for all its faults I really like the 5th gen 4runner. I think it’s really the Goldilocks middle bear perfect size. Plus it has amazing aftermarket support. But let’s be honest the minute you look at 33s you might as well regear it, add lockers, etc.
The thing about the 200 is it’s pretty good stock/oem+. A set of 33s and some skids/sliders and it’s good to go. Maybe some low end Bilstein/OME/Dobby shocks but it doesn’t really need much. It’s got more power, space, and capacity. It’s beefy and I don’t really worry about breaking stuff like cv’s or ball joints. However it comes at a higher cost to entry, insurance, gas, less aftermarket support, etc.
If you can deal with all that then by all means do it. Otherwise be happy with the 4r.
My bro-in-law bought a 2012 4Runner Trail brand new and they still have it, his wife drove it for a long time, now his son is about to get it, great vehicle. He also has a 2015 TLC that he drives everyday. But if you are even contemplating getting a 200, I would get one ASAP, you wont regret it. They are so good, and there will never be anything like them again. I would buy the lowest mileage, rust-free southern state-owned 2021 you can find.
Tell us what your usage goals are and what you're looking for.
I offroad regularly with a buddy 4R TRD PRO. It needs no excuses and does serious trails and everything you could want with moderate 33s. What it comparatively has less of against a 200-series is space, capacities, power, and luxury. Which is only a thing if you're looking for those and want to host more than say 2-3 people on extended trips.
The 200-series eats miles and does it in far more comfort than a 4R. It's larger and because of that generally needs bigger tires to do the same thing a 4R will do with smaller tires. The 200-series is also more thirsty which is to be expected but has much deeper reserves to do more work like carry and haul bigger things.
There is a nice in-between which is the GX, which is a goldilocks size between the two in space, capacities, power, and luxuries.
You’ve got a great vehicle in the trail, everytime one pops up for sale near me I am tempted… The HE 21 would be a great decision, but it’s a completely different vehicle. I preferee DD’ing the 4Runner, when i still had one, to the LC, which I doubt I’ll never not have in the rotation, but the 5th gen is a great vehicle and I miss the Venture we sold a couple years ago. If you can afford it, why not, easy to change your mind and offload an HE.
I came at this from the GX side and agonized over the same decision. I ended up trading in on a 21 HE as I needed towing capacity and capability. The GX had very low miles but alot of rust and servicing was becoming an issue with all the rust.
If I was fiscally responsible, I would have kept the GX dealt with rust and rented a truck at Enterprise for the larger tows and be done, but wheres the fun in that?
I dont think youll make the wrong decision with either direction you go in.
As usual Boston Mangler is leaving stuff out - he failed to mention that at the end of the cars and coffee everyone surrounds his 200 and starts to clap.
@Supra Turbo can also confirm this to be the case when any 200, lest an HE appears in your presence.
As usual Boston Mangler is leaving stuff out - he failed to mention that at the end of the cars and coffee everyone surrounds his 200 and starts to clap.
What REALLY happens, is that once the onlookers discover my 200 is not the legendary unicorn semen lubricated HE edition, and I’m just a poser with the HE wheels, they just yell discriminatory cuss words at me about being a poor peasant, and move on to get more coffee and I go home sad feeling inadequate
It’s a hard life to live, but one I do at my own choosing
What REALLY happens, is that once the onlookers discover my 200 is not the legendary unicorn semen lubricated HE edition, and I’m just a poser with the HE wheels, they just yell discriminatory cuss words at me about being a poor peasant, and move on to get more coffee and I go home sad feeling inadequate
It’s a hard life to live, but one I do at my own choosing
Yep, the "do both" strategy seems like the best outcome. I have both. While we could dump our low 100K mile 4runners, the price we would get for them would be close to giving them away. Big picture, that small amount of money isn't going to change the long-term outcome, so... enjoy both!
If the 4 runner works for your uses, stick with it. There is something to be said for having a lighter vehicle on the trails if it has the capability you need. I've had a 93 4 runner, 94 truck and a 2011 Prado and they were all capable for what I needed them for. I just purchased a 2018 LX 570 because I need a vehicle to tow my boat. If I still had my diesel truck, I likely would have bought a new 4 runner.
Not much to add to the above other than - be honest about your use case and what will make you happy.
I had a 5th gen 4Runner - great vehicle, great amount of space, but a bit slow, to me, in the mountains when I took it for an Offroad trip out west. Went to an LX570 and while it was more expensive, the ride, braking, and power in the mountains and comfort on long trips was worth it.
So based on my experience - assuming you're in the South (East) and not doing a ton offroad or in the mountains, I'd keep the 4Runner if you're in town and commuting. But if you're going to go off road or on longer trips, the LC200 HE is hard to beat.
4runner TRAIL is cheaper/easier to maintain, cheaper on gas, a little better offroad (size and diff locker, *gasp* go ahead and argue with me). One of the most proven/reliable drivetrains Toyota ever made.
200 is more expensive to maintain and use on a regular basis, higher fuel cost, lower range. Also very reliable, but it has more common maintenance issues than the 4runner. BUT, it has power to spare, can tow anything you want with ease and accommodate more people and gear. Driving experience and accommodations definitely feel more premium.
If I were you, I'd keep the 4runner and never test drive a 200 lol. Once you do, you'll realize the 4runner feels a little dinky and a lot slow by comparison. I've been tempted by cheap 4runners (TRD off-road or TRAIL) that have come up for sale, and I've also taken a GX460 as a multi-day loaner. Honestly the 4runner platform fits my life and needs better since I sold the camper and no longer tow, but when you're used to the 200, the lack of power and "solid" feeling is very noticeable in the smaller platforms, and I haven't been able to make the switch, even if it's the logical choice.
I too had a 5th gen 4runner before my LX. The only things I occasionally miss about the 4R are the lighter, more agile-feeling drive and that roll down rear window. Outside of that, LX all day for my use case. More space for my growing family, way more comfort commuting and on long drives--the 4R is like a tin can in comparison. Substantially more power and braking for the mountain driving I often do. Still super capable off road as well. Tailgate >.
When I was a 4R guy I'd always look at landcruisers with a little jealousy, wishing I could be a LC guy too. I don't look back at 4R guys and feel that same way lol.
One of my favorite things to do in the LX is easily overtake one of the million CO 4R bros headed up I70 (that are already trying to pass other people). That 4.0 is just screaming and giving it's all, but the 5.7 just comfortably hums along. I'll sometimes get a look of disbelief when they see me passing and try to keep up, but can't, haha.
