1911Charlie
New member
Just wanted to ask because I've always looked at FJ's like a knock-off Jeep. Inputs, opinions, and facts welcomed.
Is an FJ Cruiser a better off-roader than a 4Runner?
- Thread starter 1911Charlie
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Knock-off Jeep? That's funny.
It is a short wheelbase 4Runner (4" to be exact). Same engine, trans, and axles. Locker is optional but you will find it on most out there. Shorter front and rear overhang means you drag less offroad. Almost exactly the same driving feel as the 4Runner.
It is a short wheelbase 4Runner (4" to be exact). Same engine, trans, and axles. Locker is optional but you will find it on most out there. Shorter front and rear overhang means you drag less offroad. Almost exactly the same driving feel as the 4Runner.
CAN-03runner
New member
I hate to admit it. But yes.
The couple of minuses it might have is that it's a little wider and the turning radius is larger. On the trail this means that they might need to climb obstacles higher up and be more off camber. And they might need to do a couple of forward reverse moves to turn some corners.
They might also start off being taller. Depending the trail that could become an issue. On the trails I ride sometimes they are narrow cut trails sunk in the ground and tree branches hang low over them. On my 1st Gen climbing obtacles off camber I've been close enough to scratch my roof.
The couple of minuses it might have is that it's a little wider and the turning radius is larger. On the trail this means that they might need to climb obstacles higher up and be more off camber. And they might need to do a couple of forward reverse moves to turn some corners.
They might also start off being taller. Depending the trail that could become an issue. On the trails I ride sometimes they are narrow cut trails sunk in the ground and tree branches hang low over them. On my 1st Gen climbing obtacles off camber I've been close enough to scratch my roof.
Aftermarket for them rocks! As stated, they don't turn as sharp. They are heavier too. More headroom, but horrible seating, not as comfortable by any means, headlights suck, don't ride very well, loud inside, blind spots that will kill you, rear tire is in the worst spot. All in all, I'd rather build a 4runner. Some things are harder to get but it's so worth it.
And the lack of a spare stored underneath. You know, where it is easy to get to when a tire fails on a trail. My full size 33" spare on the rear door is sooo much harder to access. :wink2:
ARunner
New member
Spare on rear door hurts visibility but allows for a better departure angle than the 4Runner. Stock for the stock the FJ should have the edge for the items listed above. I've yet to find a trail that a 4Runner couldn't follow an FJ down. I'm sure you could, but the 4Runner is no slouch. Same platform. Once you leave stock form, the possibilities are endless for each. Since 99.9% of my travel is on pavement, I occassionally tow, and I have kids, the 4Runner fit my lifestyle better. All situations are unique and either can be built into great offroad machines.
TORCH
New member
Never been unable to go anywhere my buddy and his FJ have gone. That being said he makes some trails look easier but I can always find a way up. I love my V8, leather seats, navi, sunroof and sliding rear window though 
and I bought my truck for a 1/4 what my friend paid for his FJ.
I love FJs though and wouldn't mind having one at all.
and I bought my truck for a 1/4 what my friend paid for his FJ.I love FJs though and wouldn't mind having one at all.
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Martinjmpr
New member
I've always thought of the FJC as a very 'specialized' vehicle and certainly "out of the box" it's more off road capable just because it has a shorter wheelbase, smaller approach/departure angles, and better ground clearance. Also available with a locker in all years and IMO benefits from having a by-God 4wd shifter knob instead of the stupid little dial we got on the T4R 
Having said that, while the FJC is better at pure off roading, it pretty much sucks compared to a T4R at anything else. Visibility is terrible, it only has two windows that you can open with the touch of a button vs. 5 on the 4runner, rear seat is pretty much useless for adults, and storage capacity is less. Also smaller fuel tank + bigger tires = sucky, sucky range (last year I went off roading with a guy who had a nicely built FJC on 35's. He told me his range between fuel-ups was a little over 200 miles. On my T4R I can typically go over 400 on the highway.)
If "off roading" is all you do, then an FJC might work for you but if you need a vehicle that can do a little bit of everything - drive you to work, take the wife out for a nice dinner, bring home a load of lumber from Home Depot, take the kids to school, etc, then a 4runner is probably a better choice.
To put it another way, the 4runner is the classic "jack of all trades and master of none." What's interesting is that the 4runner's worst shortcomings (approach/departure angles and low ground clearance) can easily be fixed with an aftermarket lift and an aftermarket bumper. But many of the FJC's weaknesses - visibility, access, and short range - cannot be fixed at all or can only be fixed with very expensive measures.
Having said that, while the FJC is better at pure off roading, it pretty much sucks compared to a T4R at anything else. Visibility is terrible, it only has two windows that you can open with the touch of a button vs. 5 on the 4runner, rear seat is pretty much useless for adults, and storage capacity is less. Also smaller fuel tank + bigger tires = sucky, sucky range (last year I went off roading with a guy who had a nicely built FJC on 35's. He told me his range between fuel-ups was a little over 200 miles. On my T4R I can typically go over 400 on the highway.)
If "off roading" is all you do, then an FJC might work for you but if you need a vehicle that can do a little bit of everything - drive you to work, take the wife out for a nice dinner, bring home a load of lumber from Home Depot, take the kids to school, etc, then a 4runner is probably a better choice.
To put it another way, the 4runner is the classic "jack of all trades and master of none." What's interesting is that the 4runner's worst shortcomings (approach/departure angles and low ground clearance) can easily be fixed with an aftermarket lift and an aftermarket bumper. But many of the FJC's weaknesses - visibility, access, and short range - cannot be fixed at all or can only be fixed with very expensive measures.
I wish I could get 400 miles, or even 300 for that matter!! I get 190-220 miles out of a full tank, 21 gallons, depending on what I am doing and how hard I press the throttle down. 35's, V8, and a heavy right foot! 
Martinjmpr
New member
Well, I'm sure you have more fun than I do.
I'll wave as you blast by me in the left lane! :wave:
Martinjmpr
New member
Nothing a lift and a sawzall can't fix. :bounce:
the great him
Elite Member
you couldnt pay me to own an FJC... sure out of the box it might have a slight advantage, but as many have pointed out, anyplace you can take a FJC im sure a 4runner will go(stock vs stock) and once you get into the aftermarket world(why 90% of us are here) it comes down to driver and how each vehicle is appointed. the 4runner had way more options that cant be added to the FJC, like 4 real doors, windows the roll down, visibility, cargo room, a V8 ect ect ect. overhangs can be changed with bumpers, lockers can be added but some things cant be changed. unless you plan on building an exclusive wheeler the 4runner IMO is the better choice, and if you are building an exclusive wheeler, why are you starting with a FJ knock off, get a reall FJ, FJ40
If it would have been completely my decision I would have gotten a manual FJ. My wife can't drive stick, (she can but won't ever be better than a first timer), and I didn't want to buy a vehicle she cant drive when I'm deployed. I've been out with buddies in their FJs and once i get lockers I'll have them beat.
