Quote:
As far as I'm concerned the KK is in a class by itself. What other vehicle that size can get 20mpg on the highway(real numbers) and be able to tow 5k. None!
The 4Runner and the FJ Cruiser both average 20mpg and can tow 5000lbs. It's more like 19 city and 22 highway, real world. And they're both as capable as a KJ or KK. The 4Runner suffers in turning radius and is a little to posh for my tastes, and the FJC is too goofy looking, but all four of these vehicles are equally capable. The FJC is the best off-roader of the bunch stock, but still it's a close call between all four. The Toyotas, though, get better gas mileage and have much more get up & go. The drivetrain in the KJ/KK is always described as "adequate, but nothing exciting." I'll vouch for this. My '06 KJ Renegade is kinda wimpy both on acceleration to highway speed and on torque. I blame the auto tranny more than the engine. My 4.0L Tacoma feels like a race car compared to the KJ. The Tacoma gets 20mpg average. The KJ gets 16.5 average. I understand they re-programmed the tranny for the KK to improve torque and correct the shift points. They also increased mileage by decreasing rolling resistance, bettering aerodynamics, and through reprogramming the tranny.
Disclaimer - I love Jeeps and am new to Toyota stuff. I'm very happy with my Tacoma, but I still plan to replace the KJ with a KK once the phoenix engines are dropped into them in '10 or '11. I'm just trying to provide some objective feedback.