5th generation 4 runner or Mazda CX9

[chetJ]

Hi Guys,
Really need your help here. My wife and I are looking to buy a new vehicle in the next month or so and have narrowed it down to the 4 Runner and the CX9. Now, I know that they are two very differently built vehicles, but that's the choice we are at. I understand that I will probably get a biased opinion on here with so many 4 runner fans on here, but would love to know why you guys think I should buy the 4 Runner instead of the CX-9. Ohh, almost forgot- most of my driving will be regular streets, but we also do quite bit of highway driving and also like to camp. Love to have your input.
DrJ

 

[CookieRoe]

I have a friend who has a CX. According to him, it get about 18mpg doing 65mpg. i think that's pathetic considering the CX is much smaller than the runner. Mine gets about 22-25mpg doing the same speed. Also, I'm willing to bet that a runner will have better crash worthiness than a CX. The 4Runner is known to be EXTREMELY reliable (I'm sure the CX is reliable as well).

Boils down to what you want. The CX is lower to the ground and (I guess) the driving dynamics will be better than a runner. But that's about it (in my opinion).

 

[creedance]

I would say drive both of them and then make a decision. the runner would be your choice at the end of the day though. if your looking for something roomy, i'd say go with the runner 3rd row seat it is huge and more than enough space for u and ur family.

 

[chetJ]

Thanks

Thanks Creedance and Cookieroe. What both of you said makes a lot of sense. Personally, I loved the rugged feel of the 4 Runner when I test drove it..even more than the smoothness of the CX9. But my wife is tiny (petite) and feels like on those rare occasions when she might have to drive the 4 Runner, it might be too big for her. I am very much leaning toward the 4 Runner though. Any more thoughts?

 

[EVOL ARDNUT]

My wife has a subaru tribeca BUT DRIVES MY LIFTED 07 TUNDRA.
Took some time to get used to it.
She likes my folks 4th gen 4runner as well.

It just takes time to get used to slightly bigger vehicle, that's all.

I bumped my head getting into the CX and I'M 5'9" so no go on that thing. Can't imagine how the 6 foot guys do it day and day out.

Thanks Creedance and Cookieroe. What both of you said makes a lot of sense. Personally, I loved the rugged feel of the 4 Runner when I test drove it..even more than the smoothness of the CX9. But my wife is tiny (petite) and feels like on those rare occasions when she might have to drive the 4 Runner, it might be too big for her. I am very much leaning toward the 4 Runner though. Any more thoughts?

 

[snhrph]

Thanks Creedance and Cookieroe. What both of you said makes a lot of sense. Personally, I loved the rugged feel of the 4 Runner when I test drove it..even more than the smoothness of the CX9. But my wife is tiny (petite) and feels like on those rare occasions when she might have to drive the 4 Runner, it might be too big for her. I am very much leaning toward the 4 Runner though. Any more thoughts?

My wife is 5'2" and 115 lbs and has no problem driving 2006 GX470; she loves it and doesn't want to change it (I offered her a 2010). I realize that the 2006 is a different animal from 2010, but the vehicle size is comparable.

Let you wife drive the 4Runner, assure her that you will have the power seats (standard on Limited, optional on SR5, not sure about the memory). Impress on her the legendary off-road capabilities of the 4Runner and great cargo capacity (camping made easy).

As you mentioned, 4Runner and CX-9 are 2 entirely different vehicles, so it will be hard to compare the ride quality. CX9 (according to its own website) is comparable to Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot. All three are great reliable vehicles that will serve your city and highway driving needs more than adequately. But one it comes to taking you and Mrs camping or going off-road, 4Runner is in the class of it's own.

Good luck. Let us know what you decide to purchase.

 

[CookieRoe]

Thanks Creedance and Cookieroe. What both of you said makes a lot of sense. Personally, I loved the rugged feel of the 4 Runner when I test drove it..even more than the smoothness of the CX9. But my wife is tiny (petite) and feels like on those rare occasions when she might have to drive the 4 Runner, it might be too big for her. I am very much leaning toward the 4 Runner though. Any more thoughts?

my wife wanted me to get a RAV4, but the price of one was about the price of a slightly older 4Runner so I tried to convince her. We practically fought for one week until I showed her one next to a RAV, i told her which she preferred in a crash. Hahaha. Anyway she drove it and she changed her mind. NOW she wont let go of it. Have her drive one!

Edit: my wife is 5'0 and 95 lbs

 

[chetJ]

thanks guys-decision made

Thanks a lot guys for all your input. Wife and I decided to go with the 4 Runner. Can't wait to buy it...will post some pictures when we get it.
Thanks again-much appreciated.

 

[LINY4Runner]

Thanks a lot guys for all your input. Wife and I decided to go with the 4 Runner. Can't wait to buy it...will post some pictures when we get it.
Thanks again-much appreciated.

:welcome:to the club! You will not regret your decision! :thumb3:

 

[Mark86]

Welcome to the Toyota family! I am a little late to this thread, but I was just going to tell you to sit in the CX seat for an extended period of time. It gets very uncomfortable because the seat is so firm!

 

[Maz]

My wife has a subaru tribeca BUT DRIVES MY LIFTED 07 TUNDRA.
Took some time to get used to it.
She likes my folks 4th gen 4runner as well.

It just takes time to get used to slightly bigger vehicle, that's all.

Right on the money. My wife thought her Jeep Limited was underpowered with the 4.0 straight six (it was), so I got her a then new Lincoln Aviator. Lots of power and luxury, but all I heard for the next couple of months was about her feeling intimidated by it's larger size.

I took out the third seat so she only saw one row of seats in the rear view mirror and reminded her the car has back up sensors and side air bags (which the Jeep didn't), so she was actually more safe. A couple years later when gas hit $4.00. + a gallon I mentioned downsizing her vehicle, and almost got my head taken off.

The sort version of this story is once she gets used to driving the T4R and realizes it has a lot more room and is much more fun to drive you'll be fine