newbie yet to purchase

hi from TX!

here to research and get opinions before we buy.
So i've read that all 4runners are built on truck platforms/frames?
is this true?
we have a cabin hidden in the woods and have to drive a trail with inclines, rough ground and creeks.
want to be sure we're about to buy the right vehicle for the job!!!

we currently have a '17 Explorer Sport but this is looking more like a highway soccer mom's car compared to what we really need.

responses and info greatly appreciated!!!

 

I'm guessing rough ground and creeks means rocky, but not rock crawling, and creeks are shallow, slow moving?

If the Ford Exploder is what you use to get there, the 4Runner will get you there as well.

 

you are 100% about the terrain, yes.
we don't use the Explorer but had looked at lifting it.
After researching that the general consensus seemed to be "hell no, don't!" as they're built on a Taurus frame (hence the "soccer mom car" analogy).
We could go slow in it but those rocky creeks have me nervous regarding bottoming out or tearing up the undercarriage.

A 4runner just seems built for the job so here just to get opinions or confirmation from those that have used them for such a purpose that i'm looking to do.

 

welcome

 

4Runners are indeed body-on-frame.

I’ve lifted a ‘16 Sorento 1.2” + threw on an aluminum skid and it was great for reducing scraping and going farther but of course the other limitations remained. If it’s only clearance you can get by with a small lift and tires without buying a completely different car, but if you’re getting into lifting wheels off the ground a 4Runner will be more suited.

Like many unibody SUV’s today I think you’d be surprised where they could take you (other than approach angles they’ve generally never been more capable!), but at the same time they run out of quickly fast as difficulty increases. There’s also the joke about heading up a trail and finding a random Corolla at the top since there’s a user skill aspect too that can compensate a little.

We don’t know for sure how the terrain is but I’d say it’s worth testing the Explorer very gingerly. And also predict future conditions since if it barely makes it up in optimal conditions, that may be a concern with say, heavy rains.

Also there’s the comfort aspect, the 4Runner has softer suspension which may be a plus. My SO did not like the Kia on bumpy dirt roads (aired down a bit) but the 4Runner rides much better on those surfaces even with street pressure.

Note that body-on-frame vehicles typically have more usable ground clearance than their minimum ground clearance numbers suggest as it’s usually up to the rear differential while the minimum number on a unibody crossover is often the distance before you run into all the more critical bits on the belly.

 

Welcome to the forum

I think a 4Runner + better tires would be a great choice for your described terrain

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome

 

Welcome to the forum.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

Welcome from Arizona!