Tired of Expensive Toyota 4Runners? Check Out This Awesome Alternative!

Throughout its 40-year sales run, the Toyota 4Runner has gained the reputation of being almost impenetrable regarding dependability and almost impossible to stop when dealing with difficult off-road conditions And for the most part, those observations hold true. The primary issue when purchasing one of these sturdy trucks is their exorbitant price tags—even units with Those with more than 100,000 miles on the odometer fetch high prices. .

The purpose of this blog isn’t to criticize the 4Runner. Frankly, these vehicles are hard to find fault with, and I am 4Runner Fan, I simply can't get behind their exorbitant pricing. When it comes to Toyota's renowned off-road vehicles such as the Land Cruiser, things take a different turn. FJ Cruiser Both come with hefty price tags regardless of their mileage or age, but can you guess which tough, capable, and dependable off-road vehicle doesn’t command such absurd prices? The classic old-school second-gen Nissan Xterra, and its big brother the third-gen Pathfinder. Both provide similar capabilities off-road as the Toyota pickups at roughly $10,000 cheaper. Additionally, they come with full roofs and greater sophistication when driving on paved roads compared to something such as a Jeep Wrangler. Listen to my reasoning.

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Self-Suction V6 Engine, Optional Low-Gear Range Four-Wheel Drive, With Truck-Like Durability

Although classified as a compact SUV, the Xterra comfortably accommodates up to five passengers similar to the 4Runner. Its engine—a 4.0-liter V6—generates 265 horsepower and delivers 284 pound-feet of torque. This places it at six pound-feet higher torque compared to the fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner’s equivalent engine but slightly lower by five horsepower. In terms of size, the Xterra is approximately one foot shorter than the previous generation 4Runner. Consequently, this leads to less space for cargo; however, it also boasts a two-inch-shorter wheelbase which enhances its approach and departure angles during off-road maneuvers. With optional features, the vehicle comes with a part-time four-wheel drive mechanism featuring an electronically controlled transfer box offering both high- and low-range settings along with a locking rear differential.

The 4.0-liter V6 in the Xterra is a version of Nissan’s renowned VQ engine, which has been utilized across numerous models from the brand. This means that there are countless garages well-versed in handling these engines and an abundance of replacement components for repairs or customizations. Additionally, another draw for avid off-road enthusiasts towards the 4Runner is its optional manual transmission—a capability also offered by the Xterra.

Not necessarily inexpensive, but less expensive than Toyotas.

If you’ve ever browsed online for pre-owned Toyota 4Runners, Land Cruisers, or FJ Cruiser models, you understand my point. These vehicles typically command prices far higher compared to similar-aged SUVs, particularly when considering the same mileage levels. Even though I have mentioned before that these trucks’ engines seem like they’re only beginning to hit their stride around 100,000 miles, paying close to $30,000 for a decade-old vehicle with this kind of mileage remains hard to justify—even as an avid fan of Toyotas designed specifically for off-road adventures. On the flip side, finding lower-mileage Nissan Xterras might prove slightly challenging; however, such well-preserved examples often come tagged at roughly $10,000 below equivalent-condition 4Runners. Consequently, one could expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 up to approximately $20,000 for them—a considerably more affordable range.

If you require additional space beyond what the Xterra provides, Nissan constructed its Pathfinder SUV using the same truck chassis as the Xterra between 2005 and 2012; moreover, it came equipped with an optional third row of seats. Models from both the Pathfinder and Xterra lineups during this era come at a lower cost compared to their Toyota counterparts, offering superior value without compromising rugged off-road performance. Additionally, choosing one of these will make you distinct among numerous Toyota vehicles when venturing into the wilderness—personally, I believe standing apart is preferable to blending in.

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