5th Gen 4Runner to 200 series L.C. thoughts?

[jbyrd78]

Currently have a 2016 4Runner that is my DD. I also own a "96" FZJ80, and a "04" LX470. I'm thinking about stepping out of the 4Runner, and into a 2010-2014 200 series Cruiser. Any of you current 200 series owner's been in my shoes, and if so, can you offer your input and advice?

Something else I'm curious about, is how is the self wrenching/ maintenance up keep on a 200, compared to working on a 5th gen 4Runner, 100 series L.C., and a 80 series?

I've been working on, and keeping the maintenance on all my vehicles, minus a timing belt job last February. So I just thought I'd ask so I know what I'd be getting myself into as far as wrenching on these bad mamma's go.

Thank's guys.

 

[04UZJ100]

What’s your motivation? You’re in a 200 forum so you know what the bias will be.

The 4Runner is a light duty platform, the Cruiser is a heavy duty one. The Cruiser is in a different league. The V6 in the 5th gen is anemic and you can tell where they started cutting corners from the 4th to 5th gen platform. That said, my V8 4Runner still puts the biggest smile on my face.

There will be a new 4Runner coming next year or two. There won’t be another Cruiser. Lots of reasons to upgrade

 

[jbyrd78]

What’s your motivation? You’re in a 200 forum so you know what the bias will be.

The 4Runner is a light duty platform, the Cruiser is a heavy duty one. The Cruiser is in a different league. The V6 in the 5th gen is anemic and you can tell where they started cutting corners from the 4th to 5th gen platform. That said, my V8 4Runner still puts the biggest smile on my face.

There will be a new 4Runner coming next year or two. There won’t be another Cruiser. Lots of reasons to upgrade

Appreciate your reply. Honestly, not looking for any bias. I just really love the cruisers. I also love my Runner, but you hit gold when you mentioned the V6 on the 5th gen lol. I'm just looking to hear from fellas who stepped over from a 5th gen to 200, and if I should go for it, or stay put in the Runner.

 

[LCT]

I sold my 2017 4Runner TRD Pro Cement for a 200 series and never looked back. V6 in the 4runner felt under powered and that 5 speed transmission didn't help either. On top of this, a number of little things like NVH, awful headlights, key carried over from 3rd gen, minimal safety features, etc. made me jump to a 200 series.

 

[bloc]

They are both great vehicles, the landcruiser (or LX) is just better.. as it was always designed to be by toyota. Arguably the only way it isn’t (better) is size on trail.. or maybe not wanting to beat up such a nice ride.

You very likely won’t regret the swap.

 

[afgman786]

I didn't change from a 4runner to 200, but from an 80 to 200. My sister has a 5th gen, and I used to enjoy driving it and going on road trips in it when I had my 80. After getting my 200 I do not care to drive or ride in the 5th gen.

 

[John Guedry]

I made the switch from a 16 limited 4wd to the 16 lc, loved the 4runner although under powered unless heavy on the foot. My wife liked the 4runner more however didn't like the v6. You won't look back once you get the lc.

 

[louislee6]

Watching this thread closely as Im thinking about jumping into a 200series from my Army green 4R right now...

 

[jbyrd78]

Watching this thread closely as Im thinking about jumping into a 200series from my Army green 4R right now...

Thanks for jumping on this thread. It's good to know I'm not the only one looking. Lol

 

[John Guedry]

Personally the only other suv I would look at is the GX 4runner size w a v8.

 

[jbyrd78]

As far as self wrenching, and doing your own maintenance. How is it compared to working on a 100 series or a 5th gen?

 

[jbyrd78]

Personally the only other suv I would look at is the GX 4runner size w a v8.

I actually looked at one of those last yr before I bought my LX470. I really wasn't a fan of the GX.

 

[louislee6]

Thanks for jumping on this thread. It's good to know I'm not the only one looking. Lol

I have a feeling I would both love and hate what I read here lol

 

[John Guedry]

As far as self wrenching, and doing your own maintenance. How is it compared to working on a 100 series or a 5th gen?

If you are comfortable working on the 5th you will be fine on the lc.

 

[jbyrd78]

If you are comfortable working on the 5th you will be fine on the lc.

Thanks John

 

[slipkid13]

I agree with with everything here. I had a 2017 4Runner and the anemic 6 and 5spd trans made for a terrible combination in Colorado. It was great offroad but hills/mountains were brutal. The trans never stopped hunting for the correct gear. I have a 2013 LX and the difference is night and day. V8+6sp is the right combo. Plus the mileage is not much worse than the 6cyl 4Runner.
I would never go back to a 4Runner.

The 4Runners are a dime a dozen in Colorado and are now basically Mommy grocery mobiles.

 

[LexCruiser08]

I just recently traded my 2019 4Runner for a 2008 LX570. Zero regrets, the 200 is superior in every way.

1) Engine and trans - The 5.7 V8 is a BEAST. Albeit thirsty, but the engine and 6 speed combo is fantastic. The V6 in my 4Runner always felt like it struggled, especially when loaded down

2) Interior comfort/features - The LX slays the 4Runner when it comes to interior. Heated & cooled leather, real wood trim, 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, 4 zone climate control. My 4Runner looks like a 90's economy car compared to the interior of my 10-year older LX

3) "It Factor" - This one is hard to quantify but the LX/LC just feels more special. You can tell this is a vehicle built to a standard and designed to last a lifetime. Yes, 4Runners are also capable and durable but until you drive a Land Cruiser you just won't get it. These are special trucks.

 

[Crush 4]

I just recently traded my 2019 4Runner for a 2008 LX570. Zero regrets, the 200 is superior in every way.

1) Engine and trans - The 5.7 V8 is a BEAST. Albeit thirsty, but the engine and 6 speed combo is fantastic. The V6 in my 4Runner always felt like it struggled, especially when loaded down

2) Interior comfort/features - The LX slays the 4Runner when it comes to interior. Heated & cooled leather, real wood trim, 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, 4 zone climate control. My 4Runner looks like a 90's economy car compared to the interior of my 10-year older LX

3) "It Factor" - This one is hard to quantify but the LX/LC just feels more special. You can tell this is a vehicle built to a standard and designed to last a lifetime. Yes, 4Runners are also capable and durable but until you drive a Land Cruiser you just won't get it. These are special trucks.

OK I went from a 2017 4runner to a 2019 Land Cruiser to a 2020 army green forerunner to ordering a 2021 Land Cruiser. Clearly I’m a little neurotic but having said that, going back to the 200 series for the room and comfort for long range driving. Needless to say, as many have commented, the power, quiet cabin, ventilated Seats etc were part of decision. Another plus, I ordered before I found out they were discontinuing LC.

 

[John Guedry]

Just FYI we also got rid of a new accord 2018 and got a cpo 2014 LS 460, it maybe aging but dam it's comfortable especially on long trips.

 

[raoulduke101]

I went from a '16 4Runner Trail Edition to a 200 last year and have no regrets whatsoever. The LC is superior to the 4R in every respect. More power, more room, and more durability. Most importantly, I greatly prefer the feel of the LC offroad and on the highway. My 4R seemed to get blown around a lot on the highway, while the LC feels way more solid and planted. The only time I missed the 4R was in some tight spots offroading where the more nimble 4R might have had the advantage in getting around rocks and trees. In terms of working on the rigs, I haven't seen any real difference in difficulty between the LC and the 4R.