Next DD - 4Runner or FJ Cruiser?

[OceanView]

I'm in the market for a new car and wanted to get your thoughts on either the 4runner or the FJ Cruiser.
Both are excellent vehicles but they are different.

I would be looking at a 4Runner Sport V6 4x4.
I like the size of the 4runner with the 4 doors and larger capacity rear.
The FJ Cruiser is just neat looking.
The only negative for me is the smaller capacity of the rear.

Not planning on going off road too often.

Which would you choose and why?


TIA

 

[DarksideSurf]

I'm in the market for a new car and wanted to get your thoughts on either the 4runner or the FJ Cruiser.
Both are excellent vehicles but they are different.

I would be looking at a 4Runner Sport V6 4x4.
I like the size of the 4runner with the 4 doors and larger capacity rear.
The FJ Cruiser is just neat looking.
The only negative for me is the smaller capacity of the rear.

Not planning on going off road too often.

Which would you choose and why?


TIA

If you're not going to go off roading too often, then the answer is a 4Runner for obvious reasons. If you like garish styling, huge blind spots and the idea of driving a more capable off road vehicle as opposed to the perfect symetry between off road capablilty and real world civility, then by all means go for the FJ Cruiser.

Seriously for me I would take the interior of the 4Runner hands down over that of the FJ Cruiser. Talk about fugly...

 

[sharp4runr]

The FJ is a nice NICHE vehicle, but I'll take the creature comforts the 4Runner has standard.

 

[sketch1]

I did the same comparison as you when looking for a new car. I actually preordered an FJ and then I ended up getting a 4Runner. Go sit in an FJ and you will (should) know instantly what you want for a DD. The 4runner is 100 times more comfortable then the FJ.

 

[crimsontide06]

its all up to you because you will be the one driving it but i have to agree just on looks the fj is kinda ugly

 

[OceanView]

Thanks all,

Let's take looks out of the picture. It's subjective anyway.

For day to day driving I find comfort, functionality, MPG and reliability to be more important.

 

[GMZ]

I thought about these two also. I needed a DD that I can take hunting/fishing/skiing/beach driving/etc. After driving my Dad's V8 SE 4x4 I was hooked. After that I nearly laughed in the FJ,which Im sure would have impressed me more if I tested it on a mountainside Pick up my SE 4x4 this weekend!
For reliability both are Toyo's, but the FJ is a 1st model year whereas the current T4R has been out for a few. MPG will be somewhat negligible between the two, I think the FJ might edge out the 4R in this by 2-3 mpg but I could be mistaken. You will def be more comfy sitting in traffic in a 4R though!

 

[AndyDe]

The FJ is a cool looking vehicle inside and out but as everyone else have already mentioned, the 4runner is more confortable in my opinion but I do have the "cool" factor to the FJ.

For a DD and long cruiser, the 4runner wins in my book. Someone already said that the FJ is a very niche SUV.

just my 2 cents... :bigok:

 

[Falls]

I think the FJ is neet , but the design is ugly and I think this will sway people away from it.

I'll probably get bashed for this , but I've done some wheeling with a stock FJ , but had Revos swapped on it 265/70's and I was in my 06 Runner with Revos 265/70's in it as well. Granted the FJ has a locking rear diff. and the 4R has Atrac , but I honestly thing the 4r could pretty much go where ever the FJ goes. maybe not all places but most all places. I did'nt have any problem up muddy rocky hills , in mud and general rough terrain. The 4R is a damn good off roader and will hold its own with the FJ.

Just my .02

 

[cobey]

I love my new 4runner, just wish my wife let me drive it more. The rule in our house is that the person who gets up first chooses the car. She is an early riser. BOOO

I will buy a FJ if/when they make the top removable. I still miss my old scout.

:beer:

 

[crimsontide06]

Thanks all,

Let's take looks out of the picture. It's subjective anyway.

For day to day driving I find comfort, functionality, MPG and reliability to be more important.

sry you asked for my opinion

 

[Expat]

Ask the people on the FJ forum to get a balanced view.

I'd still pick 4Runner based on your criteria.

 

[Uneek]

4Runner any day. A roomier backseat. Undermounted spare, on the FJ if someone bumps the tire while parking, it'll dent the rear door. Four real doors, if you're letting out a passenger in the back seat, you don't need to open the front door for them. Visibility might be limited on the FJ with the wide pillars and small rear window and spare.

 

[Falls]

Does'nt the FJ use alot of the 4R parts anyway ?

 

[Thai]

If this is JUST FOR YOU and that you have another more practical family car, then get the FJC. If this is not the case, then get 4runner.

 

[boston_kevin]

For a DD, I'd stick with the 4Runner. Handling on the SE 4Runner will far surpass the FJ on the road, and based purely on aerodynamics, the 4Runner should be at least as good if not better on gas (assuming you get the V6). The creature comforts on the 4Runner are also nice... Telescoping wheel, heated side mirrors, much more quiet inside (i.e. no road noise), and the advantage of having those automatic systems for ATRAC & VSC (without having to lock the rear diff).

Off-roading, I'd go with the FJ as the shorter wheel base would be easier on trails and has higher ground clearance.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I agree that if you aren't going to off road much then the 4Runner is a better choice for on road comfort and can handle the occasional off road trip with ease.
The FJ is definetly more for the off roading crowd hence the lack of a few nice creature comforts that the Runner has.
Dependability shouldn't be too much of an issue with the FJs since the underpinnings are pretty much 4Runner mechanicals. MPGs in the real world that I've seen are 17-20 in the city which is pretty good.

Looks are definetly subjective and so far Toyota isn't having a problem selling them as most that hit the dealers are pre-sold.

I do think it's kinda funny how the 4Runner crowd hates on the FJ when Toyota isn't trying to make competition for itself.

 

[OceanView]

If this is JUST FOR YOU and that you have another more practical family car, then get the FJC. If this is not the case, then get 4runner.

Yes it is just for me and I don't have to worry about carrying a family with me.
I am torn in this decision because practicality and logic points me towards the 4Runner but the FJ is capturing my senses.

I think I will take both on a test drive and see how I like them on the road.

Hopefully it will help in choosing.