4th gen 3rd row seat option
- Thread starter BIGdaddy
- Start date
Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
AFAIK the only trim levels/packages ever offered in the 4th gen for its entire run were the SR5 (base model), Sport and Limited. I think the "Urban Runner" came along around 2008? and I think the Trail Edition (the only 4th gen ever available with a factory rear E-locker) was 2009 only.
So to answer your question, I don't think the 3rd row option is linked to any specific package. The 3rd row models also have a different 2nd row (with a seat that flips forward to allow access to the 3rd row.)
Of course, there's no foot well for the 3rd row and the ceiling height is fairly low, meaning that the 3rd row is for kids only. Also the 2nd row seats are fold-and-tumble, I believe, which means that even folded they will consume more cargo room than the 2-row models (which are flip and fold.)
Realistically, I don't think the 3rd row 4runners were that popular for a reason. If you really need 3 rows of seats, a 1st gen Sequoia is probably a better choice, IMO. Or, if you can live without that T emblem, you could look at an R51 Pathfinder, which has a pretty nice 3rd row setup that still retains some cargo room behind the seat.
So to answer your question, I don't think the 3rd row option is linked to any specific package. The 3rd row models also have a different 2nd row (with a seat that flips forward to allow access to the 3rd row.)
Of course, there's no foot well for the 3rd row and the ceiling height is fairly low, meaning that the 3rd row is for kids only. Also the 2nd row seats are fold-and-tumble, I believe, which means that even folded they will consume more cargo room than the 2-row models (which are flip and fold.)
Realistically, I don't think the 3rd row 4runners were that popular for a reason. If you really need 3 rows of seats, a 1st gen Sequoia is probably a better choice, IMO. Or, if you can live without that T emblem, you could look at an R51 Pathfinder, which has a pretty nice 3rd row setup that still retains some cargo room behind the seat.
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
Excellent info, thanks martin. I've got 3 daughters who are pretty sweet, but nonetheless tend to get a bit agro on long trips. Looking to space them out a bit to prevent any blowouts. 
i Really like 1998-2000 monteros with their 3rd row, and just was made aware of the t4r.
I've heard mixed reviews on the sequoia. Might have to revisit that, though. And i'll also have to take a look at the pathy.
i Really like 1998-2000 monteros with their 3rd row, and just was made aware of the t4r.I've heard mixed reviews on the sequoia. Might have to revisit that, though. And i'll also have to take a look at the pathy.
Martinjmpr
Wiffleball Batter
I don't know much about Pathfinders directly, but my wife's new Nissan Altima coupe is pretty sweet. Very impressed with the overall quality, the nice features, etc.
The R51's last year was 2012, being a discontinued model you may be able to get it at a cheaper price. I actually like the size of the R51, it's a bit longer than the 4runner but not much (according to Edmunds the Pathy has a 112" wheelbase vs. 109" for the T4R.)
Of course the Pathy has independent rear suspension which would make it somewhat more difficult to lift, but as a family-hauler with moderate off-road ability it should be great.
The R51's last year was 2012, being a discontinued model you may be able to get it at a cheaper price. I actually like the size of the R51, it's a bit longer than the 4runner but not much (according to Edmunds the Pathy has a 112" wheelbase vs. 109" for the T4R.)
Of course the Pathy has independent rear suspension which would make it somewhat more difficult to lift, but as a family-hauler with moderate off-road ability it should be great.
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
Yeah, thats pretty much what i'm running into with midsized 7 seaters. One thing i DO like about the montero( which may also be true of the 4runner) is that my kids fit 3across in the middle row if i need all my cargo space.
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
I'm the same, all my experience is with "other" Nissans but those experiences are all positive. Very good dealer experiences and good fit and finish/build quality.
Quite honestly, the rear IRS doesnt dissuade me as we had an expedition with a very trouble-free rear suspension. Also the 3rd gen montero's/pajero's are IRS as well. They lift wheels all over the place but they keep on truckin'.
p nut
butter
I don't think it should be a deterrent in choosing a midsize SUV. I've got a cargo box (Yak Rocketbox) and if needed, will get a hitch cargo or just get a trailer for those few times a year when I need that cargo space. My 2 girls are 3 and 1, so no issues yet.
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
I'm glad you mentioned that. We have a nice long, wide Yak-box, as well, and it simply adds a TON of cargo space to our cherokee. That's WITH the rear cargo area open, however.
I think you may be right, though. On trips with lots of gear, it's going to have to be the yak box and our trailer full of camping goodies.
That way I can a happy wife and happy kids at my destination. 
(emphasis on the former - as we all know: "If mama ain't happy, ain't nobody happy.")
BIGdaddy
Expedition Leader
Yup, that's definitely still an option.
As I understand it, the sequoia actually has the same (or similar) ATRAC that the fjcruiser and fj100 have?
Also, the same failure prone front end as the fj100, when wheeled hard.
True?
A sequoia really does hit a lot of points for me:
-Safe
-reliable
-comfortable for 5, with true seating for 7-8
-4wd
-Somewhat of an aftermarket
-able to tow our small utility trailer
Having looked at a few 4th gens on the road and in parking lots (stalker!), I tend to agree that, it honestly might be just a bit too small. I don't want have to replace this rig, too, in a few years.
Our Sequoia doesn't have ATRAC, it might have come in later models. The front end components are the same as the Tundras and probably some cross over to 4runner and FJ. The rear springs can be swapped with some options from the 100 series Cruisers. There is one that had a SAS and wheeled pretty hard.
We have taken many road trips with 4 adults and 2 kids and everyone has been comfortable and room for our gear. You will see some arguements for a 100 series and they are likely better if going offroad is a hiher priority offroad but you will lose some cargo space.
We have taken many road trips with 4 adults and 2 kids and everyone has been comfortable and room for our gear. You will see some arguements for a 100 series and they are likely better if going offroad is a hiher priority offroad but you will lose some cargo space.
p nut
butter
I think Sequoias would make a great overland vehicle, especially when you talk about pulling a trailer. Note that even with the extra space in the back, you will still need some sort of extra cargo if you've got a crew of 5. I think Sequoias have double the cargo room behind the 3rd row vs my 100, but that's still not a lot.
Two negatives for a Sequoia - 1) MPG. Worse than the 4Runner, but I'd imagine much better than 15MPG highway I'm getting in my 100 with 33's. 2) Aftermarket support. It's unfortunate that they're not getting more support from aftermarket companies. But at least there are a few options out there to make them more trail worthy.
I believe TRAC/ATRAC was an option on 1st Gen Sequoias, but I may be wrong.
Two negatives for a Sequoia - 1) MPG. Worse than the 4Runner, but I'd imagine much better than 15MPG highway I'm getting in my 100 with 33's. 2) Aftermarket support. It's unfortunate that they're not getting more support from aftermarket companies. But at least there are a few options out there to make them more trail worthy.
I believe TRAC/ATRAC was an option on 1st Gen Sequoias, but I may be wrong.
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