Tacoma to Raptor jump...

Well not a Tacoma, but went to Raptor from a 2007 FJ Cruiser (that had more money in it than my 802a Raptor). Lots of things I miss about Toyota, but love my new truck and I no longer need a billy goat. On to newer things...

Wow, someone who actually bought an FJ Cruiser? I bet you really miss all the plastic on that faux off road vehicle. Not 100% certain I'd actually admit to that one.

Buy a Toyota if you want to get stuck while enjoying your 10 year old technology.

Won’t take the bait... but DO wish the Raptor didn’t have as much plastic as the FJ.

Pic of the Raptor or it didn't happen . . .

3 pages deep and no pics. Let’s get’em up!

I also came from Toyota. I had an '07 FJ, traded that for a '19 4runner off-road premium. Since you thought about a 4runner and might have grass is greener syndrome I can compare/contrast them.

Power-4runner was ok at sea level, turned into an absolute dog at 6000+ feet where I live now. I had it loaded for an offroad/camping trip with the family and it was BRUTAL trying to pass people. While the engine isn't super weak it's the combo of the v6 + the ancient 5 speed tranny that makes it so slow. The taco is a little faster than the 4runner but obviously the Raptor wins in the power department.

Tech-This is another ding on Toyota. Why is a '19 loaded SUV missing so many modern conveniences? I did have Nav, heated seats. But no climate control, no carplay, no blind spot warning or backup warnings, 360 camera, memory seats, etc. I had a hell of a time with the bluetooth audio dropping calls and randomly deciding to not output audio from spotify. if you google there is a lot of this with newer iphones and Toyota didn't seem to be in a hurry to fix it. Not to mention driving modes. The 4runner has crawl control stuff you can use in 4lo only, vs all the available modes in the raptor. Also, ventilated seats....

On road-My 4runner had a lift and 275s. That helped with the front end dive but made it ride a bit stiffer. I also had the KDSS model which helps with body roll on road. It was good in general and I enjoyed driving it on road trips, to the trailhead for mountain biking, up to the pass for snowboarding and transporting kids. Thumbs up here, even very offroad capable it was good on road. EXCEPT the power at elevation. The Raptor is just more fun to drive day to day because of the power and all the electronic goodies. It's SUPER stable at speed on the mountain passes I drive here in the Sierras, I'm guessing because of the width and beefy suspension. I haven't done a long road trip, but the seats seem even more comfy than the ones in the 4runner. I do believe the Raptor lets in more road noise or maybe tire drone than the 4runner, which is weird because I had KO2s on it as well. Another thing that must be brought up is size. The Raptor is a big bitch. I live in a mountain town that is very truck friendly and even the closest city (Reno) is as well. Zero issues. I used to live in the Seattle area and I can't imagine taking it downtown and driving around trying to find some place it would fit to park. If you live in such a city I would serious think about a smaller SUV or midsize truck.

Off road-Here is where there is a little more back and forth. The 4runner and even moreso the FJ were a lot better suited to tight jeep trails and rocks. They're just physically smaller, have plenty of grunt in 4lo, both had lockers, various traction control modes and most important...... a way shorter wheelbase. On these types of trails the 4runner has the advantage. On wider open fireroad type of stuff, well that's what the raptor is designed for and it f'in kicks ass at it. I would NEVER even think about taking some of these roads that fast in the Toyota. So it's pros and cons.

Utility-Also a toss up here. The 4runner has a very nice and large trunk space. You can fit a ton of gear in there. I have a lot of gear between bikes, climbing stuff, snowboard, camping, shooting, SUP, etc.. You get the idea. Never an issue and it's out of the weather so I could just leave it in there seasonally. Lifting up the back door makes a super nice covered spot for changing out of the weather and chilling post ride with a cold beverage. That said, a truck is a truck and you can fit more in the bed. You need a bed cover for weather. The Raptor's rear seating area is CAVERNOUS. I can fit my kids + gear back there. Also the raptor can tow. The 4runner can as well, but see above on power and transmission. You would be hatin life with a 3-4k camper behind you. Either is pretty good depending on your circumstances.

Reliability-Well, Toyota is well known for it. I can say that my 10+ year old FJ still performed like a new one. No power loss, no rattles, nada. Basic maintenance and the only issue I ever faced was the alternator dying which I swapped in the garage in an hour. I'm sure the 4runner would have been the same. My mom has a '99 4runner with 250k miles and it's still just fine, I drove it a month ago, haha! I can't speak to the Raptor long term. The f150 in general is well regarded in terms of longevity but I only have 23k miles on the beast so we'll see.

All told, I wish I had bought the Raptor to start with instead of the 4runner. It does everything I need and it's *WAY* more fun to drive with a lot more creature comforts. If you can deal with the size there aren't really many downsides and I don't think you ever need to pine over a 4runner.

Well said...