4Runner or Tundra?

[t0y0ta4R]

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.

Agreed, it seems most never consider the harshness of their enviroment when parking a vehicle outside all year long. Although, the offroad variants on this forum probably are less concerned about that aspect. I also went with a Tacoma due to size and fit in my garage but that was 15 years ago. Everyone's situation is different but my goal is to pair a trailer with my future 4R purchase to make up for the loss of a bed. Good luck either way with your decision.

 

[Inv4drZm]

Biggest difference is size and power.

The Tundra is a beast of a workhorse.

4runner is a fun toy in comparison.

I've driven my parent's Tundra multiple times including towing a boat a couple hundred miles.

 

[Tonka23]

Im sure it isn't the most convenient option but there is a Toyota in Whitehorse, Yukon. About a 12 hour drive from Anchorage and looks like they have a 2020 TRD for 54K CDN (as of the rate right now is 40K USD) and am almost positive Yukon only has GST (5%) and no provincial tax.

2020 Toyota 4Runner for sale in Whitehorse, YT serving North West Territories | New Toyota Sales

 

[Thebeastlives]

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?

That 4.0 and 3.4 motor tends to need to have motor or transmission fixes on the norm before 500k miles. Hey but until there are a few million mile 4 runner that got there without any issues on the motor or transmission you can continue your wishful (my neighbor does the same about his 5.4 ford 150) thinking about it being capable of getting there.

 

[mcat707]

That 4.0 and 3.4 motor tends to need to have motor or transmission fixes on the norm before 500k miles. Hey but until there are a few million mile 4 runner that got there without any issues on the motor or transmission you can continue your wishful (my neighbor does the same about his 5.4 ford 150) thinking about it being capable of getting there.

If you want to get technical show me proof of a Tundra with a 5.7L engine that has a million original miles. You didn’t even post the correct Tundra engine that went a million miles, so until then YOU should also continue your wishful thinking.

 

[SpeedyKevin]

If you want to get technical show me proof of a Tundra with a 5.7L engine that has a million original miles. You didn’t even post the correct Tundra engine that went a million miles, so until then YOU should also continue your wishful thinking.

He does have a point^ Also the second tundra (not sure which size motor) that reached a million miles had its transmission rebuilt. Owner did say it might of just needed a flush. That being said, Im curious to what engine the hiluxs in the middle east use. Those things have gone past 500K no issue lol

 

[gsla72]

I've spent a lot of time in both. OP - one item that hasn't been mentioned is driving around in snow. I know some prefer the extra weight on the back end of an SUV vs. the empty/light bed of an unloaded pickup.

Tundra - Great truck, surprisingly quick with the V8, feels like a tank.

4Runner - Easier to maneuver day-to-day, slightly better gas mileage, great build quality.

Both have the same antiquated setups (electronics/drivetrain) and both have a fairly solid level of aftermarket support. Both should be extremely reliable.

If your heart is set on the 4R and the money isn't the driving force then go for it - you'll always have that "I should have just bought what I wanted" factor if you don't. If watching a budget is more critical, the Tundra is a great choice that should suit you well.

 

[02SE]

That 4.0 and 3.4 motor tends to need to have motor or transmission fixes on the norm before 500k miles. Hey but until there are a few million mile 4 runner that got there without any issues on the motor or transmission you can continue your wishful (my neighbor does the same about his 5.4 ford 150) thinking about it being capable of getting there.

There was a member here who was closing in on 800k miles on his all original drivetrain '99 Limited 4Runner, the last time he posted. Like the people driving the million mile Tundras (which by the way were the old cast iron block 4.7 2UZ-FE, also found in the 4th gen 4Runner), he was in the oil industry.

The 5VZ-FE 3.4 has more in common with the 2UZ-FE 4.7, than either have in common with the 3UR-FE 5.7.

In fact the 1GR-FE 4.0 is similar in design to the 3UR-FE 5.7. Which makes sense since they both share more modern Toyota engine architecture.

When I was looking for a truck I was wishing Toyota had made the 1-ton Dually Tundra, which was headed for production until the last recession ended that. No 1/2 ton trucks have enough capability for what I was going to use one for.

OP, buy what you want.

 

[ProfessorP]

I voted 4Runner.

I leased a 4.7 Tundra for three years. Then I owned a 5.7 Tundra for 10 years. Now I drive a 2019 T4R OR. The 5.7 Tundra was powerful and reliable, but owning the 4Runner has been a blast. By far my favorite vehicle purchase in 35 years of driving.

I tow a 4,300 pound boat with the 4Runner (same boat hauled with the Tundra).
I’ve hauled lots of cedar siding and 12” x 2” x 16’ long cedar lumber on my aftermarket roof rack.
I’ve had 1.27 cubic yards of mulch (23 bags) in the cargo area with a level sag free ride home.
Yesterday, I hauled a prehung exterior entry door home from Lowe’s with a bit of it hanging out the roll down rear window.

The 4Runner TRD Off Road has served all of our needs hauling and towing. It’s also allowed us to go places on our adventure road trips that would’ve never fit a Tundra. The 4Runner is so much easier to park and maneuver too.

At first I thought I would miss driving a truck, but after a year, not so much.

 

[importman]

You can't go wrong with either. I've got an 07 Tundra that I've had for eleven years with virtually zero problems. A water pump around 100k miles is the ONLY non maintenance item I've done to it. And yes, it's a BEAST. In fact I lovingly call mine the beast. You will never complain about a lack of power with it. That said, I also have an 05 T4R that I've only had a short while and I love it too. But it doesn't have the power, smoothness or comfort of the Tundra. Like you I really like the 5th gen 4runners but if I could only have one or the other it would have to be the Tundra. Someone else on here referred to Tundras and Sequoias as having squeaks and stuff but my Tundra with 170k absolutely has none. It's as tight as it was when new. So after saying all that I really don't know what you should do. You really have a good problem to have. Like I said, you can't go wrong with either.

 

[Mutant138]

Honestly I would vote tundra because your gonna have wet gear often. But, the would think the runner would handle snow a bit better.

Flip a coin?

 

[Thebeastlives]

Honestly I would vote tundra because your gonna have wet gear often. But, the would think the runner would handle snow a bit better.

Flip a coin?

Under many cases the 4 runner does handle offroading better but in the snow my Tundra is a beast. 38 Toyo with a 6 inch lift will do that. 38" tires causes all kinda issues with a 4 runner but the big 5.7 Tundra has no issues with that setup.

 

[Kanger328]

Thanks for all the input y'all. Didn't expect so many replies. Yeah, I've always wanted a 5th gen 4Runner, so I'll stick with that. Though, in an interesting turn of events, my buddy is considering trading in his 2012 Tundra DC w/ 60K miles on it for a new Tundra. The trade in offer is super low...so I'm considering offering him ~$1,000 more than what the dealer is offering him.

If this route pans out, I'll buy his truck and wait until 2021 to get the last of the 5th gens before the refresh. If the used Tundra doesn't go through, I'll get a new 4Runner now...and will be making the official intro into the 5th gen forum soon. Thanks again!

 

[borfoo3]

He does have a point^ Also the second tundra (not sure which size motor) that reached a million miles had its transmission rebuilt. Owner did say it might of just needed a flush. That being said, Im curious to what engine the hiluxs in the middle east use. Those things have gone past 500K no issue lol

The Middle East engine is the 2.7l 4 cylinder 2TR-FE, which is a natural aspirated gasoline engine which also came in the Tacoma and lower spec Prado/ Fortuner

The 1GR-FE motor in the 4Runner is also in the higher end Prado trims and now an option on newer 2015+ Hiluxes

 

[Kanger328]

Welp, guess the 4Runner will have to wait. Bought my buddy's Tundra when he went to buy a brand new one today.

2012 Tundra SR5 DC 4.6L V8 4x4 w/ 68K miles. All dealer maintained w/ all suggested as well as req'd maintenance done. Got it for $13K.

Thx for all the input. Now I can buy a 5th gen in a year or so from the lower 48 and tow it back up here to Alaska.

 

[Jernik]

Welp, guess the 4Runner will have to wait. Bought my buddy's Tundra when he went to buy a brand new one today.

2012 Tundra SR5 DC 4.6L V8 4x4 w/ 68K miles. All dealer maintained w/ all suggested as well as req'd maintenance done. Got it for $13K.

Thx for all the input. Now I can buy a 5th gen in a year or so from the lower 48 and tow it back up here to Alaska.

Sounds like a helluva good deal! You weren't really going to go wrong either way, but I wouldn't have turned down that offer either.p

I'm sure there are others out there, but I've found tundras.com to be a good community (like this one is) if you have questions about the new truck.

 

[mcat707]

Welp, guess the 4Runner will have to wait. Bought my buddy's Tundra when he went to buy a brand new one today.

2012 Tundra SR5 DC 4.6L V8 4x4 w/ 68K miles. All dealer maintained w/ all suggested as well as req'd maintenance done. Got it for $13K.

Thx for all the input. Now I can buy a 5th gen in a year or so from the lower 48 and tow it back up here to Alaska.

At that price, I probably would have went with the Tundra also. Good deal.

You should have enough extra to buy a used 5th gen 4Runner now. Best of both worlds.

 

[thennen]

Welp, guess the 4Runner will have to wait. Bought my buddy's Tundra when he went to buy a brand new one today.

2012 Tundra SR5 DC 4.6L V8 4x4 w/ 68K miles. All dealer maintained w/ all suggested as well as req'd maintenance done. Got it for $13K.

Thx for all the input. Now I can buy a 5th gen in a year or so from the lower 48 and tow it back up here to Alaska.

Congratulations! Man, very low miles on that Tundra. And at that price, you may have two vehicles a year from now. Might be no reason to ever sell it. Enjoy!

 

[Drobs]

You might check out this 2018 SR5 that is in Anchorage going cheap $23,900 w/ 26k miles. No reason you can't have both now.

I will admit I prefer my Off Road with it's locking rear differential. However that 18 is a steal.

Used Toyota 4Runner for Sale in Anchorage, AK - CarGurus

 

[mcat707]

You might check out this 2018 SR5 that is in Anchorage going cheap $23,900 w/ 26k miles. No reason you can't have both now.

I will admit I prefer my Off Road with it's locking rear differential. However that 18 is a steal.

Used Toyota 4Runner for Sale in Anchorage, AK - CarGurus

Good find. Should still be under factory warranty.