2009 Trail Edition Package 4Runner

[haven]

A quick comparison of the Trail Edition with the big brother Land Cruiser shows some interesting details.

The two SUVs have much in common. They share vehicle stability control, ATRAC, ABS, Hill start control, and tire pressure monitoring. Land Cruiser is taller by 5 inches and longer by 6 inches, but interior room for cargo is about the same. The Cruiser has a tire that is about 1 inch taller, but it has slightly less ground clearance than the 4Runner.

The Cruiser is 1200 lbs heavier. With its big V8 and 6 speed auto trans, the Cruiser has 3500 lbs more towing capacity. The Cruiser adds a Dynamic Suspension System from an Australian company named Kinetic Systems to improve ride over rough terrain. And it has Crawl Control, sort of a low speed cruise control. The Cruiser has manual locking front and rear differentials, while the 4Runner has rear locker only.

4Runner has part-time 4x4, slightly better departure angle, 2 mpg better fuel consumption, and Bilstein shocks.

All things being equal, the Land Cruiser is more desirable. However, you can buy two 4Runners for the cost of one Cruiser. So the 4Runner wins this comparison.

But does the 4Runner win when compared to the four door Wrangler Rubicon?

Chip Haven

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

A quick comparison of the Trail Edition with the big brother Land Cruiser shows some interesting details.

The two SUVs have much in common. They share vehicle stability control, ATRAC, ABS, Hill start control, and tire pressure monitoring. Land Cruiser is taller by 5 inches and longer by 6 inches, but interior room for cargo is about the same. The Cruiser has a tire that is about 1 inch taller, but it has slightly less ground clearance than the 4Runner.

The Cruiser is 1200 lbs heavier. With its big V8 and 6 speed auto trans, the Cruiser has 3500 lbs more towing capacity. The Cruiser adds a Dynamic Suspension System from an Australian company named Kinetic Systems to improve ride over rough terrain. And it has Crawl Control, sort of a low speed cruise control. The Cruiser has manual locking front and rear differentials, while the 4Runner has rear locker only.

4Runner has part-time 4x4, slightly better departure angle, 2 mpg better fuel consumption, and Bilstein shocks.

All things being equal, the Land Cruiser is more desirable. However, you can buy two 4Runners for the cost of one Cruiser. So the 4Runner wins this comparison.

But does the 4Runner win when compared to the four door Wrangler Rubicon?

Chip Haven

You can't base a comparison strictly on these figures. If you actually compare the two, there are big differences. The interior of the LC is MUCH larger for instance.
KDSS is no small feature, and the innovative crawl features as well.
I think the 200 only has a center diff lock, not manual locking fr/rear.

The robust build of the LC is also not represented. I believe it has a 9.5" rear diff and very beefy drivetrain & chassis.

The 4Runner is a "LC lite" with more value and sporty flavor as key components. It's the best in it's class, imo. I think the best mid size suv for the money but Toyota definitely makes these price-appropriate.

The 4Runner would be easier to negotiate on trails, as size will count many times.

Don't ignore the GX470 either. That is a great suv that has optional KDSS and largely ignored as a wheeler. I really like that setup.

As to the Wrangler Rubicon 4dr, it's a totally different vehicle. If you are going for one of these, so many different factors to consider. What are your priorities?

 

[haven]

Answering my own question:

The 2009 Wrangler Rubicon 4 door has more off-road features than the 4Runner: solid front axle, locking front diff, manual trans, lower low range, taller tires, shorter front and rear overhang. The Rubicon is about $1500 cheaper than the 4Runner Trail Edition. And its a convertible.

On the other hand, the 4Runner has a more powerful V6 and it's slightly more fuel efficient. And it's likely to be more reliable and last longer (Toyota vs Jeep quality).

Do aftermarket driveline parts and suspension lifts designed for the FJ Cruiser fit on the 4Runner?

Chip Haven

 

[haven]

"The interior of the LC is MUCH larger, for instance"

Not as much as you might imagine. From Toyota's web site:

Dimension.........4Runner........Land Cruiser
Head room........39.7/39.1.....38.3/38.9 front/second row
Shoulder room...58.0/57.2.....61.0/61.1 "
Hip room...........55.3/55.4.....59.8/58.5 "
Leg room...........41.8/34.6.....42.3/36.0 "
Cargo space...........75...............82.........cu ft with 2nd row folded

The Land Cruiser's extra width translates into more shoulder and hip room, sort of like the difference between 1st class and Business Class seats. The extra headroom in the 4Runner is because it doesn't have a standard sunroof. The 1.4 inches of extra legroom in the back seat of the Cruiser would be welcome. The extra cargo room is because the Cruiser is a little longer behind the second row.

I agree that the Lexus GX470 is a nice package. I drove one (badged as a TLC Prado) in the Philippines. It had a 3.0L D4D turbo diesel and manual transmission. Now that was a sweet combination! Too bad the GX470 costs $47,000 here, and that Toyota doesn't offer the D4D in North America.

Chip Haven

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

no, i was in the same thinking as you with regards to measurements but it all changes when you actually get into them and use them. There are marked differences. Even in the GX and 4R which are mechanical twins.

The TE 4R is tempting though and w/ that rr locker is probably the most capable pkg that Toyota offers- even over the FJ Cruiser imo. The combo of a 4dr wagon, jpn build quality, torsen center diff, rr dif lock, etc etc in a value price... it's a nice product offering for sure.

there are 4runner specific lifts, you can check the toyota120.com forums for more info on all of that. most fjc stuff seems to fit the 4R

 

[Redline]

In general, yes.

Snip...
Do aftermarket driveline parts and suspension lifts designed for the FJ Cruiser fit on the 4Runner?

Chip Haven