4Runner vs FJ Cruiser

[Dennis]

When I first saw the FJ Cruiser over a year ago, I was sure I was going to own one. It has the 4Runner's great drive train, but in a more adventurous vehicle. It could carry less and might be a bit less comfortable, but, in exchange, it would have good ground clearance and angles, be smaller and more maneuverable on the trail, and get better mileage from lighter weight. Now that the FJC is almost here, though, I'm disappointed in the size.

I observe first that the FJ Cruiser is larger in every dimension than my old Grand Cherokee! It is essentially the same size as a 4Runner except five inches shorter. It is the same weight and scores the same EPA mileage. It does have more ground clearance and better angles--important issues for me. But put those bigger tires on the 4Runner and the advantage is slim.

The most disturbing measurement is the FJ's absurdly large turning circle. How did they manage to have a wheelbase four inches shorter and a turning radius 4.4 feet LARGER?! Trail riding in a Tacoma would be easier.

It seems like the FJ is just a 4Runner that looks different, carries less, and is hard to see out of. Can anyone encourage me back to the FJ fold?

                4Runner     FJ Cruiser

Curb weight     4320        4295
Wheelbase       109.8       105.9
Length          189.2       183.9
Width           75.2        74.6
Height          71.1        71.6
Grnd Clearance  9.1         9.6
Turning Circle  37.4        41.8
Tires           265/65R17   265/70R17
Apprch/Departr  30/24       34/30
EPA city/hwy    17/21       17/21

 

[Thai]

The most disturbing measurement is the FJ's absurdly large turning circle. How did they manage to have a wheelbase four inches shorter and a turning radius 4.4 feet LARGER?! Trail riding in a Tacoma would be easier.

That is probably due to the larger 32" tire...and maybe Toyota modified the suspension components in the front. Maybe the modifications resulted in less wheel well space...and with the bigger tires, Toyota limited the turning radius to avoid rubbing. The FJ's suspension apparently is the most off-road ready suspension of all Toyota SUVs.

I agree with you, Dennis. I would rather get 4runner and then put bigger tires and sliders on. Oh yeah, an ARB rear locker would be needed too. 4runner is far more practical, easier to drive, AND safer. Suicide doors are never good for side crash testing.

 

[ForRuner99]

I actually went to the dealership on Saturday strictly to buy the FJ. After test driving it and starting to talk numbers, I happened to look outside while waiting to see if the manager would go for my deal i offered. I noticed an awesome looking 2006 Limited 4Runner. Well, I immediately put the FJ on hold and said I wanted to test drive the LE. After driving it, and comparing prices, I could get A LOT more bang for my buck. A fully loaded limited versus a decently loaded FJ. Once the novelty wears off, the 4Runner is definitely the way to go.
I bought the LE T4R.
Love it...happy with my decision.
I'll post pics soon.

 

[peter78]

eI could get A LOT more bang for my buck. A fully loaded limited versus a decently loaded FJ. Once the novelty wears off, the 4Runner is definitely the way to go.

I am sure the FJ is going for top dollar. Once the novelty wears off, it will be interesting to see how it will fare. My feeling is, it will do well for a niche vehicle.

 

[Thai]

I am sure the FJ is going for top dollar. Once the novelty wears off, it will be interesting to see how it will fare. My feeling is, it will do well for a niche vehicle.

Maybe...but, within a few weeks of introduction, FJC is no longer commanding above-MSRP pricing. Most dealers are now asking only MSRP. It is going to do well for sure...however, i am pretty sure that by 6 months, you can get one below MSRP.

Like i said all along, i just don't think that the FJC offers ENOUGH to command MSRP pricing. I feel that the 4runner offers a lot more for the buck than FJC.

 

[JB.]

..The most disturbing measurement is the FJ's absurdly large turning circle.. ..Can anyone encourage me back to the FJ fold?..

All good observations. Only thing I can think of on the turning circle is it was necessary to allow still larger tires.

As for the encouragement, that's going to be hard for me. I'm not interested in buying an FJ - especially at a premium price. I think it would be much easier to discourage you, but I'll give it my best shot.

Setting aside the style thing, one thing I can think of is if you're very hesitant to go outside the Toyota brand and you want Toyota's most capable, current off-roader. Looks like there will be tons of aftermarket stuff available, too.

Additionally, there's a remote chance you could drive it for a while and then sell it at a profit. You wouldn't have much competition either because there are loads of people complaining about the unfair prices the demand is producing and I'm sure such people would never do anything as "unfair" as make a profit on the high demand themselves. :

It has tusks which could maybe come in handy widening trails that your Cherokee used to fit through.:monster:

 

[Mr. Lambdebois]

So from the data.....

If one were to put the 265/70/17 size tires that come on the FJ on a 4runner they would both have the same rated ground clearance at 9.6 inches. ( they obviously don't measure it at the front skidplate :bash: )

I wonder how the 4runners approach/crossover/ and departure angles would stack up against the fj then? Also it's side slope and grade angle ability before rolling would be interesting to compare.

 

[JB.]

So from the data.....

If one were to put the 265/70/17 size tires that come on the FJ on a 4runner they would both have the same rated ground clearance at 9.6 inches. ( they obviously don't measure it at the front skidplate :bash: )

I wonder how the 4runners approach/crossover/ and departure angles would stack up against the fj then? Also it's side slope and grade angle ability before rolling would be interesting to compare.

The biggie, in my mind, is the better breakover angle for FJ. That would be the first thing I think I would notice off-road. I don't much care about the published numbers for that measurment as I don't think they can necessarily be relied on for accuracy, but there's a lot more clearance at the front of the gas tank now (along with 4 gal less capacity). With 32" tires, 03-05 4Runners approach is 32 compared to FJ 34. Not much difference there. Noticeable difference in departure angle, though, and that would be the next most noticeable difference off-road, imo. Not as important as the breakover, I don't think, as it's mostly a matter of putting up with the noise of the indestructable hitch touching down on the 4Runner. Do something with the exhaust pipe and you're in pretty good shape although a touchdown will eventually happen outside the protection of the hitch. The 06 4Runners have a little more overhang front and back.

I doubt there's much difference in side slope and grade angle ability.

 

[teotwaki]

After three days on the trail in Utah there is no way I would trade my 4Runner for an FJ. True, I upgraded the tires and suspension, so my total cost of vehicle and mods would be $32.4K; still a bargain to me. I can always install a locker if I ever need one.

My only problem with departure angle was scraping the bottom of the end of my exhaust pipe. I am glad I took the Valor (bling) exhaust tip off before the expedition. Probably rerouting the exhaust and moving the spare tire would help with departure angle.

 

[azskyrider]

test drove both

I went down to my local Toyota dealer yesterday to test both the 06 runner and the FJC. Here are a few things I noticed that a future owner might want to consider and try for themselves during their test drive. There are plenty of posts with all the positives.

I tested both the sr5 and limited. I noticed that both models can raise the seat a little higher in order for the rear passengers to put their toes under the seat. Unfortunately, the low roof made for a head touching experience. The seats on the SR5 seemed firm that I would think would make for an uncomfortable ride on long trips. On the limited the seats were very comfortable and allowed for my body to really sit in. I do not believe it is just the leather but probably the limited has different level of firmness in the seat cushion. The rear seat on the 06 has plenty of space. The driver and passenger roofline wasn't very noticeable probably due to the adjustable height and closer proximity to the windshield.

The FJC was very nice. The head rests have leather while the rest of the seat is made out of fabric. The seat on the FJC seemed very firm even more so than the SR5. Also rougher to the touch but I suppose the FJC is suppose to be built that way and that is fine. The higher roofline made the interior feel very roomy but there is definately less space for the rear passenger legs. Sitting in the rear seat also was uncomfortable because the top of the rear seat felt like it reached the middle of my back. The head rests had to extended quite a bit. Does this matter? Well unless your passengers remember to put them back in their regular position after leaving, the view will be filled with the head rests. Also for the rear passengers it felt like sitting in an airplane. The rear passenger needs to lean forward to see outside and the rear window is small like that of an airplane though outside it seemed larger. The FJC is an off road purpose vehicle in my book and with that in mind the only gripe I have is the thinness of the rubber floors. The cargo area is hard plastic but the rest of the floor is out of rubber. I believe the floors gave an appearance of being thick to endure use but in my opinion is thin. Enough so that I believe it will not endure a lot of use through out the years. I would never have noticed this. With my hand, I pushed on it and noticed that the area was very flexible. I could feel like they had a lot of sound proof material underneath which is good but it didn't feel like the harder material rubber floors of the old. My take on this is that Toyota probably did this so that port options or future models can incorporate carpeted floor installation much easier. This can be a benefit for the FJC owners if they want to take the floors out and install carpet for city use.

Really I liked both vehicles a lot and everyone is different. If I was single I would have jumped on the FJC. The price is very reasonable and with the Atrac mod going on in the Ih8mud forum, the BASIC 4x4 FJC would be a bargain. I am married and I travel 9+ hours regularly through out the year. I think the 4runner is the best choice for a family and the FJC for the single guy.
The FJC also has a smaller fuel tank which will make more pit stops for those traveling long distance.


I wish I could buy them both and the FJC will not take away from the 4runner. I think where it will be hard pressed to choose is for those who want 2 for 1. Family and off road vehicle. Then the 4runner would be my choice.

 

[teotwaki]

Re: test drove both

.....I wish I could buy them both....

Now there is a thought! Owning both, hmmmm.


I just recently drove to Utah to offroad. It was 720+ miles, one way. I did it in one day with only quick gas and food stops. My 4Runner was very comfortable and I did not feel worn out from the drive.

 

[jacal]

FJ is related to what?

Strange...this is from the Toyota Canada FJ brochure:

SPECIFICATIONS:
...

 

[Thai]

I agree...FJC has more in common with 4runner/Prado than with Tacoma.

 

[MonstrOso]

Talking myself out of an FJ

Ok, so I've pretty much told myself I'm NOT getting an FJ.

And it really came down to value, I know the 4runner is better deal (especially since I'm probably going to go for a used one).

Any guess as to which Gen would give an FJ the best run for it's money? (Mileage and Power wise, I know the mods will put them head to head)

Looking into a Gen 2 or 3.

 

[Thai]

Re: Talking myself out of an FJ

Ok, so I've pretty much told myself I'm NOT getting an FJ.

And it really came down to value, I know the 4runner is better deal (especially since I'm probably going to go for a used one).

Any guess as to which Gen would give an FJ the best run for it's money? (Mileage and Power wise, I know the mods will put them head to head)

Looking into a Gen 2 or 3.

Any will give FJC a run for the money. The best ones are probably the 1999-2000 4runners because these came with "Multi-mode 4wd" system and optional rear locker. The multi-mode 4wd allows you to drive 4HI on the dry land along with center diff lock. These 4runners have the advantage over FJC in great ground clearance, especially the front end, and narrower proportions. Of course, FJC will counter with probably slightly better wheel articulation, ATRAC, bigger standard tires, rear disc brakes, and power.

Good luck with your search.

 

[Baba Booey]

FJ Cruiser gets the nod over Nissan Xterra in this Edmunds.com review:

FJ vs. Xterra

 

[Sac State]

FJ doesn't offer a locking gas door. So the FJ is out of any future consideration.

They can offer a locking gas door on a Corolla but not an FJ?

 

[Thai]

They can offer a locking gas door on a Corolla but not an FJ?

It's retro remember!!

 

[AndyDe]

I just back from servicing my runner and decided to take the time to look at the FJ closer in person.
It is a great looking car, inside and out to my surprise. My wife loves the look of it and we kicked around the idea of selling the runner and buying the FJ at some point.

Once you climb in, the retro feeling kicks in. It is cool looking with seats comfortable enough. It is certainly not as quite and 4runner but you get a lot more looks. One thing that stood right away is that outward visibility is compromised but maybe you could get used to that, afterall the thing is cool looking. I love the flooring, the fabric on the seats, the center panel, the pod on the dash, and little lights on the side view mirros. All this adds to the cool factor which is great, but I just can't seem to justify it. I have more space in the runner, quieter, smoother ride, and my dogs love it.

It may be just me, but it made me appreciate my 4runner even more. I like the quiteness and space that I have. Sure it does not look as rugged or have the "cool" factor, but it is a vehicle that I can see myself hanging on to for a while. The FJ is certainly a cool looking SUV, if I had the extra money I'd buy one just for show.

I think everyone should go and take a peek at it.
Just my 2 cents-
:driving:

 

[ssmathis]

Well, we'll be adding one to our garage shortly. My wife ordered one last weekend and it should be her in 30-60 days. I'll take some pictures of both once it arrives. Hopefully it will be here before Labor Day so she can drive it when we head out with the local Land Cruiser club for some camping and trail runs. Yes we'll have two SUVs but we'll just consider mine the luxery vehicle.

Scott