Minivan vs 4runner

I can fit with ease three Diono 3RXT in the 2nd row of my 2018 T4R . I have a 2015 Odyssey as well, which is our main vehicle for hauling kids. Sliding doors of a minivan is so convenient during loading and unloading of kids. With the 4runner, if cars are parked adjacent to it, loading/unloading kids becomes really difficult for one adult. I have 7 month old twins and a 4 year old toddler. Once my twins are a bit older and in forward facing car seats, I can see my self using 4runner more frequently.
 
I remember running fire roads in San Bernardino mountains with car seats...it's all fun and games until someone gets car sick, then it just takes all day, and nobody is happy.:barf:
 
Well I appreciate all the help and suggestions everyone. But the 4runner is definitely a no go for our family. Just too tight for seating and space overall. Looked a couple times and loved the way it drives and feels, but just not a good fit for the family

Short list right now is the armada and oddly enough a Durango r/t. Went a bit in the opposite direction that way but it hauls the kids easily and goes a decent amount as well.

I may still try to get a 4runner as a second vehicle later down the road but it just wasn’t a good fit as the daily kid hauler
 
Both. The 4Runner is my daily driver and we used it previously for any traveling.

But... when we had our second child, I got a Sienna for my wife. Now we have 3 kids and the Sienna is always the go to for anything. They are all in car seats though. When they are older that might change. I swore I'd never own a minivan, but man is it not the best thing with 3 small children.

I have considered trading in the Runner for a Sequoia, but have not been able to make myself do it yet.
 
Armada is a big sexy beast. I would have no issue owning one. I watch alot of Aussie 4x4 channels on youtube and lots if those guys wheel nissan patrols hard. If im not mistaken the newer armadas are rebadged patrols.
 
Blue109 said:
Armada is a big sexy beast. I would have no issue owning one. I watch alot of Aussie 4x4 channels on youtube and lots if those guys wheel nissan patrols hard. If im not mistaken the newer armadas are rebadged patrols.
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Same platform as a patrol but not as many off road features. They do have a 2 speed transfer case though. I just didn’t like how it handled, very very cushy and boat like feeling
 
Hogger said:
Same platform as a patrol but not as many off road features. They do have a 2 speed transfer case though. I just didn’t like how it handled, very very cushy and boat like feeling
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and then of course there is the reliability issue - the Armada ain't no Nissan Patrol.
 
2012sr5 said:
Why not a Sequoia?
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Not many newer used ones and the ones I found were very expensive

I ended up with a 2018 Durango R/t with 19k kilometres on it. Loaded with all the options and full extended warranty until 2025. For the kids well, good tow ratings and features

I still eventually will be getting a second vehicle for myself, the 4runner is still in that list since it won’t need to be the family friendly vehicle. But atleast for now I found a vehicle I love driving

Thanks again for all the help and suggestions guys. I guess you just don’t know what you might end up with until you’re out there and driving them


So I’m sad I still have to wait before joining the 4runner and off road community. I’m happy I atleast still got into something fun and can modify in a different direction.
 
Hogger said:
Not many newer used ones and the ones I found were very expensive

I ended up with a 2018 Durango R/t with 19k kilometres on it. Loaded with all the options and full extended warranty until 2025. For the kids well, good tow ratings and features

I still eventually will be getting a second vehicle for myself, the 4runner is still in that list since it won’t need to be the family friendly vehicle. But atleast for now I found a vehicle I love driving

Thanks again for all the help and suggestions guys. I guess you just don’t know what you might end up with until you’re out there and driving them


So I’m sad I still have to wait before joining the 4runner and off road community. I’m happy I atleast still got into something fun and can modify in a different direction.
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I hope that warranty covers everything. You will need it with a Chrysler.
 
Blue109 said:
Armada is a big sexy beast. I would have no issue owning one. I watch alot of Aussie 4x4 channels on youtube and lots if those guys wheel nissan patrols hard. If im not mistaken the newer armadas are rebadged patrols.
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they are very different, you don't get any of the rugged suspension or lockers
 
Weaksauce. I have an OG 2door pathfinder and its a little beast. Not sure why it even shares a name with the new mini van nissans. Shame we dont get cool versions here.
 
Hogger said:
Not many newer used ones and the ones I found were very expensive

I ended up with a 2018 Durango R/t with 19k kilometres on it. Loaded with all the options and full extended warranty until 2025. For the kids well, good tow ratings and features

I still eventually will be getting a second vehicle for myself, the 4runner is still in that list since it won’t need to be the family friendly vehicle. But atleast for now I found a vehicle I love driving

Thanks again for all the help and suggestions guys. I guess you just don’t know what you might end up with until you’re out there and driving them


So I’m sad I still have to wait before joining the 4runner and off road community. I’m happy I atleast still got into something fun and can modify in a different direction.
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The Durango is a great car when it runs.

What loaners does your dealer use? Will they fit your family?
 
We have one of each, a 4Runner and Sienna. Best combo for us.

I copied this from a Canadian Sienna review:

I have to wonder why anybody who needs to carry kids, pets, camping gear and whatnot, would ever opt for an SUV. Ah yes, there’s the machismo factor of driving a wannabe off-roader; the tall ride height, large tires and off-road drive modes — even though for most the likelihood of wandering off the pavement is probably limited to the driveway at the cottage.
 

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jhguth said:
lol, did you seriously recommend a 26 year old tiny japanese van?
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Absolutely! Check the specs. Mitsubishi, Nissan, and Toyota all dabbled in offroad-capable minivans. They are workhorses everywhere but in the US and since they are mainly imported from Japan, they will likely have very low mileage. They're not for everyone, but for a buyer looking for the convenience of a minivan and the utilitarianism of an SUV, they can be perfect. And, at a quarter of the price of a new SUV (Dodge or Toyota).

And, that tiny SUV likely has as much storage capacity as my SR5, so....
 
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