I have a 2003 4runner with the 4.7 V8 and l love it. However it's got 102k on it and l'm feeling the need to upgrade. So the question for me is to go with another new 4runner or give the new fj a chance. Biggest thing l'm afraid of is that the fj won't have enough room as we take a lot of road trips and we always need the space. We do alot of 4wheeling in Colorado and Moab so better ground clearance would be nice. In the past l've owned 5 4runners and 2 land cruisers so l'm ok with either one just wanted to get some input from you all...Thanks in advance:bigthumb:
NoPower
Drive both and make up your own mind...
They both share the same platform and most of their mechanical parts. So they should be comparable.
The manual FJ comes with a full-time 4wd. The trail edition 4runner is like the automatic FJ and comes with a part-time 4wd...
The FJ will obviously be smaller than the new 4runner, but will cost you less...
Like I said... Go try them out, only you can answer that question :bigthumb:
:cheers:
They both share the same platform and most of their mechanical parts. So they should be comparable.
The manual FJ comes with a full-time 4wd. The trail edition 4runner is like the automatic FJ and comes with a part-time 4wd...
The FJ will obviously be smaller than the new 4runner, but will cost you less...
Like I said... Go try them out, only you can answer that question :bigthumb:
:cheers:
How big is your family? If room is a concern, you may want to look closer at the 4 Runner. For 2 of us the FJ is fine Although when we go on a trip it's pretty much full.
thanks
Don
thanks
Don
I have both. I started with a 2006 Limited 4Runner V8 which my sweetie now drives. I drive the 2008 FJ TT. Here are some thoughts that might be helpful:
1. Room. The FJ is a few inches wider, and a few inches shorter. It feels more spacious to the driver. I am 6ft with wide shoulders, and for me the 4R now feels cramped. Because its a little wider, 3 people actually fit better in the back seat. However, the suicide doors are a little harder to deal with, so back seat passengers complain sometimes getting in or out. I think kids would have no problem.
2. Cargo space seems about the same with the seats down, but the FJ is actually a little less. The 4R is more convenient because the seats actually fold flat. The FJ will not give you a flat floor. As a practical matter, I have found the FJ easier to deal with for most cargo, mainly because the interior surfaces are more durable. I don't worry about scraping or tearing leather.
The cargo space behind the rear seats is definitely less. However, the roof rack works well. I also freqently use a hitch rack for family trips to carry excess luggage and making loading easier.
3. Off-road performance. The FJ runs circles around the 4R. No camparison. I can go places with the stock FJ I wouldn't even consider for the 4R. This is because of a combination of basic geometry (wider track, shorter wheelbase, better clearance) as well as the FJ Trail Teams extra features (A-Track, locker, etc).
4. Mods. There are almost no aftermarket parts for the 4R, but the FJ is a different story. Even in the last 2 years there has been an explosion of opportunities.
5. Ride and comfort. The FJ lacks the more genteel qualities of the 4R, like heated seats, full size nav system, heated mirrors, and so on. However, I have enjoyed the simplicity of the FJ. Feels more like a truck, and the ride is every bit as good. The ride off-road is amazing.
6. Performance. Once in a while you will notice you don't have quite as much power. The 4Rs V8 is great. Day by day though, I don't miss the 16mpg mileage. I routinely get 18-20mpg, even with the TT's options, and plenty of power for everything I need.
I know I haven't answered all the questions. Shoot me a PM if you have any more.
1. Room. The FJ is a few inches wider, and a few inches shorter. It feels more spacious to the driver. I am 6ft with wide shoulders, and for me the 4R now feels cramped. Because its a little wider, 3 people actually fit better in the back seat. However, the suicide doors are a little harder to deal with, so back seat passengers complain sometimes getting in or out. I think kids would have no problem.
2. Cargo space seems about the same with the seats down, but the FJ is actually a little less. The 4R is more convenient because the seats actually fold flat. The FJ will not give you a flat floor. As a practical matter, I have found the FJ easier to deal with for most cargo, mainly because the interior surfaces are more durable. I don't worry about scraping or tearing leather.
The cargo space behind the rear seats is definitely less. However, the roof rack works well. I also freqently use a hitch rack for family trips to carry excess luggage and making loading easier.
3. Off-road performance. The FJ runs circles around the 4R. No camparison. I can go places with the stock FJ I wouldn't even consider for the 4R. This is because of a combination of basic geometry (wider track, shorter wheelbase, better clearance) as well as the FJ Trail Teams extra features (A-Track, locker, etc).
4. Mods. There are almost no aftermarket parts for the 4R, but the FJ is a different story. Even in the last 2 years there has been an explosion of opportunities.
5. Ride and comfort. The FJ lacks the more genteel qualities of the 4R, like heated seats, full size nav system, heated mirrors, and so on. However, I have enjoyed the simplicity of the FJ. Feels more like a truck, and the ride is every bit as good. The ride off-road is amazing.
6. Performance. Once in a while you will notice you don't have quite as much power. The 4Rs V8 is great. Day by day though, I don't miss the 16mpg mileage. I routinely get 18-20mpg, even with the TT's options, and plenty of power for everything I need.
I know I haven't answered all the questions. Shoot me a PM if you have any more.
Hey FJD08SE thanks. That was what l was really looking for was somebody who owned both of them. Guess l should have put that in the title. Someone who posted earlier stated that the 4runner now comes with select 4x4 and thats great as l hate the all the time 4x4 in my 03 runner. As sugg. earlier l think l'm gonna test drive both of them tomorrow and go from there. I want the fj but the wife wants another runner:mecry: I hope l can sell her on the fj as she really likes to go offroad and as stated the fj will do much better at that:rocker: Thanks for the replies everyone:cheers:
What FJD08SE said is true, the backseat of the FJ is somewhat of a pain. I am a college student and frequently have friends ride places with me, they all fight over who gets "shotgun" due to the lack of rear seating space. If you are going to have children riding with you you shouldn't face any problems, my younger cousins fit in the back fine.
Cargo space, for me it's great. When I moved into my dorm last semester I brought everything with me. Golf clubs, tons of clothes, 32" TV, speakers, everything! All fit fine with the seats down.
Hope this helps some what. :bigthumb:
-Alex
Cargo space, for me it's great. When I moved into my dorm last semester I brought everything with me. Golf clubs, tons of clothes, 32" TV, speakers, everything! All fit fine with the seats down.
Hope this helps some what. :bigthumb:
-Alex
I drive a 4runner for about 8hours a week.
4Runner definitely has more room. It is also longer, and on the trails that can be a pain with a bunch of tight turns.
Aftermarket is way better for FJ as well.
4Runner definitely has more room. It is also longer, and on the trails that can be a pain with a bunch of tight turns.
Aftermarket is way better for FJ as well.
I myself have the 08 TT and i love it..
I do want to get the wife the new 4runner though, it is bad arse and the new trail edition is just as capable as the fj.. The whole styling is different, looks like they're going back to their roots and just looks tougher.. Trail edition has a ton of new 4x4 technology. Saw the sr5, trail and limited at the seattle auto show. They were all nice. I like the party mode button and the pull out table in the rear, was really sturdy.
I do want to get the wife the new 4runner though, it is bad arse and the new trail edition is just as capable as the fj.. The whole styling is different, looks like they're going back to their roots and just looks tougher.. Trail edition has a ton of new 4x4 technology. Saw the sr5, trail and limited at the seattle auto show. They were all nice. I like the party mode button and the pull out table in the rear, was really sturdy.
This is an FJ forum... so I have to tell you to buy an FJ and use the money you saved to build a really bad a$$ FJ.
The 4runner start at $32k with a v6? This seems like apples and oranges to me. No way would I trail a 2010 4runner... if I had a family and wasn't going to offroad the vehicle... I wouldn't even be considering an FJ. That's my 2cents.
The 4runner start at $32k with a v6? This seems like apples and oranges to me. No way would I trail a 2010 4runner... if I had a family and wasn't going to offroad the vehicle... I wouldn't even be considering an FJ. That's my 2cents.
If you get a FJ the only diff in the TT and basic offroad FJ is color--for around 10 grand more..most opt to get a basic offroad Package Fj and mod it from there..skid plates suck on stock unit and there is alot you would probly end up removing and replacing anyways..my 2
Search on expeditionportal.com and toyota120.com as well. Every conceivable aftermarket component that is available for an FJ is also available for a 4runner, you just need to a little research.
If we're talking strictly off-road performance the FJ has a slight edge stock as it has slightly bigger tires and a rear locker. But the FJ also has a worse turning radius and terrible outward visability.
If you will be modding it, they are equally capable. Just pick the one that fits your needs.
If we're talking strictly off-road performance the FJ has a slight edge stock as it has slightly bigger tires and a rear locker. But the FJ also has a worse turning radius and terrible outward visability.
If you will be modding it, they are equally capable. Just pick the one that fits your needs.
Congrats NoPower...
I was gonna Say...I have the new FJ....Bought the wife her 4th new 4runner. The 2010 4R is bad a$$. I think it has been great on the road got 1500 mile on it now. The FJ to me is so nimble and is way funner to drive even though I just got i and only have 250 miles on it.
You'll love the FJ!
I was gonna Say...I have the new FJ....Bought the wife her 4th new 4runner. The 2010 4R is bad a$$. I think it has been great on the road got 1500 mile on it now. The FJ to me is so nimble and is way funner to drive even though I just got i and only have 250 miles on it.
You'll love the FJ!
Wanted to comment... The 2010 FJ and new fifth gen 4 runner are built on the same platform so they share LOTS.
I too was debating whether to buy a 4Runner or the FJ, I took them both off-road and the FJ felt as if I was driving on a small hill, the 4Runner felt as if it was climbing a mountain with its excess weight. If off-roading is your main hobby, FJ would be the better choice that will not leave you stranded anywhere!
Hi,
I saw this post and had to reply. I know this is a FJ forum but I had to put in my 2 cents. I live in Colorado and in the mountains in the Rollinsville area. I drive the mountains every day. I 4 wheel places all over the place day to day. My best friend, neighbor and partner in crime drives an FJ and I drive a V8 T4R. The claims here that the FJ is better off road are just bull. I go every where he goes and vice versa. We both have got stuck in the snow and mud and have had to break out everything from a shovel to breaking a winch to a manual cum-a-long. We have put thousands of miles over passes up steep terrain and both of us have stock vehicles with the exception of tires and we both run toyo m/t's.
I will tell you pros and cons of each, and again as far as off road ability they are completely equal. If you want to go aftermarket, everything from Demello off road, Slee, ARB, they have anything you want to do to an FJ or the T4R.
First off the visibility out of the FJ just plain sucks, navigating a steep incline and trying watch down your front bumper and keeping an eye on your friend who is spotting you across you shoulder so you don't slide into a 6 ft boulder is so aggravating. Next is camping: when we park, build a fire and pull out all the gear and secure the food then throw a couple sleeping bags in the back to get some sleep it really bugs me that my feet hang out into the cold since they could not engineer the length for someone to be able to crash in the back of AN OFF ROAD vehicle, the flip side the 4 runner your feet hit the tail gate closed, and btw I am 5'11". As far is being a little more outdoor proof/rugged the FJ wins, especially with sliders and rubber mats inside. The T4R is not quit made to take the abuse. The FJ also comes with sliders which are ESSENTIAL off road. The first time I was out on some nasty trail I squished the mall cruising floor boards up like a tin can. I could have saved some serious cash by pulling them selling them to some soccer mom and having some kick a$$ sliders built by Slee.
On the road or highway the V8 just plain kicks rear end sideways. The torque blows the V6 out of the water, so if you have to tow once in a blue moon the T4R is the way to go with the V8 and if you like to get into it once in a while with the little shredders with the WRX's you will eat them alive.
All in all I think the T4R is a little bit more versatile but it also comes with a higher price tag and on top of that yo need to do some aftermarket mods to make it as rugged as the FJ like sliders, so the FJ wins out on the bang for buck.
I saw this post and had to reply. I know this is a FJ forum but I had to put in my 2 cents. I live in Colorado and in the mountains in the Rollinsville area. I drive the mountains every day. I 4 wheel places all over the place day to day. My best friend, neighbor and partner in crime drives an FJ and I drive a V8 T4R. The claims here that the FJ is better off road are just bull. I go every where he goes and vice versa. We both have got stuck in the snow and mud and have had to break out everything from a shovel to breaking a winch to a manual cum-a-long. We have put thousands of miles over passes up steep terrain and both of us have stock vehicles with the exception of tires and we both run toyo m/t's.
I will tell you pros and cons of each, and again as far as off road ability they are completely equal. If you want to go aftermarket, everything from Demello off road, Slee, ARB, they have anything you want to do to an FJ or the T4R.
First off the visibility out of the FJ just plain sucks, navigating a steep incline and trying watch down your front bumper and keeping an eye on your friend who is spotting you across you shoulder so you don't slide into a 6 ft boulder is so aggravating. Next is camping: when we park, build a fire and pull out all the gear and secure the food then throw a couple sleeping bags in the back to get some sleep it really bugs me that my feet hang out into the cold since they could not engineer the length for someone to be able to crash in the back of AN OFF ROAD vehicle, the flip side the 4 runner your feet hit the tail gate closed, and btw I am 5'11". As far is being a little more outdoor proof/rugged the FJ wins, especially with sliders and rubber mats inside. The T4R is not quit made to take the abuse. The FJ also comes with sliders which are ESSENTIAL off road. The first time I was out on some nasty trail I squished the mall cruising floor boards up like a tin can. I could have saved some serious cash by pulling them selling them to some soccer mom and having some kick a$$ sliders built by Slee.
On the road or highway the V8 just plain kicks rear end sideways. The torque blows the V6 out of the water, so if you have to tow once in a blue moon the T4R is the way to go with the V8 and if you like to get into it once in a while with the little shredders with the WRX's you will eat them alive.
All in all I think the T4R is a little bit more versatile but it also comes with a higher price tag and on top of that yo need to do some aftermarket mods to make it as rugged as the FJ like sliders, so the FJ wins out on the bang for buck.
^ your experience is probably true... However, they don't make a v8 runner anymore. And a trail edition 4runner is not worth $10k more than an FJ... unless you need the room and can't backup a FJ.
Appreciate your insight though. I would love to have a v8 4runner as my second vehicle. :cheers:
Appreciate your insight though. I would love to have a v8 4runner as my second vehicle. :cheers:
Forgive me for bringing up and old thread, but I just have to express my disappointment in the Fj cruiser on its 4wd system. I own both a 07 Fj and a 07 4runner v6 and these are what I am comparing. To me the fun in 4wheeling is you start out in 2wd and go till you need the next tool in the truck. Which would be 4wd, or in the fj rearlocker. The 4runners system goes to 3 open diff 4wd, then to center diff lock all with trac control a less agressive one than the Fj per Hearsay. The Fj has just the standard 4wd system with the addition of atrac and a rear locker. The dissapointmet is I find the open 3 diffs on the 4runner to a more valuable tool than just the fjs standard 4wd. I know that when center diff is locked it is the same as a standard 4wd, but when open and vsc off it rocks. Cause there is absolute no unneccesary drive train wind up pressure. Of coarse the Fj has a rear locker but when not used properly it can destroy drive train too. Also the locker can get you alot further but it is only used for a brief moment at a time. Comparing these two I would prefer the 4runner over the fj based off this info and you can have 6 windows open to enjoy the views of wheeling when they are there. Now to look at the new 4runners hands down with its tools available beats the FJ by far. Fjs are cool and a great concept but the 4runner represents toyota better in the offroad world to me.
I'm guessing a good bit of your 'wheeling' is just dirt roads? You should be in 4LO with that ATRAC button down when wheeling. There is no fun in giving it a go in 2WD. that is how chit breaks.
It really is all about the locker though. Will outwheel most any other FJ or 4Runner that doesnt have one.
It really is all about the locker though. Will outwheel most any other FJ or 4Runner that doesnt have one.
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