2017 Toyota 4Runner vs 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee vs 2017 Ford Explorer
Reliability Side-by-Side
Cost of Ownership
| Line Item | 2017 Toyota 4Runner | 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee | 2017 Ford Explorer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Maintenance | — | — | — |
| Moderate Repairs | — | — | — |
| MPG (City/Hwy) | 17 / 21 | 19 / 26 | 17 / 24 |
| MSRP (New) | $33,970 | $30,395 | $31,990 |
Major-failure risk and insurance outlook for each vehicle are in their full reliability reports.
Biggest Risks on Each
2017 Toyota 4Runner
Engine & drivetrain
Electronics & infotainment
Wear items (brakes, suspension)
Specific failure patterns, mileages, and repair costs unlock with the full reliability report.
2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee
Engine & drivetrain
Electronics & infotainment
Wear items (brakes, suspension)
Specific failure patterns, mileages, and repair costs unlock with the full reliability report.
2017 Ford Explorer
Engine & drivetrain
Electronics & infotainment
Wear items (brakes, suspension)
Specific failure patterns, mileages, and repair costs unlock with the full reliability report.
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Editorial Take
The 2017 Toyota 4Runner, 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee, and 2017 Ford Explorer are frequently cross-shopped because they sit in the same midsize SUV price band and can be configured for family duty, light towing, and year-round weather capability. The 4Runner tends to attract buyers who prioritize durability, body-on-frame toughness, and strong resale value over fuel economy and on-road refinement. The Grand Cherokee is a common pick for shoppers who want a more premium feel and strong powertrain choices (including V8), while still offering legitimate 4WD systems. The Explorer is often the default family choice thanks to available three-row seating, easy road manners, and strong turbocharged V6 performance in Sport trims. Key decision factors usually come down to seating needs (2-row vs 3-row), off-road capability, ride/handling comfort, powertrain preference, and long-term ownership costs. HEAD-TO-
Reliability & Common Issues
2017 Toyota 4Runner (common issues) - Brake/rotor wear and brake pulsation complaints can show up earlier than expected on some vehicles, especially with frequent towing or mountain driving (often noticed around 30,000–60,000 miles). - Suspension wear items (front shocks/struts, sway bar links, bushings) can start to clunk with age and mileage, particularly on rough-road use (commonly 70,000+ miles). - Occasional interior rattles and infotainment/USB connectivity glitches; more annoyance than failure, but it’s a recurring owner complaint. 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee (common issues) - Air suspension (Quadra-Lift) problems on equipped models: compressor failure, leaks, or height sensor issues leading to sagging or warning lights, more common as miles climb (often 60,000–100,000 miles). - Electrical/electronics faults: Uconnect screen issues, intermittent camera/sensor faults, and “service” warnings that can be difficult to diagnose; can appear at various mileages. - 8-speed transmission behavior complaints (harsh shifts or hesitation) on some vehicles; sometimes improved with software updates, but persistent cases occur. 2017 Ford Explorer (common issues) - Water pump failure risk on the 3.5L V6 (and related coolant leaks). Because it’s internally mounted, failure can be expensive and can lead to overheating if not caught early; failures often reported in the 70,000–120,000 mile range. - PTU (power transfer unit) and AWD system fluid overheating/maintenance neglect can lead to failures on some AWD models, particularly with heavy loads or infrequent fluid service (commonly 60,000–120,000 miles). - Turbo-related maintenance sensitivity on EcoBoost models (spark plugs, coils, carbon buildup patterns vary by use); not universal, but costs can rise if maintenance is deferred.
Value & Cost of Ownership
New pricing overlapped heavily in 2017, but real-world ownership costs diverge. The 4Runner’s fuel economy is the weakest (17/21 mpg), yet it often offsets that with strong resale value and generally lower surprise repair frequency. Used prices tend to remain high for the 4Runner even at 7–10 years old, so you may pay more up front on the used market but often lose less at resale. The Grand Cherokee can be a strong used buy because depreciation is typically steeper than the 4Runner, meaning you may get more features for the money. However, operating costs can swing widely: V8 models and air-suspension-equipped trims can carry higher maintenance and repair risk as they age, and insurance can be higher on SRT and higher-output trims. The EcoDiesel can offer excellent highway economy, but emissions-related components and diesel-specific maintenance can increase long-term complexity. The Explorer usually offers good value for families because the three-row packaging is hard to match dollar-for-dollar, and used prices are often reasonable versus a similar-year 4Runner. Insurance is typically moderate, but AWD/PTU upkeep and the 3.5L V6 water pump risk can materially affect long-term costs if you plan to keep it past 100,000 miles. Resale value is generally good but not as strong as the 4Runner’s, especially in lower trims.
Editorial Verdict
Best for families: 2017 Ford Explorer. If you routinely need a usable third row and want strong cargo flexibility (about 21 cu ft behind the third row and around 81 cu ft max), the Explorer is the most practical choice, and the 2.3L EcoBoost is a smart balance of torque and efficiency. Best for commuters: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee V6 (2WD if you don’t need 4WD). With up to about 19/26 mpg on the V6, an 8-speed that keeps revs low on the highway, and a quieter, more refined ride than the 4Runner, it’s the easiest daily driver here. If you can find a well-maintained EcoDiesel, it can be an even better highway commuter on fuel economy, with added complexity. Best for enthusiasts: 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT for outright performance (475 hp and typically low-4-second 0–60), or 2017 Ford Explorer Sport for a quicker, more family-friendly sleeper (365 hp and mid-5-second 0–60) with three rows. The 4Runner is the enthusiast pick only if the enthusiasm is for trails, overlanding, and long-term ruggedness rather than speed. Best value overall: 2017 Toyota 4Runner for long-term ownership and resale stability, especially if you keep vehicles a long time and want fewer headaches. If your “value” definition is maximum features for the money on the used market and you’re comfortable budgeting for potential repairs, a carefully vetted 2017 Grand Cherokee V6 can be a strong second-place value buy.
Parts & Accessories for These Vehicles
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