Best Toyota for expedition/world travel. Tacoma, Tundra, 4runner or FJ?

[cntryislandboy]

I'm almost to the point of finally being able to purchase a new rig to slowly build into expedition travel, and being military, moving to europe or alaska isn't out of the question. I'm trying to figure out which might be the best. I love the look and power of the tundra, but tacomas, gas and price is better. Don't really care for the looks of the new 4runners, and the FJs are really nice but with a family of 4 (2 in car seats) I'm not sure. Ideally I'd go with the tundra, but realistically I'm thinking tacoma or fj. First and formost this will be a daily driver and family vehicle. Longevity is high on the list along with cost of ownership, and maintence down the road. Any thoughts are appreciated.

 

[2025 deleted member]

I would put both car seats in the back of the fj at the dealer, then see if you want to fight getting the kids in and out of it everyday. I have a newborn baby, but the fj is just a weekend toy. Sound like a 4runner would be ideal unless you need a truck bed.

 

[Plannerman]

With kids in car seats, I'd steer clear of the FJ. I went through a similar process a few years ago and eventually chose another Tacoma. With kids, I love the four doors. However, if we add another kid to the mix, I will probably add a shell to the bed or get a 4runner for everyday life. Kids have so much stuff!


Sent via fat thumb

 

[Plannerman]

Also, the Tundra is too big for the backcountry areas I like to frequent.


Sent via fat thumb

 

[Wrek]

4-door Tacoma. I can't afford one so instead I like to attempt to live vicariously through others. :victory:

 

[YotaPilot]

I have a Gen 1 4 door Tacoma and love it. I don't have kids now, but planning on it soon, which is one of the major reasons I got the 4 door. It's a great truck as a daily driver, and great off road too. It's rated #2 in the top 10 used vehicles for expedition travel (see here: http://www.expeditionportal.com/resources/91-guide/351-top-10-used-overland-vehicles.html).

 

[cntryislandboy]

thanks guys for all the info,

i agree i think the car seats in the fj would be annoying, granite we do have my wifes car, and would probably drive it more due to gas, but vactions and road trips would be all fj

i think the tacoma is probably going to be the go to choice, mainly because of cost and the fact that one other person all ready posted the fact that the tundra can't get all the places the tacoma would

 

[daveyboy]

I am biased, but I recommend the Tundra for a number of reasons:

--A DC long bed Tacoma really isn't tremendously smaller than a Tundra (it is only 7" shorter in length, 5" shorter in wheelbase, and has the SAME turn radius)
--A Tundra can haul more--whether it be a truck camper, trailer, dirtbikes, etc.
--The DC Tundra door handles are really easy for little kids to open.
--The Tundra has a ton of interior room, yes, even the DC.
--The Tundra is a rocket ship in comparison when it comes to acceleration
--Given the current market/incentives the Tundra may come out cheaper

Finally, and some others may think much differently, but now that I have kids, I don't go nearly as many crazy places that I used to take my previous rig, so having the smaller more "off-roadable" vehicle wasn't as high as a priority as overall capability and some family friendliness.

My Tundra has over 6000 miles with a truck camper on the back, my fourwheeler fits in the bed with the tailgate closed, it easily fits mine and my two boys' dirtbikes, tows both of my trailers effortlessly, and seats 6 in reasonable comfort.


And its still a Toyota=reliable.

 

[cntryislandboy]

daveyboy, thanks for the info about the tundra, it is by far my favorite, and i know what you mean about the acceleration, i've seen some 5.7L videos on youtube, man that thing is a beast of a truck. if i were to go the tundra route, i'd want the crewmax, i might just wait and get that one, who knows

 

[haddix]

Tacoma 4 door is hard to beat. Close second in my opinion is a 4runner. I'd love to have an fj but they seem like a single persons vehicle. Not much room for more than 2 people.
I'd say go with a Tacoma double cab but test drive a 4runner or two.

 

[KAILUAZ]

One of the reasons we traded the FJ in for our 4Runner was the doors. It became a PITA to get our daughters in and out. Other than that and the horrible blind spots, the FJ is solid.

 

[Derek24]

Also look into the 1st gen Tundra DC. Roomy, good power, back window that goes all the way down, relatively the same size as the new Tacoma's, not as big as the new Tundra's, and good MPG's. I love my Tundra! It is a tank and will not hesitate at anything I throw at it. 155K miles and not one problem that I didn't do myself. My brother has a 2008 Tundra, it is VERY fast, big, and very nice too. If you are not rock crawling you will be fine with a Tundra of any generation. You can get a Tundra for cheaper than or same price as a Tacoma and the gas mileage are almost identical, not enough difference to justify IMO. Might as well get all the power you can now, because a V6 will get weighted down a lot quicker than a Tundra will when you start adding your family, camper, bumpers, ect.

 

[zidaro]

I have a Crewmax and LOVE it! Travel around the West has been the same as with my old Taco except we can do it easily and in style, reaching all the places we used to but with a poptop camper and kid in comfort. Granted we have some custom pinstriping Its no crawler, but as stated above, very capable.

That said. I have travelled out of the Country quite a bit. You ask for the best "world traveling" Toyota. S/Central Amer. countries dont see many "full size" rigs and parts/service may be difficult to come by. Personally never tried, we always fly then rent. something to seriously consider if i was planning on heading that direction. Mex. is a different beast and wouldnt think twice about service on a new Tundra in that country- they are everywhere. Same with Africa and most Euro.

Again, A Tundra in USA- jump in giggling the whole way!! Beyond Mex's borders to the S., maybe something common in those countries might serve you better.

Cant wait to see what you do, enjoy!

 

[WU7X]

I had a 2000 Taco Xcab and now own a '97 4Runner. My kids are long grown up and gone. But if they were young and still here I think I'd go with either a 4D Taco or first generation 4D Tundra. I like the smaller size vehicles. If you go with either pickup, I would stronger suggest getting a reinforced fiberglass topper with Windoors, or equivalent, opening side windows. They make access to your PU's bed much easier. It is a real PITA to have to remove half the stuff in a PU box just to get to the back of it for the one thing you needed. BTW, love my 4Runner, but would now prefer to have the ability to have my gear locked up safely away from the passenger compartment. Also I think the leaf springs on the Taco give you more suspension options and carrying capacity than the rear coils on the 4Rnr. Just my $.02 worth.

 

[cntryislandboy]

thanks again for the comments. i think it's going to come down to the tacoma and the tundra, and probably which ever one i can get the best deal on. i guess my world traveling comment might have been a littel misleading. i mainly mean traveling in north american, alaska and canada. i would add europe to that if i am lucky enough to get orders to send me there. i was stationed in Germany back in 03-06 and loved it but defiantly wouldn't want a tundra on those streets. but at the same time if i did, it would defiantly be one of the biggest and badest trucks around.

correct me if i'm wrong, now granite i know the tundra hasn't been around as long as the tacoma but i'm thinking the tundra 5.7 will probably grow to be as dependible and long lasting like the tacoma. i am basing this on alot of different things i've read on several tundra forums, and various reviews i've read

something about the tundra that truck is just awesome, you know i think i might have just made up my mind, guess all i gotta do know is get my wifes car paid off then i can go get one. and that will defiantly be a step up from a mini cooper.