4Runner vs Sequoia... Opinions, Please...

[Stealth TDI]

Hi,

I'm in the market for something larger than a sedan. The wife wants a minivan. While the Sienna is a great van and I'm not terribly opposed to it, I like the idea of having something that can TOW and hit the trails, should I receive the call of the wild. I used to offroad my 4x2 Pathfinder (long gone now) and there were times I wished I had low range and/or 4WD.

Anyway, the 4Runner's coming with available third row seating. However, I can't tell if the second row is removable for maximum cargo capacity. I can see the Sequoia has removable and/or fold flat second row seat. However, I'm not sure how much of a compromise in off-road manners I'd suffer with a Sequoia vs a 4Runner.

I know the 4Runner is billed as a true off-roader and the Highlander is much more of a "soft-roader" and, therefore, is out of the question. However, I don't see any marketing that suggests the Sequoia can perform off road other than the fact that it has skid plates.

Can anyone provide me with comments and/or suggestions?

Thanks,

Scott

[robinhood150]

There's nothing fundamentally different between any of the 4wd's on the market that make them substantially better than anything else off road. As long as they have a low range, and 1 solid axle they're all pretty much the same. For the average person who goes off road once every couple years, they'll all do about the same. If you're going to do some rockcrawling or otherwise more difficult trails, then yes, some have an advantage, but it sounds like you're not going to be doing that. Take a look at my webpage and look at my pictures. If you're going to be doing trails like I do with my basically stock truck, then you should consider the new 4runner, or an older, 3rd gen 4runner. The real advantage the 4runner has over the sequoia is its more compact size.

If you're going to tow, then sure, get the 4runner or sequoia. I don't know much about the LC, but the previous generation LC was absolutely unstoppable off road because of it's front and rear lockers. If you're not going to off road or tow, then the highlander makes more sense.

[Stealth TDI]

RH,

Thanks for your reply. I DO intend to tackle trails similar to the ones on your website. I don't intend to run the Rubicon or Sledgehammer trails; but I will run trails that can't be taken in a 2WD.

It doesn't look like the latest LC has lockers anymore. As far as the drivetrain goes, the 4Runner, Sequoia, and LC appear similar... So the 4Runner seems to be a better choice due to its size... and price!

FWIW, ARB lockers front and rear have been a goal from the beginning. I've been sold on them for years, although I've never owned one. I never want to be "stuck" just because I'm crossed up. Also, I like your truck. I've always been the type to prefer a more stock look with a hidden focus on improved function. So it's a pleasure to see a 4Runner that's not a mile high enjoying the trails.

Take Care,

Scott

[TRDragoon]

Post whoring here but one thing i gotta say, doing oil change on V6 4runner is one of the most convenient thing ever invented but it mustbe the V6 4Runner......

the oil filter is right where youopen the hood......but on the V8, its the most annoying thing.....it under where you hafto have thin arms....its also at the bottom of the car so very hard to get at...

[robinhood150]

Originally posted by Stealth TDI
I DO intend to tackle trails similar to the ones on your website. I don't intend to run the Rubicon or Sledgehammer trails; but I will run trails that can't be taken in a 2WD.

Excellent! In that case you will definately be happier with the 4runner. You really might want to look into the 3rd gen 4runners, the 96-2000 models, because they are available with an electric rear locker with the TRD package. Here's a good page to see what the 3rd gen can do: http://fastq.com/~sschaefer/4runner.html

If you do end up getting the 4th gen and you plan on lifting it, don't get the x-reas suspension. You'll just end up taking it out when you change the shocks. I'm actually not sure if arb makes a locker for the 4th gen. I don't know if the 3rd member/axle is the same as the 3rd gen.

[Stealth TDI]

Hi,

TRD: Glad to hear the oil filter is easy to work with. I had a '93 Pathfinder that was SO RUDE to work on. None of the common maintenance items were easy to perform with the exception of the air filter. I sold the truck due to financial difficulties at the time. I did a lot of off-roading in it; but was limited by the 4x2. Still, I shocked plenty by getting through slop that most of my friends with 4x4s wouldn't attempt. I think they were sissies! Anyway, I KNOW my next truck will be a 4x4. And because to the stupid scenarios that left me stuck, I will have AT LEAST one locker. I like the ARB since I can turn it on/off and have onboard air.

RH: Thanks for the link! That's a NICE truck! As mentioned before, the Gen 4 is my truck because the 2004 will introduce third row seating. It's a compromise to stay out of a minivan. I think it's a little silly to buy a minivan for 7-seats when only two people will ride in the thing 99.99% of the time. So I'll get a 4Runner with 3rd row, bag the third row seats in the garage, and have them available when needed. I'll get more functional use from a 4Runner than I would a Sienna.

The bad news (for me): Unless I get the wife to test drive a 4Runner and she loves it, she's pretty sure she'd rather stick with her '03 Passat. Normally, I buy a new car every five years, keeping each car for 10-years. Since we have two, SHE drives the newer one and I drive the older one. If I wait until my '03 is paid off in '07, then I'll buy an '07 4Runner (or a used 4th Gen) and leave her in the '03 Passat. I'll still keep my current '98 Jetta for racing and commuting. OTOH, she REALLY missed the Pathfinder when we sold it. She liked the smooth ride and better view. The Passat is VERY SMOOTH, FAST, and gets about 28-mpg. Perhaps she'll drive a 4Runner and remember what she liked about SUVs.

But I'm rambling. The bottom line is I won't be able to join the 4Runner Community for some time. But I'll be watching closely! Perhaps I'll go on a few off-road trips with a driver and learn to be a spotter, which should also help my off-road driving decisions. When I finally DO get a 4Runner, I'll slowly build it up into a conservative, but capable, vehicle. I tend to keep well-cared for cars for about 15-years. So I'll be happy for a while.

Take Care,

Scott