FJ vs 4 Runner?

[Archy Chris]

I have two buddies that own 4 Runners and I have spent my fair share in these over the last 5 years. But I tell you I like my FJ better. You need to test drive them both and make up your own mind. Good luck!

[timbo2]

My 03 4Runner had the 4.7L V8, and with a K&N airfilter I was getting 24mpg hyway. (As long as I kept my foot out of it)

[Air2air]

Crozhawk's 4runner was the star in Death Valley last weekend. Most impressively, he kept up with me on the highway as we approached 100. The other FJ's were miles back. The 4.7 V8 is not kidding around. It is a great looking car too. If you travel with more than two passengers I would do the 4runner instead of the FJ without question.




My average mileage on this trip, including highway, was 9.1.

[bulldog]

Let me give you the short version. First the FJC, 4Runner and Land Cruiser Prado 120 has the platform (the new Tacoma leverages some of it). And various components can be interchanged between them, thus if you plan on modding or changing one you can take on the characteristics of the other if you want.

However lets look at them out of the box.

If you don't want the V8 4Runner the differences will be the following.

The V6 4Runner 4WD can be run in 2WD, 4WD high full time with torsen diff, 4WD Lo as well. The center diff can be locked on command in both 4Hi and 4Lo, which means you can run 4Lo with open center diff. All of this is controlled by buttons, no shifter.

The FJC manual has 4Hi with center diff, thus full time, 4Hi lock and 4Lo lock. The FJC auto has 2wd, 4Hi lock, 4 Lo Lock.

The 4Runner has DAC which allows slow downhill in technical terrain, really useful in long rutted low traction downhill section, useless in really slow technical rock terrain.

Both the V6 4Runner and Auto FJC weighs the same. Gas mileage is about the same for all of them as well.

The 4Runner comes with thicker swaybars, (optional XREAS suspension) and is slightly lower with lower profile tires (31" tires). Thus on road handling is quite a bit better than the FJC. The FJC however have slightly longer rear shocks and with the thinner swaybars it is more flexy offroad.

The FJC can be had with a rear locker (no option on the 4Runner) and also ATRAC can be optioned. The ATRAC on the FJC is more aggressive, but can only be engaged in 4Lo. The ATRAC on the 4RUnner is slightly less aggressive and comes standard. Cheap fix on the FJC though. Thus traction aids out of the box the FJC has an advantage.

The FJC comes standard with 32 tires, and also is slightly taller with more ground clearance. It has shorter overhangs, especially the back. It also has 4" less wheelbase with a sculpted fuel tank for better breakover angle. It carries 4 gallons less gas though. So in all clearances it is better for offraod.

The 4Runner interior is nicer and can be had with leather. The FJC is more practical for dirty offroad work, with washable seats and floor. The FJC also tends to be a bit cheaper, but you can get good deals on both nowadays.

So besides the obvious body difference and interior space, the 4Runner has the better package out of the box for on road and the FJC for offroad. Either one can be modified to be good on either terrian, but it takes more time and money with the 4RUnner for offroad, similar with the FJC for on road.

The FJC has an advantage in terms of aftermarket exterior addons (suspension/drivetrain is the same for both) like bumpers, slider, roofracks. However the 4Runner is pretty well supported these days.

If you plan to tow anything significant get the V8 4Runner, it has an integrated tow package with HD hitch, tranny cooler, trailer brakes plug in, etc. It will also tow much easier than the V6, especially the 05+ 4Runners with VVTi.

EDIT: Almost forgot. The 4Runner has tighter turning radius by quite a bit, even with the longer wheelbase. The FJC however has more wheelwell space, and combined with less steering angle can more easily fit larger tires.

[AZFJCRUZ'er]

I don't wheel alot because I use my quads to thrash on when I get out there. I will use the FJC off road from time to time but nothing super crazy as it is my daily driver. I'll use it to get back in when I hunt/fish/camp but won't romp it for the sake of romping it. That said, I bought it because of the cool look and it's ability to off road if I need it. Being a single guy with no kids, the answer for me was obvious. The FJC get's more attention and is just way funner to drive. My brother in law has the vvti V8 4runner sport. My god, that think goes. It'll cruicify you to the seat if you get after it. Gas mileage is not that much worse I hear than the FJC as the power to weight is excellent.

[07BlkDimd]

Both are excellent products, but I bought FJC because of its unique Ext/Int styling, much more fun to drive, and easy to take care than the 4-R. I think The 4.7 L v8 mpg is worsened than 5.7 L.

[oragon]

webshot previously said:

With gas at $4 a gallon are you sure about that?!

1. dont buy an suv if youre concerned about gas
2.i have a gx470 and a 4rnr v8, and i can swear that my fj's mpg is just as low. 16 mpg

[RocketJohn]

The room inside seems much larger in the FJC vs. the 4Runner... the floor to ceiling volume and the width inside both feel larger in the FJC vs. the 4Runner...

Other than the engine its hard to believe they are similar at all in the presentation inside and out in the two vehicles...

[chichid65]

Erik previously said:

I own a 2004 4Runner and a 2007 FJ. The 4Runner is more comfortable for family trips, thanks to its four doors and four windows that open (plus the rear window). The 4Runner also can fit larger cargo, so it gets the job if we're buying anything that comes in a big box.

Is there really alot more room for cargo? Just curious.

[chichid65]

Air2air previously said:

Crozhawk's 4runner was the star in Death Valley last weekend. Most impressively, he kept up with me on the highway as we approached 100. The other FJ's were miles back. The 4.7 V8 is not kidding around. It is a great looking car too. If you travel with more than two passengers I would do the 4runner instead of the FJ without question.




My average mileage on this trip, including highway, was 9.1.

Sweet looking 4runner!