5th gen 4 runner Llmited vs LC 100

[cardyjones]

I am headed to Toyota dealer tomorrow for a LOF on the LC, and was thinking I'd take a test drive of the 4runner Limited. Kinda want to determine if it's a candidate for the inevitable replacement vehicle for the LC.

Any members driven one? What are your thoughts?

I know the new car smell can become intoxicating, and I won't have the opportunity to log a bunch of miles to get an idea of how it REALLY compares. I would certainly appreciate any opinions.

I like the idea of checking out an SR5 or even a Trail, but those are part time 4wd. I want full-time 4wd after having this rig, so that means Limited trim only.

Cardy

PS did a forum search, seems to focus on 4th gen vs LC comparisons.

 

[Brewski]

Hi, we have a 2013 limited and I love it. I love my 100 as well, the limited replaced our 06 sport 4runner and it has a lot more interior space and its very nice to drive. Best advice is to drive one and see how it fits for you. We are happy with ours.

 

[pwcummings]

I'll chime in on this. We had a 2010 4Runner up until we bought the hundy. It was nice, reasonably comfortable, performed very well in the snow, even on bald highway tires. It wasnt rift or our growing family, we need the hundys third row seat. Going from the 2010 4runner to the 2002 hundy felt (and still feels) like a giant step up. If your not a hardcore offroader, or need the third row, a 4 runner will probably meet all your needs, as well as satisfy a lot of your wants (like a really cool interactive Bluetooth system). You will also get some added mpg, always nice!

Sent from my iPhone using IH8MUD

 

[krupnation]

The 4th Gen runners are better IMHO but I do like the 5th gen limited (minus the blinged out 20's). Like pwcummings, I also went to a LC because of the growing family and we needed the third row. For me it was a step up coming from a SR5 4runner, but I have to say that my 4runner was very hard to let go....your going to get all kinds of answers to this thread but the best advice is to drive a 5th gen to see if you like it. With a slight lift and some tires they look BA and should fit all your needs.

 

[SouthernSS]

Have you considered the GX470? Same frame and drivetrain as 4R but roomier on the inside WITH a third row seat. It's also all time 4WD with a great 2UZ 4.8 liter V8.

 

[patrickfinley]

Tough comparison, both are great vehicles, it's all going to boil down to your needs. The 5th Gen does have the option for a 3rd row seat, but it is tiny. If you're a big family with pets and lots of gear the slightly extra room in the LC may serve you better.

-5th Gen 4Runner much better MPG
-5th Gen 4Runner has 3rd row airbags
-5th Gen has addressed rollover roof strength and other safety issues.

-100 LC, a bit more room, more room in the 3rd row seating.
-100 LC better ride
-100 build quality is better/nicer, but you are buying used instead of new.
-100 better towing and higher payload
-100 LC will cost you less than a brand new 5th Gen 4Runner Limited.

As SouthernSS stated the GX is also worth a look!!

 

[EdsCruisin]

Wow, I guess I will hang on to my 4R. I did not know they don't have the V8/full-time AWD option any more. The towing capacity is much less too. I guess Toyota is trying to separate the classes with Lexus more now.

On the other hand I did check one out at a car show last year and the 3rd row seating is unbelievable! Even a child will have trouble sitting upright and there is virtually no room left for anything else. With the seats folded you lose almost all the small cargo space the truck has.

 

[Racehoss]

I have both, actually a 1985, 1997 and 2012 trail edt 4runner. And a 2003 LC 100. The 12 runner and 03 100 are completely different. The LC will always feel heavier, better built, feels like its more solid. Etc etc. that's why the LC cost $25k more. However my 12 trail edt runner is the most powerful and roomiest 4runner I own. The comparison you're trying to make doesn't really make financial sense though. A new runner, even an sr5 cost a lot more than even a 07 100.

Hmmmm???

 

[04UZJ100]

The V6 in the 5th gen is under powered. It also feels cheaply made, in general.

 

[phsycle]

The V6 in the 5th gen is under powered. It also feels cheaply made, in general.

I'll have to agree here. A friend bought a new Limited. First thing I noticed right away was the lack of power. I realize it's a heavy SUV with a V6, but I'm talking 2.7L 3rd Gen 4Runner power here. The FT 4WD saps power even more, IMO. My other friend's 4.0L 4th Gen does not feel like this at all. It feels sporty and agile. The 5th Gen felt lethargic and muted. Interior felt super cheap for a $40k+ vehicle. Overall, not impressed at all.

On the other hand, my other friend's GX460 is very impressive. Great power, solid feel, and much better interior. For $40k, I'd much rather own a used GX vs a 5th Gen IMO.

 

[04UZJ100]

I'll have to agree here. A friend bought a new Limited. First thing I noticed right away was the lack of power. I realize it's a heavy SUV with a V6, but I'm talking 2.7L 3rd Gen 4Runner power here. The FT 4WD saps power even more, IMO. My other friend's 4.0L 4th Gen does not feel like this at all. It feels sporty and agile. The 5th Gen felt lethargic and muted. Interior felt super cheap for a $40k+ vehicle. Overall, not impressed at all.

On the other hand, my other friend's GX460 is very impressive. Great power, solid feel, and much better interior. For $40k, I'd much rather own a used GX vs a 5th Gen IMO.

And most people think I'm nuts for saying it.

 

[cardyjones]

So thanks for the comments everyone.

I drove an SR5 w/ leather, dealer didn't have any limited models on the lot.

I certainly appreciate the LC after driving a 4 Runner. The seating position and overall driving comfort is quite good in the 4 Runner, but it's a SlowRunner as several have mentioned. I drove a 4th gen V8 before getting the LC and that felt like a rocket by comparison to the 5th gen. There was a new 2013 LC sitting right next to the 4 runner, it was twice as much $, but probably 4x the vehicle in the end. A used LC probably remains the best value, but Mama doesn't really appreciate that my DD gets 14.5 mpg given my commute.

The Lexus just isn't me. I know it's petty, but I bet many of us appreciate the reverse snobbery of driving a Toyota. I am a professional and don't need any extra flack from coworkers for driving Lexus. When I was checking out vehicles in the past, I drove a GX470, and it does indeed drive very well. I wish there was a Prado badge kit for it.

The LC is more vehicle than I need for most days of my life, but you know, when I drove into the dealer today , the tech says "I love these things, they're just amazing machines". 4Runner won't' get you that. They're just not special like the LC.

Onward w/ the LC for now.

 

[phsycle]

The Lexus just isn't me. I know it's petty, but I bet many of us appreciate the reverse snobbery of driving a Toyota. I am a professional and don't need any extra flack from coworkers for driving Lexus.

I'm with you on that. When I picked up my LC, I went out of my way to get one over similarly-priced LX's. I would love to say that it was due to AHC, front fascia, or other legitimate reasons, but no, it was for the very petty fact that it said "Land Cruiser" on the back...

But there is a big difference between the GX and 4Runner (unlike LC/LX), so between those, I'd pick the Lexus every time. The first stop, of course, will be to the local mall to pick up some pennyloafers.

 

[04UZJ100]

Have you considered a 4th Gen V8? The Limited models are quite nice inside + you get the bombproof drivetrain from the 100. I have both and the 100 interior is NOT that much larger aside from the drastically different seating position as you mentioned. The 4R isn't uncomfortable, either. FWIW I'm, 6' 1" 180#

 

[SWUtah]

I've owned both. I don't think you can compare them. If you do want to compare them you need to throw in every SUV/CUV made and then compare them all with your personal needs and what you personally value.

 

[bonze]

My wife loves her '13 SR5 4WD.

 

[jblatl]

My wife has the v8 LIMITED 2008 4Runner and I have an old 80. Would never trade her but every time I drive hers it puts a smile on my face. Stupid fast... I do not like the seating position, the 80 and 100's are much better.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using IH8MUD

 

[SWUtah]

My wife has the v8 LIMITED 2008 4Runner and I have an old 80. Would never trade her but every time I drive hers it puts a smile on my face. Stupid fast... I do not like the seating position, the 80 and 100's are much better.

Sent from my SPH-L710 using IH8MUD

I've owned several 4runners, the latest were new 2004 and 2007. Loved them both but I agree the low seating is the problem. Also I don't like the looks of the newer models, but I don't like the looks of the 200's either. Looks are a taste thing and only matters to the buyer.

 

[bonze]

My first Toyota was a '97 2WD 4Runner. It was my DD, pulled a heavy '21 foot boat regularly, put 250k on it before giving it to my sister. Her family have over 400k on it and still used as a DD. I was so impressed with the Toyota product that I upgraded to a hundy. My LX just seemed to big for my wife to drive (the door mirrors and the bumpers can attest to that). We decided to get her the '13SR5 4WD and she is very happy....as they say "Happy Wife Happy Life"...no more do I have to discuss me buying stuff for my LX, she is even more obsessed with her 4runner.

 

[El Cid]

Interesting comparison. I'm with the posters that said 'both' because I see them as complimentary to one another. My next vehicle purchase will be a 4runner that I can use as a daily driver.

So that means my criteria is:
-MPG
-Dependability
-Usefulness(kids, load capacity, etc)

I would love to take a 4runner on a long trip if it were just 2 people. More than that, and it's the LC hands down. The LC loses a lot of utility value when only I am driving and I'm not hauling anything, and the weather is fine. But if the weather is bad in ANY way, I'm carrying gear or more than two people or driving any distance, I take the LC.

4runner = baby Land Cruiser.

But if you value dependability, they are both excellent, just suitable for different needs and driving tastes.