Toyota FJ or Tacoma

RR1

Explorer
4Runner

Easier to get gear out of the middle of the vehicle than the FJ...


2011-Toyota-4Runner-Front-Side-608x405.jpg
 

Corey

OverCamping Specialist
Easier to get gear out of the middle of the vehicle than the FJ...
That depends, some of us FJ Cruiser owners have the art of packing a rig for camping down to a science.

With the front passenger seat pushed all the way forward, and the clamshell door opened all the way, there is plenty of room to access the cargo area with the seats out.

I also find myself taking less gear each year as I wean out stuff that does not get used.
It goes in the donation pile.

6.jpg
 

4Rocker

Observer
I was making the same decision back in 08. I was back and forth between an FJ and a regular cab Tacoma due to the comparable short wheelbase (long wheelbases dont do as well in trees). I ended up with an FJ for a number of reasons, mostly the added security, better drivetrain (rear e-locker and no stinkin 4wd dials), and the fact that the VIN begins with a J. Though Im sure I would have been happy with a Tacoma as well, the FJ has met my needs perfectly. The new 4Runner trails that are available today appear to be a great option too but I dont think they are available in white.
 

CruiserArtist

Observer
FJ or Taco

I have two tacos and an FJ. After dealing with traveling with trucks for 40 years I am really enjoying the FJ for all the reasons stated above. Took the rear seats out and got the Tuffy drawer for the back and like Corey I put the ARB fridge behind the passenger seat. And yes we have packing down to an art and really, when you travel, a lot, one discovers how much you can do without. Most of the room is taken up by camping equiptment, clothing, recovery gear, art supplies, food and water and two chairs and a table. All folding and compact of course. The RTT really helped eliminate the bedding and tent rolls. I am liking the short wheel base and the visibility issue is something you learn to deal with by looking twice or more to make sure the way is clear, you CAN lose a whole car in the corner pillars. I love it, if I lost mine, I would get another, the trucks are used by the kids and for ranch work now. The FJ is my favorite.
http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/album.php?albumid=942&attachmentid=70053
 

ANDYROO

Adventurer
Both are great rigs.....

I've had both in the past 5 years and both have been great rigs. I started with the FJ and drove it as my daily driver with a RTT permanently on top. It handled off road driving fantastically and felt very tight and controlled on the freeway. I personally never worried about the blind spot but my Wife hated driving it. (She's been driving a 4 Runner for the past 11 years). The reason we changed to a double cab Taco was because my daughter was beginning to moan about being cramped in the back on longer trips (she's 11 and now very comfortable in the Taco. In summary, as a driver on road and off I personally prefer the FJ but the Taco is more practical for a family who want to road trip and take a lot of gear camping.
 

ACFO

New member
FJ or Tacoma

I've experienced both. Had a 2005 Tacoma TRD Offroad SR5 Double Cab and currently have an FJ. One thing I miss from the Tacoma is NEVER having to worry about having enough space for hauling stuff. I occasionally fret on space with the FJ but just got a Bajarack so that worry is mostly covered. If I had a small trailer, I would NEVER worry about space. I have daily driven both 50 miles a day. The Tacoma has a nice ride for a truck but the FJ is SO much better. It's also easier to drive around on a daily basis negotiating turns and parking and believe it or not, I find it easier to fit our toddler in her car seat than the Tacoma. For trips, the FJ is pretty handy for being able to reach in the back and get stuff and the roof rack is great for the bulky stuff you would otherwise have back in the bed. The Tacoma was more luxurious and the FJ is pretty sparatan but the FJ is considerably easier to keep clean with the rubber floors. My wife likes the FJ so much now with the roof rack that she's going to take it in a year or so when the next baby comes along so she can have a little more room than her Rogue. At that time, I will likely go to a 4runner and get the comfortable ride of the FJ AND extra storage space missed from the Tacoma. If I had to go Tacoma again, I would get a cap.
 
Last edited:

Forum statistics

Threads
186,623
Messages
2,888,202
Members
226,766
Latest member
Josh00333
Top