Electric Cars

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner and Jeep Grand Cherokee, both prominent mid-size SUVs, offer distinct experiences for car enthusiasts. While the 4Runner has undergone a complete redesign, emphasizing a robust truck-like foundation and advanced powertrains, the Grand Cherokee continues its legacy of refined road performance and luxurious interiors. This comparison delves into their primary differences, examining their platforms, engine options, and interior designs to help prospective buyers make an informed decision based on their driving priorities.

The choice between the 2025 Toyota 4Runner and the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee comes down to whether one values rugged, off-road capability or smooth, on-road comfort. The 4Runner's new body-on-frame construction and advanced hybrid powertrain position it as a formidable contender for adventurous terrain. Conversely, the Grand Cherokee's unibody design, varied engine offerings, and upscale interior cater to those seeking a more refined daily driving experience with premium features. Both vehicles excel in their respective niches, offering compelling attributes for different types of drivers and their automotive needs.

Foundation and Construction: Truck-Like Toughness vs. Road-Oriented Refinement

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is built on the robust TNGA-F global truck platform, a ladder-frame chassis also used in models like the Tundra and Tacoma. This engineering choice significantly enhances its durability, off-road prowess, and structural integrity, making it ideal for challenging terrains and heavy-duty use. The platform's design focuses on maximizing ruggedness and capability, ensuring the 4Runner maintains its reputation as a go-anywhere vehicle. This strong foundation is a key differentiator, providing a sturdy base for its redesigned suspension and improved rigidity.

In contrast, the 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee utilizes a unibody architecture, which prioritizes a smoother and quieter ride on paved roads. This design offers superior cabin isolation and enhanced handling dynamics, making it well-suited for daily commutes and longer highway journeys. While the Grand Cherokee still offers impressive off-road capabilities, particularly with its specialized Trailhawk trims and Quadra-Drive II 4x4 systems, its fundamental construction leans towards a more car-like driving experience. This difference in underlying structure directly impacts how each vehicle performs and feels in various driving conditions, catering to distinct consumer preferences.

Powertrain Diversity: Turbocharged Hybrid Power vs. Flexible Engine Choices

Toyota has revolutionized the 4Runner's powertrain by replacing its traditional V6 with a more efficient 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, generating 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. This is complemented by an available i-Force Max hybrid system, which boosts output to 326 horsepower and an impressive 465 pound-feet of torque. This hybrid option not only enhances performance but also improves towing capacity, providing a modern and powerful solution for various driving demands. The shift reflects Toyota's commitment to combining robust power with improved fuel efficiency.

The 2025 Jeep Grand Cherokee continues to offer a broader range of engine options to suit diverse needs. Its standard 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 delivers a respectable 293 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. For those seeking greater power and efficiency, the Grand Cherokee 4xe plug-in hybrid stands out with 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, making it the most potent option between the two SUVs. The 4xe also provides the added benefit of electric-only driving for short distances, offering a significant advantage in fuel economy and environmental performance compared to any 4Runner configuration.

BMW's E90 series M3, known for its distinctive 4.0-liter V8 engine, is becoming remarkably accessible in the used car market. Enthusiasts are now finding these high-performance machines, once symbols of luxury and speed, listed for sale at prices comparable to new entry-level vehicles. However, prospective owners are strongly advised to consider the substantial upkeep expenses that accompany this powerful, older model, as these costs can rapidly eclipse the initial bargain price.

A Deep Dive into the E90 M3's Market and Maintenance Landscape

In the mid-2000s, BMW introduced a significant departure from its M3 lineage with the E90 (sedan), E92 (coupe), and E93 (convertible) variants. These models were equipped with the S65, a high-revving 4.0-liter V8 engine, a notable shift from the inline six-cylinder engines that traditionally powered the M3. This innovative V8 not only redefined the M3's driving dynamics but also elevated its straight-line acceleration to thrilling levels. This generation also marked the final appearance of the M3 badge on a convertible or coupe before the introduction of the M4, and it was the last M3 to feature a naturally aspirated engine. These unique attributes contribute to its special status among automotive aficionados.

Remarkably, the market value of these distinguished E90/E92/E93 models has seen a considerable decline. Recent sales data from platforms like Cars & Bids indicate that some units have been acquired for less than $20,000, with one 2010 M3 Convertible fetching a mere $12,720, albeit with previously sustained damage. Many other examples have sold for similar figures, often with some imperfections. A well-maintained 2010 coupe recently sold for $22,027, closely aligning with Kelley Blue Book's fair purchase price. This might seem like an incredible deal for such a potent and luxurious automobile. However, the initial purchase price is merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to owning an older BMW performance car.

A critical and recurring maintenance concern for this generation of M3s is the potential failure of rod bearings. This issue is also prevalent in the related S85 V10 engine found in contemporary BMW M5 and M6 models. Repairing or proactively replacing these components can be a costly endeavor, with some estimates reaching up to $4,500. Experts recommend performing this preventative maintenance approximately every 70,000 miles. Many E90 M3s available at lower price points have already undergone this crucial service. Nevertheless, it's an expense that every prospective owner should factor into their budget.

Beyond major component replacements, the cumulative costs of routine maintenance can also escalate rapidly. An owner of a 2011 M3 with over 100,000 miles recently disclosed a service bill nearing $12,000, encompassing both standard procedures like brake pad replacements and less common repairs. These significant upkeep expenses are typical for high-mileage V8-powered M3s and can, over time, exceed the vehicle's original acquisition cost.

The 4.0-liter V8 engine in the E90 M3 delivers an impressive 414 horsepower and 295 lb-ft of torque. This powertrain enabled the M3 to accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in approximately 4.5 seconds, aided by an exhilarating 8,400 rpm redline. Buyers had the option of a six-speed manual transmission or a more advanced seven-speed dual-clutch automatic, available across all body styles. The dual-clutch transmission was a notable improvement over the earlier E46 M3's sequential manual gearbox.

Historically, M3s were exclusively rear-wheel drive, offering no all-wheel-drive alternative. Managing the immense power delivered through only two wheels could be challenging, but it was an integral part of the E90's engaging driving experience. Its more compact dimensions compared to today's M4 further enhanced its dynamic appeal.

The E90 series M3 remains the sole V8-powered M3 ever produced by BMW, and it is highly likely to retain this unique distinction, excluding the extremely limited E46 M3 GTR road version. While these vehicles hold a cherished position among enthusiasts, their acquisition affordability comes with the caveat of potentially high operating costs. Therefore, anyone considering purchasing one should be prepared for the financial commitment involved in maintaining this iconic piece of automotive history.

The E90 BMW M3 stands as a testament to a unique era of automotive engineering, offering exhilarating performance rooted in its high-revving V8 engine. While its current market accessibility makes it an enticing prospect for many, the narrative of this vehicle is a potent reminder that passion for performance must be tempered with pragmatic considerations for upkeep. This model exemplifies the adage that true ownership extends far beyond the initial purchase, particularly when it comes to maintaining a classic that demands respect for its intricate engineering and a readiness for its specific service needs. It serves as a compelling case study for enthusiasts to meticulously balance desire with responsibility.