Is a 4Runner for me?

[MOguy]

Well here's one

http://www.lowrangeoffroad.com/2003...lrfj4ru.html?gclid=CNuev_7M58UCFQeUfgodbY0Auw


"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

A little more work up front and you have to lower your skid plate but still pretty cool. And then the alignment thing.
If I was looking for a longer distance expedition vehicle and only moderate wheeling the 4Runner would probably be at the top of the list. If I was starting over and building a rig (even for harder off-roading) I would consider going with a 1985 or older 4 Runner.

 

[Dalko43]

Re read from the beginning and you will see he asked about the Jeep. from the first post "I feel the Jeep Rubicon or the 4Runner Trail would be about right."

I am not trying to get in a pissing match just stating the differences I have seen with two of the vehicles the OP had questions about.

His conversation since that first post has focused more on a 4Runner vs Subaru...so any misunderstanding may have resulted because we have entered this conversation at different points.

As for getting into a pissing match...I don't think a 4Runner is inherently "better" or "cooler" than a Jeep and vice versa. I think they each have their own set of pro's and con's...it all depends on what the owner is looking for in his/her vehicle.

And has been shown by other posters, the 4Runner lends itself very well to off-road modding. This is still a body-on-frame SUV we are talking about here, so adding in a lift for this vehicle is fairly easy to do.

 

[MOguy]

His conversation since that first post has focused more on a 4Runner vs Subaru...so any misunderstanding may have resulted because we have entered this conversation at different points.

As for getting into a pissing match...I don't think a 4Runner is inherently "better" or "cooler" than a Jeep and vice versa. I think they each have their own set of pro's and con's...it all depends on what the owner is looking for in his/her vehicle.

And has been shown by other posters, the 4Runner lends itself very well to off-road modding. This is still a body-on-frame SUV we are talking about here, so adding in a lift for this vehicle is fairly easy to do.

I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee and got rid of it and now have the 4Runner. I needed a tow vehicle for a lighter weight camper, and the Grand sucked and the Toyota is great. I am not a Jeep guy or a Toyota guy, each have their uses for me. I read through the post and the Subaru was brought up. I have no experience with a Subaru but I think it would it would be small.

 

[calicamper]

I had a Jeep Grand Cherokee and got rid of it and now have the 4Runner. I needed a tow vehicle for a lighter weight camper, and the Grand sucked and the Toyota is great. I am not a Jeep guy or a Toyota guy, each have their uses for me. I read through the post and the Subaru was brought up. I have no experience with a Subaru but I think it would it would be small.

The current OB is very similar to the 4runner in size, seating room is slightly better, handling is dramatically better, ride is better and mileage is superior, crash rating is superior. The only negative to the Subaru is rock crawling ability and towing ability. The Subaru tows well up to about 1800lbs my personal experience having towed with mine a bunch. No need to tow more than a light trailer and no need for rock crawling the OB is far superior. I had a 4runner I dont see any reason to have one unless I want a better built more reliable Jeep alternative then the 4runner would be my top choice. But going larger for more space I'd Rather have a wider more stable Landcruiser or Sequoia which I have owned also. Currently own the Sequoia. 4runner vs Sequoia? Id take the wider superior Sequoia every time.

 

[MOguy]

The current OB is very similar to the 4runner in size, seating room is slightly better, handling is dramatically better, ride is better and mileage is superior, crash rating is superior. The only negative to the Subaru is rock crawling ability and towing ability. The Subaru tows well up to about 1800lbs my personal experience having towed with mine a bunch. No need to tow more than a light trailer and no need for rock crawling the OB is far superior. I had a 4runner I dont see any reason to have one unless I want a better built more reliable Jeep alternative then the 4runner would be my top choice. But going larger for more space I'd Rather have a wider more stable Landcruiser or Sequoia which I have owned also. Currently own the Sequoia. 4runner vs Sequoia? Id take the wider superior Sequoia every time.

Land Cruisers are nice, but use more gas. I am not familiar with the other vehicles you mention. I have a 2500lb (dry weight) hybrid camper we tow with the 4Runner and it does a great job with that. Off-road the 4 runner is too low and just seems the underside and the top side are more vulnerable than the Jeep and too big for trails in my area. I don't feel comfortable beating on my 4Runner like I do on Jeep. But my Jeep isn't stock and my 4Runner is, that has allot to do with it.

 

[Dalko43]

Land Cruisers are nice, but use more gas. I am not familiar with the other vehicles you mention. I have a 2500lb (dry weight) hybrid camper we tow with the 4Runner and it does a great job with that. Off-road the 4 runner is too low and just seems the underside and the top side are more vulnerable than the Jeep and too big for trails in my area. I don't feel comfortable beating on my 4Runner like I do on Jeep. But my Jeep isn't stock and my 4Runner is, that has allot to do with it.

What generation 4runner do you have?

 

[calicamper]

Land Cruisers are nice, but use more gas. I am not familiar with the other vehicles you mention. I have a 2500lb (dry weight) hybrid camper we tow with the 4Runner and it does a great job with that. Off-road the 4 runner is too low and just seems the underside and the top side are more vulnerable than the Jeep and too big for trails in my area. I don't feel comfortable beating on my 4Runner like I do on Jeep. But my Jeep isn't stock and my 4Runner is, that has allot to do with it.

Sequoia is a bigger 4runner v8 engine etc. It gets very similar mileage as the 4runner better mileage when towing. Far superior in comfort and safety regarding high speed handling. In stock form its nearly as good as the 4runner in stock form. The 4runner is Toyotas Jeep lots of aftermarket stuf to be had. The Sequoia not so much.

 

[MOguy]

What generation 4runner do you have?

its a 2004 sprot V6 SR5

 

[MOguy]

I watched a few "off-road" videos. If off-roading is in the plans I would not consider the outback. I don't see how the OB would be contender with the Jeep or 4Runner after watching this video.

 

[Dalko43]

its a 2004 sprot V6 SR5

sprot? That v6 is a good engine. I drove it for a bit over the last few years. Nice and Torquey with still okay mpg.

And I understand now, why you have reservations about the off-road worthiness of the 4runner compared to that of the jeep. That 4th gen 4Runner definitely looked more like a car than a traditional SUV; despite its body-on-frame construction, it still sat relatively low to the ground. That generation definitely needs a good set of tires and a suspension upgrade to get them ready for the trails.

If you check out the newer 5th gen 4runners, you'll see that their ground clearance was increased. They still need a little work to make them trail ready, but they seem to have a lot more capability out of the box...the trail editions come with rear lockers too.

 

[calicamper]

I watched a few "off-road" videos. If off-roading is in the plans I would not consider the outback. I don't see how the OB would be contender with the Jeep or 4Runner after watching this video.

Lol you know that same hill stopped a few other "respected" 4x4 rigs farther down the slope. There are a few OB owners who #1 air down and #2 run AT tires vs the road tires that were on that car. I have had two Subarus owned a 4runner and a land cruiser the Subarus do just fine off road.

 

[toylandcruiser]

Lol you know that same hill stopped a few other "respected" 4x4 rigs farther down the slope. There are a few OB owners who #1 air down and #2 run AT tires vs the road tires that were on that car. I have had two Subarus owned a 4runner and a land cruiser the Subarus do just fine off road.

Eh maybe for your definition off off-road. Bit not mine.


"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized."

 

[BlackdogGS]

In stock form the Rubicon is the most capable vehicle off road but of course gives up some comfort, handling and mileage. The Subaru is low and with its great gas milage the most practical for light off road and street. At this time I'm leaning towards the 4Runner Trail. Having a locked rear axle makes a huge difference. The electric rear window is a big plus also.

Having spent most of my life driving modified 4X4's and trucks I'm sure a 4Runner will seem like a Cadillac. If I can get a realistic 20 mpg on the highway I'll be very pleased.

 

[deadbeat son]

In stock form the Rubicon is the most capable vehicle off road but of course gives up some comfort, handling and mileage. The Subaru is low and with its great gas milage the most practical for light off road and street. At this time I'm leaning towards the 4Runner Trail. Having a locked rear axle makes a huge difference. The electric rear window is a big plus also.

Having spent most of my life driving modified 4X4's and trucks I'm sure a 4Runner will seem like a Cadillac. If I can get a realistic 20 mpg on the highway I'll be very pleased.

Agreed on all accounts. Best of luck with your decision, enjoy!

 

[Laxaholic]

I had a landcruiser, I then had a subaru impreza....i now have a 4runner.

If i could do it all over again, I'd go back to the Subaru. They can do anything you want them to do, still provide a sporty ride on the road, and get great MPG compared to outdated 4x4 SUVs.
If you are looking for "hardcore offroad" like the guy above, then keep looking.

IF you want to go camping, and enjoy your time on the road. Get in a Subaru.