3rd generation all the way maybe the new runners will grow on me not now though

 

I love my 3rd gen for the same reasons posted here. It is a real SUV, has backbone and gets the job done with little fuss. However, after driving a 4th gen you start liking the extra power, smoothness, new features gizmos etc. I just feel like if I treated a 4th gen the way I do my 3rd, it wouldn't hold up. The trips to the beach, camping every weekend. I just feel like it wouldn't fail mechanically but cosmetically.

 

4th gens are ok looking but no manual trans keeps me away

 

Real SUV, are you kidding me? I'm all for 3rd gens, but please don't kid yourself thinking it's some ultra rugged rig while a 4th gen is a pansymobile. The 4th will hold up just fine, especially with what you're doing with it.

 

Well I look at the plastic bumpers. A few trips through tall brush and they are going to be scratched and gouged, In my case with the chrome bumpers there is no problem.

 

You are right that it does have more plastic, but doesn't mean that makes them less capable. Just swap out the bumpers if the scrapes bother you. Also note that the Sport and Limited 3rd Gens have color matched bumpers (99-02). Doesn't make them any less of an SUV.

 

The lack of a rear locker option is what makes them less capable

 

Seriously, in stock trim, how many people take it to places that will require a locker? Also, the ATRAC system works VERY well in the 4th Gens. Check out the vids on toyota120. I was really impressed.

If you really need lockers, then just do as you did and get an ARB unit.

 

The reduced approach and departure angles and lower clearance make them less capable. It is not a just opinion. Those are facts.
You can somewhat overcome those deficiencies with mods, but the 3rd gen is a better platform to build an offroad vehicle.

 

True that ESQ--the have less ground clearance......and are harder to modify----Manual tranny thats not as robust as the R150F.....

Unless toyota comes out with something 3rd gen like--looks like this may be the last model of toyota I ever purchase new again.

 

In my opinion, Toyota nailed it with the 3rd generation 4Runners. Most capable of any 4runner, PERIOD! Hopefully the 2010 4Runner will de-thrown it! My opinion again; 3rd gens look the best stylisticly and have the best/most options for modifications.

You have my premission to disagree since this is just my opinion, and how much is that worth, really?

 

Maybe I haven't been too clear. I'm not comparing rock crawling capabilities. For that, of course the smaller 3rd gen will be better. Actually, give me a sfa 1st gen.

Anyway, if this guy is doing overland/expedition travels, I'd pick the 4th gen. Aftermarket bumpers, sliders and a simple lift will take you to most places for those type of travels. You guys talking about appr/dept angles like the 3rd gens is all that great? I was scraping all over the place and my Tacoma isn't much better. This is like a Honda Fit calling the Yaris slow. Technically true, but seriously??

That said, I probably will never get a 4th gen. But I'm excited for the 5th and if the reports come back good, might pick one up (Trail Ed). I'm an auto trans guy, so The fact that they don't come with manual doesn't bother me one bit.

 

Somehow I don't think the 2010 4runners were designed w/ off road ability in mind. From the looks of it, Toyota just made the new 4runner another baby mover along w/ the Sequoia, Sienna, Land Cruiser, Highlander, and Rav4.

I guess Toyota felt they didn't make enough SUVs for soccer moms already and they desperatley need 1 more. Too bad, I wish they still cared about the rest of us.

 

I think you missed something there. You might want to go back and check the 2010 runner negotiating the Rubicon in stock form and then let us hear from you.

 

Was going to say the FJ in concept form and the 2010 Runner were tested extensively off-road on the Rubicon, in Hungry Valley(Gorman)OHV and Big Bear trails to make sure they were off-road capable/worthy. I love my 3rd Gen but when it dies I will probably get newer version. Another Yota SUV people thought was just luxury or soccer mom but highly capable off road is the Land Cruiser. All depends on the type of wheeling you plan on.

 

Another thing to keep in mind is that the 2010 4runner is built off the FJ chassis. So most of the suspension lifts available for the FJ should work as well on the new 4runner!

 

I didn't miss the fact that it got it's muffler/undercarriage smashed up and it had to be yanked out of the stream by another 4x4:






Both of the runners tested were not just normal stock, they were both equipped w/ the trail edition package (w/ lockers, "crawl control", MT tires, and more) and I will admit that makes a huge difference, not to mention it'll cost about $5 or $6000 more than bone stock. And did you notice how much body damage the one suffered. It made it back, but jeez. I'm convinced a "stock" 3rd gen w/ an elocker would fare even better on the Rub.

BTW, I live in Big Bear and I would love to see someone in a 2010 follow me in my 3rd gen on John Bull.

 

Yes, I would LOVE to see how you do stock vs stock. Some of you act like the 3rd Gen is some ultimate off-road machine. It CAN be a capable machine, but stock trim, it's nothing to gawk at.

The ATRAC in the Trail Edition is pretty much the same as FJC's. ATRAC + e-locker > e-locker. ATRAC will mimic a front locker (although, not quite), but better than just a complete open front diff. The 5th Gen will probable sustain more body damage, though. However, IMO, it will make it further.

 

When I said true SUV i meant true SUV. I didn't mean rock crawling, go anywhere mountain goat. There a lot of "SUV" that are not an SUV. Ford Escape, Jeep Compass, Saturn Vue, etc.

 

So nah2323, Lots of opinions on here but you haven't clarified what you are going to be using your rig for. Are you going to stick to the pavement, find a dirt trail, or rock crawl it?