4Runner too small ??? Get a Sequoia Instead??

[snap315]

Howdy all,

I've been planning on buying a 04 4Runner within the next couple of months.

However I have noticed the lack of head and leg room in the new model. I'm 6'1" tall and approx. 200lbs. I think I'm about average height for this area (maybe a little on the tall/big side) but shouldn't the redesigned 4Runner have more room?

In order for me to get comfortable I have to lower the seat almost to the bottom and move the seat all the way back to it's farthest postion.

While this does make it easier to remember the settings if they get changed I don't think I want a new vehicle that has no room for adjustments.

What happens during the winter when I have a large, heavy coat on? What about when I wear boots?

All of this has got me thinking about another choice for the replacement of my 1996 Blazer. I want to stay with Toyota for their quality and reliabilty. The only other choice is the Sequoia.

The problem I have is that I already decided against a Chevy Tahoe because it is too big and I want something that is fairly "nibble" in the handling and parking department.

I drove a Sequoia today for the first time and it drives alot better that a Tahoe but it isn't small by any means.

The Lexus GX470 has the added headroom I need but it is BUTT ugly and overpriced IMHO.

Can anyone here give me any info on how the Sequoia compares to the 4Runner?


Help and TIA.

 

[peter78]

Here is another, low tech option. I am 6'4" and even the third generation had problems with head room. I got a model without a Sun Roof (Moon Roof). It gives you the extra couple of inches of precious head room. This may limit you to certain models and equipment, but maybe if you look hard you can find a nice model. So you may want to check out a 4Runner without a Sun Roof, that is, if you can find one.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Yea the models with the sunroof really cut down on head room, I'm surprised that they haven't came up with a better design, there are many other SUV's out there where the sun rof doesn't take up as much space

 

[jharris2]

Don't forget that the height of the driver's seat in the 4Runner can be adjusted, so you should be able to adjust it to work for you. It raises much higher than I like the seat to be, and I'm nowhere near Peter's height.

Go try it out at the dealership before you make a decision you may second-guess later. That way, you'll know for certain what works best for you.

To make sure you have done the research, spend some time in models with and without a sunroof. Be sure to duplicate your normal driving habits -- for example, if you wear a hat or cap when driving, be sure to wear one in the 4Runner.

Personally, I prefer a sunroof, so I'm willing to give up a couple of inches of headroom for the added sunshine. If those inches are too important to you for headroom, then the models without sunroof may be more suitable.

And if you want a sunroof but the 4Runner doesn't give you the headroom you want, then you know you've done the homework and need to look at another vehicle.

 

[snap315]

Thanks for all the help.

I've looked at and tested the models without a sunroof. I know there are at least a couple of inches lost with the sunroof. Without it the amount of headroom in a 4Runner is equal or better than that found in my 96 Blazer.

There is enough headroom in the models with the sunroof but it is only a couple of inches clearance.

I have to decide if a sunroof is worth the loss in interior space.

BTW, after looking at and driving the Sequoia I ruled it out for the same reason the Chevy Tahoe was; it's too big for a single guy who needs it as an everyday vehicle.

 

[peter78]

I noticed the leagal disclaimer on the spec sheet for the 04's. If you want a Moon Roof, Toyota says "Not available with third-row seat.", so it looks like you might find 04 Limited's and SR5's that are loaded without a Moon Roof.

I know you may not want one without a moon roof, you can always get a different model, but for me, being 6'4" tall I don't even consider it. And yes, I tried to fit in a 04 and I can fit if, I lean back and have my head off to the side of the molding for the moon roof. In other words, I don't fit very well.


http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/2004/4runner/models.html