Tommy, thanks for using the ATRAC (eventually haha) on that obstacle instead of the locker. ATRAC -- the same as BLD / Brake Lock Differential on Jeeps -- will keep you from needing the locker for 99% of the obstacles you'll run into here in Colorado. I always try an obstacle 2-3 times with ATRAC on before using the locker, it just saves you the mechanical stress on the rear differential. What's interesting about Roman's 4Runner is that the "Trail Edition" is based on the SR5, which means no locking rear differential. That truck gets the same on/off ATRAC that the FJ gets, rather than the ATRAC with optional Multi-Terrain Select (MTS). MTS allows you to set the amount of wheel slip based on terrain: mud / snow the wheels slip more, rocks the wheels slip less. It's interesting that they're calling this the "Trail" edition when it's missing crawl control, the rear locker or MTS.
@@jimmy-buffett yota has messed with the names so often its criminal. I have a 2014 trail and it’s basically a trd offroad premium without the upgraded suspension and faux leather seats . I wish theyd stop screwing with the names.
I've owned a lot of 4x4's over the years. Usually if you are having trouble getting into 4 low, it needs to be bumped in reverse then put back in neutral to engage.
The problem with Toyota is a weak actuator. You’re describing a condition in which the dog clutches are misaligned. . This is why I like my shift lever. Little chance of failure and has some force behind it.
While you are correct that that's the issue with many 4x4 transfers cases, it is not the case with Toyotas. For whatever reason, it will simply *refuse* to go into 4-LO if you're not in neutral, and at a complete stop. The sequence is, start, foot on brake. Park to Neutral, 4-HI if not full time AWD, wait, then 4-LO and wait for it to engage. Nothing else works. It's slow and klunky.
Read the owners manual about going into 4H and 4L and do it just like it says and it works every time. For 4H be in gear driving up to 50 mph and turn the knob to 4H. For 4L you need to already be in 4H, then come to a stop, shift to neutral and then turn the knob to 4L. Then shift to Drive. Do the reverse to get back to 2H. This works, being on "flat ground" isn't necessary
I was listening to that flat ground bs thinking...what the actual f...who would do that to a vehicle? Get your ass stuck and the manufacturer says "oH wELl sTuPiD yOu NeEd fLaT gRoUnD" didnt make any sense
Exactly. Most Toyota 4x4's are like this if they have the electronic shift. This system has operated like this for a very long time. To give you an example, my 2000 Tundra uses the same system. Works exactly as Dallin Taylor explains. Its simple to operate, but does require the appropriate sequence. I actually test drove a 2015 Toyota 4runner this evening and it operated exactly like this.
You guys are confusing A-TRAC with Crawl Control. A-TRAC is not "off road cruise control", it is traction control for 4-LO off road use whereas Crawl Control is more like "off road cruise control" as you put it.
Ya, A-TRAC is Toyota's version of ABS driven limited slip diff. If one tire starts to spin, it applies brakes to that side to transfer torque through the open diff to the other side that presumably has more traction. It also needs a little time to sort itself out, so you have to stay on the throttle for it to work. I've often seen off-road tests where people get it into the moguls lift tires at opposite corners, starts to spin, even roll back, then hit the brakes to stop, then hit gas to try again.. lose traction, roll back.. brake.. rinse repeat all without A-TRAC ever engaging properly. With A-Trac you just stay on the gas and *wait*, and once it starts activating it *will* pull you forward even with two tires completely off the ground on very steep terrain.
New 4runners as not as affordable as you make them sound. You are much better off buying a 20 year old 4runner if you just plan to beat it up off road. The auto industry needs to get more realistic with pricing. Enough is enough. Boycott!
4:59 but "off road cruise control" is a terrible way to describe it It's a smart offroad traction control. Crawl control (which the current Trail Edition does NOT have) could be described as off road cruise control, though.
@@JKHTX I definitely remember grinding my manual transfer case into gear when I was younger. Definitely more reliable, but unfortunately the youth of today do not understand manual anything.
That's valid for 99% of 4x4s except for the first gen Touareg where you have to engage 4LOW before you lock the central diff (4H). Now that's unusual. Basically you can only have 50/50 locked central traction in 4LOW. VW was bragging that the 4AUTO setting is so good that can deal with all the other not so gnarly situations.
Want to be impressed with crawl control? Try backing up on pure ice while off camber. The one time it actually was useful. As soon as I touched the brake pedal all 4 wheels would lock up and I would slide a couple feet without any control. I was headind towards a ditch and couldnt steer away. Put crawl control on, turned the wheel to steer out of the slope and the thing worked wonders. It applied the brakes to individual wheels so that I could steer and keep the speed low.
@@flight2k5 if you have the knob thing it's usually the "on the fly" switch but your right about neutral even if it's the on the fly switch it's just better for your car to do it in neutral.
It doesn't need to be level, stop, put it in neutral. If that doesn't work, try the reverse-bump trick other commenters have talked about. Over 8k miles on my new 2021 taco, about half offroad.
They were in neutral and let it roll back... it’s a huge issue all over the forums. Sad Toyota fan girl melting like a snowflake when they are told the truth. My Gen 2 Tacoma never had issues with low range, but it did have issues with locking the differential reliably and diff leaking... it also rattled, squealed, had ac blower motor fail, window motor fail, fender kept breaking clips. . My problem was owning a Silverado before and expecting the Toyota to be as reliable. Sold it for a Ram a year later.
@@KTMcaptain very well documented how terrible fca is. Gm is not far above. Ford seems to be the only ok one and that's not saying much. Toyota is Def not perceived reliability. How many 4runners make it to 500k or 1 mill? Whereas the trex and fiat wrangler have fatal issues after 150
The Tacoma trail makes no sense to me. The trd off road, here in Canada, is exactly $300 more and look at all the off road features you get, and a proximity key.
My thoughts exactly. Smart braking for traction will never do better than an actual locker. It would also cost a hell of a lot more to add a locker to the Trail Edition than $300.
I love 4Runners, I am glad to see you guys featuring more of them lately. I am hoping you will get one to long term review for the final model year of the fifth generation. Mine has been really good to me and I know you guys would enjoy owning one.
For sure 4runner! Its not only good for off road, its also very big and very comfortable vehicle, with good sound insolation, convenient and light steering wheel? 2022 model also has some electronic tech upgrades, that made it even more good for everyday commute.
@Devilott NL there's a video on my channel with a segment of me beating the absolute tar out of my old one. Jumping it, drifting, climbing sand dunes, etc. Go look for it. I think I called it redneck adventures, or something along those lines
@Devilott NL I smoked the radiator on the first jump. Pushed the fan right through it and into the motor. It ran in the red all day. It was hours. Good times. Yeah I love the channel they got, I just wish they'd get more aggressive. MOAB was pretty gnarly though
@Devilott NL they really can’t though. These vehicles, especially the 4 runner, are 50k. I’m not entirely sure if they own them or they’re just press cars(didn’t watch the video lol). In any case I wouldn’t take a vehicle I paid 50k for out in the bush and risk significant damage. Which is probably why I wouldn’t pay that much to off-road vehicle. Find something cheap, mod it, and then go wild with it
I already have a 2017 TRD Sport double cab Tacoma, but would definitely be open to bringing a FJ into my world. The problem is that they are almost impossible to find with low mileage and reasonably priced.To make matters worse, the Toyota tax on every off-road worthy Toyota is pretty high due to the pandemic, as everyone wants to create a over -landing vehicle.
Another reason I like My 2010 4Runner, has a manual 4wd shifter so I don’t have to deal with it not wanting to engage. New ones do admittedly look way better
Roman killed me...."well that was embarrassing....I guess that is why you have kids"....man I burst out laughing. Getting into 4lo is not that hard.....well for most people.
Sure seems like a pain to me. Make sure you are level (WTF?), don't turn dials too fast, turn the car off, then on again to reset, etc etc. They are nice rigs, but give me a physical lever to engage my drive ranges any day.
@@JF-lt5zc all you really have to do it just be in 4H and shift to neutral, then turn the knob. Or at least that’s how it is in 4th gens. I do wish that they kept the lever, it’s much cooler and more reliable.
The Tacoma doesn't have to be level to engage 4Lo. But you have to engage 4Hi first, let the light on the dash stop blinking and then start the 4Lo shifting process. I generally only engage 4Lo when I am slipping on an obstacle in 4Hi and disengage 4Lo when I am over it so the truck is almost never level when I am switching to 4Lo. I am not sure about the 4Runner but if what Tommy says is right and it doesn't like to engage 4Lo until its level then its a big disadvantage. I am glad that my Tacoma isn't like that.
Exactly, all the dealers around me in Washington state are sold out of their Tacoma allotment several months in advance, good friggin luck getting one for MSRP
It’s all about who you know and how you negotiate. I was able to get a 2021 4Runner for 1% under invoice last week. Roughly about 4 grand under MSRP. I went on the last day of the month and negotiated directly with the general manager.
Being a Toyota fan, I can’t tell you how much I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video. Awesome showcase of the 3. & Tommy you’re so right about the FJ TT Edition gotta sell your kidney for one 😂
A few years ago I bought a near identical FJ cruiser in Cement. 2014, with 30k miles and $28.5K, and it looked factory new! Still kicking myself for selling it. I found a ‘good’ deal on a repo’d raptor with the 6.2L and just wanted to try the most obnoxious truck I could afford. I still say “nice FJ!” to my girlfriend every time I see one.
My cousin drives an '84 4 runner and it still runs and climbs. For me it's the FJ. Have a 2010 and by far the best vehicle I've ever had. The Tacoma and 4 runners are awesome and you can't go wrong with either.
Bought mine in 2020 during covid 19 pandemic, they were knocking thousands off the MSRP, just to get persons to come to the dealerships. Make an appointment to see a salesman , wear a mask, 6 foot distance, got $3k off the MSRP. Glad i bought mine in 2020, same vehicle today would cost me 6-7 grand more ...plus higher interest rates.
I have never had an issue with my 2020 TRD off-road 4 runner going into 4low. A-TRAC is not crawl control!!! You guys get this wrong every time. It is traction control for off-road. It is not crawl control. Toyotas crawl control is called...wait for it...Crawl Control. With as much time as I'll spend in Toyotas, you would think you would know what the options are. These trail packages don't add anything for offroad goodies. Just appearance Edit: A-TRAC comes on every 4x4 4 runner. It isn't special to anything. Tommy! Thank you! You know what A-TRAC is!
The 2010-2012 4Runner SR5 also has the manual transfer case. Very often overlooked even though it has more practicality than the FJ. Anyone wanting an FJ but can’t afford it should look at those years of the 4Runner. The sequential gearbox also gives you greater shifting control. A-Trac can get you through most situations where you’d need a locker. So it’s 90% of a TRD off road for less money. The Tacoma doesn’t have enough weight over the rear wheels for a lot of steep ascents over loose ground, so you really need A-Trac and lockers with it. All of them are very capable though, if you know what you’re doing.
My jeep was drowned in the hurricane a couple years ago, and there were several forerunners for around 30 grand at the entry-level trim only a couple years old. Love my 4R!!
Just recently bought a 2021 voodoo blue SR5 4x4....mine came with the black out package. That package included the good year wrangler and a TRD pro shift knob. The Trail Package essentially gets you unpainted fender flares and those useless in-bed icebox storage containers
Toyota fan boy here! Dang that was a lot of fun bunching three of the most highly visible 4 wheel drive vehicles here in America. But who'd a thunk you guys would be so entertaining. Now now we all have our favorites and I'm going with Tommy and the FJ Cruiser. Only because I can get one and Tommy for the extra 2 grand. What a BARGAIN? Hey do we have to feed him?
@@zachariahyager3115 I like it the way it is, I'm not a fan of adding so many electronics and gimmicks. I'll welcome offroad upgrades, like a extra low 7th gear in the Bronco, or a 4:1 4Lo in the Wrangler/Gladiators. If they can come out with front/rear lockers FJ that'd be amazing.
And used ones are crazy money. People have been selling used ones to Carvana, Carmax etc for more than they paid new. Thinking of selling mine for this reason.
Not true. It’s about who you know and how you negotiate. I helped my coworker buy a 21 TRD 4Runner last month on the last day of the month for 1% under invoice. Roughly about 4 grand under msrp. I negotiated directly with the general manager and used their financing (1.9 % interest) so they made a little on the backend. Despite the shortage they still want to sell cars. Especially small town dealers struggling through the pandemic.
Found my French White 2012 FJ in Japan with only 33k miles on the odometer earlier this month 4/2/24 . By the time i shipped it home it cost me 22k and it only took 2 weeks to get my California plates on it. It looks like it never spent a day outside and the undercarriage is immaculate. Super happy with my find
On an incline just release the brake a bit to let the driveline turn while it shifts to low range. It's probably binding and won't shift in. That will release any tension on the t-case....:-)
I'm so happy that my FJ has manual levers to switch the 4 hi and low, you can feel the lever move and vibrate when off roading. A-Trac is not in anyway a cruise control, it only works on the front wheels to brake a wheel that is losing traction and engage the other front wheel. A-Trac is only useful in slow technical crawling, when you need momentum for hill climbing or mud bogging turn it off!
I paid 36k for my 2020 4 runner TRDOR. Not sure what crack you are smoking, but I have yet to see a new raptor anywhere near that price range. We do t talk about TRX...and wtf? A G Wagon?? You could get 4 Tacos or 4 runners for a G wagon. Lol
You don’t, they don’t know what they are doing. I have a 2021 Tacoma TRD off-road and I have engaged 4LO on hills plenty of times without any issues. Even the owner’s manual doesn’t say anything about being level..
@@alienation-k1x exactly. My 2000 WJ (Grand Cherokee) will go into every 4x4 mode every time. I have the select trac version with 2wd, 4x4 full time (basically Quadra trac 1), 4x4 part time (4x4 hi-lock), neutral and 4x4 lo-lock. Got a nice little "part time" light on the dash when engaged lol
This has to be the dumbest video I've seen. How long have you been reviewing 4wd Toyotas? You don't need to be level to shift into 4low. Toyota's have "shift on the fly" 4wd. You need to be moving to shift into 4high. Once in 4 high, stop the vehicle, put it in neutral, and shift into 4 low.
You guys need to read the owners manual before you operate the vehicles. You don’t need to be on level ground to engage 4 Low. That’s ridiculous. Just put it in 4 high and after that’s engaged, stop the vehicle if it’s not already so, put it in neutral then go into 4 Low.
There's definitely something finicky in the Tacoma's t-case shift actuator. I've heard a few gear heads mention the level ground issue. I've had a 3rd gen for 5 years, I've never had an issue going into 4-low based on angle in the Rockies, BUT that shift actuator definitely has reliability issues. I had to get mine replaced along with the t-case after only 25K miles. It shifted rough and sluggish from the factory and eventually started smoking the t-case with poor engagement. Others have had this issue (even in 2021s) and do a swap for the FJs actuator. It's crazy, I've had several Jeeps & Fords with 100K-300K miles and never an issue with the t-case setup. Never considered it a weak point of failure before.
It's a shame, I prefer the upper trim 4runners with a proper tcase lever but hate that the tacoma never got it. It would solve one of the handful of problems these vehicles got
@@silverioarroyo5968 are you talking about the difference between a stick shifter vs ones where you just shift with a turn dial? I don’t know anything about these vehicles, so the stick shifter doesn’t just look cooler but it’s also better for operation?
Cool vid. I liked seeing the 3 titans from Toyota. BUT, I think you should do the same thing on some tougher trails once they open up. This didn’t really show which one did better and certainly didn’t challenge any of them.
I totalled my 07 FJ 3 weeks ago and just picked up a 2020 4Runner TRD Off Road. I had my FJ for 10 years and 100k miles, I loved every minute and hoped I could drive that vehicle for the rest of my life. That being said the 4Runner is better in almost every way, it's more comfortable has better electronics and is just as capable off road. Now I hope my 4Runner is the last car I own. ;-)
I just did Cinnamon Pass today from Silverton to Lake City. Ophir is open to the top from the San Juan side and Engineer pass will be open soon. Y'all should come out here again
Had a 2007 FJ TRD Special Edition with a Walker Evan's 3" reservoir coil over suspension lift and it was pretty great offroad. Got rid of it with just shy of 200k miles on it. Not one problem with drivetrain ever but did have the frame recall.
@@markcassidy7442 unfortunately got rid of it because of the 60k a year commuting for work the $1000 a month in gas was just to steep. Had to switch to a commuter car. 2009 Corolla XRS. That left after 185k for a 2005 Lexus RS330 eventually. Finally back to building a 4x4. A 73 Chevy K20 I have had in storage for the last 20 years. My favorite was my 04 Tacoma TRD Xtra Cab 4x4. Perfect Size for tighter areas and the 3.4 had better power to weight than the newer trucks.
I’ve climbed steeper and rockier trails with my 2007 fj and I’ll say that I’ll take the fj any day over the other two (the Tacoma’s and 4 runners don’t suck I wasn’t sayin that at all)
Hey guys, thanks for watching! Check out a fun drag race with these three rigs right here: th-cam.com/video/p8eR1ePE_B4/w-d-xo.html
Tommy, thanks for using the ATRAC (eventually haha) on that obstacle instead of the locker. ATRAC -- the same as BLD / Brake Lock Differential on Jeeps -- will keep you from needing the locker for 99% of the obstacles you'll run into here in Colorado. I always try an obstacle 2-3 times with ATRAC on before using the locker, it just saves you the mechanical stress on the rear differential.
What's interesting about Roman's 4Runner is that the "Trail Edition" is based on the SR5, which means no locking rear differential. That truck gets the same on/off ATRAC that the FJ gets, rather than the ATRAC with optional Multi-Terrain Select (MTS). MTS allows you to set the amount of wheel slip based on terrain: mud / snow the wheels slip more, rocks the wheels slip less. It's interesting that they're calling this the "Trail" edition when it's missing crawl control, the rear locker or MTS.
It helps to know how the vehicle works before you "review" it and make an ass of yourself
@@jimmy-buffett yota has messed with the names so often its criminal. I have a 2014 trail and it’s basically a trd offroad premium without the upgraded suspension and faux leather seats . I wish theyd stop screwing with the names.
I would put my modded Cherokee trail hawk against any of those rigs! Mine gets me through the mountains of B.C. Canada no problem!! 💪🇨🇦
I've owned a lot of 4x4's over the years. Usually if you are having trouble getting into 4 low, it needs to be bumped in reverse then put back in neutral to engage.
Exactly
The problem with Toyota is a weak actuator. You’re describing a condition in which the dog clutches are misaligned.
.
This is why I like my shift lever. Little chance of failure and has some force behind it.
While you are correct that that's the issue with many 4x4 transfers cases, it is not the case with Toyotas. For whatever reason, it will simply *refuse* to go into 4-LO if you're not in neutral, and at a complete stop. The sequence is, start, foot on brake. Park to Neutral, 4-HI if not full time AWD, wait, then 4-LO and wait for it to engage. Nothing else works. It's slow and klunky.
@@daemn42 get the manual transfer case shifter in the TRD trim
Nah, not with Yotas... The actuator is weak sauce
Read the owners manual about going into 4H and 4L and do it just like it says and it works every time.
For 4H be in gear driving up to 50 mph and turn the knob to 4H. For 4L you need to already be in 4H, then come to a stop, shift to neutral and then turn the knob to 4L. Then shift to Drive. Do the reverse to get back to 2H. This works, being on "flat ground" isn't necessary
Lol thank you -I read my manual when I bought my 5th gen, works perfectly every time as you described. 🤙🏿
I was listening to that flat ground bs thinking...what the actual f...who would do that to a vehicle? Get your ass stuck and the manufacturer says "oH wELl sTuPiD yOu NeEd fLaT gRoUnD" didnt make any sense
Exactly. Most Toyota 4x4's are like this if they have the electronic shift. This system has operated like this for a very long time. To give you an example, my 2000 Tundra uses the same system. Works exactly as Dallin Taylor explains. Its simple to operate, but does require the appropriate sequence. I actually test drove a 2015 Toyota 4runner this evening and it operated exactly like this.
These guys are expert reviewers, they don’t need to read the manual..lol
Reading an Owner's Manual, what a novel concept!
Finally, we don't have to read the manuals because we can get the ''Tommy'' 2000 dollar option!🤣
You guys are confusing A-TRAC with Crawl Control. A-TRAC is not "off road cruise control", it is traction control for 4-LO off road use whereas Crawl Control is more like "off road cruise control" as you put it.
With all the time they spend with Toyotas, you'd think they'd know that by now.
Ya, A-TRAC is Toyota's version of ABS driven limited slip diff. If one tire starts to spin, it applies brakes to that side to transfer torque through the open diff to the other side that presumably has more traction. It also needs a little time to sort itself out, so you have to stay on the throttle for it to work. I've often seen off-road tests where people get it into the moguls lift tires at opposite corners, starts to spin, even roll back, then hit the brakes to stop, then hit gas to try again.. lose traction, roll back.. brake.. rinse repeat all without A-TRAC ever engaging properly. With A-Trac you just stay on the gas and *wait*, and once it starts activating it *will* pull you forward even with two tires completely off the ground on very steep terrain.
True even 2wd Toyota trucks have something similar that work on the 2 rear wheels only still something tho
I came to make the same comment lol
Yep. Atrac is like a faux locker. Especially for the front if the rear diff is locked.
After owning 2 4Runners, a 1990 SR5 5 spd I sold after 325,000 miles, and a 2000 Limited, I now have a 2013 Trail Team Fj and love it.
That is one tSUV I wish they would bring back! Loved our FJ
@@JoshS2021 Fly to the middle east and buy a brand new one. Toyota of Quatar😁
Fjs are just unique in a good way. The designers did something different there that they haven't repeated since. I think of it as a baja prado.
I’ve had so many 4x4 and by far my fj has been the best..and I’ve had 6 g wagens! Had my fj 9 years and have no reason to sell it
The FJ cruiser is a FJ Land Cruiser
And you are right it is a Prado!
The 4runner is even more of a Prado. But yes, both are prados. Source: I own a Prado.
New 4runners as not as affordable as you make them sound. You are much better off buying a 20 year old 4runner if you just plan to beat it up off road. The auto industry needs to get more realistic with pricing. Enough is enough. Boycott!
Then go buy a Jeep
I’m glad you guys are using ATRAC from the start. It makes a huge difference
4:59 but "off road cruise control" is a terrible way to describe it It's a smart offroad traction control.
Crawl control (which the current Trail Edition does NOT have) could be described as off road cruise control, though.
@@TrailTape everybody makes that mistake, even RegularCar Reviews lol
At least Timmy understands you need to go into 4 hi then 4 lo.
And you have to go to neutral to go 4 low
Even doing that doesn’t work half the time. Toyota 4x4 system sucks.
@@JKHTX huh
@@JKHTX I definitely remember grinding my manual transfer case into gear when I was younger. Definitely more reliable, but unfortunately the youth of today do not understand manual anything.
That's valid for 99% of 4x4s except for the first gen Touareg where you have to engage 4LOW before you lock the central diff (4H). Now that's unusual. Basically you can only have 50/50 locked central traction in 4LOW. VW was bragging that the 4AUTO setting is so good that can deal with all the other not so gnarly situations.
I have a 2017 Tacoma and have put it in 4LO while on an incline. Has to be in neutral, 4H, then 4L. Works every time...
Exactly. I drive a 2005 4.7L V8 4Runner. It goes into 4-LO even if it's on an incredible incline covered with rocks.
Thanks bro
You should do more low shots of the trail you’re about to go on 2:21 That gives a really good perspective of what you’re about to climb.
Want to be impressed with crawl control? Try backing up on pure ice while off camber.
The one time it actually was useful. As soon as I touched the brake pedal all 4 wheels would lock up and I would slide a couple feet without any control. I was headind towards a ditch and couldnt steer away. Put crawl control on, turned the wheel to steer out of the slope and the thing worked wonders. It applied the brakes to individual wheels so that I could steer and keep the speed low.
You have to have it in neutral in order to go into 4low
only in the cars that have a lever to go into 2hi, 4hi, and 4low. you don't have to do it when there is a button or a knob
@@eliharalson7281 yes you do
@@flight2k5 if you have the knob thing it's usually the "on the fly" switch but your right about neutral even if it's the on the fly switch it's just better for your car to do it in neutral.
@@eliharalson7281 not for 4low
Can you imagine a vehicle going into 4lo at 60mph🤣 idk what these people are thinking in the comments
Love the FJ so much, we have two..‘13 Magma 4x4 auto & ‘13 Cement TTE 6spd manual. Great vehicles
It doesn't need to be level, stop, put it in neutral. If that doesn't work, try the reverse-bump trick other commenters have talked about. Over 8k miles on my new 2021 taco, about half offroad.
They were in neutral and let it roll back... it’s a huge issue all over the forums. Sad Toyota fan girl melting like a snowflake when they are told the truth. My Gen 2 Tacoma never had issues with low range, but it did have issues with locking the differential reliably and diff leaking... it also rattled, squealed, had ac blower motor fail, window motor fail, fender kept breaking clips.
.
My problem was owning a Silverado before and expecting the Toyota to be as reliable. Sold it for a Ram a year later.
@@KTMcaptain you lost me at Chevy...
@@alienation-k1x exactly... it’s hilarious how Toyota people think Domestics are hoopties that break down every 20k miles.
@@SimplyCarReviews sorry... I’m be honest though. I abused that truck and it kept going.
@@KTMcaptain very well documented how terrible fca is. Gm is not far above. Ford seems to be the only ok one and that's not saying much. Toyota is Def not perceived reliability. How many 4runners make it to 500k or 1 mill? Whereas the trex and fiat wrangler have fatal issues after 150
The Tacoma trail makes no sense to me. The trd off road, here in Canada, is exactly $300 more and look at all the off road features you get, and a proximity key.
Plus a locking rear diff, and not to mention
The TRDOR commands a better resale value than a SR5 .
My thoughts exactly. Smart braking for traction will never do better than an actual locker. It would also cost a hell of a lot more to add a locker to the Trail Edition than $300.
TRDOR is definitely the trim level sweet spot here in Canada. Ridiculous that the TRD Pro is like 10k more. Instagram clout chaser markup.
Both of these "Trail" editions are completely lame and unnecessary.
@@trailrunnah8886 But where else are you going to get a cooler that matches the paint of the 4runner?!?
I love 4Runners, I am glad to see you guys featuring more of them lately. I am hoping you will get one to long term review for the final model year of the fifth generation. Mine has been really good to me and I know you guys would enjoy owning one.
For sure 4runner! Its not only good for off road, its also very big and very comfortable vehicle, with good sound insolation, convenient and light steering wheel? 2022 model also has some electronic tech upgrades, that made it even more good for everyday commute.
I waited an extra two months to get my 4Runner ORP WITHOUT that damn sliding tray.
“Like I was saying before I was so rudely interrupted by my own incompetence...” 😂😂😂 god I laughed so hard at that.
Hahaha 😂
I never thought getting to 4lo was that hard. 4hi has to engage before you can engage 4lo. 4hi is engaged in drive, then neutral, then engage 4lo.
I was on a hi then got engaged and moved to lo. Pretty accurate.
Yeah haven’t had issues with mine going in 4H or 4L even on a hill and mine is a 4th Gen.
Just bought my 2008 FJ today with 177,000 miles. Other then the blind spots I love it..
They need to actually challenge these things. I could climb that in a 97 Saturn....
Ya boi can attest. Former 99 Saturn SL2 owner here and that car went some interesting places
@@dakotanichols8533 probably one of the toughest cars on earth
@Devilott NL there's a video on my channel with a segment of me beating the absolute tar out of my old one. Jumping it, drifting, climbing sand dunes, etc. Go look for it. I think I called it redneck adventures, or something along those lines
@Devilott NL I smoked the radiator on the first jump. Pushed the fan right through it and into the motor. It ran in the red all day. It was hours. Good times.
Yeah I love the channel they got, I just wish they'd get more aggressive. MOAB was pretty gnarly though
@Devilott NL they really can’t though. These vehicles, especially the 4 runner, are 50k. I’m not entirely sure if they own them or they’re just press cars(didn’t watch the video lol). In any case I wouldn’t take a vehicle I paid 50k for out in the bush and risk significant damage. Which is probably why I wouldn’t pay that much to off-road vehicle. Find something cheap, mod it, and then go wild with it
I heard "8"-Track ;) several times during Romans segment at the beginning and thought --- That's why Roman's in this one! Tech he knows :)
I already have a 2017 TRD Sport double cab Tacoma, but would definitely be open to bringing a FJ into my world. The problem is that they are almost impossible to find with low mileage and reasonably priced.To make matters worse, the Toyota tax on every off-road worthy Toyota is pretty high due to the pandemic, as everyone wants to create a over -landing vehicle.
Another reason I like My 2010 4Runner, has a manual 4wd shifter so I don’t have to deal with it not wanting to engage. New ones do admittedly look way better
I think a manual shifter would be better as well. What was the last year they had the manual 4wd shifter?
The 4Runner still has manual leaver. I think the difference is 4 low select.
@@AntilleanConfederation it depends on the models, sr5 and limited have the dials, trails and pros have lever, not sure of others
Roman killed me...."well that was embarrassing....I guess that is why you have kids"....man I burst out laughing. Getting into 4lo is not that hard.....well for most people.
Sure seems like a pain to me. Make sure you are level (WTF?), don't turn dials too fast, turn the car off, then on again to reset, etc etc. They are nice rigs, but give me a physical lever to engage my drive ranges any day.
@@JF-lt5zc all you really have to do it just be in 4H and shift to neutral, then turn the knob. Or at least that’s how it is in 4th gens. I do wish that they kept the lever, it’s much cooler and more reliable.
The Tacoma doesn't have to be level to engage 4Lo. But you have to engage 4Hi first, let the light on the dash stop blinking and then start the 4Lo shifting process. I generally only engage 4Lo when I am slipping on an obstacle in 4Hi and disengage 4Lo when I am over it so the truck is almost never level when I am switching to 4Lo. I am not sure about the 4Runner but if what Tommy says is right and it doesn't like to engage 4Lo until its level then its a big disadvantage. I am glad that my Tacoma isn't like that.
Had TOUGH TOUGH time to decide between FJ and 4Runner - So I purchased them BOTH :) Super cool vehicles!
I'm having a hard time deciding on a 4runner or Tacoma
@@TheSupraman2jzgte If it's just a family hauler, go for 4R. If you want to move around heavy stuff, Taco.
6:13 Quite the opposite - there are NOT many incentives for 4runners currently because inventory is so low.
I was thinking the same thing
And used values on them are sky high too.
Exactly, all the dealers around me in Washington state are sold out of their Tacoma allotment several months in advance, good friggin luck getting one for MSRP
It’s all about who you know and how you negotiate. I was able to get a 2021 4Runner for 1% under invoice last week. Roughly about 4 grand under MSRP. I went on the last day of the month and negotiated directly with the general manager.
Exactly. I just got the 2021 Trail and it took months of searching for the right one and to get to it before someone else did.
4Runner all the way! I love my 2018 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium. It's nice to everyday drive and it's very capable off road.
Being a Toyota fan, I can’t tell you how much I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video. Awesome showcase of the 3. & Tommy you’re so right about the FJ TT Edition gotta sell your kidney for one 😂
The FJ and the 4Runner are the same. Sort of. Kind of. Not really. LOL Great work guys.
Ive owned all 3! I have my first Tacoma now, 2023 TRD Off-Road, and love it! I really love all of them!
love the FJ, the only toyota vehicle that looks good.
😂😂😂😂😂 yea ok so the 4 runners don’t look amazing
@@bassnectarflux looks like shit and dated
@@Harry-m9b Tacoma's look great
@@Harry-m9b you’ve lost your mind 😂😂😂😂😂😂 have fun in your fj, don’t get stuck
A few years ago I bought a near identical FJ cruiser in Cement. 2014, with 30k miles and $28.5K, and it looked factory new! Still kicking myself for selling it. I found a ‘good’ deal on a repo’d raptor with the 6.2L and just wanted to try the most obnoxious truck I could afford.
I still say “nice FJ!” to my girlfriend every time I see one.
Love the FJ cruiser and so wish we could get 4Runners in the UK
My cousin drives an '84 4 runner and it still runs and climbs. For me it's the FJ. Have a 2010 and by far the best vehicle I've ever had. The Tacoma and 4 runners are awesome and you can't go wrong with either.
"You can probably get a 4Runner at a discount" - my, what a difference a year makes! LOL
Bought mine in 2020 during covid 19 pandemic, they were knocking thousands off the MSRP, just to get persons to come to the dealerships. Make an appointment to see a salesman , wear a mask, 6 foot distance, got $3k off the MSRP. Glad i bought mine in 2020, same vehicle today would cost me 6-7 grand more ...plus higher interest rates.
4Runner for sure!!! Thank you for the video!
I have never had an issue with my 2020 TRD off-road 4 runner going into 4low.
A-TRAC is not crawl control!!! You guys get this wrong every time. It is traction control for off-road. It is not crawl control. Toyotas crawl control is called...wait for it...Crawl Control.
With as much time as I'll spend in Toyotas, you would think you would know what the options are.
These trail packages don't add anything for offroad goodies. Just appearance
Edit: A-TRAC comes on every 4x4 4 runner. It isn't special to anything. Tommy! Thank you! You know what A-TRAC is!
A good, fun video. I enjoyed watching. 4Runner for the win 😀
I own a ‘20 TRD OR Tacoma and absolutely love it but I’d pick the FJ all day long. Probably the only thing I’d trade my taco for.
Great video! I own a 2020 trd off road Tacoma and once I pay it off I want to get a 4Runner. Love the FJ but they cost tooooo much around me.
The 2010-2012 4Runner SR5 also has the manual transfer case. Very often overlooked even though it has more practicality than the FJ. Anyone wanting an FJ but can’t afford it should look at those years of the 4Runner. The sequential gearbox also gives you greater shifting control. A-Trac can get you through most situations where you’d need a locker. So it’s 90% of a TRD off road for less money. The Tacoma doesn’t have enough weight over the rear wheels for a lot of steep ascents over loose ground, so you really need A-Trac and lockers with it. All of them are very capable though, if you know what you’re doing.
Dear Toyota Off-Road, If you need to get level, you're already screwed.
My jeep was drowned in the hurricane a couple years ago, and there were several forerunners for around 30 grand at the entry-level trim only a couple years old. Love my 4R!!
Just recently bought a 2021 voodoo blue SR5 4x4....mine came with the black out package. That package included the good year wrangler and a TRD pro shift knob. The Trail Package essentially gets you unpainted fender flares and those useless in-bed icebox storage containers
Toyota fan boy here! Dang that was a lot of fun bunching three of the most highly visible 4 wheel drive vehicles here in America. But who'd a thunk you guys would be so entertaining. Now now we all have our favorites and I'm going with Tommy and the FJ Cruiser. Only because I can get one and Tommy for the extra 2 grand. What a BARGAIN? Hey do we have to feed him?
I'll meet you guys at the race tracks. Can't wait to see who wins.
Team FJ Cruiser - New Hampshire...(Ex Green Mountain/Lakewood, Colorado)
Man I really hope Toyota gets the FJ going again. A Bronco, Jeep and an FJ out there again would be a new off-road renaissance.
FJ is actually still being sold to the rest of the world
@@gwot Yeah that’s nice an all but I of course mean here and it badly needs an update
@@zachariahyager3115 I like it the way it is, I'm not a fan of adding so many electronics and gimmicks. I'll welcome offroad upgrades, like a extra low 7th gear in the Bronco, or a 4:1 4Lo in the Wrangler/Gladiators. If they can come out with front/rear lockers FJ that'd be amazing.
@@gwot I think eam TFL should fly to Middle east buy a new one and bring it back here....(for testing purposes only)🤣
You can't get a discount on a 4runner in the current market.
And used ones are crazy money. People have been selling used ones to Carvana, Carmax etc for more than they paid new. Thinking of selling mine for this reason.
Not true. It’s about who you know and how you negotiate. I helped my coworker buy a 21 TRD 4Runner last month on the last day of the month for 1% under invoice. Roughly about 4 grand under msrp. I negotiated directly with the general manager and used their financing (1.9 % interest) so they made a little on the backend. Despite the shortage they still want to sell cars. Especially small town dealers struggling through the pandemic.
The dream team of vehicles and reviewers! Thanks guys!
I love videos like this, so glad I bought an FJ!
You guys don't fail to give us detailed comparisons with entertainment. :)
Where exactly is the detailed comparison? I could make it up that trail in a buick.
Found my French White 2012 FJ in Japan with only 33k miles on the odometer earlier this month 4/2/24 . By the time i shipped it home it cost me 22k and it only took 2 weeks to get my California plates on it. It looks like it never spent a day outside and the undercarriage is immaculate. Super happy with my find
On an incline just release the brake a bit to let the driveline turn while it shifts to low range. It's probably binding and won't shift in. That will release any tension on the t-case....:-)
4runners are so beautiful. I own a 2002 4Runner and I love it.
You kept trying to go into 4lo while in reverse or park instead of neutral...
Very dumb video. They really don’t know how to use these vehicles. How they keep getting press cars is beyond me.
Roman LITERALLY does this and it still didn't shift until reversed... Pathetic.
I'm so happy that my FJ has manual levers to switch the 4 hi and low, you can feel the lever move and vibrate when off roading.
A-Trac is not in anyway a cruise control, it only works on the front wheels to brake a wheel that is losing traction and engage the other front wheel.
A-Trac is only useful in slow technical crawling, when you need momentum for hill climbing or mud bogging turn it off!
The Tacoma and 4runner are "affordable" only when compared to a raptor, Trex, or g-wagon
Huh?
Tacoma off road costs around what a loaded Rav4 costs around here. That’s pretty affordable. Or are all new vehicles expensive?
Are you insane? I paid 28k for my Tacoma. You lmk if raptors are that much.
I paid 36k for my 2020 4 runner TRDOR. Not sure what crack you are smoking, but I have yet to see a new raptor anywhere near that price range. We do t talk about TRX...and wtf? A G Wagon?? You could get 4 Tacos or 4 runners for a G wagon. Lol
And I'm poor compared to Jeff Bezos haha.
"It's a 4runner it hates going into low range" Laughs in 98 4runner with J shifter.
Another reason to keep my FJ. I can manually shift it to 4hi r 4lo on the fly and not have to be level.
Funny I can do that in my 76 powerwagon
4 Hi yes. 4LO no, you shouldn’t do it on the fly.
That’s why we have 2 OFF ROAD PREMIUMS, they have the manual lever.
You can shift the knob to 4hi on the fly as well. Neither should be shifted to low range over 3mph.
Nah, you don’t have to be level, they say dumb stuff all the time. No issues with my Tacoma.
Toyota needs to bring back the FJ Cruiser.
I absolutely love the grayish blue color of these cars!
Cement..
What good is four low if you have to be on level ground?
You don't have to be. Put it in neutral.
@@HAHA.GoodMeme they were in neutral. 🤦🏻♂️
You don’t, they don’t know what they are doing. I have a 2021 Tacoma TRD off-road and I have engaged 4LO on hills plenty of times without any issues. Even the owner’s manual doesn’t say anything about being level..
@@officialyasir check the forums bro, it’s a well know and common issue.
@@alienation-k1x exactly. My 2000 WJ (Grand Cherokee) will go into every 4x4 mode every time. I have the select trac version with 2wd, 4x4 full time (basically Quadra trac 1), 4x4 part time (4x4 hi-lock), neutral and 4x4 lo-lock. Got a nice little "part time" light on the dash when engaged lol
So, I guess 1st Gen Sequoias are still the secret huh? Fine by me.
This has to be the dumbest video I've seen. How long have you been reviewing 4wd Toyotas? You don't need to be level to shift into 4low. Toyota's have "shift on the fly" 4wd. You need to be moving to shift into 4high. Once in 4 high, stop the vehicle, put it in neutral, and shift into 4 low.
It’s almost like there’s a book in the glove box that would tell them that??!
@@butterchup23 nah, I don't think the car makers would make stuff like that
Its paid advertising.
I like the 4runner 👍🔥
It would be cool if Toyota released the FJ again.
I’m sure it would do well against the Bronco and Wrangler
The 4runner does that now. Hell a 10 year old fj is better then anything put out today. Without the $75,000 price tag.
you guys are so funny together! 2000$s for Tommy lmaoo
I want all 3! We have a red '17 SR5. Love it. That Trail version looks awesome.
You guys need to read the owners manual before you operate the vehicles. You don’t need to be on level ground to engage 4 Low. That’s ridiculous. Just put it in 4 high and after that’s engaged, stop the vehicle if it’s not already so, put it in neutral then go into 4 Low.
There's definitely something finicky in the Tacoma's t-case shift actuator. I've heard a few gear heads mention the level ground issue. I've had a 3rd gen for 5 years, I've never had an issue going into 4-low based on angle in the Rockies, BUT that shift actuator definitely has reliability issues. I had to get mine replaced along with the t-case after only 25K miles. It shifted rough and sluggish from the factory and eventually started smoking the t-case with poor engagement. Others have had this issue (even in 2021s) and do a swap for the FJs actuator. It's crazy, I've had several Jeeps & Fords with 100K-300K miles and never an issue with the t-case setup. Never considered it a weak point of failure before.
It's a shame, I prefer the upper trim 4runners with a proper tcase lever but hate that the tacoma never got it. It would solve one of the handful of problems these vehicles got
@@silverioarroyo5968 are you talking about the difference between a stick shifter vs ones where you just shift with a turn dial? I don’t know anything about these vehicles, so the stick shifter doesn’t just look cooler but it’s also better for operation?
“What is that? IDK, but I’m gonna smell it”. 😂
Cool vid. I liked seeing the 3 titans from Toyota. BUT, I think you should do the same thing on some tougher trails once they open up. This didn’t really show which one did better and certainly didn’t challenge any of them.
Was Andre about to do a little dance when he showed up. 🤣😂 Live it.
Andrey: "What is this on the ground?"
Roman: "I donno, let me sniff it"
The manual transmission FJ is awesome!
I love all you guys. So much fun to watch. Great reviews on great 4X4's as always.
Toyota, please bring back FJ
The 4runners and tacos should come stock with LED headlights. Like years ago. Little behind the curve in that regard, otherwise great trucks
The new one s do now....they are years behind others trucks, but yes now they do
I totalled my 07 FJ 3 weeks ago and just picked up a 2020 4Runner TRD Off Road. I had my FJ for 10 years and 100k miles, I loved every minute and hoped I could drive that vehicle for the rest of my life. That being said the 4Runner is better in almost every way, it's more comfortable has better electronics and is just as capable off road. Now I hope my 4Runner is the last car I own. ;-)
I just did Cinnamon Pass today from Silverton to Lake City. Ophir is open to the top from the San Juan side and Engineer pass will be open soon. Y'all should come out here again
I'd take my 2010 trail edition 4runner anyday over the new one. It's an sr5. The older trails were the off road equivalent trim
Had a 2007 FJ TRD Special Edition with a Walker Evan's 3" reservoir coil over suspension lift and it was pretty great offroad. Got rid of it with just shy of 200k miles on it. Not one problem with drivetrain ever but did have the frame recall.
What did you replace it with? Pro and con in comparison? Thnks
@@markcassidy7442 unfortunately got rid of it because of the 60k a year commuting for work the $1000 a month in gas was just to steep. Had to switch to a commuter car. 2009 Corolla XRS. That left after 185k for a 2005 Lexus RS330 eventually.
Finally back to building a 4x4. A 73 Chevy K20 I have had in storage for the last 20 years.
My favorite was my 04 Tacoma TRD Xtra Cab 4x4. Perfect Size for tighter areas and the 3.4 had better power to weight than the newer trucks.
"I'm gonna use ATRAC and rear locker because why not?"
Tacoma: "Hold my beer."
4runner all day baby!
“It’s a forerunner it hates going into four low” lmao
I just bought a trd pro 4runner and I absolutely love it
You can't forget the TRD Pro Sequoia. I know it's not cheap but it fits well between the Land Cruiser and 4Runner.
"before I was rudely interrupted by my own incompetence" the phrase i use a frightening amount of times
What if you drive 50 meters up a hill and start slipping, realizing you forgot to put it in 4Lo?
Reverse back down the hill to engage 4Lo? OMFG.
No. Just need to be in neutral.
“Tommy where your at dooood” LOL oohhh Roman
The 4Runner has 4x4 instructions right above his head lol
I’ve climbed steeper and rockier trails with my 2007 fj and I’ll say that I’ll take the fj any day over the other two (the Tacoma’s and 4 runners don’t suck I wasn’t sayin that at all)
I bought a. New nautical blue 2021 4runner Venture special edition the best choice in new vehicles ive ever done.
Love your videos man found you yesterday by accident and I'm a fan
Absolutely loved this video thank you and have a Blessed day everyone