Comparison - FJ Cruiser to T4R Trail (former FJ and new T4R owner)

[Canon_Bob]

I know there are a few threads out there comparing them, but not sure how many were done by anyone who owned both. My point-of-view comes from a more "practical use" standpoint than anything.

I finally got my new 4Runner off road a bit more "seriously" this weekend, and now feel like I can write a good comparison between my new 4Runner and my previous (2008) FJ Cruiser.

First, I think it best to describe my "use case" so things are fair. I am a professional wildlife photographer. I am not an off road hobbyist, nor do I push the limits. Most of my off-roading is spent going to and from shooting locations, and exploring (scouting) new ones. I am in SW Florida, so my usual hazards include mud, berms, brush, and sugar sand. I grew up in SE Montana, and learned how to drive on ranches laden with "gumbo" mud. I can go most places in 2 wheel drive that many of the 4 wheel drive crowd can't manage. As a wildlife photographer, I travel alone....so if I get in trouble, I'm on my own to get out. My normal M.O. is a long highway drive, followed by an off-road trip into the shooting location. I'm usually hauling a kayak on the roof too (I'm a pioneer in kayak-based big lens photography). I try to stay in two wheel drive until I get stuck, and then get out in 4 wheel drive. I carry an extensive recovery kit, and a survival kit in case things go worse than planned. Never had to be recued, but have spent a few "unplanned" nights in the swamps over the years.

Now for the Fj to T4R comparison:

My (former) 2008 FJ Cruiser - Came with factory skid rails, brush guard, skid plate, locking rear diff, factory subwoofer, tow package, and roof rack. I modded it a little by adding a 2" lift and ran 33's on it most of the time. I replaced the factory sound system with a Kenwood head unit with Garmin integrated Nav system. I did the "scuba" mod. I added a Viper alarm system (insurance reasons, as I usually carry a lot of camera gear). I also added the cold air intake. It was Brick Red with white top and dark tinted windows.

My new T4R Trail is stock (for the time being) and the only thing I've done so far is tint the windows and added the roof-rack crossbars. It is the silver Trail edition with KDSS. It does not have the NAv system, so I just dropped in a Garmin unit mounted in the front cup holder. I do not plan on doing much customization to this truck, as the front end on the Trail Edition and the KDSS system kinda limit the (currently available) choices. Perhaps I'll reconsider as more options become available.

Comparison: In my opinion, the 4Runner is better suited for my purpose/use. It handles the highway FAR better than the FJ did. It's quieter, handles better, and more comfortable to ride in. It is surprisingly capable off road (I was very surprised). My only real knock on it is that it has a carpeted interior (which I will quickly address with some Weathertech Mats throughout).

The FJ, on the other hand is no slouch. It was a beast off road and NEVER got stuck! In fact, I went to the dealer intending to buy another one....but there were no 4x4 versions left. IMO, Toyota is making a mistake discontinuing the FJ. The problems people always point out are overrated in my opinion. Does it have blind spots? yes....but they are easily overcome if you learn how to use mirrors and install a backup camera (like I did). The FJ is a no frills offroad beast that I'd take any day over a Jeep (and I've owned both).

Summary - I think the FJ is slightly superior to the 4Runner in a purely "off-road" comparison.....but for anything beyond that, the 4Runner wins hands down, and would keep up with the FJ well off-road. I'm happy with the switch to the 4Runner, but I wouldn't hesitate to own another FJ.

 

[mikeh74]

I really wanted an FJ when I started looking. My wife on the other hand hated it. Didn't like the way it rode. So I ended up with a Trail Edition. Maybe she was right but I'll never admit it. I do love my 4Runner though.

 

[deanblitzer]

Very good write up! I too owned a 2008 FJ (left it stock) and now own a 2010 Trail Edition 4Runner. Had an Audi Q5 stop in between but that's another story. I took my FJ hunting on multiple occasions through mud, forest, etc and it was un-phased. It does have its shortcomings on road and it does have less cargo volume than the 4R but it is a beast. I also think it is one of the best looking cars on the road. I still regret getting rid of it a few years ago and might have to pick one up in the future as a dedicated off-road vehicle. the Trail 4Runner is just much more friends for the other 90% of the driving and can handle itself off-road as well. My 4R is not lifted but I know you can get up to a 3" lift with the KDSS, so if that is what you are looking for I would not worry. Again, great comparison!

If you have a website and/or blog, PM me the site so I can check out your pictures! I am an amateur photographer and love seeing beautiful scenery and wildlife shots!

 

[Canon_Bob]

Very good write up! I too owned a 2008 FJ (left it stock) and now own a 2010 Trail Edition 4Runner. Had an Audi Q5 stop in between but that's another story. I took my FJ hunting on multiple occasions through mud, forest, etc and it was un-phased. It does have its shortcomings on road and it does have less cargo volume than the 4R but it is a beast. I also think it is one of the best looking cars on the road. I still regret getting rid of it a few years ago and might have to pick one up in the future as a dedicated off-road vehicle. the Trail 4Runner is just much more friends for the other 90% of the driving and can handle itself off-road as well. My 4R is not lifted but I know you can get up to a 3" lift with the KDSS, so if that is what you are looking for I would not worry. Again, great comparison!

If you have a website and/or blog, PM me the site so I can check out your pictures! I am an amateur photographer and love seeing beautiful scenery and wildlife shots!

Thanks - I wasn't sure about messing with the KDSS system, and a lift really isn't all that critical to me. I think once I get some wear on the factory tires, I'll get something a bit more aggressive, as the stock tires are really not something I'd really want to get into the nasty muck in. You can check out my photography at Catcher of Light, Inc. - Catcher of Light, Inc. .

 

[Muddy Duck]

Great write-up. You are a very talented photographer! Beautiful photos!

 

[Joe Rito]

I too drove an FJ but only briefly. It truly is an off-road champ! But for daily driving, my new T4R is soooooo much better, comfortable, drivable! Couldn't be happier.

 

[Titanpat57]

I wheeled with FJs this summer for 5 days...went everywhere they did...and in some cases with much less effort. ( trucks with comparable mods and tires, all blue/ green trails)

I think the stock rear locker alone makes it a clear winner, but to each his own. As far as waiting to get stuck to put in 4wd...that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard.

 

[ben550]

I wheeled with FJs this summer for 5 days...went everywhere they did...and in some cases with much less effort. ( trucks with comparable mods and tires, all blue/ green trails)

I think the stock rear locker alone makes it a clear winner, but to each his own. As far as waiting to get stuck to put in 4wd...that's the dumbest thing I've ever heard.

For the kind of driving he is talking about it makes sense. At times I do the same. It takes skill to navigate using RWD. Anyone can blow through obstacles with 4WD and call themselves an off road enthusiast.

I agree with you tho and believe it is best to predetermine when you will need the 4WD and have it engaged prior to needing it...

 

[BigNuge]

For the kind of driving he is talking about it makes sense. At times I do the same. It takes skill to navigate using RWD. Anyone can blow through obstacles with 4WD and call themselves an off road enthusiast.



I agree with you tho and believe it is best to predetermine when you will need the 4WD and have it engaged prior to needing it...

Unless you are winched, locked, with other people etc. then waiting to get stuck before using 4WD is a very bad idea. You basically get stuck in RWD, then pull yourself out (hopefully) in FWD (rear wheels already stuck). It's great that you have been successful, it's just not smart.

 

[ben550]

Unless you are winched, locked, with other people etc. then waiting to get stuck before using 4WD is a very bad idea. You basically get stuck in RWD, then pull yourself out (hopefully) in FWD (rear wheels already stuck). It's great that you have been successful, it's just not smart.

True. If the conditions require it its best to be already locked in 4H or whatever else you need.

A lot of guys automatically lock into 4H as soon as their tires hit dirt which is not necessary. You can travel along way on a fire road/sand two track rd without needing 4wd.

For example when going along the fire road if you run into a large mud puddle which blocks the road. I would lock in the 4wd before attempting to go through it (im not talking about waiting till i was in the mud hole stuck before engaging the 4wd/locker etc). Just use it when its needed...

 

[BigNuge]

True. If the conditions require it its best to be already locked in 4H or whatever else you need.

A lot of guys automatically lock into 4H as soon as their tires hit dirt which is not necessary. You can travel along way on a fire road/sand two track rd without needing 4wd.

For example when going along the fire road if you run into a large mud puddle which blocks the road. I would lock in the 4wd before attempting to go through it (im not talking about waiting till i was in the mud hole stuck before engaging the 4wd/locker etc). Just use it when its needed...

Agree!

If I'm just strolling down a dirt road then I will stay in 2WD as well. But as soon as I see any sort of obstacle/water etc. I will put it in 4WD. Not to mention, putting the truck in 4 AFTER it is stuck is not a good thing in itself. Letting the Tcase slowly roll/ease into 4 is much better than being stuck, then putting it into 4 where you can't roll it into 4. So many folks don't know enough about the inner workings of 4WD, therefore they have no appreciation as to using it correctly. Better to have easily made it through in 4 than get stuck in 2 and hope to get out in 4.

I'm in an 03 V8 AWD T4R anyway, so always in 4 for me. In my Tundra, I follow the above protocol always.

 

[Canon_Bob]

LOL - It's obvious that there are a lot of people here who've never gone off-road in a Florida swamp alone. I, on the other hand, spend over a hundred days a year out there....and have been "off-roading" longer than most people on this forum have been alive.

Now the really funny thing is this: My recovery gear gets used FAR more rescuing people who've been stranded out there while they were pushing the limits of their vehicles (and their own) capabilities. It's always interesting coming across the unprepared fools who've spent a night in the swamp without food or water, and have buried their 4wd in the muck. Heck, the last group I pulled out earlier this year got ALL of their vehicles stuck (each trying to rescue the other), and had been out there for more than 24 hours.

People can think what they want about my proven techniques and driving abilities, and I'll gladly wear my "stupid" badge with pride as I keep getting the shots that I do, from the locations I go.....and continue rescuing all the "smart" people who think they know how to drive in the swamps better.

 

[1engineer]

LOL - It's obvious that there are a lot of people here who've never gone off-road in a Florida swamp alone. I, on the other hand, spend over a hundred days a year out there....and have been "off-roading" longer than most people on this forum have been alive.

Now the really funny thing is this: My recovery gear gets used FAR more rescuing people who've been stranded out there while they were pushing the limits of their vehicles (and their own) capabilities. It's always interesting coming across the unprepared fools who've spent a night in the swamp without food or water, and have buried their 4wd in the muck. Heck, the last group I pulled out earlier this year got ALL of their vehicles stuck (each trying to rescue the other), and had been out there for more than 24 hours.

People can think what they want about my proven techniques and driving abilities, and I'll gladly wear my "stupid" badge with pride as I keep getting the shots that I do, from the locations I go.....and continue rescuing all the "smart" people who think they know how to drive in the swamps better.

I am 52. If you have been 4 wheeling for over that time period then congratulations.

With that said, there are some really knowledgeable people here who know quite a bit about going off road and actual age has nothing to do with it. While you spend 100 days a year going off road, we have members that go off road 365 days a year because they live 10 miles down a rock and mud trail. We have others who's job it is to go off road. We have even more guys who "casually" spend every weekend and holiday off road, which equates to well over 100 days a year. Yes, like any forum we have our share of posers but I like to think the posers get "outed" quickly here and either shut up and listen or move on to somewhere else.

Now, as a new guy here you made a comment, and I'll paraphrase: "I stay in 2WD until I get stuck and then I put it in 4WD." That comment will definitely get the attention of the guys because it is controversial to say the least.
During dry conditions I usually start out in 2WD too until I see I need 4WD and then simply shift into it. I do not "wait" until I get stuck before doing so. With that logic you are going to use your recovery gear far more often than needed.

So, welcome to the forum and don't be surprised that most of these guys know a bit more than your average Florida redneck with his lifted bro truck, or an old guy who thinks he knows everything about going off road.

 

[BigNuge]

I am not an off road hobbyist, nor do I push the limits.

I can go most places in 2 wheel drive that many of the 4 wheel drive crowd can't manage.

I'm a pioneer in kayak-based big lens photography.

I try to stay in two wheel drive until I get stuck, and then get out in 4 wheel drive. I carry an extensive recovery kit, and a survival kit in case things go worse than planned. Never had to be recued, but have spent a few "unplanned" nights in the swamps over the years.

LOL - It's obvious that there are a lot of people here who've never gone off-road in a Florida swamp alone. I, on the other hand, spend over a hundred days a year out there....and have been "off-roading" longer than most people on this forum have been alive.

People can think what they want about my proven techniques and driving abilities, and I'll gladly wear my "stupid" badge with pride as I keep getting the shots that I do, from the locations I go.....and continue rescuing all the "smart" people who think they know how to drive in the swamps better.

Careful Mr. "I am this, I am that"....you might blow a gasket with all that horn blowing....:horn:

Bottom line, your time & experience is not a good excuse for doing what you do. The upside is that you are only risking yourself....so I say great, carry on man!

However, don't purport that you are any better than anyone else is at off roading. You openly admit you are not an off road hobbyist, nor do you push the limits. Guess what, that means your not really off roading....

 

[Canon_Bob]

Careful Mr. "I am this, I am that"....you might blow a gasket with all that horn blowing....:horn:

Bottom line, your time & experience is not a good excuse for doing what you do. The upside is that you are only risking yourself....so I say great, carry on man!

However, don't purport that you are any better than anyone else is at off roading. You openly admit you are not an off road hobbyist, nor do you push the limits. Guess what, that means your not really off roading....

Fair enough, and I agree....I'm not off-roading.....I'm going to the office

I'm also not trying to come across as some kind of "know it all". I wouldn't have a clue how to drive where you all do in the Northeast. But I do know how to drive where I have here in Florida for the past decade in these swamps. Here, the "muck" starts pretty much when you turn off the highway....and it stops when you turn back onto it (maybe a little exaggeration there, but you get the idea). Have you ever driven here? If not, then how can you or anyone who hasn't presume to know what technique is best? I also think that being alone adds a dynamic to it that most here are missing, It's pretty easy to "push it" when your buddies are standing by to save you when you're wrong. I'm by myself. I'm in for a long night if I make a mistake. To each his own, and I'm not going to take away from what was posted as a simple opinionated comparison of two vehicles I've owned. I guess I just didn't expect a driving critique from experts who've probably never driven here, and believe that the same techniques apply everywhere. They don't.

 

[1engineer]

Fair enough, and I agree....I'm not off-roading.....I'm going to the office

I'm also not trying to come across as some kind of "know it all". I wouldn't have a clue how to drive where you all do in the Northeast. But I do know how to drive where I have here in Florida for the past decade in these swamps. Here, the "muck" starts pretty much when you turn off the highway....and it stops when you turn back onto it (maybe a little exaggeration there, but you get the idea). Have you ever driven here? If not, then how can you or anyone who hasn't presume to know what technique is best? I also think that being alone adds a dynamic to it that most here are missing, It's pretty easy to "push it" when your buddies are standing by to save you when you're wrong. I'm by myself. I'm in for a long night if I make a mistake. To each his own, and I'm not going to take away from what was posted as a simple opinionated comparison of two vehicles I've owned. I guess I just didn't expect a driving critique from experts who've probably never driven here, and believe that the same techniques apply everywhere. They don't.

I was down in Ocala National Forest (off route 40) 3X this year. Went out several miles each time to trailheads for my mountain bike.
A few years ago over in the swamps in western Florida to test tree harvesting equipment.
Yes, I know Florida off road and we have several members that live there. Yes it's different but no big deal. You can get stuck anywhere.

 

[Lenny33]

Not expecting "critique" on a post on this board is like not expecting your wife to get emotional over something silly! :becky:

Anyway, not a critique, but I will never understand these threads comparing what, in my mind, are very different vehicles. Over and over we see threads comparing 4R to an FJ, a Wrangler, a Grand Cherokee, etc. this vehicle is different from others and you pick it based in your needs. I use to have an FJ and I have wheeled Rovers, Jeeps, and Scouts. My current truck does not wheel as well as any of them did, but it is a heck of a lot more comfortable and fits my needs for a family of 4.

I want to reach out and smack these people that are so blinded by love for their 4R that they are delusional enough to think it compares to a jeep or an FJ off road. It does not. It is not supposed to. Yes, they are very capable, but equally modded - approach, departure, and break over angles alone push the previously mentioned rigs over the top (so to speak). And the comparison between a 4R and a Grand Cherokee?! Really? I personally have no idea how these two vehicles could be what your decision comes down to - they are designed for different priorities.

Man, do I feel better! :becky:

 

[Canon_Bob]

I am 52. If you have been 4 wheeling for over that time period then congratulations.

With that said, there are some really knowledgeable people here who know quite a bit about going off road and actual age has nothing to do with it. While you spend 100 days a year going off road, we have members that go off road 365 days a year because they live 10 miles down a rock and mud trail. We have others who's job it is to go off road. We have even more guys who "casually" spend every weekend and holiday off road, which equates to well over 100 days a year. Yes, like any forum we have our share of posers but I like to think the posers get "outed" quickly here and either shut up and listen or move on to somewhere else.

Now, as a new guy here you made a comment, and I'll paraphrase: "I stay in 2WD until I get stuck and then I put it in 4WD." That comment will definitely get the attention of the guys because it is controversial to say the least.
During dry conditions I usually start out in 2WD too until I see I need 4WD and then simply shift into it. I do not "wait" until I get stuck before doing so. With that logic you are going to use your recovery gear far more often than needed.

So, welcome to the forum and don't be surprised that most of these guys know a bit more than your average Florida redneck with his lifted bro truck, or an old guy who thinks he knows everything about going off road.

We're about the same age. I definitely have ZERO doubt that there are many here who know more about off-road driving than I, and I'm definitely not trying to pose as someone who knows. I don't do this for fun....it's a way to get in and out of places I need to go. Nothing more. I'm a photographer...not an off-road enthusiast. I certainly wasn't trying to be controversial. What started as a simple vehicle comparison turned into an unsolicited nitpick session about how I choose to drive. I'm not even trying to preach it as the best way or anything....it just works for me. Now, had the critiques even come from someone who spends a considerable amount of time in swamp driving conditions similar to Florida, well, that would be something.....but the nearest "expert" looks to be over a thousand miles away.

Silly me....I thought I had joined a Toyota 4Runner Forum, but clearly this is an off-road expert forum instead. My bad. I'll make sure that from now on any post I make pays homage to the experts of all things off-road. You'll all just have to excuse me if I'm not in much of a hurry to change the ways that have kept me coming home safely for the past 30 years or so.

 

[Canon_Bob]

Not expecting "critique" on a post on this board is like not expecting your wife to get emotional over something silly! :becky:

Anyway, not a critique, but I will never understand these threads comparing what, in my mind, are very different vehicles. Over and over we see threads comparing 4R to an FJ, a Wrangler, a Grand Cherokee, etc. this vehicle is different from others and you pick it based in your needs. I use to have an FJ and I have wheeled Rovers, Jeeps, and Scouts. My current truck does not wheel as well as any of them did, but it is a heck of a lot more comfortable and fits my needs for a family of 4.

I want to reach out and smack these people that are so blinded by love for their 4R that they are delusional enough to think it compares to a jeep or an FJ off road. It does not. It is not supposed to. Yes, they are very capable, but equally modded - approach, departure, and break over angles alone push the previously mentioned rigs over the top (so to speak). And the comparison between a 4R and a Grand Cherokee?! Really? I personally have no idea how these two vehicles could be what your decision comes down to - they are designed for different priorities.

Man, do I feel better! :becky:

LOL - I feel what you're saying for sure! I'd almost call them polar opposites. One is really great off-road, but only average on the highway.....the other is the reverse. Both can be modded to fill some of the void, but in the end they are bread for different things. I like them both though. I had a Jeep for awhile, and it was great off-road, but was miserable going to and from locations.

 

[BigNuge]

I can go most places in 2 wheel drive that many of the 4 wheel drive crowd can't manage.

Hmmm

I, on the other hand, spend over a hundred days a year out there....and have been "off-roading" longer than most people on this forum have been alive.

People can think what they want about my proven techniques and driving abilities

OK

Fair enough, and I agree....I'm not off-roading.....I'm going to the office

I'm also not trying to come across as some kind of "know it all"

:nono:

I'm not even trying to preach it as the best way or anything.

the nearest "expert" looks to be over a thousand miles away.

You'll all just have to excuse me if I'm not in much of a hurry to change the ways that have kept me coming home safely for the past 30 years or so.

Look, every post contradicts the next.

"I'm no expert" :gossip: *but what I can do in 2WD most can't do in 4WD....:doh:

The only reason I even commented is your "I am expert" attitude. Had it been only a vehicle review I would have read it and been on my way. You continue with your "I'm no expert, but allow me to tell you how good I am" BS, and calling me out because I live in the NE.

No matter the terrain, waiting until your stuck in 2WD (by yourself, no winch, unmodded T4R etc.) before engaging 4WD is a bad idea. Thats not an expert opinion, and I'm not coming off as an expert. Not once I have exclaimed how good/old/experienced I am. One does not need to be an expert to know that is foolishness.

Captain Edward Smith was one of the most respected, experienced, qualified sea Captains in the entire world...until his foolish decisions lead to the sinking of the Titanic.

Folks of all ages & experiences can and will make bad decisions and mistakes. The primary difference is that the more experienced ones are supposed to know foolish practices, and avoid them.