4Runner vs FJ - Which Should you Buy?

In this video I compare the 5th generation 4Runner (2010-2022) with the FJ Cruiser (2007-2014). Sharing many of the same components these two vehicles are very similar, but also very different! Here's how they stack up.
#ytmikecOffroaderReviews #FJCruiser #4Runner #Toyota4x4

[@mercurials54]

I traded my Fj for the 4Runner, been to the same trails w/ it and the 4Runner performed just as good as the fj. If rear access was better I would choose the FJ.

[@michelt4390]

Agree, a 4Runner would be easier to live with

[@DaveWalker58]

I have a 2013 FJ (6spd) and love the vehicle. I think the suicide rear doors are awesome. I like the storage in doors and rear area. The driver side dash storage is a great idea! The dash controls. Wish it had heated seats, sun/moon roof, and front lockers. Its a very comfortable ride for long drives from Houston to Colorado/New Mexico. FJ has easy access and head room.

[@RoyAcosta]

I was looking at the 4runner but stumbled upon a 2013 FJ. Love it and think my boys would love it but they are 9 & 6 years old. I think they could manage with the FJ but as they get older I'm hesitant. Your video really helped.

[@signsofthetimes886]

What did you end up getting?

[@Darth_Smittious]

FJ all the way.

[@kanzzon]

As a FJ owner I must say that I love my rig, but my kids have one complain, and is not the doors, is the windows, or lack of them, they say that not having the ability to open the windows makes it annoying for long trips. Good thing they will grow and one day spend their money on a car I can complain about, in the meantime they can get use to it.😂

[@mikefoote6916]

Just sold my 3rd Gen 4runner limited and bought a 2016 4runner Trail Premium !! Always been a 4runner owner over 20 years !!!

[@briang4778]

I had an 07 FJ and now a 12 4Runner. I prefer the 4R for all the reasons mentioned and also really love the roll down rear window.

[@bearsti]

I remember myself at a younger age test driving an FJ Cruiser at AutoShow (Toronto) and it was my first time driving with manual transmission. It was very comfortable off-road in the temporary area outside the show. I realized the visibility on the rear was very difficult but felt like a Japanese Hummer. Last year I rented 4Runner for the weekend and realized 4.0L is truly powerful for 7 passengers to the restaurant, better than my parents' 93 Mercury Villager. I would go with 4R for cities but FJ would be good n' fun for a camping vacation in up North of Ontario, Quebec, Alberta or wherever of Canada. If you want a manual transmission, go ahead with FJ.

[@eddiev2o9]

Fj all day!!!!!

[@robertreyes6456]

If Bluetooth is a deal breaker, you can use the auxiliary port (Headphone jack) and plug in a Bluetooth receiver that turns anything with an auxiliary port able to pick up Bluetooth. Pretty cheap on amazon.

[@awesomedave8484]

Thanks for sharing…I’m left handed and it comes with some perks but mostly al negatives with ARs. Micro pistols are a plus because no slide lock malfunctions riding the slide with your thumbs.

[@willdembik688]

Both great trucks but FJ any and everyday of the week. 4runners have become the new minivan and are literally seen everywhere i look by soccer moms, and people that think that theyre badass's which will never use them to their potential.

[@willdembik688]

@@kimbuck-2 and im wrong? These vehicles are never used to their capabilities? Nice trucks but 99% of them won't go off road and if they do, its down a dirt road and they'll say that it was "treacherous terrain". Perhaps your the other 1% and cuddos to you, but all dressed up soccer moms out this way have em' not knowing the potential of them.

[@MJones-ed2ir]

Nice comparison Mike I appreciate the update it looks like you have the best of both worlds but I am a 4Runner guy 😎

[@DrivenCompanion]

They are both great but having both is perhaps a bit excessive. Considering paring it down...

[@toyotadude6771]

@@DrivenCompanion yeah the FJ has to go lol

[@davidarwood6264]

The FJ will consistently will hold it's value. You can find a 4runner any day of the week . Any color , options , mileage etc. Hold that FJ for a while. Hopefully you haven't already screwed up.

[@vaulttechunter8368]

I hate that knob for the 4 wheel drive. Im glad my 4runner has a stick for the 4 wheel drive

[@Want2SurfNow]

I love my FJ and think it looks really great (not stock, they are boring), but thinking about trading it in for a 4Runner. Between the blind spots and almost zero visibility and not having back door windows it's just not practical. I have a large German Shepherd and she doesn't care for it because she basically gets zero view other than limited visibility from basically portholes

[@alejandromontague1388]

I installed a mirror back up camera that is set in rearview while I drive. I can see everything behind me!

[@lonesomecricket7721]

I had a choice. I chose Sherman tank, I mean the FJ Cruiser. 🙂. Did you ever change out your FJ’s upper control arms?

[@DrivenCompanion]

Haven't yet and probably won't. New ones would be nice but I'm managing without :)

[@lonesomecricket7721]

@@DrivenCompanion I understand. Just thinking might be why your FJ seems a little unsteady at higher speed. I replaced mine with SPCs and it feels very stable at high speeds. Wondering if perhaps it’s the Upper control arms allowing better alignment. Just a thought I am no expert. Enjoy the FJ videos keep them coming. 🙂 take care and may the LORD bless you and your family. 👋

[@havefunbesafe]

I prefer the 4R but found an 07 FJ for $7k and snapped it up!

[@beefox406]

How many miles?

[@kelsey809]

4Runner, I appreciate outward visibility. The FJ looks good though.

[@ryanwesteren9289]

Good to see a fellow Central Oregonian with a passion for FJs!!! Got any buying tips?

[@DrivenCompanion]

I'd just keep an eye on Craigslist (& facebook) here, Seattle, Boise, and Sacramento and jump quick when you find what you want since the good one's sell fast... I'm considering selling mine since its pretty redundant with the 4Runner.

[@ryanwesteren9289]

@@DrivenCompanion Thanks, Mike! Keep us informed if you list the FJ ;)

[@timglascock5558]

@@DrivenCompanion Just bought my 4runner Trail in Sacramento from Craigslist. Love it so far...much better than my Jeep Liberty (I'll miss that diesel though!).

[@noctilucent7396]

I really hope the 6th gen 4runner is made in Japan 🇯🇵

[@Offshore1977]

Me too but if it’s not then it will make my 2020 value rise even more.

[@joesprague1464]

I like both but own an FJ.This comparison is kind of like apples and oranges.Buy both vehicles, you can't go wrong.

[@timglascock5558]

I may have missed it but what are the differences in real world MPG with both (on and off road, if possible!).

[@michelt4390]

I get about 18 mpg with the FJ

[@taevue]

FJC for cool factor. Can't beat it.

[@PabloLopez-fg2wy]

Love the video,kinda wanted this comparison since I'm on the market for one of this 2. You do good installation videos would like to see you installing some aftermarket headlights to the 4runner and fj for more comparison 😉. Enjoy both.

[@dylandylandylandylananddyl5283]

Basically if you want more space get the 4Runner . If it’s just you or you and one person the fj is perfect

[@DrivenCompanion]

I've done LED bulbs on the 4runner but still the stock fixtures. FJ are a little older style and harder to swap out...

[@MassoudWaisi-ui9xv]

FJs (from 20010 to 2014) are pretty expensive now! some of them (low millage) are more expensive than their initial market value of 2014 (even now end of 2023)! Crazy think! I have never seen that! Everybody wants an FJ now! I had a 4R and really miss it! I am thinking of buying another 4R but a green TRD package FJ with manual transmission 2014 is something!

[@timothyedwards4446]

Excellent analysis! Thank you.

[@Papi_Doc]

I see a lot of Fj supporters on here (including myself) but lets be honest we're all either too cheap or too poor **cough** or both **cough** for a 4Runner.

[@michelt4390]

Yup! I ended up with a FJ because back then it was much cheaper than the 4Runner... added bonus, it is easier to clean the floor

[@XEGMagic]

4 runners way cheaper than a FJ

[@Papi_Doc]

@@XEGMagic not when I was looking to buy one. 4runners were going for 35k-40k used with over 100k miles. My FJ was only 20k with only 60k miles.

[@elitechen5918]

fj is more expensive right now than 4 runner, fj is a fun car, 4 runner is a family car what do u want need?

[@noctilucent7396]

your lift and wheel selection looks perfect on your 4r imo. What lift and tires?

[@DrivenCompanion]

Bilstein 5100s with just under an inch of lift in the front and a set of Goodyear Wrangler Ultraterrain tires in the stock size.... but I'm considering going bigger :)

[@freddysandoval9701]

Great advise!

[@davidarwood6264]

Not a real intake on the hood of the FJ. Go with a fj anytime you can and don't look back. They have the best resale. The new bronco looks a lot like the FJ. If you want to spend 80 for a decent one. The bronco sport is just though. My FJ has over 200 thousand miles. No issues. Changing the alternator today , if you really consider that an issue for the miles on it.

[@nickpharand]

What roof rack is that? Is it made for fj?

[@commonduck10]

Fj It’s cheaper and same engine.

[@stout_tossme7541]

DJs are sweet. But the visibility is almost nonexistent so my wife can not see out of an FJ.

[@noctilucent7396]

3rd gen is a hilux surf 5th gen 4R is a Land Cruise Prado, of course the 5th gen is better

[@c86alfonso]

I owne a 2007 FJ and I love it, but, Its only for me and my gf at the time, if I had a family and kids I would definetily get a 4runner and I dont so for me FJ all the way.

[@Overland-460]

I owned a 3rd gen and I'm looking to trade my 2015 Honda civic to 2009 FJ manual 6 speeds

[@jimjamieson9346]

what is mier

[@KL00100]

Huh? It depends.

[@cooknengr]

FJ, MT .

[@Arcticfox7]

Did your brother stop by to see you?

[@Mr0erick0]

FJ visibility issueee... non existent when you drive an Ambulance LOL

[@ignaciooyarzorios2311]

Jajaja !

[@brettseely1359]

Going into asthetics which are based on the eye of the beholder tells me right off that the content of this video is lacking in data and facts. Hard pass.

[@misterandroid1680]

Llevan el mismo motor

[@christianguerrero843]

I’m 16 years old and Im in love with these cars I wanna start working so I can put a down payment on it , when I’m older that is my plan for one of these cars

[@MauGT1]

Good luck bro!!

[@commonduck10]

Fj It’s cheaper and same engine

[@Offshore1977]

Cheaper? Here in Fl the FJ is really pricey and continues to go up.

[@commonduck10]

Depends on the model. I have 2007. 2007-2009 models are the ones to buy. 2010-2014 are more expensive and desirable. They all look alike on the outside.

[@DrivenCompanion]

I agree the FJ is actually more expensive but they've been around longer then the 5th Gen 4Runner and there are more with higher mileage so you can find them for less. But if you compare a 2007 FJ with a 2007 4Runner the Fj will definitely be more.

[@michelt4390]

@@Offshore1977 when they were new, the FJ was much cheaper...

[@Smokey66s]

Outstanding review, started out looking for FJ, believe both are made in Japan. 4 Runner seems to be a more practical choice and greater availability. Thanks great information, open to both leaning towards 4 Runner.

[@JasonExplainsThings]

We just picked up a 4Runner. The FJ was the original plan but all the ones for sale around here are in the 30-40K range for a low mileage one. FJ is cooler, but the 4Runner is a much better deal.

[@marisat1428]

The FJs back seat does not fold and lay down flat as the 4 Runner does. Bad design flaw.

[@jesusmejia3910]

I was actually up in the air. But you just helped me decide. I currently drive a 1st generation Toyota Tacoma TRD 2002 SR5 4 door. I wanted either an Fj or a runner, so I could do a bed conversion on it and use it for some off road camping. I'm not ready for the van life, or using my Tacoma to pull a small trailer, so I've been really trying to decide on 1 of these iconic SUV's to turn into a UAV. Thank you for the Information and such a great video. Now to decide on what generation of 4Runner.

[@lancebragg9637]

Great job on this video. Very informative!

[@Offshore1977]

Wish the 4Runner came with a factory optional rear mounted tire carrier. Hopefully the next gen 4Runner returns the removable hard top like the 1st gen had. Would be cool for you to do a comparison off road video side by side doing the same trail to compare the 2

[@DrivenCompanion]

Yes I've considered getting a hitch mounted spare for the 4Runner but it just isn't the same. I really like that about the FJ. Off-road comparison would be a fun one - I'll keep that in mind!

[@DDobs12]

Been waiting for this one.

[@edwardkeaton4972]

My neighbor has a V8 it was available a few years.

[@NataleeTaylor27]

Fj all day long! Have had 2 of them!

[@teddynaicker2997]

4runner all the way!

[@shawn_143]

Get both

[@Treetopflyer777]

I wish to god they still had the FJ in Canada. I’d buy it tomorrow. All the used ones here range from like 200,000km to 500,000 km.

[@mooboo6603]

There's a brand new '22 model in my local Toyota dealership (I live in Caribbean). So tempting. $50k

[@Treetopflyer777]

@@mooboo6603 I’m jealous 😄

[@tactlcal_bacon_bits4773]

Sweet jacket, where did you get it?