Ha! Of course I'm XJ-biased, I do think they're the best budget-wheeler available today...
But my criticism was just about this particular XJ build, compared to this particular Yota build, compared to this particular Ford build.
I think the budget priorities on the XJ were spot-on: A mild lift, cheap basic armor, inexpensive retread mud tires, and a couple lunchbox lockers. That's how you wheel cheap.
Compared to the FZJ, where they blew most of their cash on chromo axles they didn't need, then (realizing the street tires and open diffs were gonna leave em stuck) spent the rest on a winch.
Compared to the Ford, worst of all. Buy a neglected, 35 year old truck for $1200. Fix NOTHING. Bolt on $2600 in wheels n tires the rig can't handle anyway. Think you're a wheeler.
So yes, I think the XJ build was miles ahead of the others. But to answer your question (finally!): Yes again. If the same quality build was applied to the yota, and the hack job was done to the jeep, I would definitely recognize which was better done.
I'm brand-loyal, not delusional.
