2010 4Runner versus...

[Martinjmpr]

For those who like shifting their own gears the Xterra offers a manual tranny, which could be a plus for some.

 

[CA-RJ]

For those who like shifting their own gears the Xterra offers a manual tranny, which could be a plus for some.

This is why I really like the Xterra. For $25k, one can get the base 4x4, 6 speed. I like having the option to shift my own gears.

At this point in life, I also would rather have an IFS vehicle. Ride quality is big for me (both on and off-road), so anything solid axle would probably be out for me. I would think you would pick the Wrangler if you were more off-road oriented and the 4Runner if you were more road oriented.

 

[haven]

OK, this time let's compare the 2010 4Runner with the 2009 Kia Borrego.


Toyota 4Runner ..... Kia Borrego
SR5 Trail Edition ..... LX w/ V8, 4x4

MSRP $34,000 est......$30,000 est
Engine 4.0L V6.......4.6L V8
Power 236 hp 266 lb.-ft......337 hp, 323 lb-ft
EPA mpg 15/20 ..... 15/20
fuel type unleaded regular ..... unleaded regular

Automatic transmission 5 speeds ..... 6 speeds
Manual transmission n/a ..... n/a
4WD system part time ..... full time
Low range in transfer case Y ..... Y
Locking center diff Y ..... Y
Gas shocks Y ..... Y
Locking diff (f/r) N/Y ..... N/N
Tire P265/70R16 ..... 265/60R18
Full size spare Y ..... Y

Vehicle Stability Control Y ..... Y
Traction Control Y ..... Y
4-wheel ABS Y ..... Y
Electronic Brake-force Distr Y ..... Y
Hill Descent Control Y ..... Y
Hill Start Assist Control Y ..... Y
Tire Pressure Monitor System Y ..... Y

Overall height 69.3 ..... 71 (w roof rails)
Overall width 75.2 ..... 75.4
Overall length 189.2 ..... 192
Wheelbase 109.8 ..... 114
Track 62 ..... 64.2
Turning Circle (ft) 37 ..... 36.5

Head room 39.7/39.1 ...... 40/39
Shoulder room 58.0/57.2 ..... 60/59
Hip room 55.3/55.4 ..... 57/56
Leg room 41.8/34.6 ..... 41/37
Seating capacity 5 ..... 7 (3rd row)

Skid Plates ft susp, fuel tank, t case Y ..... Y
Clearance angles (degrees) 30 / ?? / 24 ..... 27 / ?? / 22
Ground clearance (in.) 9.1 ..... 8.5
Rear axle ratio 3.727 ..... 3.36
Transfer case ratios 1.00/2.566 ..... 1.00/2.48

Curb weight (lb.) 4300 ..... 4621
GVWR (lb.) 5580 ..... 5900 ?
Towing capacity 5000 ..... 7500
Cargo volume (cu. ft.) 75/42 ...... 60/43
Fuel tank capacity (US gal) 23 ...... 20.6

Warranty, bumper to bumper 3 years, 36K miles ..... 5 years, 60K miles
Warranty, drivetrain 5 years, 60K miles ..... 10 years, 100K miles

 

[haven]

Compared to the 4Runner, the Kia Borrego scores with
--V8 with lots of torque
--6 speed auto trans
--7500 lb towing
--decent fuel mileage
--way better warranty
--greater interior room (seating for 7 when needed)
--lower price
--better dealer incentives (this is a 3 year old design)

The Borrego needs different wheels and tires for rough road use.
The Borrego sold in USA lacks a rear locker. The Borrego sold
in Canada has one.

The 4Runner has 1/2 inch more ground clearance, and electronic
traction controls that I think are more oriented to off-road use.

The Borrego has solid underpinnings (ladder frame, coils on all
4 corners, double wishbone front control arms). Now all we have to do
is convince someone to develop a long travel suspension kit for
the Borrego! Donahoe, are you listening??

 

[alexrex20]

^^^ there's your answer.

 

[Dave Bennett]

Now all we have to do
is convince someone to develop a long travel suspension kit for
the Borrego! Donahoe, are you listening??

Donahoe Racing went out of business a couple years ago.

They are now Icon Vehicle Dynamics

 

[Cackalak Han]

I don't understand these comparisons. What are we comparing? Off road capability? Comfort? Power?

 

[Martinjmpr]

OK, this time let's compare the 2010 4Runner with the 2009 Kia Borrego.

...

4WD system part time ..... full time
Low range in transfer case Y ..... Y
Locking center diff Y ..... Y

Minor quibble here, but AFAIK the SR5 and TE 4runner do not have a locking center diff. The only one that has the locking center diff is the limited model and that one is full time 4wd. Also the limited is not available with the rear locker.

The deletion of the multimode t-case with locking center diff is causing much anguish and consternation over at the t4r.org message board, where people are swearing up and down that the lack of a V8 and multimode T-case will cause them to leave Toyota forever.

Don't know much about the Borrego but if it's a solid performer there's no reason to believe it can't hold it's own as an off-road vehicle. Toyota's been at the top of the heap for a long time but they weren't born there, and certainly there is an opening in the market for an off-road capable SUV that can do what a 4runner can for less $$. I wish Kia the best of luck.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Compared to the 4Runner, the Kia Borrego scores with
--V8 with lots of torque
--6 speed auto trans
--7500 lb towing
--decent fuel mileage
--way better warranty
--greater interior room (seating for 7 when needed)
--lower price
--better dealer incentives (this is a 3 year old design)

The Borrego needs different wheels and tires for rough road use.
The Borrego sold in USA lacks a rear locker. The Borrego sold
in Canada has one.

The 4Runner has 1/2 inch more ground clearance, and electronic
traction controls that I think are more oriented to off-road use.

The Borrego has solid underpinnings (ladder frame, coils on all
4 corners, double wishbone front control arms). Now all we have to do
is convince someone to develop a long travel suspension kit for
the Borrego! Donahoe, are you listening??

With the demise of the Montero and Trooper, the Borrego or Sorrento could move into that niche of the market. Call it the bargain-priced SUV segment.

But I think you've got it backwards: People have to buy them and demand the aftermarket parts before anyone starts making them. Is the Borrego a world platform or is it a US only platform? If it's a world platform then it seems likely we will see some aftermarket. If it's US only, though, it might not. There may just not be enough demand there.

Still, there wasn't any aftermarket for the 4runner when it was first introduced either. So if enough people start buying them (because they percieve they get more for their $$ with the Borrego than they do with a 4runner) then I think the aftermarket will eventually catch up.

 

[Martinjmpr]

^^^ there's your answer.

Yes, it does look like a Subaru Forester on growth hormones but with some decent tires and a mild lift it wouldn't be bad. Throw on an ARB bumper and you'd have a pretty wicked looking off roader.

 

[Martinjmpr]

Just noticed the Borrego has an independent rear suspension. Great for the highway, not so great off road. Puts it in the same category as the Nissan Pathfinder.

On that basis alone, I think I'd pass.

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

Borrego was tested in 4wheeler when the Xterra got truck of the year. The LX570 lost based on value and the Borrego just sucked offroad.

Borrego is meant as a Explorer fighter- soccor mom circuit. It's excellent, probably the best of the breed. But too late to market.

 

[Dave Bennett]

4Runner wins in every area but in the rocks IMO, that is where the Rubicon shines.

The Borrego is not a good match against the 4Runner but the XTerra is.

.02