Thoughts on going from a 5th gen to Tundra?
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joshsonofjohn
New member
I drove a Tundra recently for a couple days as a dealer loaner while getting some repairs done. I was excited to drive it for the first 10 minutes, and then couldn't wait to get rid of it for the next two days. Way too big for me for driving around town, trying to park, etc. Unless I really had an absolute practical need for a big pickup, I'd never buy one.
mcat707
Member
Here is a copy of my response to your vice versa question from another thread
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/286677-4runner-tundra.html#post3496987
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I went from a 4th gen 4runner to a Tundra and now a 5th gen 4runner.
Unless you NEED a full sized truck, the cons outweighed the pros by a lot for me. I originally purchased it to be able to go camping, offroading and also tow a race car. I got rid of the race car, the Tundra wasn't far behind.
Pros:
1) POWERRR!
2) I had the crew cab, it was large on the inside
3) Ride was comfortable on and off road
Cons:
1) Gas mileage. Not that big of a deal with gas being cheap, and the range of the newer (2016+) Tundras with the 38 gallon tank is good but still...13 mpg is a little silly when the competition is well over that with similar power and torque numbers
2) Ancient interior. I mean...prehistoric. Worse than the 4runner and well behind what modern day competition has
3) It's YUUUGE! Parking and generally driving around urban or suburban areas is tedious. Offroad trail access is limited by the width.
4) It may be big on the inside but if you go camping or a road trip with more than one other person, all that gear that rides inside an SUV is now outside.
5) Payload sucks. The 4runner is rated within 100 lbs of the payload (passengers + cargo) of the Tundra. That's a joke.
Really ask yourself what it will do for you that the 4runner wont. Beyond interior room and towing capacity, it's not all that.
Unless you NEED a full sized truck, the cons outweighed the pros by a lot for me. I originally purchased it to be able to go camping, offroading and also tow a race car. I got rid of the race car, the Tundra wasn't far behind.
Pros:
1) POWERRR!
2) I had the crew cab, it was large on the inside
3) Ride was comfortable on and off road
Cons:
1) Gas mileage. Not that big of a deal with gas being cheap, and the range of the newer (2016+) Tundras with the 38 gallon tank is good but still...13 mpg is a little silly when the competition is well over that with similar power and torque numbers
2) Ancient interior. I mean...prehistoric. Worse than the 4runner and well behind what modern day competition has
3) It's YUUUGE! Parking and generally driving around urban or suburban areas is tedious. Offroad trail access is limited by the width.
4) It may be big on the inside but if you go camping or a road trip with more than one other person, all that gear that rides inside an SUV is now outside.
5) Payload sucks. The 4runner is rated within 100 lbs of the payload (passengers + cargo) of the Tundra. That's a joke.
Really ask yourself what it will do for you that the 4runner wont. Beyond interior room and towing capacity, it's not all that.
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^^^^that!^^^^
I went from a 2014 Tundra to a 2018 T4R - the Tundra was wonderful on power but an absolute nightmare driving in town. Id have to fold in the mirrors to drive on more narrow roads if a UPS truck was parked on the side.
sn_85
Senior Member
I test drove a 2018 LTD Crewmax Tundra about 2 years ago. I didn't find the seats all that comfortable either. There didn't seem to be much side seat and back bolstering. Felt like I was sitting on a flat bench without much support. Even on my short test drive I felt like I had to reposition multiple times. I'm only 5'7" and 140lbs so I'm pretty narrow. My guess is that with the truck being built and designed in Texas that it's meant for someone 200+lbs and a wider derriere.
Jernik
New member
We've got both, and I really like both of them. Tough to say which I like more.
The Tundra, to me, feels narrower than the GMC Sierra I had a few years ago. It seems to drive smaller than it is (although the lenght is noticeable - that's what she said - HA!). The 5.7 and 6spd work really well together. I wish the 4R engine/tranny were as in sync and smooth as the Tundra is, but I suppose the extra torque down low is really what makes that possible. Despite feeling smaller than it is when driving, reality is the Crewmax is HUGE inside. I don't mind the simple "dated" interior. It's clean and looks nice IMO, a lot like the 4R. Nice but not fancy. I'm a smaller guy, and do wish there was more side bolster in the seats.
The 4R, on the other hand, is what we take when we're likely to be in areas with tight parking or a lot of people/traffic. It's just much more nimble and easier to get in and out of tighter urban/suburban city centers.
Both have a back window that rolls down. Both are comfortable on the highway (although, for my stature, the 4R seats are better for trips in excess of 4 hours). 4R will get right at 20 on flat highway at 70 mph, Tundra about 17.5. If you haul older (or shorter) people around, sturdy steps look better on the Tundra and combined with the large back doors make it easier for them to get in/out. More people seem to struggle getting in/out of the 4R (stock, but no steps).
I probably just confused you more than I helped! :beer:
The Tundra, to me, feels narrower than the GMC Sierra I had a few years ago. It seems to drive smaller than it is (although the lenght is noticeable - that's what she said - HA!). The 5.7 and 6spd work really well together. I wish the 4R engine/tranny were as in sync and smooth as the Tundra is, but I suppose the extra torque down low is really what makes that possible. Despite feeling smaller than it is when driving, reality is the Crewmax is HUGE inside. I don't mind the simple "dated" interior. It's clean and looks nice IMO, a lot like the 4R. Nice but not fancy. I'm a smaller guy, and do wish there was more side bolster in the seats.
The 4R, on the other hand, is what we take when we're likely to be in areas with tight parking or a lot of people/traffic. It's just much more nimble and easier to get in and out of tighter urban/suburban city centers.
Both have a back window that rolls down. Both are comfortable on the highway (although, for my stature, the 4R seats are better for trips in excess of 4 hours). 4R will get right at 20 on flat highway at 70 mph, Tundra about 17.5. If you haul older (or shorter) people around, sturdy steps look better on the Tundra and combined with the large back doors make it easier for them to get in/out. More people seem to struggle getting in/out of the 4R (stock, but no steps).
I probably just confused you more than I helped! :beer:
I do a lot of off road on trails that have tight switch backs where the Tundra would take two, three, maybe four back and forth to get around, where as the 4Runner just turns sharp around it. For me, I would stick with the 4Runner, but there are always trade offs which you have to balance.
rochmpr
Senior Member
Talk about two entirely different vehicles. They bot have their pro's and con's depending on what it is you like to do.
I loved my 4Runner. For some things, I wish I had not gotten rid of it. For off-roading in the mountains of California, the 4Runner was much better suited. It's wheel base and size made tight trails passable, some time barely, and the tight turns could usually be made with little additional maneuvering. With all of the available suspension mods, this thing can get quite a bit of flex, even without the LT front.
With the Tundra, I am never going on many of these trail again unless I am riding ***** with someone else. This thing will just not fit, it is too big, too wide, too long, especially with the CrewMax. Running some trails in Ouray this summer I could not believe what it took to make some of the turns in this thing compared what I was used to in the Runner. As for flex, without serious modifications, from what I am seeing, it is limited in the rear with the leaf springs.
Now, that added size now plays to the Runner faults. Man, this Tundra is roomy. Full size adults can stretch out in the back seats with room to spare. The bed is nice as well for being able to haul things.
Power, well there is no comparison there. Granted, I never had issues with the 4.0L in the 4Runner, knowing that you need to drive a Toyota in it's power band (High RPM's). The Tundra is just a beast for power.
Gas mileage, well, I am getting about the same exact mileage in the Tundra as with the 4Runner, not I just have 38 gallons of fuel (don't ask, I live in California $$$$).
So it really boils down to what it is you are wanting out of a vehicle and what you intended use is.
I loved my 4Runner. For some things, I wish I had not gotten rid of it. For off-roading in the mountains of California, the 4Runner was much better suited. It's wheel base and size made tight trails passable, some time barely, and the tight turns could usually be made with little additional maneuvering. With all of the available suspension mods, this thing can get quite a bit of flex, even without the LT front.
With the Tundra, I am never going on many of these trail again unless I am riding ***** with someone else. This thing will just not fit, it is too big, too wide, too long, especially with the CrewMax. Running some trails in Ouray this summer I could not believe what it took to make some of the turns in this thing compared what I was used to in the Runner. As for flex, without serious modifications, from what I am seeing, it is limited in the rear with the leaf springs.
Now, that added size now plays to the Runner faults. Man, this Tundra is roomy. Full size adults can stretch out in the back seats with room to spare. The bed is nice as well for being able to haul things.
Power, well there is no comparison there. Granted, I never had issues with the 4.0L in the 4Runner, knowing that you need to drive a Toyota in it's power band (High RPM's). The Tundra is just a beast for power.
Gas mileage, well, I am getting about the same exact mileage in the Tundra as with the 4Runner, not I just have 38 gallons of fuel (don't ask, I live in California $$$$).
So it really boils down to what it is you are wanting out of a vehicle and what you intended use is.
Are you sure you aren't me? :hatsoff: 2003 T4R to 2007 Tundra to 2019 T4R. Same story except for no race car to tow. I will say the only things I miss are the V8 and having a truck bed to throw dirty, wet gear from fishing/camping.
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If i go full-sized truck, I can't bring myself to go with the current Tundra. I'd go domestic instead as I think they provide a better product in this strong and competitive segment. The Tundra is just too old and the fuel economy too poor even though it is a reliable and proven platform. Maybe the updated one due out soon will change that.
A compromise if you're absolutely set on a v8 might be a used Lexus GX460. Still gets you a 4.6L v8 in a platform similar to the 4runner. It's an oldie too (like all toyota BOF platforms) but it is unique in its class.
A compromise if you're absolutely set on a v8 might be a used Lexus GX460. Still gets you a 4.6L v8 in a platform similar to the 4runner. It's an oldie too (like all toyota BOF platforms) but it is unique in its class.
LandCruiser
New member
Tundra is older than the 4Runner and it sucks compared to every other truck in the segment. And it's designed in and built in the US so there's nothing legendary or muh Toyota reliable about it.
If you really want one I'd wait for the new one to come out because the current one has been out since 2007.
If you really want one I'd wait for the new one to come out because the current one has been out since 2007.
2008 4Runner to 2016 Tundra to 2020 4Runner here.
No question that sometimes it's nice to toss that stuff in a truck bed but that's the exception rather than the rule for my use case. I've got the canvasback liners in the back of the 4Runner and make do.
Canvasback is a nice solution. I'd like to find something to protect the plastic sides in the rear. 5th gen interior plastics quality and durability are a step down from my 4th gen as far as I'm concerned.
Six_Actual
New member
I'll toss in my experience coming from a Double Cab Tundra since 2012 to a 5th Gen 4Runner this year.
Preface: I live in Texas so its not a big deal to be driving a big truck. I didn't even care when I drove it around downtown. You get really good a parallel parking or just backing it in.
The only thing I didn't like about it was the gas mileage. As mentioned above, its a joke - I was getting 12.1MPG with wheels/tires/leveling kit, etc.
I originally had it for hauling gear for my outdoor adventures and motorcycle but unless you're doing that often enough, its overkill. Eventually I ditched the motorcycle but still loved loading it up for adventure.
I took it through Old Ore Road in Big Bend and yeah, the width was making it easier to get some desert pinstriping but the 4Runner in front of me also got some so, meh.
Don't get me wrong, I love my 4Runner now, but I initially wanted a Tundra again. I love sitting up high on the road, being able to haul stuff in the back and the power...OH MY GOODNESS I loved the power. This 4.0L Runner feels neutered compared to what I had.
I would have gotten another Tundra but for what I wanted, the factory order leadtime was 3-5months, so now yeah buddy, were "Runnin"
Preface: I live in Texas so its not a big deal to be driving a big truck. I didn't even care when I drove it around downtown. You get really good a parallel parking or just backing it in.
The only thing I didn't like about it was the gas mileage. As mentioned above, its a joke - I was getting 12.1MPG with wheels/tires/leveling kit, etc.
I originally had it for hauling gear for my outdoor adventures and motorcycle but unless you're doing that often enough, its overkill. Eventually I ditched the motorcycle but still loved loading it up for adventure.
I took it through Old Ore Road in Big Bend and yeah, the width was making it easier to get some desert pinstriping but the 4Runner in front of me also got some so, meh.
Don't get me wrong, I love my 4Runner now, but I initially wanted a Tundra again. I love sitting up high on the road, being able to haul stuff in the back and the power...OH MY GOODNESS I loved the power. This 4.0L Runner feels neutered compared to what I had.
I would have gotten another Tundra but for what I wanted, the factory order leadtime was 3-5months, so now yeah buddy, were "Runnin"
I had a 2013 rock warrior. I had a reason to tow at the time. Plenty of space and power. Hauled my track car real well on an open trailer with tire rack. Loaded with tools it was still ready for any mountain.
Gas mileage was abysmal. I was getting 11-13. Parking sucked, always far out.
Lits of room for the baby. Baby #2 on the way.
Why did i sell? It was gangly unlaiden. I couldnt get to work and back to get the kids from day care without filling up 2.5x a week. I didnt have time to get gas on the way home. Those time margins were that close.
I like my 4runner over the tundra. Easier to drive, seats down, i still have good space. I borrow my friends utility trailer if a load is too big. Push to start, heated/vented seats. Just a tamer vehicle overall.
Still got the track car, but i sold my open trailer. I rent from uhaul to tow now, but dang thats about max weight.
Everything it does is what i need it too.
I miss the size and power. I am on the list for a cybertruck to replace my 4runner. I dont wheel, only drive on the beach and fire roads.
Gas mileage was abysmal. I was getting 11-13. Parking sucked, always far out.
Lits of room for the baby. Baby #2 on the way.
Why did i sell? It was gangly unlaiden. I couldnt get to work and back to get the kids from day care without filling up 2.5x a week. I didnt have time to get gas on the way home. Those time margins were that close.
I like my 4runner over the tundra. Easier to drive, seats down, i still have good space. I borrow my friends utility trailer if a load is too big. Push to start, heated/vented seats. Just a tamer vehicle overall.
Still got the track car, but i sold my open trailer. I rent from uhaul to tow now, but dang thats about max weight.
Everything it does is what i need it too.
I miss the size and power. I am on the list for a cybertruck to replace my 4runner. I dont wheel, only drive on the beach and fire roads.
