Add 20 grand in off the shelf parts to the FJ so it will be the same price as the 4runner and see what happens. Better yet get a 2007 and add 35 thousand in parts and see what happens. Trd still offers the super charger option for the FJ at a reasonable price. Hell they still make FJ's new. Just not imported into the US.
@@icare7151 No Toyota TRD international sells the kit. Need to go offshore as thats where they are still produced by Toyota. Your referencing a clone made to suck a person in. I've seen the kits for around 4300 from Toyota. The UAE controls the FJ sales and distribution. Basic FJ 4l engine and a simple 5spd. Up grade the axles suspension and still have money for gas. Controllable on the street also helps. Keep the fluff that can break.
For me for daily use I will go to 4RUNNER or GX460 as better version but for Off road I will think of FJ cruiser all are capable Off roader and for On road best is GX460 then 4Runner last is FJ specially as family car
i guess Im randomly asking but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an instagram account..? I was stupid forgot the login password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me.
Truth. The 2010-2013 GX has a 28 degree approach angle, which is nearly as much as a 2020 4Runner TRD Pro (30 degrees). But from the 2014 model year on, they added that huge lip on it which brought the approach angle down to 21 degrees. Add some bigger tires and a mild lift to a 2010-2013 GX and you have a vehicle that's comparable in ability to a TRD Pro for half the price.
I own an FJ. 07, 193k miles. It's my daily, my rock crawler, my outdoors exploration, my hunting and fishing, my camping, and my road trip car. I seriously love it. Visibility is of no issue to me, and I got super lucky to not have any serious rust. Little surface rust, but that was easily fixed.
I just bought a 2011 . My wife and I absolutely love it. It’s the coolest vehicle I’ve ever owned . If anyone is thinking about Getting one do it before the prices get even higher!
@@nlopez8294 I agree but sadly that's the world we live in now. No longer you can buy a brand new family car for 13 or 15 grand. Let alone a 4x4 that lasts for decades.
@@ISwearDownOnMeNansGrave or just get a used GX for 20k?... It IS actually practical. Frankly they're all too small inside to be practical for more than 4 people regularly. But the GX is wildly underrated. Also if starts at 55k and in one year is cheaper than the TRD pro.
@@njrx7t2 bullshit. I paid $1700 for my 03 V8 4runner it has 300k I tow regularly and currently am ripping around the woods of northern minnesota. I literally trust my life with this truck. I have 4k in it total including brand new tires... It would keep up with any of these new ones and will last as long if the frame doesn't rust first. Never rebuilt. No trans problems. Interior reasonably clean. Body perfect. A used GX470 can be easily had for 10k and will go forever as well. You clearly do not understand how tough a well maintained Toyota is. Stop financing crap you can't afford, save up and invest your own skin on the game in a vehicle that will literally last a lifetime.
So sad how they make it just a luxury suv in the US, they should make a proper off-road version with better approach and departure angles with more ground clearance. The only 4x4 Toyota makes that has 10 inches of ground clearance is the tundra but that is too big as an off-roader.
@@fouUili684 there is talk they may make it more of an off roader as there won’t be a land cruiser in the US anymore and there seems to be a demand for them still. Read something recently that so far during the pandemic sales went up for GXs.
I know right; bronco is ugly as all hell and a complete piece of shit. Ford can’t even build a car/truck they’ve been making for 20 years you think they can handle a brand new one from scratch LOL Not to mention it’s more comparable to a wrangler than a 4Runner. 4Runner doesn’t have all the cheap plastic, wind noise & shitty steering, it’s actually a nice comfortable vehicle inside & out. Drives great and lasts forever while being just as capable.
@@undefeatedgaul3201 the thing you Toyota turd drivers can’t except is jeeps are worth more money after they drive off the lot. Also jeeps will last longer and won’t rust away after years of use. Toyota’s comfortable driving? You are freakin nuts dude, Toyota trucks suck for comfortability as well as there motors and transmissions. There’s a reason why the big three sell ten times more trucks then the Toyota’s, Nissans and Honda’s.
As a proud owner of a 2020 4Runner TRD Off Road, its pretty cool to know it can do the Razor Rocks. They always seemed like the hardest obstacle on this course.
@@gregjoubert5118 I wouldn’t be mad if they brought the turbo diesel over with it either....or just the 70 series and call it a day. I’d trade my 80 right now for a 70.
Uhh, I really wanted to see how the Lexus would do, also I wanted to say thanks because thanks to you guys I have found out soo much more about Toyota's and now I really like them.
Would love to see the GX everyone is after now, the 470. Way better angles than newer 460, and still a V8 that puts out more torque and horsepower than Toyota's V6 at way lower rpms. Much needed at high altitude and useful offroad. Would also love to see a 100 series thrown in the mix.
Really happy with my 2006 GX470. The grille isn't nearly as large and low to the ground as the newer model GX460s are, making for greater angles of approach. Lots of off road stuff that Lexus built into it.
Alright ladies and gents, who wants to see them build the FJ Cruiser into a beast. 35-37 inch tires, HD bumpers, winch, hi-lift jack. Maxx Trax strapped to the roof. The whole kit and caboodle...who's with me?
I think the FJ and 4Runner were pretty equal. The time Tommy was close to the tree was because he took it easy and didn’t want to damage the rig he was driving. Nathan was always heavier on the gas and momentum carried him through. After the guys finished talking right at the end, you see them both go over the same obstacle, Tommy goes slow and doesn’t hit the skid plate. Nathan goes fast and ends up tapping the skid plate.
Here in Costa Rica the FJ is still selling. I have 2018 FJ Cruiser with the same engine as the 4runner, 4000cc v6 270 hp with crawl control ATrac and rear diff lock. Is the best off roader ever, I love this car.
You probably already noticed that if you lift the rear in the GX you decrease the approach angle. If you had lowered it to standard, or even low, you would have made that first challenge. The rear air suspension is there really only for ride and load leveling, its pretty worthless for off-roading.
As a past owner of a GX470, they are great SUV for off road. I like the GX460 for better mpg, but I would go with the early GX460 for the front clearance
I pushed my 4Runner to the limit yesterday. 18 inches of packed show for 2km and 5km of unplowed snowmobile trail. Enough snow that I could not open the doors most of the timeé I had to get out of my cabin. I used the gadget and had fun a few times but this was different. If I didn't make it, I could have been stuck there for a while. I had to bounce it off the cutoff for much longer than I was comfortable with. I overheated the Traction control several times. Bounced the transmission forward and backwards with throttle several times. It went on for 2 hours until I made it out. Every engine I have pushed this hard in my life smelled like they were on fire. That 4L didn't even seem to care. Traction control kept going even if it was hot until I found a safe spot to stop before turning itself off. 3-4 minutes lates it was fine to go again every time. Transmission never skipped a beat and stayed cool. I knew it was a great truck when I bought it. But I sit here still impressed at what it can do when push comes to shove.
I have the 2010 FJ. essentially no major changes between 2010 and the 2014, thus a 10+ year old design that is still hanging in their with the latest trd. The simplicity, is why the FJ will be saught after for a very long time.
I went with a 4runner, but I was considering an FJ. The models with KDSS 2014-2016 Trail, and 2017 and up TRD Off Road's are the way to go. The 4runner makes a great overlanding rig. If I wanted a dedicated rock crawler I would have gone for a Wrangler.
Funny, I was looking at a 4Runner, but ended up with a FJ as the more economical option... Fast forward to 2021, the price for used ones is just plain silly.
Nathan, my friend A-Trac (Active traction control). Crawl Control is the cruise control for off road. Trust me, I own a FJ with Crawl and a 2020 LC HE. Lots of reviewers don’t get what A-Trac is for. Great video!
Maybe Compare 2014 GX460 and 2014 4Runner to the FJ? They all would be within a few grand of each other in price (and haven't changed much to the 2021 versions). Give each a build budget of 5 grand. Test them before and after the builds and see which one is best :)
Did you know that the FJ cruiser also came with the Multi Mode dial in some models with the automatic transmission. It was 1 dial unlike the 2 separate ones in the T4R.
Looks like Colorado hasn't gotten much more snow than we have in northern Utah this year. Pretty disappointing but I guess it means that the trails are more accessible.
ATRAC is not off road cruise control. Tommy explains it correctly but I think Nathan combined the Crawl Control and ATRAC into one system. ATRAC is an Advanced Traction Control to limit slip and Crawl Control is an off-road cruise control
Stock my 2012 FJ TT was def more Offroad capable than my 2017 TRD Pro 4R since it has a shorter wheelbase and better approach and departure angles. Great content as usual.
@@Agent.K. There are so many variations across the globe to track so I would be hesitant to rule out any possible engine options. My personal choice would be the 2.7 petrol with a manual transmission and spare tire mounted on the tail gate.
@@GooglePixelGoogle Since the test as presented was incredibly unscientific and incomplete, I allowed myself to extrapolate a result based on a hypothetical scenario in which the shorter wheelbase of the FJ would eventually outmaneuver the larger 4Runner. I am confident the 15 thumbs up my comment received were not based on my opinion of the FJ but on my call to get another discount Toyota 4X4 to market ASAP.
I lost my 07 FJ in a rollover accident a couple of weeks ago and now I have a 16 4Runner SR5 Premium that came with a lot of mods and a nicer interior. Most people I’ve shown it to think it’s a huge upgrade, but in my opinion the FJ is just something else. I’m going to miss it.
If you did not know. When they killed the FJ crusier, it was for viability complaints and sales. The 4runner is on almost the exact same suspension and frame. To the point where lift kits say 4runner/fj crusier. Also, the 4.0L by and 5 speed auto started in 2003 with the 4th gen, very little updated to this day.
Would love to see this mashup with a used GX or a viewer’s rig. Have a 2007 GX470 and the capability is spectacular. It’s stock with slightly bigger tires.
They really need to come out with an off-road focused GX with a different front fascia and rear bumper with some skid plates and rock sliders. They would sell like crazy.
@@2157AF, lol. I was thinking that has I wrote this but seeing as how they refuse to bring the Prado to the States a GX-OR would be a big money maker for them.
@@2157AF if you look at the Prado it doesn’t have that much better clearance, same Shitty approach and departure angles like the GX460, the main advantage of the the prado is that is has a proper rear locking diff.
I think Nathan may have miss spoke. The Terra Grapplers are decent ATs but not aggressive in comparison to others. Also you mixed up Atrac with crawl control. Crawl control uses the speed knob to set how fast you want to go. Atrac uses the terrain type select knob
@@muddyguns yea actually not tho,I literally came home with it 2 days before they released the first video and that’s close enough for me.funny tho I don’t remember asking your opinion.
Owned both. The FJ is way less practical, especially if you have a family. But you can fit 285's with just a BMC and 315's with a lift/UCAs. And it's got way more character/fun factor than a 4runner. The 4runner I needed a lift, BMC and fender trim just to fit 275s with no rub. But it was hugely more practical, I loved not backing into every parking spot and not having to get out and walk around to the passenger side so I could get my kids out. Price is the final determiner. I'm sorry, $30k+ for an FJ is ridiculous considering $42k buys you a brand new 4runner ORP.
This makes my Wednesday morning wake up a treat! TRD everyday of the week and of course twice on the weekends. Guess that is why I bought the TRD Off-Road with KDSS. A comfortable, joyful, reliable, capable all around lovable machine. It will out shine the Pro for less because you can get KDSS making it even better both on and off road.
@@Smearrrrrrgle my 4runner has KDSS and it has a proper 2.5" lift in the front and 2" in the back. KDSS just requires an extra 30 minutes to work around when upgrading or swapping suspension. It's great for road use but in practice, it's not fantastic off-road. The KDSS system only turns off (never really turns off) under 12mph, so when you're driving down a FSR and you start hitting pot holes and small ruts at anything above 12mph, it gets bumpy, more bumpy than 4Runners without KDSS. It's sort of a give and take. That being said, there is someone currently working on a mod that acts as a remote KDSS kill switch. So when you hit the trails, you "kill" the KDSS and you can fly down trails with more comfort and articulation, when back on the road, flick that KDSS switch back on and you're back to a fantastic street ride. KDSS also unfortunately limits rear long travel suspension, but again, the same guy who's working on the KDSS kill switch has made spacers for the KDSS sway bar which enables us to have that crazy long travel suspensions.... but most people with 4Runners usually stick to a max of a 3 inch lift and call it a day. No need for anything for a 3 inch lift other than an aftermarket upper control arm.
@@Smearrrrrrgle you're limited on the lift, you can only go I think a couple inches in the front and like an inch in the back. But with the right tires I'm not sure why you would want to go higher. I think you'd have enough ground clearance. With the lift you'd have around 12" of clearance plus whatever bigger tires can get you. I think the benefits of the KDSS in regards to its of road ability outweight whatever lift restrictions presented.
I have seen several of your FJ reviews. I own a 2013 trail team FJ. You have commented several times about the 3 windshield wipers. There is a good reason for the three wipers. The windshield is very upright & narrow from top to bottom. The wipers it has reach the tip top of the glass. Without three it would not be able to clean the entire width of the windshield. If you off road you like to be able to see through the entire windshield. Three wiper do a complete job. Thanks for your excellent reviews. Don B.
I love my 2006 GX470, it’s been a great vehicle. They should definitely offer an off-road package that fixes the approach angle and puts on some KO2’s or AT3’s for the new ones. But alas, it’s time for a change for me and I currently have a Wrangler 4xe Rubicon on order. Looking forward to seeing TFL do a drive test of the 4xe.
Yes, you see those ugly chicken wires on all lexus's. My Dad has a Volvo XC60 that is very capable and never rusts. It's so smooth, fantastic seats, sound system and very safe. It's also the most gorgeous SUV.
6:57 - The issue was putting the Lexus GX460 in the highest air suspension setting. Since it only has air suspension in the rear, raising it up will decrease the approach angle because it hinges at the front wheels. Not saying it would still clear it but you would have had a better chance of you put the air suspension on the lowest setting. Hope that helps!
The FJ Cruiser is the same vehicle as the GX. Both are bases on the Land Cruiser Prado. The FJ is based on the two door, the GX is based on the four door. To get a little bit more approach on the Lexus you should lower the suspension being it only lifts and lowers the rear. Lifting the rear lowers the front.
The major (and obvious) reason for the poor approach angle on the GX is the grille. It hangs too low. The pre-facelift models had a better approach angle because of the smaller grille.
The 4runner is more family friendly. The FJ is more offroad friendly. So sad the Lexus didnt make it to where these 2 go but I presume that on paved road the Lexus is very comfortable. Great vehicles. Great review. Thanks TFL.
Thank you for showing why I would never buy a new GX, and why the gape-face was ab indiotic design. My GX 470 gives up a bit of tech and luxury to the 460s, but is every bit as rugged as a 4runner. Buy used. They last forever so dont worry about the mileage.
Love it!! You pin a Lexus and a 2021 4 runner against a 2014! FJ Cruiser...Didn't have to watch the rest of the video. Buuuut I did:) FJ Cruiser or bust it's already an Icon.
I would love to see a 4RUNNER vs Jeep Wrangler Sport S/Willy’s comparison! We all know a rubicon would destroy the 4runner but I’m really curious how the LSD in the wranglers compares with the locker in the 4Runner.
As soon as I saw the video title I knew the GX was going to have issues with the grill approach angle 😂 Get an older GX460/470 or just chop it off - with the V8 and a much nicer interior it really is a step up from the 4Runner in many ways. (And check out the GX Offroad (GXOR) group on Facebook if you haven't already! Definitely the best off-road fan community out there)
A Trac and crawl control are two different things. Crawl control is cruise control, A-Trac is a traction control system that uses ABS to lock the spinning wheel, and apply power to non slipping wheel.
4 runner, jeep wrangler, jeep Cherokee, Ford bronco, Land Rover discovery and Mercedes g wagon all running same tires would be an amazing comparison, you guys should make it happen
I really enjoy your comparisons of vehicles for off road use. I'm hoping you to see u guys out on the trials with my 2004 Touareg, once I get the mods I want. Thanks again
Thanks for watching! Check out our on-road review of these three SUVs here: th-cam.com/video/_b2yj0Ykbyo/w-d-xo.html
Add 20 grand in off the shelf parts to the FJ so it will be the same price as the 4runner and see what happens. Better yet get a 2007 and add 35 thousand in parts and see what happens. Trd still offers the super charger option for the FJ at a reasonable price. Hell they still make FJ's new. Just not imported into the US.
@@icare7151 No Toyota TRD international sells the kit. Need to go offshore as thats where they are still produced by Toyota. Your referencing a clone made to suck a person in. I've seen the kits for around 4300 from Toyota. The UAE controls the FJ sales and distribution. Basic FJ 4l engine and a simple 5spd. Up grade the axles suspension and still have money for gas. Controllable on the street also helps. Keep the fluff that can break.
For me for daily use I will go to 4RUNNER or GX460 as better version but for Off road I will think of FJ cruiser all are capable Off roader and for On road best is GX460 then 4Runner last is FJ specially as family car
i guess Im randomly asking but does anybody know of a tool to get back into an instagram account..?
I was stupid forgot the login password. I appreciate any assistance you can give me.
@Hayden Dominic Instablaster ;)
Adding the FJ to the TFL fleet was the best thing that has happened to this channel. Love the FJ content, keep it coming!
yussssss
i have fj 2008 2x4 an it never stop off-road it fun to drive
How big shall we make the front grille?
Lexus: yes
lmfao
Truth. The 2010-2013 GX has a 28 degree approach angle, which is nearly as much as a 2020 4Runner TRD Pro (30 degrees). But from the 2014 model year on, they added that huge lip on it which brought the approach angle down to 21 degrees.
Add some bigger tires and a mild lift to a 2010-2013 GX and you have a vehicle that's comparable in ability to a TRD Pro for half the price.
😂. I will say that the aftermarket bumpers I’ve seen for the newest GXs look pretty freaking sweet. Add a set of big tires and a lift......*chefs kiss
That ginormous grill should be ripped off. It would be an improvement.
@@jedironin380 agreed
I own an FJ. 07, 193k miles. It's my daily, my rock crawler, my outdoors exploration, my hunting and fishing, my camping, and my road trip car. I seriously love it. Visibility is of no issue to me, and I got super lucky to not have any serious rust. Little surface rust, but that was easily fixed.
Nice
@Jonathan Losito I do
I just bought a 2011 . My wife and I absolutely love it. It’s the coolest vehicle I’ve ever owned . If anyone is thinking about Getting one do it before the prices get even higher!
How did you fix the surface rust on your fj?
How did you fix the surface rust, got a little rust on my veracruzer.
Nathan should drive ALL the off road segments in EVERY vehicle. He has a more practical approach to how the average owner would drive.
Practicality, utilitarian use, and eveyday family hauler ---> 4runner all day long!
50k price tag is not practical.
@@nlopez8294 I agree but sadly that's the world we live in now. No longer you can buy a brand new family car for 13 or 15 grand. Let alone a 4x4 that lasts for decades.
You can get a base model 4x4 4runner for under 40k btw.
@@ISwearDownOnMeNansGrave or just get a used GX for 20k?... It IS actually practical. Frankly they're all too small inside to be practical for more than 4 people regularly. But the GX is wildly underrated. Also if starts at 55k and in one year is cheaper than the TRD pro.
@@njrx7t2 bullshit. I paid $1700 for my 03 V8 4runner it has 300k I tow regularly and currently am ripping around the woods of northern minnesota. I literally trust my life with this truck. I have 4k in it total including brand new tires... It would keep up with any of these new ones and will last as long if the frame doesn't rust first. Never rebuilt. No trans problems. Interior reasonably clean. Body perfect. A used GX470 can be easily had for 10k and will go forever as well. You clearly do not understand how tough a well maintained Toyota is. Stop financing crap you can't afford, save up and invest your own skin on the game in a vehicle that will literally last a lifetime.
GX is great, once you cut off $10k of lipstick for clearance.
So your making it into a 2010's gx460
So sad how they make it just a luxury suv in the US, they should make a proper off-road version with better approach and departure angles with more ground clearance. The only 4x4 Toyota makes that has 10 inches of ground clearance is the tundra but that is too big as an off-roader.
@@fouUili684 and it doesn't even have a rear locker like the 4runner or tacoma
what a rediculous vehicle vehicle for overlanding
@@fouUili684 there is talk they may make it more of an off roader as there won’t be a land cruiser in the US anymore and there seems to be a demand for them still. Read something recently that so far during the pandemic sales went up for GXs.
When is the FJ going to get some proper tire's and suspension?
No shit, hurry up guys...
FJ TRD PRO would be amazing
Falken Wildpeaks ftw. Great cheap all around tire.
as the owner of a trails teams, I approve this message
Id be happy with just tires .
Great Review Guys...Great to see Nathan back out on the trails using “POWER”
Yup, he had less trouble on the first step because he gave it some gas. ;)
Do not let go of the FJ!!!
It is your benchmark off roader for years to come.
They will prolly get rid of in a year like they always do besides their jeeps they always mod and keep.
Yup I agree. Too bad they sold it
The 2021 4Runner in lunar rock looks amazing. It’s built so well also!
Unreal vehicle, although here in CO most dealers are adding at least $5k for the color alone. Silly times.
@@chupacabratx a lot of people get a plane ticket to an area that doesn’t charge those insane markups and drive their new trd pro home.
@@northerntoyota7584 that’s super refreshing to hear and know.
Why is everyone giving the bronco all this trail cred when nobody has even driven it yet.
Actually, a lot of people have driven it. And it has been shown testing out in the RW on various off road terrain. And doing it very very well.
Because it won’t rust away like a TRD - turd rusting daily!
@@markgosser9578 better than fixing or repairing daily muahahaha
I know right; bronco is ugly as all hell and a complete piece of shit. Ford can’t even build a car/truck they’ve been making for 20 years you think they can handle a brand new one from scratch LOL Not to mention it’s more comparable to a wrangler than a 4Runner. 4Runner doesn’t have all the cheap plastic, wind noise & shitty steering, it’s actually a nice comfortable vehicle inside & out. Drives great and lasts forever while being just as capable.
@@undefeatedgaul3201 the thing you Toyota turd drivers can’t except is jeeps are worth more money after they drive off the lot. Also jeeps will last longer and won’t rust away after years of use. Toyota’s comfortable driving? You are freakin nuts dude, Toyota trucks suck for comfortability as well as there motors and transmissions. There’s a reason why the big three sell ten times more trucks then the Toyota’s, Nissans and Honda’s.
As a proud owner of a 2020 4Runner TRD Off Road, its pretty cool to know it can do the Razor Rocks. They always seemed like the hardest obstacle on this course.
i own one as well..and love it. I'm pleased to know it can do those rocks..
Sad that a Land Cruiser isn’t in the comparison...sign of the times I guess
The GX is a Land Cruiser 150
@@gffriedman it’s the Prado from overseas, I know. My point is that the LC version would not have to turn back so early due to poor approach angle.
Wish they actually kept the prado front end when they brought it here. It looks better and has better approach angle.
@@gregjoubert5118 I wouldn’t be mad if they brought the turbo diesel over with it either....or just the 70 series and call it a day. I’d trade my 80 right now for a 70.
Nathan’s back! Great!
Both the FJ and 4Runner are so capable in this test...it really comes down to the tires.
Ya- the FJ tires were not for trails..
That’s why people off roading don’t use stock all seasons
I own a 2013 FJ Cruiser in the Quick Sand color with only 36,000 miles. Still completely stock. Wouldn’t dream of selling it!
Uhh, I really wanted to see how the Lexus would do, also I wanted to say thanks because thanks to you guys I have found out soo much more about Toyota's and now I really like them.
Watch the Lifestyle Overland channel. They have a built up 4Runner and a built up GX460. Both are nice!
Yeah, me too. Would have liked to see the GX with KDSS against the TRD Pro without. Maybe another channel has a good comparison
Proud to be part of the TRD Pro Family.
Would love to see the GX everyone is after now, the 470. Way better angles than newer 460, and still a V8 that puts out more torque and horsepower than Toyota's V6 at way lower rpms. Much needed at high altitude and useful offroad. Would also love to see a 100 series thrown in the mix.
Really happy with my 2006 GX470. The grille isn't nearly as large and low to the ground as the newer model GX460s are, making for greater angles of approach. Lots of off road stuff that Lexus built into it.
470 had suspension problems I’d rather have a 460 for reliability and just have front offroad pumper installed
460 is more refined, you just need to get a 2010-2013 model as it has the departure angles you're looking for.
@@ArbitraryLifestyle unless building a rock crawler to destroy stick with the newest models...the infotainment center in the 2022 is a massive upgrade
@@ArbitraryLifestyle even without the massive grille, the 2010-2013 GX460 has worse approach and departure angles than the GX470.
Alright ladies and gents, who wants to see them build the FJ Cruiser into a beast. 35-37 inch tires, HD bumpers, winch, hi-lift jack. Maxx Trax strapped to the roof. The whole kit and caboodle...who's with me?
I think the FJ and 4Runner were pretty equal. The time Tommy was close to the tree was because he took it easy and didn’t want to damage the rig he was driving. Nathan was always heavier on the gas and momentum carried him through. After the guys finished talking right at the end, you see them both go over the same obstacle, Tommy goes slow and doesn’t hit the skid plate. Nathan goes fast and ends up tapping the skid plate.
Here in Costa Rica the FJ is still selling. I have 2018 FJ Cruiser with the same engine as the 4runner, 4000cc v6 270 hp with crawl control ATrac and rear diff lock. Is the best off roader ever, I love this car.
You probably already noticed that if you lift the rear in the GX you decrease the approach angle. If you had lowered it to standard, or even low, you would have made that first challenge. The rear air suspension is there really only for ride and load leveling, its pretty worthless for off-roading.
Great review of the Toyotas. Awesome to see Nathan back powering up the trails again. Thanks to all you guys.
As a past owner of a GX470, they are great SUV for off road. I like the GX460 for better mpg, but I would go with the early GX460 for the front clearance
Yes 2010-2012
I pushed my 4Runner to the limit yesterday. 18 inches of packed show for 2km and 5km of unplowed snowmobile trail. Enough snow that I could not open the doors most of the timeé
I had to get out of my cabin. I used the gadget and had fun a few times but this was different. If I didn't make it, I could have been stuck there for a while.
I had to bounce it off the cutoff for much longer than I was comfortable with. I overheated the Traction control several times. Bounced the transmission forward and backwards with throttle several times. It went on for 2 hours until I made it out.
Every engine I have pushed this hard in my life smelled like they were on fire. That 4L didn't even seem to care. Traction control kept going even if it was hot until I found a safe spot to stop before turning itself off. 3-4 minutes lates it was fine to go again every time. Transmission never skipped a beat and stayed cool.
I knew it was a great truck when I bought it. But I sit here still impressed at what it can do when push comes to shove.
I have the 2010 FJ. essentially no major changes between 2010 and the 2014, thus a 10+ year old design that is still hanging in their with the latest trd. The simplicity, is why the FJ will be saught after for a very long time.
Only difference is crawl control in 2013 and up
Great review! Grew up riding in my dads 07 manual FJ, just bought my own a few months ago because he wouldn’t sell his to me lol. Great car!
I went with a 4runner, but I was considering an FJ. The models with KDSS 2014-2016 Trail, and 2017 and up TRD Off Road's are the way to go. The 4runner makes a great overlanding rig. If I wanted a dedicated rock crawler I would have gone for a Wrangler.
Funny, I was looking at a 4Runner, but ended up with a FJ as the more economical option... Fast forward to 2021, the price for used ones is just plain silly.
@@michelt4390 used fjs or 4runners
Nathan, my friend A-Trac (Active traction control).
Crawl Control is the cruise control for off road. Trust me, I own a FJ with Crawl and a 2020 LC HE. Lots of reviewers don’t get what A-Trac is for. Great video!
Crawl is a little more than Cruise control watch what it does in sand
A-TRAC and crawl control are completely different functions. Why do so many reviews confuse them as the same?
Tommy just described the FJ in amazing fashion. “A gnome stuck in a mailbox.” Hilarious and hilariously accurate.
Maybe Compare 2014 GX460 and 2014 4Runner to the FJ? They all would be within a few grand of each other in price (and haven't changed much to the 2021 versions). Give each a build budget of 5 grand. Test them before and after the builds and see which one is best :)
Did you know that the FJ cruiser also came with the Multi Mode dial in some models with the automatic transmission. It was 1 dial unlike the 2 separate ones in the T4R.
Looks like Colorado hasn't gotten much more snow than we have in northern Utah this year. Pretty disappointing but I guess it means that the trails are more accessible.
I live near these guys shop, we have had very little snow. Might be a bad fire season this summer.
ATRAC is not off road cruise control. Tommy explains it correctly but I think Nathan combined the Crawl Control and ATRAC into one system. ATRAC is an Advanced Traction Control to limit slip and Crawl Control is an off-road cruise control
BINGO!
Stock my 2012 FJ TT was def more Offroad capable than my 2017 TRD Pro 4R since it has a shorter wheelbase and better approach and departure angles. Great content as usual.
Thank you TFL. I really enjoyed to watch you in action with those beautiful vehicles.
What happened to the gx470? If you have an fj that’s not being produced the 470 has to be in there
I think I would have to go with the 4Runner"!!! Very interesting comparison guys and glad you did it!!!!
In this test the short wheel base of the FJ wins. Time for Toyota to bring a discount 4X4 with great visibility back to this market. 2 door Prado?
Not sure why they discontinued the 2 door Prado. All they had to do was more effort in marketing for the younger buyers.
@@Agent.K. It has not been discontinued. It is sold in Europe, Asia and South America.
@@rightlanehog3151
With the 2.7 or 2.8 diesel? I was pretty sure I read that swb no longer comes with the 4.0 petrol.
@@Agent.K. There are so many variations across the globe to track so I would be hesitant to rule out any possible engine options. My personal choice would be the 2.7 petrol with a manual transmission and spare tire mounted on the tail gate.
@@GooglePixelGoogle Since the test as presented was incredibly unscientific and incomplete, I allowed myself to extrapolate a result based on a hypothetical scenario in which the shorter wheelbase of the FJ would eventually outmaneuver the larger 4Runner. I am confident the 15 thumbs up my comment received were not based on my opinion of the FJ but on my call to get another discount Toyota 4X4 to market ASAP.
Fj cruiser has a window shade @9:00 specifically for the driver's side window and 3 wipers. That's why it's the best.
“The Hipster 4Runner”😂😂😂😂
These videos lately are basically FJ vs other 4x4's, I like.
I lost my 07 FJ in a rollover accident a couple of weeks ago and now I have a 16 4Runner SR5 Premium that came with a lot of mods and a nicer interior. Most people I’ve shown it to think it’s a huge upgrade, but in my opinion the FJ is just something else. I’m going to miss it.
Something else in what
Love Tommy's exclamation at 10:20! You can tell by the excitement in his voice, "Gee whiz!"....lol...that the FJ is a badass.
I enjoy watching guys. But seriously too many channels. I can’t keep track.
You subscribe to them all once and the videos show up in your subscriptions, no need to go to the individual channel to watch the video.
@@officialyasir thats what i do too
If you did not know. When they killed the FJ crusier, it was for viability complaints and sales. The 4runner is on almost the exact same suspension and frame. To the point where lift kits say 4runner/fj crusier. Also, the 4.0L by and 5 speed auto started in 2003 with the 4th gen, very little updated to this day.
Would love to see this mashup with a used GX or a viewer’s rig. Have a 2007 GX470 and the capability is spectacular. It’s stock with slightly bigger tires.
Amazing how much content you guys are producing.
As much as we all love Andre its good to see Nathan back in the trio
Great outing guys, Thank you
why didnt you try to go sideways or angled in the lexus when you got to the first step?
Exactly. It was pointless to even bring it if they didn't even want to try to maneuver it.
NATHAN WE MISSED YOU MAN!!!!!
NOW ................ Nathan knows how to make things happen!!!!!!!!!!!! Not afraid to be slightly aggressive. AWESOME
maybe he should have been behind the wheel of the Lexus - any reason Roman couldn't have done an angle approach instead of a straight on approach?
the lexus' lift kit is only installed on the rear thus lifting it tips it forward and reduces the approach angle
They really need to come out with an off-road focused GX with a different front fascia and rear bumper with some skid plates and rock sliders. They would sell like crazy.
Yes, its called a Land cruiser Prado in other countries. Although it has a 2.8 L Diesel.
@@2157AF, lol. I was thinking that has I wrote this but seeing as how they refuse to bring the Prado to the States a GX-OR would be a big money maker for them.
@@2157AF if you look at the Prado it doesn’t have that much better clearance, same Shitty approach and departure angles like the GX460, the main advantage of the the prado is that is has a proper rear locking diff.
The color on that 4Runner looks awesome. Love the TRD wheels on it too. If I had the dough, I would buy the 4Runner.
I think Nathan may have miss spoke. The Terra Grapplers are decent ATs but not aggressive in comparison to others. Also you mixed up Atrac with crawl control. Crawl control uses the speed knob to set how fast you want to go. Atrac uses the terrain type select knob
I bought my fj the same exact time you guys bought yours.Been watching for years! Guess great minds think alike
I think "exact time" is a bit exaggerated
@@muddyguns yea actually not tho,I literally came home with it 2 days before they released the first video and that’s close enough for me.funny tho I don’t remember asking your opinion.
Owned both. The FJ is way less practical, especially if you have a family. But you can fit 285's with just a BMC and 315's with a lift/UCAs. And it's got way more character/fun factor than a 4runner. The 4runner I needed a lift, BMC and fender trim just to fit 275s with no rub. But it was hugely more practical, I loved not backing into every parking spot and not having to get out and walk around to the passenger side so I could get my kids out. Price is the final determiner. I'm sorry, $30k+ for an FJ is ridiculous considering $42k buys you a brand new 4runner ORP.
This makes my Wednesday morning wake up a treat! TRD everyday of the week and of course twice on the weekends. Guess that is why I bought the TRD Off-Road with KDSS. A comfortable, joyful, reliable, capable all around lovable machine. It will out shine the Pro for less because you can get KDSS making it even better both on and off road.
I love that I spent nearly 10 grand less on a technically more capable off-road 4Runner 😁
The KDSS doesn’t allow you to lift it though right?
@@Smearrrrrrgle my 4runner has KDSS and it has a proper 2.5" lift in the front and 2" in the back. KDSS just requires an extra 30 minutes to work around when upgrading or swapping suspension.
It's great for road use but in practice, it's not fantastic off-road. The KDSS system only turns off (never really turns off) under 12mph, so when you're driving down a FSR and you start hitting pot holes and small ruts at anything above 12mph, it gets bumpy, more bumpy than 4Runners without KDSS.
It's sort of a give and take. That being said, there is someone currently working on a mod that acts as a remote KDSS kill switch. So when you hit the trails, you "kill" the KDSS and you can fly down trails with more comfort and articulation, when back on the road, flick that KDSS switch back on and you're back to a fantastic street ride.
KDSS also unfortunately limits rear long travel suspension, but again, the same guy who's working on the KDSS kill switch has made spacers for the KDSS sway bar which enables us to have that crazy long travel suspensions.... but most people with 4Runners usually stick to a max of a 3 inch lift and call it a day. No need for anything for a 3 inch lift other than an aftermarket upper control arm.
@@Smearrrrrrgle you're limited on the lift, you can only go I think a couple inches in the front and like an inch in the back. But with the right tires I'm not sure why you would want to go higher. I think you'd have enough ground clearance. With the lift you'd have around 12" of clearance plus whatever bigger tires can get you. I think the benefits of the KDSS in regards to its of road ability outweight whatever lift restrictions presented.
4 runner without KDSS is freaking boat on the wheels))
Tommy, put on some KO2’s and be prepared to climb trees!!!
I have seen several of your FJ reviews. I own a 2013 trail team FJ. You have commented several times about the 3 windshield wipers. There is a good reason for the three wipers. The windshield is very upright & narrow from top to bottom. The wipers it has reach the tip top of the glass. Without three it would not be able to clean the entire width of the windshield. If you off road you like to be able to see through the entire windshield. Three wiper do a complete job.
Thanks for your excellent reviews. Don B.
Several years into this design fad, the giant Lexus grilles still look ridiculous
Cylon BattleStar Galactica Grill
I love my 2006 GX470, it’s been a great vehicle. They should definitely offer an off-road package that fixes the approach angle and puts on some KO2’s or AT3’s for the new ones. But alas, it’s time for a change for me and I currently have a Wrangler 4xe Rubicon on order. Looking forward to seeing TFL do a drive test of the 4xe.
Yes, you see those ugly chicken wires on all lexus's. My Dad has a Volvo XC60 that is very capable and never rusts.
It's so smooth, fantastic seats, sound system and very safe. It's also the most gorgeous SUV.
Fj all day fj trail teams edition would be a walk in the park for that course
6:57 - The issue was putting the Lexus GX460 in the highest air suspension setting. Since it only has air suspension in the rear, raising it up will decrease the approach angle because it hinges at the front wheels. Not saying it would still clear it but you would have had a better chance of you put the air suspension on the lowest setting. Hope that helps!
Nathan is back yay!!!
I’m glade that Nathan is back
Tommy, please do a modified FJ vs your stock FJ. Which one is better???
Which one is better suited to pull a small vintage canned ham camper?
Finally the old folks back together
Love my 2012 FJ. Oh yeah, and nice video!
The FJ Cruiser is the same vehicle as the GX. Both are bases on the Land Cruiser Prado. The FJ is based on the two door, the GX is based on the four door. To get a little bit more approach on the Lexus you should lower the suspension being it only lifts and lowers the rear. Lifting the rear lowers the front.
The major (and obvious) reason for the poor approach angle on the GX is the grille. It hangs too low. The pre-facelift models had a better approach angle because of the smaller grille.
what suspension you have for fj sir?
Awesome review you guys. Soo good to see Nathan. Like how all three are on the same platform and great comparison review. 🍻😎🍻
4Runner TRD PRO suits the driver perfectly. ✊
I'm sold on it.
Good content guys ☝
I’d love for you guys to do a comparison with a 4Runner with KDSS suspension vs non KDSS.
The 4runner is more family friendly. The FJ is more offroad friendly. So sad the Lexus didnt make it to where these 2 go but I presume that on paved road the Lexus is very comfortable. Great vehicles. Great review. Thanks TFL.
Thank you for showing why I would never buy a new GX, and why the gape-face was ab indiotic design. My GX 470 gives up a bit of tech and luxury to the 460s, but is every bit as rugged as a 4runner. Buy used. They last forever so dont worry about the mileage.
wow look at the ripples in the paint on some of those close ups
Love you guys keep up the great work!!!
Love it!! You pin a Lexus and a 2021 4 runner against a 2014! FJ Cruiser...Didn't have to watch the rest of the video. Buuuut I did:) FJ Cruiser or bust it's already an Icon.
Nice video.....glad to see Nathan....keep up good work
TFL off-roading ... other channels off roading that should remain nameless
Hold My 🍺
I would love to see a 4RUNNER vs Jeep Wrangler Sport S/Willy’s comparison! We all know a rubicon would destroy the 4runner but I’m really curious how the LSD in the wranglers compares with the locker in the 4Runner.
LSD isn't very good for uneven terrain. It behaves the same way as an open diff if you lift a tire off the ground.
@@Ryno-fp7pm that’s why I am asking to see a side by side comparison
I love my FJ but I should really take it to the offroad more! 🥰
As soon as I saw the video title I knew the GX was going to have issues with the grill approach angle 😂 Get an older GX460/470 or just chop it off - with the V8 and a much nicer interior it really is a step up from the 4Runner in many ways. (And check out the GX Offroad (GXOR) group on Facebook if you haven't already! Definitely the best off-road fan community out there)
The Lexus looks like an electric razor with lights so you can shave in thr dark.
Love when Nathan is there👌
A Trac and crawl control are two different things. Crawl control is cruise control, A-Trac is a traction control system that uses ABS to lock the spinning wheel, and apply power to non slipping wheel.
excellent video thanks I love the FJ
4 runner, jeep wrangler, jeep Cherokee, Ford bronco, Land Rover discovery and Mercedes g wagon all running same tires would be an amazing comparison, you guys should make it happen
I really enjoy your comparisons of vehicles for off road use. I'm hoping you to see u guys out on the trials with my 2004 Touareg, once I get the mods I want. Thanks again
Please do more with a Grand Cherokee (w/Quadra Drive II). I hardly ever see GCs in the videos.
What did they expect with the GX XD
I own a 460, I wouldn’t even try anything until I hacked half the front off
Man that Fj is my dream car but they’re so damn expensive 🥺
I’m surprised no one in the comments corrected Nathan confusing A-Trac for Crawl Control. Not the same thing!
What’s really cool is all 3 use the same frame I believe
Let's see a true LC in the mix!