Need help... 4Runner or Sequoia ???

[Snipe315]

Howdy all,

I've been planning on buying a 04 4Runner within the next couple of months.

However I have noticed the lack of head and leg room in the new model. I'm 6'1" tall and approx. 200lbs. I think I'm about average height for this area (maybe a little on the tall/big side) but shouldn't the redesigned 4Runner have more room?

In order for me to get comfortable I have to lower the seat all the way to the bottom and move the seat all the way back to it's farthest postion. This leaves me about 2 1/2" headroom and no adjustment room for my legs (but the seat is in the spot I current want).

While this does make it easier to remember the settings if they get changed I don't think I want a new vehicle that has no room for adjustments.

What happens during the winter when I have a large, heavy coat on? What about when I wear boots?

All of this has got me thinking about another choice for the replacement of my 1996 Blazer. I want to stay with Toyota for their quality and reliabilty. The only other choice is the Sequoia.

The problem I have is that I already decided against a Chevy Tahoe because it is too big and I want something that is fairly "nibble" in the handling and parking department (I back into parking spots 99% of the time).

I drove a Sequoia today for the first time and it drives alot better that a Tahoe but it isn't small by any means.

The Lexus GX470 has the added headroom I need but it is BUTT ugly and overpriced IMHO.

Can anyone here give me any info on how the Sequoia compares to the 4Runner for everyday driving, handling, and parking?


Help and TIA.

[DJ]

The Sequoia is amazingly nimble and roomy. My wife was very undecided about transitioning from a Corolla, but now she would never go back. I was a "small car and truck" guy for 30 years, and I won't go back either.

Here's an idea -- see if you can rent a Sequoia for a week or so. That's the only way you'll know for sure.

[Brian M]

New 4-Runner's are too fine. But for the money difference, the SR5 Sequoia is a better deal IMHO.

[RA]

I'm 6'3" and have my (Sequoia) seat as far back as it will go. I wouldn't need any more distance but it is at it's limit. Head room and side to side room is excellent. Driving this vehicle, for me, is like driving a small car.....I actually prefer larger vehicles. The Sequoia is a superb vehicle and the cargo space makes this an ideal vehicle. The new Runners are slick and have nice options....would just be too small for me ! Good luck Snipe. You have a nice "problem".

[m0000]

Take your winter clothes to the dealer. Turn up the A/C and climb in. Do you fit?

I had a 00 4runner, and I'm 6'1, ~210lbs. The car fit me AOK. It didn't fit the rest of my family and our gear tho, so we got the sequoia. The 03 and 04 4 runners should fit us much better, but I needed more cargo and rear seat room.

I miss the 4 runner frankly, but a bigger car is part of the family's need.

I strongly recommend you measure your garage before you buy the Sequoia. Backing up with the Sequoia takes a *lot* of getting used to. Much less visibility. I'm considering putting a video camera on the back so my wife doesn't panic about parking.

I wouldn't call the Sequoia nimble, it's too big for that title.
It has "enough" power with a blower installed. The 4runner made a great towing truck with a blower also.

It's a toss-up. The Sequoia is going to be more room than you need just for your body, but it's a LOT more vehicle.
(and the shifter is on the steering column - what were they thinking...)

[JRaider]

I love driving my Sequoia everyday. For a big vehicle, I think it handles very well. I would own something smaller also, but with kids and baseball gear, snowboards, carseats, friends etc. I needed a bigger vehicle. I balked at the Sequoia until I drove it....now I love driving it. My husband loves driving it too....he's 6'1 and 200lbs. I know that even with a heavy coat on he is comfortable. Last winter he had one on and was comfortable driving, but he was hot, so he asked me to help him get it off, when he got the coat off the windshield fogged up. It was actully funny.

I admit that backing up isn't fun, but isn't there an add on that beeps when you get near something? One of our freinds installed it in his Tundra.

[Catman]

The 2004 4Runner will now offer a third row seat, bringing seating up to seven. While it is smaller than Sequoia it looks good for kids. If they had that option last year I may have stayed mid-size. It would be hard to go back now!

[Snipe315]

Thank you all for all the info and help you've offered.

I have decided to go with the 4Runner for these reasons:

1. I am single so I don't need the third row or added passenger space.

2. I can fit in the 4Runner, there is just less leg & headroom.

3. This will be my every day vehicle so a Sequoia might be a bit much.

4. The performance is better on the 4Runner (weight-to-power ratio).

5. I back into almost every parking space I use (difficult with the Sequoia).


That's about it. Thanks again for all the help.

[tiger]

I think you made the right choice for your needs. We love our sequoia but backing up in that tank is not easy, but it is nimble for a tank, but a tank none the less. Like RA said its a nice problem to have