4Runner vs FJ

[MountainClimber]

Ok I'm sure this has been brought up before, but I'm new and just haven't found it. They both get about the same mileage. The 4Runner would seem to be the clear winner here given it has more space and a tighter turning radius. However the FJ has a much better approach and departure angles. I will need a winch bumper anyway so I thought I could solve this problem with the 4R in this way but maybe not. I am looking at new so the 4th generation is not an option. Why would Toyota make an off road vehicle with such bad A&D angles?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Ok I'm sure this has been brought up before, but I'm new and just haven't found it. They both get about the same mileage. The 4Runner would seem to be the clear winner here given it has more space and a tighter turning radius. However the FJ has a much better approach and departure angles. I will need a winch bumper anyway so I thought I could solve this problem with the 4R in this way but maybe not. I am looking at new so the 4th generation is not an option. Why would Toyota make an off road vehicle with such bad A&D angles?

There's many lifting options and that'll help tremendously. If you compare a slightly lifted 5th gen 4Runner to a stock FJC it won't take much to equal the FJC's A/D angles.

Why would they set the 4Runner so low? Mass appeal and crash tests. Bumper height is a huge deal. They can't sell a vehicle that will end up on top of a Civic or that a Corolla will drive right under leaving the trailer hitch in the occupants faces. The other part (angle-of-departure) is about luggage space. If you have little vehicle behind the rear wheels you end up with a long wheelbase or no room inside. Long wheel bases wreck turning radius and breakover angles.

Just my semi-educated guesses... Good luck and welcome. Read up in the 5th gen section for some great ideas.

 

[MountainClimber]

The post being 4R vs. FJ and Not trying to be wise guy, but what if you lifted the FJ the same amount. The FJ would be an even better off-road vehicle. It already has off road protection. Remember I own a TJ and this is imporant to me as a replacement vehicle. As for semi-educated guesses, the bumper on the 4R being made as part of the body has more appeal to most people sure. But this just looks like more space to catch bugs to me, I would like to remove some of this bug catcher if possible. I like to wash cars about as much as like I like washing dishes and I hate washing dishes. I want practicality. Now I do know the forum is 4-R not Toyota, so I'm sure we will be a bit bias toward the 4R here. I wish the 4R to be more a truck like the older versions. Anyone else have these same concerns?

 

[sandcrawler]

The post being 4R vs. FJ and Not trying to be wise guy, but what if you lifted the FJ the same amount. The FJ would be an even better off-road vehicle. It already has off road protection. Remember I own a TJ and this is imporant to me as a replacement vehicle. As for semi-educated guesses, the bumper on the 4R being made as part of the body has more appeal to most people sure. But this just looks like more space to catch bugs to me, I would like to remove some of this bug catcher if possible. I like to wash cars about as much as like I like washing dishes and I hate washing dishes. I want practicality. Now I do know the forum is 4-R not Toyota, so I'm sure we will be a bit bias toward the 4R here. I wish the 4R to be more a truck like the older versions. Anyone else have these same concerns?

1) "remember", you didn't mention replacing a TJ in your original post. :nerd: however, if you're just looking to replace a TJ with a Toyota, sure, the FJ is a more comparable choice. i'd surmise that most of us love our 4Runners because they're a better mix of functionality and practicality than the FJ. depends on your needs/wants.

2) "back to its roots" was Toyota's credo for the 5th gen 4Runner. and while many of us here have snarked about that (being a thinly veiled marketing spin for removing features while maintaining price points) the 5G Trail Edition, in particular, is the closest thing to the "older versions" we've seen since the end of the 3rd generation's run in 2002. i reckon the 5G is, in fact, the spiritual successor to the 3G.

all that being said, with some good tires and a moderate lift the 4Runner is a formidable vehicle and rock-solid platform for customization — whatever generation 4Runner you choose.

good luck with your decision!

 

[JohnJerk]

...and keep in mind that the 4R comes with an integrated hitch while the FJ does not. This is going to give you departure angle loss off the bat and definetly be reflected in the specs you are looking at.

What obsticals are you encoutering in the delta that make this such a deal breaker anyway?

 

[mgrande]

If we're talking strictly for off road, I'd have to say FJ. Perfect size, plus the inside is all rubber, just stick a hose in there and rinse it out.
YouTube - AZ Rocks '07 FJ

 

[2DoorRunner]

Only thing i have to offer is that the FJ has horrible blind spots.

I am neutral on the question, but its something to consider

 

[CJ3Flyr]

The post being 4R vs. FJ and Not trying to be wise guy, but what if you lifted the FJ the same amount. The FJ would be an even better off-road vehicle. True... But how much vesatility & interior room do you need? Do you want a really good all-rounder or do you want a dedicated, one-trick pony? It already has off road protection. I don't know what the Jeeps come with but I can tell you the 4Runner & the FJC have some underbody 'curb feelers'. To call it "protection" is quite an exaggeration IMHO. Remember I own a TJ and this is imporant to me as a replacement vehicle. If a Grand Cherokee is not/was not ever on your radar then the FJC is probably a better fit for you. As for semi-educated guesses, the bumper on the 4R being made as part of the body Study up, there's aftermarket bumpers for the 5th gen. has more appeal to most people sure. But this just looks like more space to catch bugs to me, I would like to remove some of this bug catcher if possible. I like to wash cars about as much as like I like washing dishes and I hate washing dishes. I want practicality. Now I do know the forum is 4-R not Toyota, so I'm sure we will be a bit bias toward the 4R here. I wish the 4R to be more a truck like the older versions. The FJC and the 4Runner are virtually identical mechanically. Neither should be 'tougher' than the other. There's no doubt the 4Runner is more polished than a FJC. Anyone else have these same concerns?

1) "remember", you didn't mention replacing a TJ in your original post. :nerd: however, if you're just looking to replace a TJ with a Toyota, sure, the FJ is a more comparable choice. i'd surmise that most of us love our 4Runners because they're a better mix of functionality and practicality than the FJ. depends on your needs/wants. Yep:iagree:

2) "back to its roots" was Toyota's credo for the 5th gen 4Runner. and while many of us here have snarked about that (being a thinly veiled marketing spin for removing features while maintaining price points) the 5G Trail Edition, in particular, is the closest thing to the "older versions" we've seen since the end of the 3rd generation's run in 2002. i reckon the 5G is, in fact, the spiritual successor to the 3G.

all that being said, with some good tires and a moderate lift the 4Runner is a formidable vehicle and rock-solid platform for customization — whatever generation 4Runner you choose. True...

good luck with your decision!

I am very much in agreement with Sandcrawler. It sounds like you need to focus on what you want... If looking for a Toyota 2 door Jeep then the FJC is the answer. If you want to step-up in many ways and can accept a very minor hit on some of the hardcore off-road ability the 4Runner is a great choice.
:cheers:

 

[MountainClimber]

I am very much in agreement with Sandcrawler. It sounds like you need to focus on what you want... If looking for a Toyota 2 door Jeep then the FJC is the answer. If you want to step-up in many ways and can accept a very minor hit on some of the hardcore off-road ability the 4Runner is a great choice.
:cheers:

Thanks for all the replies, and sorry I didn't post this as a TJ replacement, or even mention it. Not much in the Delta gives me problems except for drainage ditches once in a while. I do like to go to AR often hints the name MountainClimber even if they are small mountains. The four doors and the extra room along with the turning radius is going a long ways here in the decision. However with the TJ and I'm sure it's the same with the FJ, there is this connection you have with all other owners. I don't think that connection is there as much because of all the soccer moms driving them. This may not be the case for I will have to lift it and place gaurds around it, I have been known to shove a cart out of my way with the front of my vehicle. Plastic and metal gaurds do prevent alot of scratches. With a modified 4Runner the connection may still be there.

Has anyone heard about Toyota comming out with a 4Door FJ? That I guess is what I want.

 

[sandcrawler]

Has anyone heard about Toyota comming out with a 4Door FJ? That I guess is what I want.

i'm sure Toyota feels that it already has: they call it the 4Runner Trail Edition.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Thanks for all the replies, and sorry I didn't post this as a TJ replacement, or even mention it. Not much in the Delta gives me problems except for drainage ditches once in a while. I do like to go to AR often hints the name MountainClimber even if they are small mountains. The four doors and the extra room along with the turning radius is going a long ways here in the decision. Are you sure the turning radius is different? The 4th gens actually turened a bit tighter than an FJC. However with the TJ and I'm sure it's the same with the FJ, there is this connection you have with all other owners. I don't think that connection is there as much because of all the soccer moms driving them. This may not be the case for I will have to lift it and place gaurds around it, I have been known to shove a cart out of my way with the front of my vehicle. Plastic and metal gaurds do prevent alot of scratches. With a modified 4Runner the connection may still be there. I would say you're 100% correct. The Jeep experience is as much about the brand/lifestyle as the machine itself. It's a lot like Harley in that respect and all that is very cool, no doubt. The 4Runner crew doesn't seem to be quite as cohesive as the FJC groups. I read the FJC boards a lot and those guys are true enthusiasts and give the Jeep guys a run for their money in that respect. With that said there's some very active little pockets of 4Runner folks and the FJC guys seem to be very accepting of their close cousin, the 4Runner. Read around here some more and at T120 and you'll find some very active folks with highly modified units. There's no doubt the 4Runner can be an exciting, complete ownership experience in spite of the dilution it gets with the 'soccer moms'...

Has anyone heard about Toyota comming out with a 4Door FJ? That I guess is what I want. That's what most of us 4th gen guys wanted too. Put some of the FJC coolness mixed with 4Runner (like a bigger, better, 3rd gen). Toyota's response was the "back to it's roots" 5th gen. Look at the first pic here: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/general-discussions/43127-pre-sema-08-yota-photos-pics.html

:cheers:

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Another thing the fj has I wish they would put on the 4runner is the gas tank is knotch out on the front lower edge to give a better break over angle. The 4runner can easily hit the gas tank in this location. Also the 4runner has more rear overhang witch makes the back drag more going over ledges. Also the fj has a rear tailgate mounted spare. The 4runner can get hung up on the spare in rocks and would be hard to get out from under the vehicle in some trail conditions if needed. The fj has terrible visibility which is why I can not own one.

 

[MountainClimber]

You Guys have been a real help. With some of the links and reading other post in the forum, I think the 4R is gonna be my choice. The 4R is cool in its own right and I think I will enjoy my new family. The 4R just has too much to offer.
Moving from my TJ, I will miss the rag-top, and that miss will be in both directions.

 

[harper7]

The 2010 4Runner and 2010 FJ have the new 150 frame and are the same according to Bud at Budbuilt except for an extra doubler on the passenger side on the Runners. The new TE's of course have the lower hanging front sway bar on the KDSS models too of course and take a different skid.He had just put some on a new FJ and then I took my 4Runner to him. My skids he put on were designed for a 2010 FJ . BudBuilt Frames & Accessories

I believe the reason for the different factory specs on approach and departure angles is that the FJ's factory springs give it 1/2-3/4" more lift then the stock 4Runner. Also as stated stated the hitch on the 4runner is the low point on departure and can be unbolted and removed. But then the spare and/or exhaust tailpipe will be the low point.These can be fixed too if needed of course.

These A/D angles can be improved a with lift and some of the aftermarket bumpers that are hitting the market.

 

[Fuzzylogic]

...and keep in mind that the 4R comes with an integrated hitch while the FJ does not. This is going to give you departure angle loss off the bat and definetly be reflected in the specs you are looking at.

What obsticals are you encoutering in the delta that make this such a deal breaker anyway?

That was my question as well. We don't rock crawl along the gulf coast or in Florida.

 

[M1911]

That was my question as well. We don't rock crawl along the gulf coast or in Florida.

I was wondering the same thing.

 

[MountainClimber]

Thanks for all the input guys. I will be honest I posted this on 4Runnner Forums also with similar results. The 4R does seem to be the more practical but, I guess I really want the cool factor that comes with the FJC. I do see scratching the FJC as a badge and scratching the 4R as just a scratch(nothing good). I didn't realize the extra cubic foot of cargo space from the 4R came from width as well as length. I was thinking most of the space came from length, as in behind the third row seat. I have a 2door TJ at the moment, either one FJ or 4R would give me more space and a better ride. The roof rack should provide me with the extra space since I might would us it in the 4R as will. I do have a Sienna for most trips. No cool Factor there no matter what the commerials say. It wouldn't be often that I would need all the extra space of the 4Runner. What about ease of use for car seat, there has to be pros & cons on both side of the fence for this.

 

[oldsweng]

As a former FJ owner, now a 4R owner:

1) The rear seat can be claustrophobic for some riders. I had someone get ill because the side windows made them feel trapped. I don't know how a kid would react.
2) The rear seat is not easy to enter, even with suicide doors.
3) The blind spot is huge.
4) Cool wears off.

 

[M1911]

As a former FJ owner, now a 4R owner:

1) The rear seat can be claustrophobic for some riders. I had someone get ill because the side windows made them feel trapped. I don't know how a kid would react.
2) The rear seat is not easy to enter, even with suicide doors.
3) The blind spot is huge.
4) Cool wears off.

5) The barn door is a pain in the backside.
6) The rear tire limits view to the rear.
7) That upright windshield attracts rocks and makes it hard to see overhead stoplights.
8) Those huge mirrors make it easier to not see a pedestrian while turning.
9) Opening suicide doors when you are parked next to another car is a pain in the backside.
10) The rear window does not open, so you can't easily carry long items.

All in all, while I like the looks of the FJ, it is far less practical than the 4Runner. If you are really into rock hopping, then the smaller dimensions help. But for moderate offroading and driving on the beach, the 4Runner does just fine.

 

[oldsweng]

5) The barn door is a pain in the backside.
6) The rear tire limits view to the rear.
7) That upright windshield attracts rocks and makes it hard to see overhead stoplights.
8) Those huge mirrors make it easier to not see a pedestrian while turning.
9) Opening suicide doors when you are parked next to another car is a pain in the backside.
10) The rear window does not open, so you can't easily carry long items.

All in all, while I like the looks of the FJ, it is far less practical than the 4Runner. If you are really into rock hopping, then the smaller dimensions help. But for moderate offroading and driving on the beach, the 4Runner does just fine.

Yes to all the added notes and let's not forget the sun visor that only covers about half the side window, at least in the '07 I had. The 4R has a pull out extension that has worked great for me.