4Runner vs LC200 vs Sequoia?

[ToolUser1]

Hi All,
Just looking for thoughts as others must have run into a similar issue over the years. I had a '00 4R Sport for maybe 12 years and it was awesome but eventually succumbed to frame rot and I replaced it with a '11 Trail that currently has less than 90k on it. In some ways the change felt like a downgrade in quality but I've gotten used to the Trail and expected to drive it into the ground. The kids have kept growing though. A family of 4, with two teenagers and possibly a dog, plus a couple friends, plus equipment for whatever the adventure is (camping, skiing, surfing, extended roadtrips, pulling a boat, etc.) and I'm over capacity on almost every measure. Seems like I should move to something bigger for the next 4 years till the kids are mostly out of the house.

The GX doesn’t solve the problem because it’s basically just a 4R with a nicer engine. So I’ve looked at the LC200 and Sequoia. On the outside the LC is better: six inches longer buys you a reasonable third row. But load it up with 6 or more people and there’s not much room left for stuff inside. On paper the Sequoia doesn’t look that much bigger than the 4R (16” longer and 5” wider) but in person it’s REALLY big. My wife likely wouldn’t be super comfortable driving it, and it’s probably more than any of us want a 16 year old behind the wheel of when they get there in a couple years. But it certainly fits the bill in terms of space.

I already have pretty much the biggest rooftop box available (and a smaller skinny one too if that matters, mostly for skiing). I have a hitch carrier we use for the long trips without the boat. And right now I tend to load up the boat when we take it, which isn’t ideal.

I know it just comes down to preferences, but I’d be curious to know what others may have done when faced with a similar situation. Suck it up, take the middle road, or go BIG.

Thanks

 

[fkheath]

For me, it would depend on how much off roading you do. If you don't do much off roading, then go with the Sequoia.

I solve my space problem with a utility trailer which carries my ATV and a lot of other stuff (I have grand kids that fill up the inside of the 4Runner). I do a lot of off road so the 4Runner with the trailer is the only solution for me.

 

[2021nightshade4x4]

Me, personally:

4Runner - bought one, enough room, got us out of our unreliable Range Rover Evoque.

Sequoia - too big for the wife to feel comfortable driving, I would drive, still in budget.

LC200 - test drove a 2021, loved it, when we ran the numbers it just didn’t fit the budget, would have been $600/mo MORE than buying the 4Runner. I would NOT buy one in the future if it only had a V6, turbo doesn’t matter. 2022 does NOT look good.


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[Jetboy]

The lc200 isn't much bigger. It's only 2" wheelbase difference. IIRC cargo capacity is actually smaller volume. But it's very similar. Biggest difference are comfort, power, weight, etc.

Sequoia is much larger interior volume.

I'm finding that 1 kid plus dog is getting very cramped in the 4R. Just did a 10 day trip camping. I'm towing a TT, but weight is still a big issue. And leaving the camper at my family's property in Montana meant putting all the stuff to take home in the 4R. No room to spare. Same boat as you I think.

So I'm looking at the same sort of options as you. Sequoia is really dated compared to the GM offerings. It's hard not to go with a GM full size SUV in that comparison. LC 200 is it's own class and my biggest need is towing so it's near the top of the list. Mpg is terrible. That's my biggest hangup. New lc300 would be great. If they'd sell us mid range trim.

Another option is a crewmax tundra if you can find one.

I'm waiting on the next gen tundra or Sequoia unless a good deal pops up near me to trade for an LC or tundra. My wife doesn't want to give up her RX or I'd keep the 4R and let her drive the bigger people mover.

For harder off-road trips I might have to go back to my FJ40 and trailer it. It's just not fun on the highway. And has about zero cargo room. It maybe look at a first gen 4R / LC80 or something for a family trail rig.

 

[ESS4RNR]

Went through the same process a few years ago. Really wanted the LC but it just didn't meet our needs from a size / interior volume capacity standpoint. Did all the research and all the so called experts blah, blah, blah, the Sequoia is dated, the gas mileage, technology. Of course all the experts are enamored with the latest in technology, twin turbos, 10 speed transmisson, the list goes on and on. In 2017 my wife and I purchased a 2017 Sequoia Limited. Couldn't be happier. Checked all the boxes. Yes, gas mileage could be better but it is quiet with just the right amount of V8 rumble , plenty of power when you reed it. It rated 13 / 17. Mixed we average 17-18. All out road trips we get 20 -21. I did convert all fluids to Amsoil synthetics. Until last November we were a 2005 4Runner Limited and 2017 Sequoia Limited family. Last November we sold the 2005 4Runner and picked up a 2021 4Runner ORP. We have the best of both worlds. The experts don't like the 4Runner, and they don't like the Sequoia. Both are bullet proof and will still be running strong when all the expert picks crap out !

 

[Humble Leader]

so I had this same conundrum when I chose my 4Runner (no LC in Canada). I don't have as big a family as you and I chose the 4runner. practically speaking the sequoia will be better for your needs. It simply has more space, it's sole purpose is to haul people and be a fairly decent tow vehicle. the third row is much better than that of a 4runner and you can actually use the cargo area with the third row up

I chose the 4runner because there would only be a few times a year I'd maybe need a third tow, it stays down all the time. I don't have a boat or heavy trailer above 5000lbs that I need to tow and I like the more capable off-road performance for the 4runner + the endless mods and online knowledge bases like this forum. the 4runner has plenty of room but I feel like it won't be enough for you. there's more of a cult following for the 4runner than the sequoia I find - it's always interesting running into other 4runner owners who love telling you about their rigs. the sequoia is such a nice vehicle that often goes overlooked and gets hated on because it's boring to drive and dated - this really isn't a big deal if you don't care so much about the tech, it doesn't bother me

 

[4r-4ever]

in my opinion, it depends on how often you drive it for trips. if you use to load it up in the summer due to road trips or camping, you can always use an enclosed small trailer to put your stuffs in then when you are done, you at will at least have a daily driver that is not too big for your wife or too small.

in my situation, i go camping for long weekends occasionally and 2 week long trip in the summer time and i have a hitch receiver enclosed cargo box for my camping gear and fully loaded back. if it comes to a point i need a small enclosed trailer for my stuff, then i may rent it from uhaul. at least this way, i have no long term insurance to pay and trailer to maintain and pay for excise or registration. an enclosed trailer cargo makes sense at this point.