4Runner or Tundra as "weekend play" toy?

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sha4Runnerdow

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So, I have a new '14 GMC Acadia as a company vehicle and my gas/insurance are paid for. Plus, I'm debt free and make good money. Do I need a vehicle? No, but I have been wanting a new "toy" for the weekends to play with. I plan to modify ether vehicle with an Icon suspension and slowly transform either vehicle with premium aftermarket mods to my liking. So, if you could have either a 4Runner or Tundra, which would you choose? Which trim would you choose? I can afford a Landcruiser, but prefer the styling of the 4Runner better. Thanks for any advice. Cheers.
 
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If it was me, 4Runner Trail Premium. Don't get the TRD Pro if you're gonna do mods.

Tundra is really nice but too big for me for trails and such. I'm sure it does fine, but I prefer the 4Runner's size and dimensions.

Tacoma isn't in the running?
 
I would ask myself the following questions:
1) What do I wanna do?
2) Do I crave speed?
3) New vs Used?
 
IMO kinda depends on cpl things , how big you are , how many people you plan on having be with , how much you plan to do as in camping & such ? 4r great for me because I'm single with 1 (soon to be college) . Tundra is an awesome truck & is/would be my choice for road trips frickin comfortable ! But if you need something to get you there & back on most of the tight trails that get you to the really good places 4r !! About 15-20g more guys for the Tundra ?
 
If you're going to be wheeling trails, go for the 4Runner. The Tundra will be too big in my opinion. I'd like having the bed for various other things.
 
Thanks for the responses. I'm thinking of supercharging either one. And, while I can't see myself rock crawling either $40k+ vehicle, anything is possible. As a former Army grunt, I've always dreamt of building the ultimate "what if" vehicle, meaning having a vehicle capable of going anywhere, anytime, anyplace and being ready for any "what if" scenario. I love the woods, mountains, and grew up 4wheeling with jeeps and atv's. Now, I must say that there may be times when my Army and southern alter egos may come out and allow me to get a little crazy every now and then.p :cheers::cheers: I hope some of you can relate to my madness :). The vehicle will be garaged, only utilized on weekends, and I plan to keep it a long time.

I'm 6'0, 230lbs, 44 years old (no I'm not having a mid life crises...I don't think). I'm single, son is 24 and college graduate (finally), and I may camp occasionally. Gas isn't a concern since mileage will be limited.
 
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You won't be able to supercharge the 4Runner. Toyota didn't make a supercharger to fit or be compatible with the 4Runners. Also, you better act quick as they also discontinued production of all superchargers. So they'll sell whatever stock they have and that's it.
 
cbielat said:
You won't be able to supercharge the 4Runner. Toyota didn't make a supercharger to fit or be compatible with the 4Runners. Also, you better act quick as they also discontinued production of all superchargers. So they'll sell whatever stock they have and that's it.
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Thanks for the heads up. I wasn't aware the 4Runner didn't have a SC available. Not a deal breaker, but with a lift and bigger tires, how sluggish will a runner be? My local dealer has a SC in stock for the Tundra and is holding it for me for a couple of days while I decide.
 
sha4Runnerdow said:
Thanks for the heads up. I wasn't aware the 4Runner didn't have a SC available. Not a deal breaker, but with a lift and bigger tires, how sluggish will a runner be? My local dealer has a SC in stock for the Tundra and is holding it for me for a couple of days while I decide.
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It's not too bad with up to 33" I'd say. I re-geared to 4.56. Doesn't hunt for gears anymore and is great wheeling. You're not buying a sports car here.
 
sha4Runnerdow said:
Thanks for the heads up. I wasn't aware the 4Runner didn't have a SC available. Not a deal breaker, but with a lift and bigger tires, how sluggish will a runner be? My local dealer has a SC in stock for the Tundra and is holding it for me for a couple of days while I decide.
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Will probably need to regear if you go with the runner... If you want power and don't mind the size the Tundra might be better.
 
cbielat said:
It's not too bad with up to 33" I'd say. I re-geared to 4.56. Doesn't hunt for gears anymore and is great wheeling. You're not buying a sports car here.
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Good point! I could regear, add exhaust and intake for maybe 10hp gain. Of course, an aftermarket bumper and winch will weigh a bunch. Now, the alternative is to go with a Tundra Supercharged, lift with 33's-35's, etc.....but, it would be difficult to maneuver in tight terrain. I've played with the idea of getting a Jeep unlimited Rubicon and doing the HEMI 6.4l swap with 4:56's. But, I've owned Chrysler and have never had good luck. I'm Toyota through and through.
 
^^^ And I think even if you did lift & tires the Tundra that 5.7 rolls out ! SC will scream , but sounds like your best bet is to do a nice overland build , lots of recent guys touting that style . But go sit in both obviously , my buddy has the 15 Tundra & he's big dude 6'3" 260ish (being nice) & he fits it perfect but lil snug for him n my 4r . That's a 4 dr though & the short bed , but not to bad of turn radius . My 2
 
Jhalko said:
Will probably need to regear if you go with the runner... If you want power and don't mind the size the Tundra might be better.
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Thanks, and def am considering both options. It's not as easy as I thought it would be. The Tundra power with SC would be wonderful. But, the runner is legendary and bulletproof. With Icon stage 5-6, 4:56 gears, 33's, front bumper with warn winch, front/rear lockers (possible I hope), Gobi roof rack, sliders, custom skid plate covering undercarriage, CB radio, light bar, etc....Omg, stop the insanity!!!! :crazy::crazy:
 
oljedi11950 said:
^^^ And I think even if you did lift & tires the Tundra that 5.7 rolls out ! SC will scream , but sounds like your best bet is to do a nice overland build , lots of recent guys touting that style . But go sit in both obviously , my buddy has the 15 Tundra & he's big dude 6'3" 260ish (being nice) & he fits it perfect but lil snug for him n my 4r . That's a 4 dr though & the short bed , but not to bad of turn radius . My 2
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My Ping driver head cover is a Yoda head:)

I've sat in both over the last week and loved them both! I'm now 6' and 230lbs (far from my Army weight many years ago lol), but obviously fit better in the Tundra. However, the 4Runner wasn't snug. The one thing I keep thinking about though is the Tundra power. The old saying is I would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it. But, a 4Runner build wouldn't be for speed and speed isn't an objective, but certainly nice to have. Why no SC for 4Runner? They would make a fortune off of the sales I would think?
 
cbielat said:
It's not too bad with up to 33" I'd say. I re-geared to 4.56. Doesn't hunt for gears anymore and is great wheeling. You're not buying a sports car here.
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Cbielat, I see you're in NY. I relocated to upstate recently. Any good 4x4 shops near Albany/Saratoga area that you would recommend?
 
Ya well I said I was being nice (golf buddy) . I think with re-gear it would be fine . But ya that Tundra is strong . Don't get em started on SC (burned at the stake) , couldn't quite get em fine tuned to everyone's liking . There is whole book if you search about them , longer than War & Peace jeez . Check out the Overland Journal guys builds .
 
Here is a really nice Tundra build that is worth looking at.
2014 Tundra Crew Max Build - Expedition Portal

My old Company truck was a Tundra and the only thing I never liked about it was how big it was. That being said it makes up for it in the power department and it's size allows you to haul a ton of gear with it.
I don't think you can go wrong with either one.:cheers:
 
Toyota is discontinuing the aftermarket for all SC for all models. It was never offered for the 4runners of this generation.
 
OP - you sound like a 4Runner type but only you know your uses and needs. Size is big difference - Tundra is big, comfy, hauls and tows a lot more and smoother ride from longer wheel base, but will be high centered or hung up on a bumper as the 4Runners drive by - that is if Tundra made the last few hairpin 3-point turns without dropping a tire off the edge.
 
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