I'm going back and forth between the FJ cruiser and the 4runner. If I had the money, I would get the 4runner trail edition no question, but that's over $10k more than the FJ. I'm not going to do any serious off roading, I just want to be able to handle the pot holes and snow on the way to the trailhead (I'm in the PNW). The SR5 with the options that I want will run about $4k more than the FJ. How does the SR5 compare to the FJ? Which is better for my situation?
FJ Cruiser vs SR5 (non trail) for hiker?
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brockeverly
New member
Either will handle "potholes and snow" man, you gotta give us more info before we can make that recommendation.
Jaker
New member
Yeah, pretty much what brock said.
Potholes and snow? A Subaru Forester could handle them. If your decision is between the SR5 4Runner and FJ Cruiser, I highly suggest your test drive both of them in immediate succession.
I suspect you'll end up liking the 4Runner over the FJ, but the easiest way to tell if one is better suited to your needs is to actually get behind the wheel of both.
Potholes and snow? A Subaru Forester could handle them. If your decision is between the SR5 4Runner and FJ Cruiser, I highly suggest your test drive both of them in immediate succession.
I suspect you'll end up liking the 4Runner over the FJ, but the easiest way to tell if one is better suited to your needs is to actually get behind the wheel of both.
I tested the FJ with off road package today, handling was okay, but I'm not digging the rear side windows, the blind spot is pretty bad. Also with me in the driver seat (i'm only 5"8), the person behind me would be very uncomfortable (at least I would be) on long rides.
Some of the pot holes are big enough that my friend's WRX can't drive on without muckin up the suspension. I thought about an outback, but I want something that can go over bigger obstructions.
I always want to drive on snow that is 8-9 inches or more deep.
Some of the pot holes are big enough that my friend's WRX can't drive on without muckin up the suspension. I thought about an outback, but I want something that can go over bigger obstructions.
I always want to drive on snow that is 8-9 inches or more deep.
jca21
New member
buy the sr5
i live in vancouver, bc
pretty close to washington (PNW) and the fsr's here are not a problem for the 4runner.
i'd say the only thing you would need to do is throw in bilstein 5100s all around (optional) and get yourself a good set of tires such as the good year duratracs (highly recommended).
with the duratracs and bilsteins you should have absolutely no problem getting around on forest service roads in the PNW.
if you plan on solo driving in the winter time i would also recommend getting the budbuilt winch plate and a winch for your 4runner.
this will help to ensure that if you were to get stuck out in adverse conditions you will be able to get yourself out.
if a permanent winch is not something you want to do, you can get a front mounted hitch made by curt and then buy a winch plus a hitch mounted winch plate.
this will give you the option of mounting the winch to either the front hitch or back hitch and pull yourself out of stucks.
i live in vancouver, bc
pretty close to washington (PNW) and the fsr's here are not a problem for the 4runner.
i'd say the only thing you would need to do is throw in bilstein 5100s all around (optional) and get yourself a good set of tires such as the good year duratracs (highly recommended).
with the duratracs and bilsteins you should have absolutely no problem getting around on forest service roads in the PNW.
if you plan on solo driving in the winter time i would also recommend getting the budbuilt winch plate and a winch for your 4runner.
this will help to ensure that if you were to get stuck out in adverse conditions you will be able to get yourself out.
if a permanent winch is not something you want to do, you can get a front mounted hitch made by curt and then buy a winch plus a hitch mounted winch plate.
this will give you the option of mounting the winch to either the front hitch or back hitch and pull yourself out of stucks.
Johnny Utah
New member
well there is more room in a 4runner than in a FJ. So maybe having more storage would be better too
A cheaper option is to just carry a 4-ton come-along in the truck along with a couple of tow straps. Works well for my X when the sh!t gets nasty.
deekoi
New member
Same here, love the trail. I sat in the fj... just doesn't compare. everything looks too bland and it looks made for off roading. very very boring and not impressed with the interior.
4runner's interior is much better bang for the buck, IMO
Welcome to the club! this forum is great! you'll find a ton of write ups of mods and lots of great people that always help you out. (as you can see from those who posted so far)
arty:
NOOOOOOO!
Any device that relies on a ratchet and pawl (like a come-along) to hold and/or release a load is NOT safe for vehicle recovery. Also tow straps (those with hooks) can be lethal when used to extract a stuck vehicle. Use these two together and it's highly probable that you'll soon become a victim of "natural selection".
If you can't afford or don't want a proper electric winch, use a manual winch like a Tirfor or an ARB Magnum Hand Winch. The straps you need to use for SAFE vehicle recovery are nylon (so they have some stretch) and have sewn loop eyes rather than steel hooks. Also make sure there are proper recovery points on the vehicle; not a hitch ball, hitch pin or any part of the suspension.
Please do not attempt a stuck vehicle recovery until you've been properly educated about the correct equipment and how to use it safely.
Never had any problems with the 4ton come-along. I agree there are probably safer options out there; but it actually works quite well with my X. I also agree that straps with sewn loops are better and safer than steel hooks. They are the only ones I'll use. And I always use a safe recovery point - like a shackle truck tampon or such.
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