Bronco - Jeep - 4Runner ???

[RealRigsRattle]

I lean towards a Bronco Badlands. 35” tires, front/rear locker, and disconnecting sway bar. I also believe it will be a more comfortable daily driver. At 6’8” I fit in a Bronco comfortably, where the Jeep I’m stuffed in there and miserable.

I'd vote for the Bronco as well if you are a person of size (height or width lol). It's the reason I picked a Ranger over a Tacoma or Gladiator. However drive them all first and make your own decision. There is no perfect vehicle and Toyota has had plenty of faults in it's newer lineup as well (Tundra engine, Tacoma transmission/driveline).

 

[Sparse Gray Hackle]

Have you considered a truck with a shell/topper? F-150 Tremor would fit all your needs. Also, grenadiers are super awesome.

Bronco would be cool. Not the biggest fan. New 4 runner is beyond ugly but love the prior generations.

I dont think you could go wrong with any of then. I'd find the trim you want for all of them and then test drive and buy the one you are most comfortable in.

I have a shell on my mid size, but wanted to have the dogs in air conditioning. They are getting old, and where we hunt It’s hot in early season.

 

[dstefan]

Buy the lowest miles 5th gen 4 Runner with the rear locker and the KDSS (Toyota’s sort of sway har disconnect). Still made in Japan, up to Aug ‘24, I believe.

The 4.0 V6 is one of, if not the best, engine’s Toyota ever made. I‘ve driven 3 of them (2 Tacomas and my wife’s current ‘18 4 Runner) a LOT in remote places and a lot of miles and never worried and never had to do anything other than routine maintenance.

Take out the rear seat bottoms (4 bolts, 5 minutes) and your dogs will love it and you’ll have tons of room and capability. A mild lift, tires, and shocks and you can rock crawl more than enough.

 

[Sparse Gray Hackle]

Buy the lowest miles 5th gen 4 Runner with the rear locker and the KDSS (Toyota’s sort of sway har disconnect). Still made in Japan, up to Aug ‘24, I believe.

The 4.0 V6 is one of, if not the best, engine’s Toyota ever made. I‘ve driven 3 of them (2 Tacomas and my wife’s current ‘18 4 Runner) a LOT in remote places and a lot of miles and never worried and never had to do anything other than routine maintenance.

Take out the rear seat bottoms (4 bolts, 5 minutes) and your dogs will love it and you’ll have tons of room and capability. A mild lift, tires, and shocks and you can rock crawl more than enough.

Thanks! I don’t believe I’ll have to worry about rock crawling, although I have been on truly rough roads getting to remote fish/hunt sites. A rear locker is probably more than enough.

 

[ThundahBeagle]

Yup! Didn't know it when I bought mine but found out afterwards that all 4Runners are built in the Lexus factory in Japan. Which is why you can't actually order one to your own specifications as you can a Ford or a Jeep. I ordered a Jeep Wrangler some years ago and when it arrived 3 months later my name and "built for" was on the window sticker. If you go to a Toyota dealer to "order" a 4Runner their only option is to watch what is coming off the line in Japan and get the closest thing to what you specified. Toyota will not build one just for you. But that Lexus factory in Japan has superb quality control which is why the 4Runner (and most Lexus models) are so dependable.

One off builds of anything, be it a truck, or a sandwich, throws a wrench in any machine on any continent.

You hit the nail on the head. That's why they are reliable. They develop a Kan-ban board of what will work and they do not deviate from it.

 

[LRNAD90]

Grenadier..

I know that is pushing the budget, but there are a number in that price range that can be had 'used' with minimal miles though..

 

[deserteagle56]

Buy the lowest miles 5th gen 4 Runner with the rear locker and the KDSS (Toyota’s sort of sway har disconnect).

I would not recommend the KDSS option. You can go on the 4Runner forums and read about all the problems owners have had with that system. As long as there is a locker in the rear the 4Runner is very capable on gnarly terrain. Actually, from my reading the KDSS is more of a help controlling lean/sway on a curvy paved road than it is in the dirt.