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado

Pros: Spacious, comfortable interior. Excellent behavior on roads with different surfaces. Competent underbody protection. It will pass even where there is no road as such.

Minuses: The price is higher than the price of the Jeep Grand Cherokee. The model is popular with hijackers.