2022 Tundra or 2022 4Runner?
 

Now that pricing on the new Tundra is out I’m really torn between the 22 Tundra and 22 4Runner. Both would be TRD off-road version. I don’t need a truck or SUV. Having a dog the 4Runner is better. 2/3 kids are driving now so large family trips are behind me.
Ideally I would like to keep this for 15- 20 years so reliability is important. The Tundra would drive better on the highway but I’m worried about the new technology in the twin turbo engine.
I think if the tundra were as reliable as the 4Runner I would go Tundra but the reliability is definitely swaying me towards the 4Runner.
I know this is a 4Runner forum but both are great Toyota’s so looking for some suggestions.
Thanks 🙏

The '22 Tundra reliability is unknown. It's also the first year of a heavily redesigned vehicle.

I know Toyota does a lot of testing to validate all the new components, but is it comparable to years of owner use/ abuse? There's one way to find out.

If I needed or wanted a 1/2 ton pickup, I'd still consider the new Tundra, despite the unknowns.

Because I do a lot of off roading, the choice for me would be easy: 4Runner. Where I go off roading (Alpine Loop in Colorado), there are a lot of sharp switch backs, and the long wheel base Tundra (or even the Tacoma) just would not be suitable.

I've thought about the same thing for years, suv or truck. Both have their pros and cons, the twin turbo is nice and will be tunable. I've tuned audis before and you can get more performance.

For me itll probably another SUV again with 3 kids. Ill need the cargo space for trips and sports. A truck bed would be handy maybe a handful of times during the year, I can always rent or borrow one plus I have a trailer. I like the ride of a larger suv (yukon or tahoe). Ill wait for next gen sequoia and 4runner to see how those turn out.

Think back over the last year. How many times would a truck have been better for what you're doing than a 4Runner would have been. My belief is that if you don't NEED a truck, don't get a truck. You're just giving up space that could have been used if it was cabin space instead of a truck bed.

The Tundra will share a drivetrain and suspension with the Land Cruiser. Don't be concerned about reliablilty, IMHO.

Great point, the full size truck is tempting because of the longer wheel base and more comfortable on longer drives. I want to see all of North America someday including Alaska. Also, shipping a vehicle to Europe for 4-6 months is on the list as well. The 4Runner is able to tow a small camper for 2 or be turned into a micro camper perhaps for Europe and maybe parts of South America. It seems the ‘22 or ‘23 4Runner might be the last chance to buy a long term reliable vehicle. I think with the 2.4 turbo coming and all of the electrification the 5th gen might be the best one to buy.

Have you seen this comparison?

Should You Buy a Toyota Land Cruiser? What makes them so good? - YouTube

The LC300 has the same engine and transmission but I’m not sure if everything else will be as overbuilt like in the past. Interestingly, the LC300 also comes with the 4.0 litre 4Runner engine despite being a complete redesign. Also the new 3.3 turbo diesel which I think will get the majority of the tougher assignments along with the 4.0 to keep that reputation alive. I can see the 3.44 tt being more for Russian oligarchs and other wealthy people in exotic places. I’d take a chance on that 3.3 diesel though.

I think the first question is do I need a truck or an SUV. They aren't replacement goods, as a few others above pointed out (and has been pointed out on many other versions of this thread over the years.)

Well if you are planning to keep it for a long long time the 4Runner may be a better choice. At least one of your 2/3 kids that are out of the house may come back or have kids in the next 15-20 years. I'm doing a trip with my parents and my kids and my grand kid next week in my 4 runner. lol

Do you need/want a truck or SUV? Personally I wouldn't buy the first year or anything no matter the brand. Early 5.7 Tundras had cam issues, early 2nd gen Tacomas had motor mount and ring and pinion issues, early turd gen Tacomas has CPS issues...no thanks.

I've had a few trucks and a few SUVs. In the family, we have a T4R, GX, and a Tundra.

If you need a truck, Tundra.

Otherwise, 4Runner all day, every day.

The truck bed is handy if you are hauling dirt or rocks, but otherwise, it's just an empty box driving around. Can't really keep a dog back there in the weather. Can't keep tools there unless you have a locking cover, loading up bikes and stuff is fine, but it's better on a hitch rack.

The Tundra is also quite a bit bigger and barely fits in our garage.

If you need to haul rocks/dirt, rent a trailer and use your 4Runner.

I just purchased a 2022 TRD OffRoad and could not be happier. One thing to keep in mind. If you are planning to lift it the front suspension makes it nearly impossible.

I forgot to mention it is a 4Runner

I thought lifting it a couple of inches wasn’t an issue with the KDSS? 3+ inches is an issue?

There is zero reason to lift more than 2" anyway. It is all for looks at that point.

The new Tundra is very interesting and there seems to be a ton to like about it.

In Europe, a Tundra could be insane in urban driving, depending on the country.

The 4Runner is very comfortable on long drives but not perfect. When fully loaded, it struggles in mountainous terrain like Montana interstates which means high revs and low mpg and, most importantly, the struggle is just annoying. On the other hand, with a good suspension as the TRD both would drive very well on mountain highways as in CO. The enormous Tundra cabin would be a plus on ultra long drives like Alaska while the 4R would always be better with a dog.

Now, offroad, things are less subjective and this is what I normally think about :). The 4R is as big as it is comfortable in the SW. I would not have issues with a Tundra on any San Juan trail other than Black Bear (and even that is surely doable with enough care) but without a doubt a 4R is more pleasant. Still, consider that the 4R is not the best for stability offroad so a Tundra will always be better in any offcamber situation just thanks to the very long wheelbase.

The real offroad issues would be here in AZ desert trails, Utah canyon trails, and any narrow mountain trails in CO/MT/CA. The 4R is just wide enough and even so mine is pinstripped like there is no tomorrow. And often we talk rocks rather than plants.

On the Tundra side of things, it comes with more travel, I am sure, which makes it potentially much better to adapt for higher speed, open desert stuff like parts of California and Nevada and some in AZ/UT. Either way the stock suspension, TRD would not be stiff enough for this requiring aftermarket or at least aftermarket heavier duty springs.

Finally, I suppose the Tundra will have lots of features. I like the 4R because it is very basic and I use it as an all-purpose mobile. But it does feel like it is a 2010 vehicle.

For me, if I had to choose today, the only easy part would be my garage size and so 4Runner again. Otherwise, I would have to give it a very careful thought. The Tundra would eliminate some trails and require special paint protection but it would also be better for higher speed offroad driving, very long road trips, and safer IMO in offcamber offroad situations.