4Runner vs FJ Cruiser

[mjos]

I drove both back to back. I actually went to the dealership to buy the FJ. I thought the FJ interior felt cheap though and outward visibility was very poor in the FJ. Also for 4 wheeling, I like to be able to look out my front driver's window to see where my tire is in the rocks. This is hard to do on the FJ with it's high door panels and small window.

One drive in the Sport V8 Runner was all I needed to convince me. I'll add an ARB in the rear and never wonder if I made the right decision.

I do like the outside look of the FJ better than the 4R though.

 

[wasc007]

I also looked at the FJ prior to purchasing my 2006 4runner. FJ is $3000 over the sticker vs 4runner $5000 under. FJ has the truck like folding 4 doors vs the full size 4 doors. FJ has no mileage advange and less cargo room.

4runner much better buy. Not to mention the available V8.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

The turning radius is purposely longer on the FJ due to Toyota not wanting to strain the CVs off road.

If you really are going off road more than a few times a year and don't mind a nick or a scrape here or there then the FJ probably fits the bill better especially with a manual and diff lock and stock vs stock the FJ has the edge but if it's a DD with the occasional off road trip then the 4Runner definetly is the more liveable and comfortable choice and of course is much cheaper at the moment.

 

[elemint]

I saw the FJ at the auto show about 4 years ago and it was the most exiting vehicle I had seen in decades. But once the production vehicle came I was very disapointed in what they did to the interior. How could they not have a fold flat floor???? Unexcusible... The tailgate folds out? Now why would they do that??? Why no power tailgate window like in the 4R? Also the the visiblitity is so bad it is dangerous. If they would fix these items and make a diesel I would call it a perfect vehicle. Add a hybrid to the options too. Better yet, Use the FJ design elements to the 2008 4 runner!!!

 

[Thai]

Yup...agree...how about an Off-road Edition of the 4runner with FJC parts (rear locker, taller springs, smaller sway bars, etc.).

Oh well, i am dreaming again....

 

[Thai]

isn't there less room in the back seat on the FJ comared to the 4runner? i hate it when the kids keep kicking my back seat for amusement or perhaps they were expressing their displeasure with the lack of space !

There is significantly less room in the back!

 

[94yotarunner]

4runner much better buy. Not to mention the available V8.

Everyone here needs to pick their priorities.

Its not that one is better than the other, its that one is better for you than the other.

Ex: Better back seat room doesn't concern me because I don't have little ones running around. All I need the back for is making little ones, and the seats fold down.

Everyone here has explained their love for the 4runner and now I'll come back and say:

FJ over 4Runner

I bought the FJ because it was a classic remake of a historic line of vehicles.
It offers a manual transmission, not a semi manual version thats not manual at all.
Stock Locking differential
LOADED FJ with a reasonable purchase price 2k below MSRP, and same price as sport edition 4runner. It was actually 4k less than a comparably equiped 4Runner. 40 miles on the odometer, fully loaded FJ.
Fully adjustable roof rack that moves cross rails for different purposes.
Rear mounted spare tire that makes changing a tire MUCH quicker.
Rubber all weather mats and water resistant seats are much better for outdoor activities than leather.
Better approach and departure angles.
Slightly lighter.
Smaller wheelbase.

Things that could be improved:
Visibility (but you adjust how you see your surroundings)
Diesel would be amazing. I don't see a hybrid coming out ANY time soon.
Better color options in the coming years.


I don't think it needs a V8 option. If you want a V8, get a 4Runner.
I don't think it needs 4 doors. If you want a 4 door, get a 4Runner.
I didn't need the DVD for the kids, the 2 other doors, 3rd row seating, leather seats, automatic or semi automatic transmission, a V8, more storage space. So I happily got an FJ. And its amazing.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

FJs are aimed at people that will actually go off the beaten path,4Runners cater to the everyday person,off roaders to a point and soccer moms.

The lack of a V8 is a weak argument when the 4Runner doesn't have an available manual tranny or a rear locker.

I don't think Toyota is trying to compete with itself.

My bet is the success of the FJ will make the 5th gen Runners even more street friendly.

 

[Dennis]

It looks like there will always be plenty of material to keep this thread going. I was disappointed in the FJ because you have to give up so much on-road quality for what I judge to be a pretty minor gain in off-road ability. I decided I needed two cars...

I use my 4Runner to go back and forth from my mountain cabin because it is comfortable, quiet, drives well on the freeway, gets good mileage, hauls lot of stuf, and tows my boat. In the winter, it is terrific in the snow. I also use it for touring around the many marginal dirt roads in our area when I have four passengers. The 4runner is a absolutely the best available vehicle for ALL of this, even if it isn't the coolest looking thing I've ever owned.

When I'm actually at our cabin, I drive a Wrangler Rubicon. It is fun to drive (it's a stick), super maneuverable, easy to accessorize, and I can leave the top off all summer. Best of all, I can enjoy real off-road recreational challenges that seem to be everywhere in the Sierra.

I don't think I'll ever find all of this in one vehicle.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I'd like to see how far in stock trim a 4Runner will go vs an FJ.

The FJ really only sacrifices a little comfort and room otherwise it's does everything else a Runner does.

Like I said the FJ and 4Runner aren't each other's competition.

 

[Mixed4u]

I have both. I got my FJ last November. True, they're not offering any promotions on the FJ, but I also did not pay 'sticker price' for mine either. They're just two different vehicles. I don't see the need for comparison. They're about as comparable as they would be to say, a RAV. I use my 4Runner for the daily stuff and I take the FJ out on the weekends for a little fun. 2 out of 2 Labrador Retrievers prefer my FJ over my 4Runner.

 

[94yotarunner]

2 out of 2 Labrador Retrievers prefer my FJ over my 4Runner.

I love it.

 

[Steak]

Can't help convince you for the FJ. Maybe a 4R though?

I was in the same boat. Was waiting to get my FJ for over a year. Finally went to the dealer, cash in hand, ready to buy. I took a test drive and HATED it. Great performance and all that, love the fact that you can almost hose it out. The deal-killer was visibility. I felt like I was sitting in a box. Could not see out about 60% of the sides, and nothing out back except a bit of SUV/Truck rooftops. Drove me nuts, and I walked away disappointed. I was ready to take one home before that drive.

Decided to give the 4Runner another look (thought it was beyond my budget). Got a great deal on a 4X4 SR5 and glad I did it. Much nicer truck, better visibility, and when I'm not on the trails, I have a family and a job to go to. Its perfect.

Toyota dropped the ball on the FJ.They almost built a perfect Off-Roader, but F-ed up in the details. I hope they will figure it out soon. They cannot sell these things any more. They sold at a good price the first few months. Now they sit on the lot for weeks without even a test drive.

-Chris

 

[teotwaki]

Drove an FJ

I was at the Pomona (CA) Off Road Expo and took a short drive in a trail team FJ, a black one that said Gibson on the side.

It would have been more illuminating if I was not distracted by my "baby sitter" who started out assuming I knew nothing about off roading and who would not vary his little spiel about each baby step to take. He did not hear anything that I said.

When we came to the alternating whoop-di-doos that would pitch some tires in the air he noticed that I had my left foot on the brake at the same time as my right foot on the gas and said "oh" and "would you like to try the e-locker?"

The he started to ask questions about what I drove, how it was modified and where I had gone. Things I had already told him in the first 5 minutes.... but he never heard.

Since I already have a 4Runner I did not need a long time in the FJ to decide it was not for me. The shorter body and wheelbase were an advantage but less visibility was the knockout. Maybe a future gen of FJ will get my attention.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Is Toyota having problems selling FJs? I haven't seen it from the dealer that I use for some of my 4Runner fix-its.

Of course production may have caught up with demand and the vehcile really isn't for the family toting duties and outward visibilty seems to be more how the person handles it and I agree the visiblity does suck for the avarage driver that's used to driving in a full glass greenhouse of an SUV but once you get used to it it's not so bad.

The FJ is for people who really want to off road but dont' want a pickup. The FJ is much more capable in stock trim for the off roader vs the 4Runner. I'd personally take the 4Runner and throw some mods at it but a manual tranny and rear diff lock still is missed.

 

[teotwaki]

Is Toyota having problems selling FJs? I haven't seen it from the dealer that I use for some of my 4Runner fix-its.

Of course production may have caught up with demand and the vehcile really isn't for the family toting duties and outward visibilty seems to be more how the person handles it and I agree the visiblity does suck for the avarage driver that's used to driving in a full glass greenhouse of an SUV but once you get used to it it's not so bad.

The FJ is for people who really want to off road but dont' want a pickup. The FJ is much more capable in stock trim for the off roader vs the 4Runner. I'd personally take the 4Runner and throw some mods at it but a manual tranny and rear diff lock still is missed.

Stock I would put them at a draw except for an advantage with the locker. I've had both manual and autos and prefer the auto.

In stock trim they have almost exactly the same suspension and drive train. The lengths and widths vary as do wheelbase and the advantages will vary with terrain.

I've driven both and do not agree the FJ has any particular advantage in stock trim.

 

[DigableKid]

I used to have one...and I hadno complaints at all. The only reason I decided to trade the Cruiser in for a 4Runner is because of the fact that my wife is 4"11' and plans to have my kids soon:0). It'll be pretty tough for her to get the kid in and out of the, to her, high vehicle.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Stock I would put them at a draw except for an advantage with the locker. I've had both manual and autos and prefer the auto.

In stock trim they have almost exactly the same suspension and drive train. The lengths and widths vary as do wheelbase and the advantages will vary with terrain.

I've driven both and do not agree the FJ has any particular advantage in stock trim.

The FJ doesn't have a huge advantage but it'll go farther than a stock Runner will. There's a little more clearance and the approach and departure angles are better in the FJ and the locker can make a huge diff,a locker makes a diff in the 3rd gens vs ones that aren't equipped.
Plus the rear diff lock and the VSC can now work in conjunction with each other which makes another solid difference.

I've seen plenty of stock FJs doing some pretty impressive stuff on youtube but it's hard to compare since 4th gen off road vids are pretty rare.

 

[teotwaki]

videos can always be found if you want to actually look...
http://joelrasmus.com/gallery/v/Videos/4runner/Mojave-Road-2006.mov.html

http://joelrasmus.com/gallery/v/videos/4runner/Jawbone-2006.mov.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JMUfB6K9krU

http://youtube.com/watch?v=1d_svqhmJCU&mode=related&search=

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhnsdnUf6hY

http://www.dailymotion.com/underactive/video/xy7ce_4runner-coyote-canyon

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RA5aGNEX9Rw&mode=related&search=

as for approach and departure angle, wheelbase length, etc.,
long and short wheelbases both have advantages

FJ ground clearance difference is as others have pointed out: due to stock 17" wheels vs. 4rRunners stock 16" wheels

I'm still not convinced that either one has a clear advantage. Two stock vehicles and two great drivers can get the same results

 

[Thai]

FJ ground clearance difference is as others have pointed out: due to stock 17" wheels vs. 4rRunners stock 16" wheels

I'm still not convinced that either one has a clear advantage. Two stock vehicles and two great drivers can get the same results

FJ ground clearance is more due to it's 32" tires while 4runners make due with 31" tires.

A few advantages of FJ over 4runner:
1. Underbody clearance is slightly better...the fuel tank is shaped to improve breakover angle...to tell you the truth, the wheelbase on the FJ is not all that short to really compromise it's fore-aft balance (as seen in Jeep Wrangler SWB)
2. Departure and approach angles are slightly better...remember, the spare tire is on the rear door, not underneath...thus, departure angle is significantly better
3. Suspension has significantly more travel due to thinner anti-roll bars and possibly other minor changes
4. Rear locker (optional)
5. Much more aggressive ATRAC (optional)
6. ATRAC + rear locker synchronization (very cool!)
7. Bigger tires (32")
8. More aftermarket support
9. Frame pre-drilled for rock sliders

That is all i can think of right now....

I would buy the 4runner because you can always mod it to compensate for the above. The FJ canNOT be modded to make it more practical.