New 4Runner vs New Tundra? Which one?

[gm4life]

Background Information...

Last June I purchased a brand-new 2013 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD in Blizzard Pearl with a Sand Beige interior. It now has a hair over 5K on it and I really love the truck. It is great in the snow (easy to wash under it with a hose - gotta love Iowa winters), pretty good at the pump and has performed wonderful on a 2K mile family road trip.

I am thinking about another vehicle purchase - I am not trading any of my current vehicles in. (see my signature if your wondering what is in my family fleet) I actually would like to get to the point where I can park my 2005 Pontiac Bonneville SLE in storage for much of next winter. It is still in GREAT shape, no body or under body rust to speak of and doesn't even have 45K miles on it yet. I would really like to keep this car for ALONG time. I am a Pontiac man at heart - but General Motors took care of that which is one of the many reason I am in a Toyota. Anyways the Bonneville isn't that great in snow and is a really unique/rare car in the SLE trim - not that it is worth anything today - but it is a Pontiac and one of my favorites at that, even after nine years with it. I know less 10,000 were made for the '05 model year and most were SE's and the SLE's only had GXP styling for that year. I always intended to baby it someday and I think I can finally do just that. Not that it hasn't been babied but I want to actually put it away for a FULL winter. Unhook the battery the whole deal.

With that said, this brings me to my next decision. What BOF 4WD vehicle should I buy? I do like new Silverado/Sierra and have a GM dealer that has always been good to me... (The oil burning and AFM issues have also scared me, on what is an otherwise a wonderful small block OHV V8. Go on a GM forum and it will make the stuff we discuss and b*tch about on Toyota's look like nothing!) But after the way GM jerked me around with warranty work on my 2012 Impala LTZ after a family trip that was nearly ruined because of a defective part at 3K miles and the crazy pricing on the General's new full size trucks I got looking at the Tundra.

I never much cared for the 2007-2013 model however - the "new" refreshed 2014 model caught my eye and provided I can squeeze it in my garage it is a contender. Furthermore, the entire buy American piece is gone since it is made in TX and has higher North American part content than the domestics. I am considering a 5.7L SR5 Double Cab or maybe even a 5.7L Crew Max in 4WD with the TRD Off Road Package and SR5 Upgrade Package. If I can swing a new 2015 TRD Pro and it comes Double Cab I might bite on it.

Still however I can't help but wonder if for the way I use a vehicle nine times out of ten if a 4Runner wouldn't make a better vehicle for me. Neither one of these vehicles will ever see more than a gravel road. (Just don't tell me to buy a Highlander or Rav4, I simply have no interest in them!) I believe for the small fuel economy difference between a V6 AWD Highlander and the 4Runner I would rather have the real SUV.

I am the guy that literally cried when GM stop building the 1996 B-Bodies (Impala SS, Caprice, Roadmaster and Fleetwood) so yes I like traditional SUV's!

Regarding the 4Runner I am considering another regular SR5 4WD model or maybe perhaps a non-premium Trail or the new TRD Pro model for 2015 in orange if Toyota offers it on non-premium trail models (and keeps the price in check under 40K sticker.) I happen to like white vehicles - I have heard horror stories in the Tundra forums about Super White Tundra's and the single stage EPA paint process. I want white but would rather have a color/finish that looks the best for my entire time of ownership and judging by my 2005 SLE it will be ALONG time. Do the Tundra's still have this problem with the single stage paint (non-metallic colors - like Super White) and do the 4Runner models even though they are made in Japan suffer the same problem? Or is the Super White safe on the 4Runner because of no EPA requirements across the "pond"?

I would like a Super White Tundra or 4Runner bottom line - unless I opt for the TRD Pro model on either in Inferno - which would be fun. (I suppose if the paint issues are true I could "live" with either in Barcelona Red.) Keep in mind this truck will be relied on to get to work in any weather including 6 inches of fresh snow and driven well under 10K miles a year. More like close to 5K so gas mileage isn't a huge issue and my 2013 wouldn't have the miles on her if it wasn't for my family trip. Having a truck in the fleet would be handy around the house but I do love the size of the 4Runner with the high ride height. I am not considering a Tacoma because it is a 10 year old design - if it had the 4Runners updated V6 I would however consider it as well.

Anyways this is where I turn it over to you guys... I have been researching the "new" Tundra's and the "new" 2014 4Runners like crazy. I am just wondering what are the pro's and con's of each. Or if anybody has one of each please chime in. This vehicle won't be towing more than a pop-up camper or a utility trailer for the record.

So what would you guys get? What is a better fit? Please also chime in about the paint - that is one of my main concerns as well. It seems like an apples to oranges comparison but I figured my fellow T4R members could most likely help me out.

Also not that it is hugely important but will my in-town MPG's be more than a few MPG lower on the 5.7L Tundra than the 4Runner?

Thanks in advance and I look forward to reading responses!

 

[dekeman]

I think this is the answer you really want to hear....

 

[JayceeP]

That Denali looks awesome.

This http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/161387-thinking-about-switching-4runner-tundra.html conversation should get you started. A lot of talk about power and MPG.

 

[gm4life]

I think this is the answer you really want to hear....

I know that thing is a real beauty... However 35K or maybe 40K isn't Denali money. Plus I am planning to stay away from GM for the reasons mentioned earlier.

 

[gm4life]

That Denali looks awesome.

This http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/161387-thinking-about-switching-4runner-tundra.html conversation should get you started. A lot of talk about power and MPG.

Thanks I will most definitely read it. Still would like to hear thoughts and comments on the paint.

 

[gm4life]

Read the other thread. Some good information in it for sure but some comments seem to contradict others especially when related fuel economy and performance. Please keep thoughts coming guys! Thanks!

 

[philsey]

..... some comments seem to contradict others especially when related fuel economy and performance.

Mileage-wise, I am always sitting ~19 city, and typically get 22-23 hwy @ 70. I'll see 24 @ 55 mph. Strong headwinds absolutely kill mpg's. Stock wheels and Conti pass tires @ 34#. Sedate driver.

You should throw out performance opinions as much too subjective, and decide this for yourself, understanding that you WILL have to kick it to make it go. Floor it and hold it and it goes remarkably fast, imo.

 

[Rubberdown]

I mean the 5.7 tundra will rape a 4.0 4runner if your worried about going fast or towing. The real question is do you need a bed or not? Everything is dependent on that.

 

[LandCruiser]

I'm a Toyota guy, but I'd NEVER buy any of Toyota's full sized trucks or SUVs.

They're crap compared to GM.

If you want a big boy truck, get a Silverado or a Sierra. If you want a big boy SUV, get something based on the Tahoe or Suburban (a 'burban might be in my future when the next baby comes).

The Tundra has always been catching up to GM.

 

[wfo9]

I'm a Toyota guy, but I'd NEVER buy any of Toyota's full sized trucks or SUVs.

They're crap compared to GM.

If you want a big boy truck, get a Silverado or a Sierra. If you want a big boy SUV, get something based on the Tahoe or Suburban (a 'burban might be in my future when the next baby comes).

The Tundra has always been catching up to GM.

I have to agree that gm full size is great. I've had every generation and they have all been solid. However, our 2014 sierra is amazing and a huge step forward in overall truck performance.

 

[Rubberdown]

I'm a Toyota guy, but I'd NEVER buy any of Toyota's full sized trucks or SUVs.

They're crap compared to GM.

Ironically my 2008 tundra with 100k has had nothing but regular maintenance and that's it. My father in laws 2010 silverado with 50K constantly has traction control issues, and just received $1200 of fuel system work. Radio goes out when you hit a bump. So yeah... Crap compared to GM. Sure.

 

[buchaja]

I'm a Toyota guy, but I'd NEVER buy any of Toyota's full sized trucks or SUVs.

They're crap compared to GM.

Even the Landcruisers, LandCruiser? I always thought Toyota made pretty good SUVs.

I will concede that the jury's still out on the Tundra. I drove plenty of them before I bought my 4runner and could never quite feel right in them. Consumer Reports loves them, though. My F-150's a decent truck.

 

[LandCruiser]

Ironically my 2008 tundra with 100k has had nothing but regular maintenance and that's it. My father in laws 2010 silverado with 50K constantly has traction control issues, and just received $1200 of fuel system work. Radio goes out when you hit a bump. So yeah... Crap compared to GM. Sure.

-this isn't 1980 where Japanese is "better"
-between myself, my mom, and my dad, we've had 8 full size GM trucks and SUVs in the last 20 years--the only ornery one was a 2001 z71 Tahoe
-the worst, most miserable, poorly engineered POS vehicle I've ever owned was an FJ Cruiser--pick something that went wrong, and it probably did.
-get in a brand new GM pickup or SUV (when they're available) with all the features you need, drive it for a while, then get into a Tundra or Sequoia. You will realize that despite being "designed and built in Texas (OMG!)" the Japanese have no effing clue how to make a full size SUV or pickup.
-there hasn't been a real Land Cruiser in the US market since 1997

 

[Rubberdown]

Well sounds like your mind is made up, just like mine is.

 

[gm4life]

Well sounds like your mind is made up, just like mine is.

The problem is mine is not. Regarding a full size GM SUV - given the prices on the new trucks I don't even want to see the prices on the SUV's. I would like to keep this close to 35K and certainly south of 40. I fear a base Tahoe will be close to 45K!

Still wondering what everyone has to say about the paint.

 

[Rubberdown]

I think super white has only been out since the 2014s... I don't think there has been a whole lot of time for paint issues to crop up. Before that it was blizzard pearl which is a multi step paint.

 

[gm4life]

I think super white has only been out since the 2014s... I don't think there has been a whole lot of time for paint issues to crop up. Before that it was blizzard pearl which is a multi step paint.

I know, it is what I have on my 2013 SR5 and I do love it. I was hoping someone had super white on a Tundra or Tacoma from the Texas plant and could comment. You are correct on the 4Runner, I know the black that was offered from 2010-2013 was non-metallic so I wonder if people have had issues with those?

Anyways keep thoughts coming - interesting discussion about GM full size sport utility vehicles and trucks. They both have strong points but given the price and better resale on the Tundra I think I would be a fool not to pick one over the GM trucks. The one thing that does concern me about the Tundra is the lack of a fully boxed frame. Can you comment on that Rubberdown? I have also seen vidoes with alot of bed bounce on the Tundra but other than that I think they are a good truck. Plus when compared to what GM offers the only way to get the "real" motor the 6.2 is to go for the top shelf trim levels.

The town I live in is so full of hills I might as well have the big motor no matter if it is a 5.7L in the Tundra or 6.2L in the GM twins - but don't want to sell my right nut to pay for it either. On the GM trucks the price climbs well into the mid-40's and the trucks still have cloth seats! I would still like to keep my budget to about 35K but no more than 40K.

I keep thinking a truck bed would be handy but I really don't need a bed. Nor do I need 401 lbft. of torque but it would be nice. What I do need is 4WD and good ground clearance - the 4Runner is a much nicer size for my garage and to park. I still like the idea of a truck though for about the same amount of money plus you get the 5.7L which I hear is a honey of an engine. Which makes this one hard choice - once the new TRD Pro packages come up it could help make my decision much easier. Depending on pricing and configuration/availability.

Any other thoughts or ideas?

 

[Rubberdown]

Well, I actually have the black tundra... Never had a paint issue with it, from what I have read it's only the super white that had issues. Still super shiny and deep luster. I think the boxed frame and bed bounce issues have been hyped up on the internet, never had an issue ever with either one of em. I think the base model without SR5 and no tow package has the bed bounce issues because the taiko shocks are freakin terrible, and there is no trailer hitch across the back as a little extra weight. I can definitely say the 5.7 is a bad ace motor. Huge burnouts that make riced out civics poo themselves are easy as pie if your into that kind of thing, although I think the 6.2 GM motor is actually like a tenth or two quicker in the quarter.

That being said my 4runner is way way way more practical in every way and I prefer it now that I changed out the suspension.

 

[RECDOG]

-this isn't 1980 where Japanese is "better"
-between myself, my mom, and my dad, we've had 8 full size GM trucks and SUVs in the last 20 years--the only ornery one was a 2001 z71 Tahoe
-the worst, most miserable, poorly engineered POS vehicle I've ever owned was an FJ Cruiser--pick something that went wrong, and it probably did.
-get in a brand new GM pickup or SUV (when they're available) with all the features you need, drive it for a while, then get into a Tundra or Sequoia. You will realize that despite being "designed and built in Texas (OMG!)" the Japanese have no effing clue how to make a full size SUV or pickup.
-there hasn't been a real Land Cruiser in the US market since 1997

Fj a pos? Lol u must have had the 1 bad one.. Best truck ever

 

[gm4life]

Well, I actually have the black tundra... Never had a paint issue with it, from what I have read it's only the super white that had issues. Still super shiny and deep luster. I think the boxed frame and bed bounce issues have been hyped up on the internet, never had an issue ever with either one of em. I think the base model without SR5 and no tow package has the bed bounce issues because the taiko shocks are freakin terrible, and there is no trailer hitch across the back as a little extra weight. I can definitely say the 5.7 is a bad ace motor. Huge burnouts that make riced out civics poo themselves are easy as pie if your into that kind of thing, although I think the 6.2 GM motor is actually like a tenth or two quicker in the quarter.

That being said my 4runner is way way way more practical in every way and I prefer it now that I changed out the suspension.

Thank you, that was the kind of answer I was hoping for! How different is the in town fuel economy for you? Do you loose 2 or 10 MPG with the Tundra vs the 4Runner.

As a side note I am going to San Antonio to the Toyota plant in May and can't wait!