River said:
Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, or 4Runner.
I’d say a new Land Cruiser or a used LX/GX.
Since it’s your daily driver, Toyotas are a safer bet. You’ll get reliability and still be good on trails. But yeah, Broncos and Raptors do look cooler.
River said:
Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, or 4Runner.
I’m not interested in adding aftermarket lockers. Toyota trucks just don’t match the off-road capabilities of the others I’m considering.
@Keaton
Are you looking for a solid overlanding rig or something for serious off-roading?
Your post sounds like you’re leaning toward overlanding, but this comment suggests hardcore off-roading. Also, saying Toyotas can’t keep up with the others isn’t quite accurate.
@Weston
Toyota won’t be as capable as the Bronco or ZR2, mostly because of the extra diff lock.
Toby said:
@Weston
Toyota won’t be as capable as the Bronco or ZR2, mostly because of the extra diff lock.
Not every Bronco has diff locks. For the price difference, you could add a front locker to a 4Runner, which already has a rear locker on the TRD models. Plus, ATRAC is pretty effective without a front locker.
@Weston
The person who posted doesn’t want to deal with aftermarket lockers, which makes sense if they’re buying new. Sure, you can build up a Tacoma or 4Runner, but the Bronco or ZR2 are ready for what they need right out of the box.
@Weston
I don’t see why overlanding and off-roading have to be separate. Stock Toyotas don’t stack up—they lack lockers, suspension travel, and the ability to fit bigger tires easily. A ZR2 can handle 35s without compromising safety, unlike a 3rd Gen Tacoma. Broncos are just way ahead in terms of capability.
@Leighton
Overlanding usually means moderate trails with fully loaded rigs for multi-day trips. It’s more about the journey than hardcore obstacles, though 4WD is often necessary.
If you’re hitting trails where you need 35-inch tires and front lockers, you’re doing something beyond overlanding. Just a decade ago, 33-inch tires were big, and front lockers were rare outside Wranglers and Land Cruisers.
@Weston
Why would tackling tougher trails change the definition of overlanding? That doesn’t make sense.
Things have progressed, and now you can overland on bigger tires and with better features. People want to use those capabilities during their trips. Sure, it’s a small group, but the vehicles are designed for it, and plenty of us are out there doing it.
@Keaton
Enjoy dealing with Ford’s electrical issues if you go that route.
@Keaton
Totally disagree. My 4Runner outperformed a Bronco on Hell’s Revenge in Moab. It’s not as flashy as a Bronco or Raptor, but it gets the job done and will last longer.
Sure, it’s not perfect—the gas mileage and power could be better—but I’ve taken it through trails that would leave Fords and Chevys struggling.
A smaller truck is more practical. If I were you, I’d go with a 4Runner or ZR2. I know a few people with the new Broncos, and only one has good things to say about it—and they’ve only had it for two months.
Stay away from Ford’s turbo engines. Out of the three, I’d go for a previous-gen non-turbo ZR2 Bison. I ended up with a Gladiator because I take the top off a lot, but the ZR2 Bison was my second choice. The AEV upgrades are top-notch.
I had an Expedition with an EcoBoost engine fail on me at 33k miles in Yukon Territory at -25°F. Another time, a Ranger threw check engine lights and stuttered a few miles later. If I hadn’t been with a group, I’d have been stranded. Never again.