new vehicle; Forerunner, Explorer or ?

[NCC]

We're buying a new vehicle this spring as the FJ is getting tired. The top two contenders for us are a Forerunner or Explorer. I would prefer something that is true 4wd and build on a truck chassis. I rented a Durango for week and thought it was okay. People I know who have Jeep Cherokees like them. If anyone has any personal experience with any of the above, or other similar (Nissan?) vehicles, pls share your thoughts.

[carlson]

We have a 2019 explorer and it has been awesome. Its been in once for warranty work for a faulty MAP sensor other than that no complaints

[elkhunter11]

The Forerunner is a well made reliable vehicle, but the fuel economy is not good. It's long overdue for an update, which is supposedly going to arrive later this year in the 2024 models.

[Trochu]

Well, of the two, I would obviously pick the Ford Bronco.

Take both for a test drive and pick the one you like.

From what I've read, unless you desire reliability and off road chops above all else, the 4Runner is about the worst you can get. C/D ranks it 24/24 for midsize SUV/crossovers, low on power, features, mpg, etc. Just old. Explorer is middle of the pack.

[jstubbs]

Yeah the current gen 4Runner has been in production since 09 without ever really making any drastic changes. And the craziest part is you’ll still probably have to pay full MSRP on one right now. Wait till the next gen if you want one of them.

[NCC]

We looked at a Bronco; the frameless windows scare me as i think they would result in a lot of road noise. I'd like to hear about personal experience from those that have one.

I like the Timberline Explorer.

I've heard the ForeRunners get lousy mileage and are due for an update. I like the track record and also don't want the first year of major changes so will try to get a current model if we go Toyota.

I'd buy another FJ in a heartbeat but my wife hates the suicide doors and gun slot windows. Tentative plan is a small lift and new paint for the FJ once it is no longer her daily driver.

[Big Sky]

We've been looking at a wide variety of vehicles.... midsize trucks, and body on frame SUVs mostly. A small irritant to me is how some of these 4x4 vehicles don't have tow hooks. That's okay for an awd suv but if I was needing a vehicle that was an actual 4x4, I'd be wanting some traditional 4x4 features.

[Stinky Buffalo]

Originally Posted by Big Sky

We've been looking at a wide variety of vehicles.... midsize trucks, and body on frame SUVs mostly. A small irritant to me is how some of these 4x4 vehicles don't have tow hooks. That's okay for an awd suv but if I was needing a vehicle that was an actual 4x4, I'd be wanting some traditional 4x4 features.

Yeah, that's my lament as well... Every vehicle is slowly turning into a minivan nowadays.

[creeky]

Originally Posted by NCC

We looked at a Bronco; the frameless windows scare me as i think they would result in a lot of road noise. I'd like to hear about personal experience from those that have one.

I like the Timberline Explorer.

I've heard the ForeRunners get lousy mileage and are due for an update. I like the track record and also don't want the first year of major changes so will try to get a current model if we go Toyota.

I'd buy another FJ in a heartbeat but my wife hates the suicide doors and gun slot windows. Tentative plan is a small lift and new paint for the FJ once it is no longer her daily driver.

Forerunners not great on gas mileage or big on power. If reliability's the game and your wanting a truck that'll be around in 15 years then check out this review: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDGAe8DOmck


Guy know's his stuff/ gold standard Toyota mechanic and own's Toyota only shop- he has never had to open up the motor on a Forerunner.

When the wife's lease is up on her German suv, we'll be shopping for a gen 5 forerunner, it'll go nicely with my FJ.


Creeky....


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[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by NCC

We looked at a Bronco; the frameless windows scare me as i think they would result in a lot of road noise. I'd like to hear about personal experience from those that have one.

I like the Timberline Explorer.

I've heard the ForeRunners get lousy mileage and are due for an update. I like the track record and also don't want the first year of major changes so will try to get a current model if we go Toyota.

I'd buy another FJ in a heartbeat but my wife hates the suicide doors and gun slot windows. Tentative plan is a small lift and new paint for the FJ once it is no longer her daily driver.

I have purchased first year Toyota vehicles, including the 2007 Tundra, with zero issues. Unlike the Domestic brands, that rush changes to market, Toyota tests a long time, before releasing vehicles.

[sarahfaye]

100% 4Runner. Proven reliable vehicle with resale value better than anything on the road.

[bezzola]

I have a 2015 4runner with 31” tires on it and a 4” lift it is a solid vehicle good power and comfortable. They are gettin a make over in 2024.

[JB_AOL]

First off.. you need to decide what you are actually looking for.

The 4runner is not comparable to an explorer. Physical size/features/etc. Explorer is midsize 7 passenger (highlander/pathfinder territory), go drive one, completely different. Also a Grand Cherokee is comparable to a 4 runner, but a "Cherokee" is not, yes those are two different vehicles. You need to go and spend hours yest driving and crawling over them. Only you can decide which one you want.

4runner is decades old tech (which is why it's reliable), yes there's a new one coming out, but that will also be about 5 years behind in tech. That is just the way Toyota is. Yes 4runners have horrible gas mileage.

I have an explorer, but that is because of 7 passenger and I really dislike the seating position in the 4runner. It feels like yours sitting on the floor. If Toyota actually completely redesigned it and made it for north America (interior space), I'd probably have one, but they won't.

Check out kia Telluride and Hyundai palisade. They have come along way in tech and reliability. I know lots of people who have traded in their Toyota's for one.

What is the reason for wanting body on frame? Unless you're towing, there's really no advantage (even then it's negligible for an SUV)

[fishtank]

Stay away from the Nissan !! The explorer is probably the best value and comfort, Toyota as the mention about very reliable and retain value , older tech and bad gas mileage And space wise not as good as the explorer .

[leeelmer]

Wow never would have thought I would read a title with Forerunner or Explorer together.
Totally different build quality's.
They are both SUV's and that's where it should stop.
Now I am not saying that the explorer is a terrible unit, it is not. But it is a domestic, and would be on par if comparing a GMC suv to it.
The forerunner is a different beast.
Now if you like the Explorer then get one, but it will not last even close to the same amount of time the typical forerunner does. But if you trade in every few years then not a bad option.
The forerunner will more than likely hold its value a lot better.
Crazy at the moment the MSRP on these are in the same ballpark.

[urban rednek]

This is a comment on what to watch out for, and ask about, when looking for a new vehicle: subscription fees.
https://www.businessinsider.com/car-...yota-gm-2022-2
Excerpt:

Brands including Lexus, Toyota, and Subaru invite owners to pay for the convenience of being able to lock or start their cars remotely through an app. In some BMWs, you can pay to unlock automatic high-beam headlights, which dim for oncoming traffic. In 2020, BMW floated the idea of pay-as-you-go heated seats and steering wheels. General Motors and Ford both offer subscription plans for their hands-free highway driving systems.

I would not purchase a new vehicle that came with subscription fees, nor purchase from a manufacturer that supports the idea of subscription fees for commonly used features, full stop. eg. door locks, remote start, etc.
Why? If a new vehicle has the capability, there is nothing stopping a manufacturer from switching the terms at a later date.

[NCC]

I'm not interested in a Kia, Hyundai, or a Subaru. The new ones may be great but I'm not willing to take a chance on one.

I realize that there are differences between a Forerunner and an Explorer. The new Explorers are more comfortable, have more power and get better fuel mileage. The Forerunner is likely more durable but I got 350 000km out of my last F350 and both of my kids drive Ford Fusions with 300 000km and we get 250-300 000km out of our Ford work trucks that are used for towing and have a million idling hours on them so I'm not scared of an Explorer prematurely blowing up.

I'm not buying a new vehicle for a bush beater but want an SUV that will stand up on rough roads and that I can drive through the cow pasture if I need to look at something on the way to town. If I buy a Timberline Explorer I'm sure it will see more off road driving, mud, snow and tow straps than 98% of the Forerunners purchased in the last five years.

I'll rebuild my FJ before I buy a vehicle that requires a subscription to turn the heated seats on.

[Mr Flyguy]

I have a 2015 4Runner purchased new. Great vehicle although gas consumption maybe worse that others in its class.

Was going to buy another Pathfinder back then but Nissan changed that to a soccer mom van.

[IL Bar]

I am a diehard GM pickup guy but we bought a used 2015 4Runner SR5 last spring with 68 000km to see how we liked it. We liked it so much we have ordered a 2023 4Runner Off Road that will be here next month. My wife likes it better than her high country for running errands and I love how it handles gravel roads.

I’ve been a Guinea pig enough times in my life so I’ll take tried and true any day.

[fordtruckin]

Wife likes both these cars and they’re on our short list for a replacement for her cherokee when the time comes. Have to say the 4Runner does not fit right when I sit in it. To me comfort is a big factor in choosing a vehicle. I take care of my vehicles and have never had reliability issues in any of the vehicles I’ve ever owned across 4 brands. Resale is never a concern either as I run vehicles until they’re relatively worthless. Both have pros and cons. I have a truck for any real off-roading but do prefer actual 4x4 which I don’t believe you can’t get in the explorer. For fuel mileage though the explorer beats out the toyo.

[Cement Bench]

Originally Posted by fordtruckin

Wife likes both these cars and they’re on our short list for a replacement for her cherokee when the time comes. Have to say the 4Runner does not fit right when I sit in it. To me comfort is a big factor in choosing a vehicle. I take care of my vehicles and have never had reliability issues in any of the vehicles I’ve ever owned across 4 brands. Resale is never a concern either as I run vehicles until they’re relatively worthless. Both have pros and cons. I have a truck for any real off-roading but do prefer actual 4x4 which I don’t believe you can’t get in the explorer. For fuel mileage though the explorer beats out the toyo.

is it too short on the front
yiu can get seat riser blocks for under 100 bucks to raise the front of the seat to give you more support if you are tall or have longer legs
just a thought

[fordtruckin]

Originally Posted by Cement Bench

is it too short on the front
yiu can get seat riser blocks for under 100 bucks to raise the front of the seat to give you more support if you are tall or have longer legs
just a thought

Not enough head clearance in any of the seats. Feels like I’m in a can ducking all the time. Have the same issue in the tacomas. Like the truck but just doesn’t fit my body.

[EZM]

Originally Posted by urban rednek

This is a comment on what to watch out for, and ask about, when looking for a new vehicle: subscription fees.
https://www.businessinsider.com/car-...yota-gm-2022-2
Excerpt:


I would not purchase a new vehicle that came with subscription fees, nor purchase from a manufacturer that supports the idea of subscription fees for commonly used features, full stop. eg. door locks, remote start, etc.
Why? If a new vehicle has the capability, there is nothing stopping a manufacturer from switching the terms at a later date.

Not sure why this is a problem? if you don't want to pay for it .... don't. There are plenty aftermarket command start units out there.

Our Toyota 4runner has the first year free and I think it's something like 3 bucks a month after.

These subscription command starts are pushed on almost every new vehicle including ford and GMC - so this is the way the world is going. The choice is yours. Don't want it - don't get it.

[EZM]

We just purchased our 5th Toyota 4runner (new 2022) last year.

It's built on a truck frame, uses a real 4 wheel drive system and is nothing like an explorer, or any other of the SUV mentioned here that are really AWD "pavement princess minivans" shaped like an SUV. No comparison whatsoever.

Every singe 4runner we have had has been bullet proof reliable, tough as nails but, as other mentioned, not great on gas averaging 14 liters per 100km. Basically the same as a full size half ton compared to most SUV "minivans" which are closer to 11-12L/100km.

I save that easily when I think of all the other SUV's we have owned and what repairs I made on them. VW Touraeg, BMW X5, Honda Pilot, GMC Acadia, Jeep Cherokee are some others we have owned.

The 4runner is hands down, the most reliable, capable SUV of any of those.

[gordfishing]

I know it's not the answer to your question but the best vehicles I have owned

are
Audi Q7 2012 bought at the auction in 2016 it has been amazing with all the bells and whistles
F150 2019 Lariat get over 1000K's per tank 3.5 L, love the moonroof and the power steps

It is not a word Explorer but put a tonneau cover on it

[omega50]

Go for the unibody with a 2.3l Turbo 4 banger

[HeavyD111]

In 2013 before the wife fell in love with a Murano we looked at a Voodoo Blue 07 FJ for 17k. It had a few rock chips but was otherwise nice, she balked at the chips and wanted the Nissan.

Guess what? In 2023 that FJ is still worth 17k...I am an idiot. I would buy an "old tech" 4runner or rebuild the FJ..or both. Resale on non crap box Toyotas is insane.

[AlbertanGP]

Slightly off topic, but confirming other posts here so probably still useful info. Last year I bought a cherry 2010 Toyota Tacoma manual with under 60K miles for ice fishing. It got the same highway mileage as my new half ton Duramax I replaced it with...when the Duramax is hauling a 5600lb trailer. It was a novelty to drive a standard, but the tech was a solid decade behind the 2010 Sierra I also own and $%^& was it bad on fuel. I mean like you can't fathom how bad a truck that size could be on fuel until you own one. It also had a tiny tank so I was stopping at every gas station I passed. Never again will I buy a Toyota. If you own a Toyota now, you'll be shocked at just how bad your FJ is on fuel once you get something else.

[elkhunter11]

Originally Posted by AlbertanGP

Slightly off topic, but confirming other posts here so probably still useful info. Last year I bought a cherry 2010 Toyota Tacoma manual with under 60K miles for ice fishing. It got the same highway mileage as my new half ton Duramax I replaced it with...when the Duramax is hauling a 5600lb trailer. It was a novelty to drive a standard, but the tech was a solid decade behind the 2010 Sierra I also own and $%^& was it bad on fuel. I mean like you can't fathom how bad a truck that size could be on fuel until you own one. It also had a tiny tank so I was stopping at every gas station I passed. Never again will I buy a Toyota. If you own a Toyota now, you'll be shocked at just how bad your FJ is on fuel once you get something else.

Then again, the New Tundra gets better fuel mileage than the Tacoma, so it's simply the old tech Tacoma, compared to newer tech.

[urban rednek]

Originally Posted by EZM

Not sure why this is a problem? if you don't want to pay for it .... don't. There are plenty aftermarket command start units out there.

Our Toyota 4runner has the first year free and I think it's something like 3 bucks a month after.

These subscription command starts are pushed on almost every new vehicle including ford and GMC - so this is the way the world is going. The choice is yours. Don't want it - don't get it.

That was a a PSA, not everyone is aware of this recent development in the automotive industry.

Everyone has to make their own decision about these subscription fees, my choice is "Not Happening, Ever". I bought a tangible asset, I own it, full stop, no negotiation.
Consumers are teaching the automotive manufacturers (who learned it from the software industry) that they are willing to continue "renting" (aka getting bent over) a tangible asset they have paid for in full.
The current cost is immaterial, it will eventually change. This will end badly.