4Runner or Tundra?

[Kanger328]

TLDR: Tundra is cheaper than 4Runner in Anchorage. Which should I get?

Former 3rd gen guy here. Ended up in a Honda Accord coupe the past few years due to a series of unfortunate events (jk, just went back to school for career change). I'm now done with school and moved to Anchorage, Alaska, for work. I've been told it's HIGHLY recommended to get a 4x4...cuz it's Alaska...

My dream vehicle has always been the 5th gen 4runner. Even though this model is outdated, I like its proven drivetrain and the fact that it's still made in Japan (maybe that last part is irrelevant). I'm cool with this over the new one coming out (I suspect it'll have the 3.5L V6 of the Tacoma with a bunch of tech I don't care for). Went to dealership today and found that the Toyota Tundra is actually CHEAPER than the 4Runner. Granted I was looking at SR5 Tundras vs 4Runner Off Road models, but still. Tundra is about $44K where as the 4Runner is about $46-47K. Which to choose?

I don't haul anything. I'm comfortable in both. My plan is to keep the vehicle as long as possible, like 15+ yrs. I don't plan to do any "hardcore" off roading like I did with my 3rd gen. Just some exploring and less rocky trails, etc. I know they're very different vehicles. 4Runner is definitely what I've wanted, but I just feel like you get "a lot more vehicle" with the Tundra for less money.

Any input? Thanks in advance.

 

[fischer1974]

4RNR is easier to park. Better MPG. Most likely better resale value.
IMO better built than my 2018 Tacoma that I sold to go to my 2020 4Rnr TRD.
I hope they don't ruin the new 4runner with the Tacoma motor/tranny.
I absolutely couldn't stand my taco. Owned at least a dozen Toyotas, currently 3 of them in the yard, and I'm happy with my 4RNR, 0 regrets.

 

[02SE]

Well, you're asking on a 4Runner enthusiast website, so I think I know how the polling will go...

I also recently sold my Anthracite 3rd gen, and bought a new TRD ORP. I don't have any regrets. Good luck with your decision.

 

[blackened_offroad]

Well, you're asking on a 4Runner enthusiast website, so I think I know how the polling will go...

I also recently sold my Anthracite 3rd gen, and bought a new TRD ORP. I don't have any regrets. Good luck with your decision.

was just going to say the exact same thing.

Tundras are bloated and ugly. Can't see why anyone would want one.

I sold my 98 SR5 5spd manual e-locker 3rd gen and bought a 19 TRD ORP. no regrets except the car payment.

 

[SpeedyKevin]

I think it can also depend on what you may end up doing over in Alaska. If you get into hunting, the Tundra might be a better option. Snow mobiles? Tundra! Anything else, 4runner id say. Here back in Socal, I was able to get my 4runner ORP for 42k. Maybe look around at other dealers?

 

[Kanger328]

I think it can also depend on what you may end up doing over in Alaska. If you get into hunting, the Tundra might be a better option. Snow mobiles? Tundra! Anything else, 4runner id say. Here back in Socal, I was able to get my 4runner ORP for 42k. Maybe look around at other dealers?

Holy crap. An ORP w/ KDSS here is $47K+. Not much bargaining here since there's only 1 Toyota dealership. Should've bought one in socal as I'm from there.

Good call on what my hobbies will be. So far just hiking, camping, snowboarding. I want to get into fishing and hunting tho.

 

[srsrogerissrs]

ridgeline

 

[Thebeastlives]

I have Tundra and Trd 4 runner and they both are great vehicles. I would NEVER let anyone up here who is 4 runner bias tell you what you should get. The Tundra will last you a life time. That 5.7 v8 is a million mile motor built better than our 4 runner motors. The power in a tundra is much greater than the 4 runner but the mpg suck. Drive the 4 runner and drive the Tundra and you will find that the 4 runner is smoother and handles better. If you are a Truck guy and not a SUV guy you will go Tundra. Once you add a lift, tires and rims you will fit right in with the Truck culture in Alaska. If I had to choose my Tundra or my 4 runner, the 4 runner would be gone. Can't replace a big v8 10000 lb towing Truck with a mid size SUV...lol

 

[Kanger328]

ridgeline

Ha, that would be the most practical option for me and my lifestyle tbh.

 

[srsrogerissrs]

I have Tundra and Trd 4 runner and they both are great vehicles. I would NEVER let anyone up here who is 4 runner bias tell you what you should get. The Tundra will last you a life time. That 5.7 v8 is a million mile motor built better than our 4 runner motors. The power in a tundra is much greater than the 4 runner but the mpg suck. Drive the 4 runner and drive the Tundra and you will find that the 4 runner is smoother and handles better. If you are a Truck guy and not a SUV guy you will go Tundra. Once you add a lift, tires and rims you will fit right in with the Truck culture in Alaska. If I had to choose my Tundra or my 4 runner, the 4 runner would be gone. Can't replace a big v8 10000 lb towing Truck with a mid size SUV...lol

The million mile tundras were 4.7 v8s

 

[thennen]

I have Tundra and Trd 4 runner and they both are great vehicles. I would NEVER let anyone up here who is 4 runner bias tell you what you should get. The Tundra will last you a life time. That 5.7 v8 is a million mile motor built better than our 4 runner motors. The power in a tundra is much greater than the 4 runner but the mpg suck. Drive the 4 runner and drive the Tundra and you will find that the 4 runner is smoother and handles better. If you are a Truck guy and not a SUV guy you will go Tundra. Once you add a lift, tires and rims you will fit right in with the Truck culture in Alaska. If I had to choose my Tundra or my 4 runner, the 4 runner would be gone. Can't replace a big v8 10000 lb towing Truck with a mid size SUV...lol

What problems are 4Runner engines prone to that 5.7 V8s are not? Maybe I've missed a bunch of complaints?

 

[borfoo3]

Bias aside, it really comes down to Need and Preference. If you Need a truck, to do all the truck stuff frequently (tow, haul) or frequent highway drives then it’s Tundra. Otherwise the 4Runner as the overall better daily (town) driver to live with

Tundra wins on power and performance (V8), but 4Runner wins for off-road (agility and off-road tech). Neither are what I would consider ‘great’ in terms of fuel economy but the 4Runner does better here

I am honestly biased towards the Japan made trucks than the others, they just seem to hold up better in terms of fit and finish. I am not a fan of squeaking interiors (Tundra/ Sequoia) but that’s just pure personal opinion here

Edit: When keeping a truck long term, initial price is not as important as total cost of ownership (i.e. maintenance, resale value...etc.)

 

[Fool-on-the-Hill]

You say your dream vehicle is a 4Runner. I think if you get anything else, you'll always be wishing you got the 4Runner. Unless driving the Tundra blows you away and completely cures you of this desire, it's worth it to get what you always wanted.

 

[Jernik]

You say your dream vehicle is a 4Runner. I think if you get anything else, you'll always be wishing you got the 4Runner. Unless driving the Tundra blows you away and completely cures you of this desire, it's worth it to get what you always wanted.

This. While I also have both a 4R and Tundra (and really like both of them), a couple thousand dollars is not worth getting something you don't want. I would still recommend driving both just to satisfy your curiosity of the Tundra, but don't allow yourself to be smitten with the power and sound of the V8 and lose all objectivity. From what you've shared here, I think 4R should win out.

 

[mcat707]

I can speak for both as I have owned both. A 2015 Tundra DoubleCab with 6.5ft bed and a 2015 4Runner TRDP.

The reason I switched from the Tundra to a T4R at first was simply the size. The Tundra was always parked outside as it would not fit in my garage. 365 year round weather beating on it 24/7. Weather beating takes a toll on a vehicle. Paint oxidation, rubber seal, weather stripping deteriorate, rust issues, Etc.

Parking in tight spots was somewhat a chore. Just maneuvering in these crowded parking lots irritated me. As I mentioned in another thread, my Tundra got door dinged twice leaving very noticeable dents on my doors as it was so wide the idiots parked next to me didn’t have much space to get in their car they pushed their door edge onto mine.

For me, the seat was very uncomfortable. I needed a seat cushion for my ass. I have never needed a seat cushion for any of the numerous vehicles I have driven. YMMV.

Don’t get me wrong, the Tundra with its 6.5ft bed was great when I needed to tow and haul large and long stuff. And the V8 power along with the BA Performance Muffler was nice too. But how often will you tow and haul stuff? You have to ask yourself this question. Yes you can load up a T4R with stuff but would you want to drop soil, rocks, bricks, wood, etc. in the back?

As for the MPGs, I’m getting the same with my T4R after lifting it and slapping on 285/70/17 M/T tires. I average 14.5 to 15.5mpgs on both rigs. So this another YMMV subject.


So in short, get a Tundra if you need the towing capacity, truck bed, cabin room and V8 power. If you can do without those 4 things then a 5th gen T4R would be wise choice.

 

[mcat707]

I have Tundra and Trd 4 runner and they both are great vehicles. I would NEVER let anyone up here who is 4 runner bias tell you what you should get. The Tundra will last you a life time. That 5.7 v8 is a million mile motor built better than our 4 runner motors. The power in a tundra is much greater than the 4 runner but the mpg suck. Drive the 4 runner and drive the Tundra and you will find that the 4 runner is smoother and handles better. If you are a Truck guy and not a SUV guy you will go Tundra. Once you add a lift, tires and rims you will fit right in with the Truck culture in Alaska. If I had to choose my Tundra or my 4 runner, the 4 runner would be gone. Can't replace a big v8 10000 lb towing Truck with a mid size SUV...lol

Both those million mile Tundras were driven by Hot Shot delivery drivers who worked for the oil industry, which means they needed the truck bed space for oil drums and such and was mostly driven highway miles. If a 4Runner was able to haul the same load as they were carrying, I’m sure it would have been more than capable of achieving the million mile mark.

 

[tflux]

Good call on what my hobbies will be. So far just hiking, camping, snowboarding. I want to get into fishing and hunting tho.

If you get into fishing and hunting, you will wish you had a truck. But if your dream car is a 4runner, maybe get a 4runner and an old beater truck for hunting/fishing?

My vote is... BOTH! Get a good used 4runner for $30,000 and buy a decent older truck for $15,000. (That's what I would do.)

 

[Thebeastlives]

Both those million mile Tundras were driven by Hot Shot delivery drivers who worked for the oil industry, which means they needed the truck bed space for oil drums and such and was mostly driven highway miles. If a 4Runner was able to haul the same load as they were carrying, I’m sure it would have been more than capable of achieving the million mile mark.

Look no matter how much you love that 4 runner it ain't built like a Tundra, period. The v8 5.7 and the transmission is built to last when you are doing truck stuff it has to be. My 08 Tundra tows my 10000 lb toyhauler now like it did when it had 0 miles. It has not lost 1 step even when the hills get big and it runs up to 3500 rpms it still pull that trailer 75 mph with zero issues. I had a leaking water pump for 2 years before I fixed it and that is all the fixes that it has. My 96 3rd 4 runner might have the best built motor and transmission in a 4 runner. At 321,000 miles it could reach a million miles on the same transmission and motor. The difference is I know the Tundra will because Toyota over built it because of what you ask a truck to do.

 

[Thebeastlives]

What problems are 4Runner engines prone to that 5.7 V8s are not? Maybe I've missed a bunch of complaints?

The 4.0 in a 4 runner just like the 3.4 in a 3rd gen do like to blow head gaskets when the miles get up over 200k. Is that an issue for most? Most people don't have their 4th gens that long and very few 5th gen have been around long enough to comment. I've lost head gasket on both 3rd gen (at 300k) and 4th gen (At 270k) which was great for a 25 year old vehicle. My buddies who use their 5.7 tundras for work n play are over 500 and 600k. Trucks tow for work and for play yet they keep going with no motor or transmission issues. There have been 5.7 motor failures and toyota at times have taken them back to look at the issue because even they were surprised. A 5.7 tundra motor failure is an unusual event for Toyota.

 

[mcat707]

Look no matter how much you love that 4 runner it ain't built like a Tundra, period. The v8 5.7 and the transmission is built to last when you are doing truck stuff it has to be. My 08 Tundra tows my 10000 lb toyhauler now like it did when it had 0 miles. It has not lost 1 step even when the hills get big and it runs up to 3500 rpms it still pull that trailer 75 mph with zero issues. I had a leaking water pump for 2 years before I fixed it and that is all the fixes that it has. My 96 3rd 4 runner might have the best built motor and transmission in a 4 runner. At 321,000 miles it could reach a million miles on the same transmission and motor. The difference is I know the Tundra will because Toyota over built it because of what you ask a truck to do.

I never said the 4Runner is built the same way as the Tundra. I said the 4Runner 6cyl engine is just as capable of doing million miles.

So what is your point again?