Both The Toyota 4Runner & Nissan Armada Are Off-Road LEGENDS - And This Proves It!
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( tfl-studios.com/ ) Overseas, the Nissan Armada is known as the Patrol and the 4Runner as the Land Cruiser Prado - both with legendary reputations for their off-road capability. These two may be totally different beasts for the folks who buy them over here, but both are still well capable off-road in their own right. Check out how they perform!
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#Patrol #4Runner #OffRoad
Nissan, PLEASE bring back the Xterra!
Please don’t 😂
they can't because of that chicken tax BS or something as the current Xterra is based on the Navara pickup truck and the NA market had its own nameplate, the Frontier
Its coming end of 2024!
@@jnagimenope
An older 4runner vs xterra off-road comparison would be sick
They’re not the same size. Like the Wrangler and Bronco.
Xterra is closer to fj
What would be the point? They are both going to do good and be fairly even in capabilities as expected.
@@gs6810 yeah , unless you’re crawling boulders they’re going to be so similar. X is shorter but the 4r turns better.
@@hankj.b 2002 4runner and 2002 xterra are 178".
There needs to be a PRO4X trim of the Armada. Everything they need to make that happen is available off the shelf at Nissa: - PRO4X wheels Check ( from the Titan) - rear locker ? Check from the global Y62 patrol - more AWD modes? Check from the Global Y62 Or maybe you could do a PRO4X trim project of it like you did with the older Landcruisers TRD "package"? That being said a base Armada with the small wheels probably would have been a better choice offroad. 20 inch wheels with Duelers is code for "this is set up for Hiway only".
Pro4Xs are 4WD, not AWD
And suspension is different in the Patrol.
I've had two 4x4s equipped with Bridgestone Duelers from the factory, a Nissan Frontier and a Toyota 4Runner. The tires were so poor on both vehicles (horrid wet traction, braking, cornering, ride, weird cupping wear) even on the highway that I replaced them long before I reached the treadwear limits. The dealers balanced and 4 wheel aligned both vehicles multiple times trying to figure out what was causing the cupping wear patterns, but they never did figure it out. Duelers aren't fit for use on or off road, IMHO.
From your lips to Nissan senior management's ears. Nissan is crazy to have just handed Toyota and Stellantis the 'affordable' "off-road" capable market for the past 6 to 10 years. Americans spend a TON of $$$ on off-road modifications............whether they actually take the vehicle off-road is irrelevent.
If they do make one it probably won’t be a v8
I love my Armada but would absolutely be enthralled with a Pro 4X Armada! Nissan please indulge us!
😍 exactly
Just sell us the Patrol as it is in other countries as opposed to the 95% Patrol we currently get. Heck they could at least offer the locker and HBMC suspension as dealer options for those who want them.
Awesome! People write off the Armada like it's nothing, but it's surprisingly capable. Glad to see you guys use it like this
I'm so glad they do , as it keeps it far more reasonable versus a landcruiser .
That is actually the Nissan patrol a legend off road suv so, there ir nothing to be surprised
I loved my Armada Platinum Reserve. The V8 has great power and cruises the highways like a boss. It made many vehicles move out of the way due to its size.
Your review alone makes me want to buy one...
Same.
Previous 4Runner owner now Platinum 4x4 armada owner. You couldn’t get me back in a Toyota. Took them to the same spots and the armada handled like a boss compared to the 4runner.
Nissan should bring back the xterra with a pro 4x model of it!!! We had an Xterra and it was an just incredible off-roader it just lacked power.
I agree. Even today, old Xterra Pro-4X’s catch my eye, between the wheels and bigger tires, and the stance. Plus those roof lights!
Had one and i traded it for a freaking Rogue. Uugghh i miss it so much, i bought the 22 frontier pro4x
@@Interpolation1911 Yes the Xterra is by far one of the greatest! How are you liking you new pro 4x frontier?
@@ethannorton1560 I LOVE IT !!! ive had 4 pickups 2 tundras , early 2000 frontier and the new 22. I tell you what…. Its the most quiet, comfortable truck in this size ive driven. Has plenty of torque and HP. Ground clearance could be better like the Taco TRD Pro but thats an easy fix. I wouldn’t trade it for any mid size. Also, you cant beat 21 MPG combined driving. Actually, ground clearance is good im just picky and like the level look.
Very nice Armada, the best of it is the V8. V8's for life!!!!!!!!
4Runner all day long, long live the real legend here! 👍
I couldn't believe that the Nissan cost more ? !! Really ?! I would totally take the 4Runner......... Change my mind 😜
@@samfromalbuquerque7235 If you factor in the insane dealer markups on the 4Runner, then it’s more $$$$! What a world we live in now!
@@samfromalbuquerque7235 The Nissan costs more because it’s bigger, roomier, there is a V8 under the hood and it’s more practical. What’s with you people come on.
@@samfromalbuquerque7235 Seriously? Taking the 4Runner is fine and all but they are two completely different classes of vehicle. The Armada is the size of a Chevy Tahoe with the power, towing and space to match. The 4Runner is what it is because it's truly a dinosaur. That's not necessarily a bad thing either. But even with the market all to itself the 4 Runner sells an average of 130,000 units a year. By SUV standards it's not a popular vehicle because unless you really want to use it's off road capability just about every other SUV out there is better at everything but the serious off road stuff than the 4Runner.
@@hankj.b I used to have more faith in folks. I thought they'll see these videos as just fun mashups and know they vehicles aren't actually competitors. Or they'll do a little research at least if they don't know. But, nope. And we're busting this guys chops but he's not the only one by a long shot.
Australian Patrol has a rear Diff Lock and Terran Modes also a bit more ground clearance
Anytime there is a 4runner video, I click fast as humanely possible.
Same
That was a smart thing to do by Nissan, just having the Armada and Patrol in a single global vehicle. I wish Toyota would bring the Land Cruiser GR to complete with a the Armada.
They will most likely build a land cruiser ish Sequia
The closest you'll get to that is the TRD Pro Sequoia. The LX is too expensive to compete with the Armada, and so is the Land Cruiser. It's Nissan that has to bring back the Xterra to compete with the 4runner, or return the Pathfinder to body on frame like they used to be. This comparison is apples to oranges because Nissan doesn't have a direct competition to the 4runner.
I think the 4Runner looks very nice
@@damilolaakanni EXACTLY!
Bought this exact same 4Runner two weeks ago and I am in love ☺
Keep up the great work! Love your videos together.
4runner’s hood scoop is fully functional, it reflects sun glare right into your eyes 😂🤣😆, i love my ‘17 trd-or
@@solidpiks yes, it’s called hood scoop with reflective capabilities
@@solidpiks you definitely need to chill
My two favorite vehicles. That's why we have one of each.
Great show, lots of fun!
Noone drinks Foster's down under. Can't find it at most pubs. In fact I'm Australian and I've never had it. Just FYI 😉☺️
You can get much worse than Foster's. Is not Tannenzapfle (but what is🤔), but it get job done.
@1:20 I love Nathan's statement "I'm driving the most capable Toyota SUV", not even the more expensive GX460 or Land cruiser200 has that offroad tech, ground clearance, angles, skids, tires.... I highly suggest Nathan to use A-Trac over rear locker until its needed. Else 4L does not have any traction aids. I use rear locker only when needed. Terrain management system also works well.
I wonder how difficult it would be to get the terrain management system from over seas and install it in the Armada. The actually have all those wonderful off-road features available on the Armada, just not the one here. I imagine the wire harness is there, just need the control module, anyone know or has tried?
I read somewhere years ago it was just the new dial and the module unlocked the multi terrain- now that I own a qx80 I cannot find it for the life of me. Something even Canadian y62/z62 are available with.
I'm so glad to hear someone else who knows how dumb the non-functioning hood scoop really is. I wish Toyota would get the message.
Maybe Andre can’t do a Australian accent, but I bet he can do a mean Russian accent 🤣
THE COMPARISON I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR
Obviously they aren’t mud terrain tires on the Armada but there’s a lot of options between street tires and MT starting with All seasons to mild AT to full on AT before you get to MT
Great video once again gentlemen thank you and have a Blessed day everyone
I would love to see a three way Old vs New with the most off road worthy new ford ranger, mid 2000’s ford ranger (before they killed it) and the first ford ranger from the 80’s! Pretty please!
The fact that Toyota is going to change the 4Runner in 23 or 24 MY spurred me to get my 2022 TRD OR-P in Lunar Rock. I like the tried and true 20 year powertrain combo.
Wish I had a lunar rock. That’s the best trd color in a long time.
@@bryans4727 😢shucks. I do like that the lines turn on the back up camera though. I’m kinda wishing I got a JDM imported Land Cruiser Prado instead.
Same exact reason I bought my 2023 4runner lunar rock. I wanted that legendary bulletproof 4.0L v6
Does that 4Runner hold 5th gear on I70 at speed limit, or like mine constantly gear searching?
Andre, the tires on the Armada are street tires. The H in HT stands for highway.
Nathan: “They do everything better in Australia!” Australia: “You will be arrested if you leave your house”
@@shitloveaduck SO not the point. There is no tyranny more oppressive than that which disguises itself to "protect" the population. But this is what happens when you're a SUBJECT, instead of a CITIZEN. You don't have the rights the rest of us do. ROFLMFAO!!
@@shitloveaduck well considering we have more people 329million vs 25.69 million... Its understood we'd have more cases and as a result more deaths.... But if you run the numbers, the U.S. death per infection rate is 1.6% while Australia is 1%..... So is .6% worth not having any freedoms... I'll let you decide that 🤷♂️
@@shitloveaduck completely agree, I think either way there's gonna be people who say.... "The government is doing too much" or "the government isn't doing enough". But at the end of the day I say use your own judgement, wash your hands and eat healthy/exercise. And if it's your time to go, then nothing is gonna stop it. But I think we deserve a few beers for having the first civil discussion on KZhead 😂😂
Yeah you guys are right, those 4Runners are truly a gem. My dad has a Grand Cherokee, absolutely amazing vehicle, had barely any issues, but 4Runner speaks my language. Hopefully a TRD Off-road premium is in my driveway before Toyota updates it.
Nice thing about the Grand Cherokee is that you can get the Hemi. I have this generation 4Runner, the engine is really lacking in power. It also sounds terrible.
@@trailrunnah8886 IMO, 270HP isn't underpowered. It probably feels that way because of the way the transmission shifts. I've driven a 2008 Land Cruiser, same engine, five speed auto, but less power (about 236), and it didn't feel underpowered at all. And this is from someone who used to drive a GX470 (pre-facelift model with the 235HP 4.7 V8).
@@damilolaakanni Have to agree with trail runnah. I have '21TRD off road and it really could use more power. Perhaps I am used to my Armada. Towing an empty 5x9 trailer up a hill on the highway the 4runner shifts down and runs 4500-4800 rpm. The Armada won't break 3000 rpm towing a 6x12 trailer with 4000lb payload up the same hill. Don't get me started on the transmission....
@@damilolaakanni 4R feels horrendous. It was honestly surprising how much better my GX felt in terms of power delivery.
@@trailrunnah8886 i agree with you. I have a love/hate feeling about the power. I hate the fact it lacks power, but i love the fact that its sooo underpowered that it has actually saved me from getting many tickets. Many times i have been chugging along. I get it up to speed and i feel like im really giving it the beans. Then i see a cop an i look at my speedo an im only going like 5 over the limit 🤣. I know for a fact this year alone i would have gotten a ticket on 3 occasions with more horsepower.
Great review! btw, What's the biggest BFG KO2 tire that can be put on a stock 2023 Armada? Thanks!
I hope the next gen 4Runner includes a front diff locker. So many other vehicles have it available: Rubicons (gladiator, wranglers), ZR2, Broncos…
Here in Australia we dont get the blacked out armada/patrol and we do have the Tacoma or 4Runner
Why is the spare on the 4Runner a Dueler HT? Figured it would be a Nitto.
Andre and Nathan rock. Love your videos.
I'm really a big fan of 4 wheel independent suspension. Big fan.
ABLS is nissans off road traction control. It’s a very good system. It’s most aggressive in 4low
Andrew what's a towhow mode? This guy's cracks me up
I so desperately wish the Taco still had a manual transfer case lever. The electronic one takes forever to shift.
These guys act like their actually putting these trucks through their paces… i can go thru the same stuff in my FX35 on 22 inch wheels. Most people drive very conservative and never even get close to needing all the fancy offroad stuff they have on their vehicles.
Thanks pal yes we have great cars nice one. Richard Perth Western Australia!!
Yall need to do 1999 4runner limited vs 2002 nissan xtrerra
Does Armada share the same engine as the new Titan/Titan XD?
I want the armada! In midnight edition!!
Nissan Parol Warrior (Only in Australia). 323 mm of ground clearance. Just do the same with Armada, call it PRO-4X and it's better off-roader than 4runner overall. It's a little bit wider, consumes more gas, but overall it would be reliable and capable.
Have a 2007 pathfinder has 200thou ➕ miles and love it 😀 need to bring back that body style with bucket seats in the middle and have 3 seater for 3rd row
Love both of these rigs wish y’all could take a Subaru accent up there with both of these to see if it could hang with them on this trail considering it cost half as much as the patrol “I mean armada”
I’ve had Bridgestone tires on a few vehicles, including an old Bronco. Had such traction problems, I’ll never buy them again. Right now I’m on Michelins and have never had any traction problems, even on my GX470.
do oldsr 4 runner vs loke 2007 ish armada/pathfinder
There were markups on TRD Pros before the shortage. What did you think car dealers were going to do now, take the high road?
@Nathan When you say the 4runner is the most capable Toyota we can buy in the states, did you mean that the Prado is more capable, the Land Cruiser, or both?
I have never owned a pushbutton 4WD vehicle. I have a 2020 4R TRDOR. I love my 4 runner. I off road quite a bit. For what I do, it is perfect. If I was rock crawling I would get a Jeep. But, I am very very pleased with my 4 runner. The 4.0 v6 and 5 speed is fine for me. I do wish I had an extra gear or two. Anyway, great video.
Agree with you
Apparently the lever in the 5th gen 4runner is not mechanically connected to the transfer case. It activates a switch.
I know this video is older but I'm in the market for looking for a full size SUV body on frame and this is the best for the price I'm not saying it's the best full size out there but for the price and the space and the level of power I know it sucks on gas but this is really really good and it's basically a Nissan Patrol and off-road Beast
Best purchase ever! You couldn’t get me to drive a 4runner again. Nismo for Life
When are we gonna see your Montero do this?
Andre, The rumored GR Sequoia with locking front, rear and center differentials will run rings around this Armada ;-)
Link?
@@Toyota-Coaster I think someone is trying to send a hint to Toyota to replace the Land Cruiser with an equally capable SUV.
@@rightlanehog3151 you said rumored not offically fan suggested
@@rightlanehog3151 why would you need a center differential lock unless the ‘23 sequoia is full time awd? i’d be happy being part time awd with rear diff locks and with a-trac, mts and crawl control
@@salemk.3098 Your suggestion sounds very sensible but I was aiming for a like for like equal to the new GR Land Cruiser they just launched overseas.
Would interesting they ever did retro toy or Nissan. With a classic leaf spring set up in a limited market think they sure would sell just for their off rd and ground clearance. I like IDS, but they always look like the body sits more then half way to what a tire could do. And body lifts just don’t answer that.
You need to do an Armada vs. Sequoia v8 mall beasts.
Armada vs Sequoia is the most logical comparison. Both 8 cylinder, 8 passenger, "people movers" that are in the same price range. They're smoking crack comparing a 4Runner to an Armada.
they are similar price wise if you pay the yota tax
@@AldermanFredCDavis you couldn’t pay me to go back in the 4runner again after purchasing an armada and taking them both off road to the same exact trail. 7 speed manual 400hp v8 and climbs rocks with ease…
Australia has there own different based version of the 4 Runner called the Fortuner it’s based on there little pickup
4Runner based on surf
Where is this trail? I can't find it? Also 4runner all the way.
Australia does get the coolest cars, the US needed GM to import the Holden Maloo as a new El Camino, instead GM killed Holden.
GM is good at making decisions
I’m an American and let me tell you, the Middle Easterners get the coolest cars, especially the off-roaders. Even Mitsubishi is on the off-road bandwagon and their shit sells well there.
People say that and yet the #1 seller in the AU is the Ranger.
Great video
Hope you guys try the Prado with the new Diesel engine that has way more torque than the 4runner with 370 ft/lb of torque.
Thts European in the USA they don’t have diesel 4Runners
@@shitloveaduck in Europe (or the UK at least) 4 runner is called Land Cruiser Prado, so in essence theyre the same vehicle. back in the 90s when we were getting japanese imported 4runners they were literally a hilux but with an 'estate' body rather than a cab with pick up bed.
Isn’t the 4Runner a hilux surf instead of a land cruiser parado
The attempt at the Aussie accent was a total fail, Nathan, but I appreciate the effort, lol. Oh, and we would rather drink water from the Ganges than drink Fosters. The 4 runner looks so much better than the LC Prado. And yout get the TRD Pro options that we can only dream about.
I love the fake manual shifter for 4lo-4hi. It might as well use a knob considering it's not linkage to any gears and only an electronic switch with a lever instead of a knob. Love the 4runner though. Nissan's been using that v8 for like 20 years!
Whaaat??? For real? This is the only reason why I am after the TRD model
You would think with the price they charge for TRD Pro, Toyota would have a matching spare tire rather than the street tire it has. Love that lime green color
Definate cost cutting between 4th gen vrs 5th. 4th gen spare even came on a wheel that matched those on the truck. Interior and exterior plastics were much more scratch resistant and exterior paint quality was FAR better.
@@shitloveaduck NP I deleted my response feel free to delete this response as well...we've all done this lol
I've never seen an Armada off-road, didn't even know it had 4WD. I drove an Armada once and loved the power, I would love a V8 in a T4R.
Used 4th gen 4runner V8 is the sweet spot between these two. And much cheaper to boot.
You can use my armada it’s very unique. Turns heads😉. No problem doing that simple trail while adding dust to that 4Runner🤪.
What happened to cliffhanger 2.0?
I agree with Nathan in liking green. I think the bright green on the Tacoma TRD Pro looks better than the Lime Rush on the T4R, but I would take the Lime Rush over most other available colors. The 5 speed and 4 L V6 are adequate power-wise and mediocre efficiency-wise, but they are reliable. I have 101K miles on my 2016 SR5 4x4 T4R, and it is still just as good as when I bought it. I did have to pay for some upgrades to tires, wheels, brakes, shocks, headlights, fog lights, and exhaust, but it didn't cost me as much as a TRD Pro. I'm thinking of getting a rear locker, and I still think it will wind up cheaper than the TRD Pro even without a $30K(!!!!!) dealer markup. I like the Nissan Armada, but that fuel economy would bankrupt me given California gas prices. That puts it in the same category as the TRX for me. No bueno.
@@kimbuck2177, according to Toyota USA's website, a TRD Pro T4R without any options or markups starts at $52,120. An SR5 without any options or markups starts at $37,305. A price difference of $15K buys a lot of high-quality aftermarket upgrades, and that is completely ignoring that an SR5 will not command the same dealer markup that a TRD Pro will.
Nathan, no one in Australia drinks Fosters…we export it to get rid of it. 🤣
😢
They should have put the 9 speed out of the titan in the armada. They really just need to update the 4Runner not reinvent it. 3.5TT and a 9 or 10 speed.
I wish Nissan would at least offer to install the front and rear factory E-lockers that the Patrol/armada outside the USA get.
Do jeep vs raptor in utah
Lol I liked these guys together, mucho macho 😁
Here in Australia it’s illegal to put 35s on my JL wrangler. We are shit for 4x4 modifications. America has the most capable 4x4s
Hey, Andrey. No reason to apologize for Nathan. He's right about Australia. Great country with one big, very big caveat. They drive on the wrong side (AND the steering wheel is on the wrong side, even though it's the right side).
When you go under an Armada all generations they have a really good track record not as rugged as Land Cruisers but it's really close unfortunately they didn't take advantage of building an offroad adventure lineup Toyota knew this demand well ahead if everyone else
I had a '12 Armada. It was really a great vehicle, for what it is. The engine and transmission were anemic, on paper. But driving them, the 5.6 and the 5 speed worked just so well together. I also had a Tundra 5.7 6 spd at the same time, the Armada was more enjoyable to drive. Didn't have the power as the Tundra but the shifts and shift points just worked so well. Now the bad. I would not get into the habit of taking an Armada offroad on a regular basis. They have weaknesses. The rear differential is one major one. Ours went out at 140k and it had fluid changes every 30-40k miles. We towed a bit with it, but with the heft of that vehicle, low range, and the engine torque, I see those diffs dying an early death. Oh yeah, gas mileage is treacherous in those things. I hope the newer ones have some of those items worked out.
Hear me out… a Pro-4x Armada. I know it would be stupid expensive, but I’d at least like the option of wanting one someday 😆
We need Toyota Land Cruiser VS Nissan Armada Full Overall Fight Video
toyota doesn’t sell the land cruiser in the US anymore, you can get the lexus lx500 though
There’s no need to compare honestly, even Armada’s big brother Patrol can’t beat Land Cruiser most of the time lol, that’s why many rich people stick with LC all over the world
@@Devourur that’s untrue, for the past 15 years Patrols have won every 4x4 competition in Australia. It’s Patrols first, daylight second.
I agree the non functional hood scoop is so annoying lol
I love this Midnight Edition Armada (huge back bumper lip is growing on me) and the new upcoming Stealth Edition Expedition but I have no kids. Would it still be foolish of me to still purchase one or the other?? 🤦🏽♂️. That 3rd row seating will never be lifted for use. Besides, its too tight for an average size citizen. When I purchase a truck, it has to be big; as you feel protected and King on the roads. I guess i’ll keep my eyes on a new pick up, as you will😏
Nice hat Nathan
♡ from Australia
These guys had fuuun!!!
I have taken my 2019 Armada 4wd off the pavement a few times. While it is a little wide I goes through snow, sand, and mud with no issues. It is like off-roading on easy mode. Once the stock tires wear down and I replace them I will really take it out to stretch its legs
Yes, the 4Runner is very capable stock
Sorry. I have a 2019 Armada 4wd. Thought this was a great comparison though
Needed an xterra but they're gone
I really wish america could get the patrol safari 😔
No because simply you Americans don't deserve it 🤣 Also I'm glad the land cruiser discontinued 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
I’m from Australia, no one in Australia has ever called a 4Runner a prado.
Whynot put the same tires on both?
By 1:10 I thought the Nissan Armada was the Dodge Durango from the back😭
The armada and patrol are completely different rigs. I loved my armada when I had it. I got it for the reason it was “patrol” based. But our American based armada has been touched to heavily by the “suv soccer mom” fairy. The suspension was very limiting along with approach angle was horrible (drove with a bent front plate till I sold it.).
Did you have the first Gen Armada?
@@matthewputnam7486 I'd imagine he did since the current gen Armada is literally a Patrol (same frame, engine, transmission, body) with more of a focus on road performance (no locking rear diff or HBMC, different suspension tune) and interior quality. Armadas (and QX80s) are basically luxury Patrols, but they are very much still Patrols.
@@tbr2109 wrong. A lot of the Patrol parts are missing or de-contented. Different diffs, no lockers, suspension arms are completely different- basically half the Patrol's. They are stamped open channel and not boxed. @brotherheed00 is correct. The soccer mom fairy took all the expensive stuff off of the Patrol.
Did you have the older model? My 2017 is loaded with everything the patrol has and more
iron jack thats what the 4WD 24/7 crew drink no fosters
I think you should compared a Sequoia to Armada, or a Tahoe.
The point is the Nissan Patrol is an off road legend on par with the Land Cruiser. Nissan nerfs the Armada for the US.
I think they probably had the Armada, and had the 4Runner, and thought hey let's do a video. A lot of a comparison videos don't exactly make sense, they're just making videos with vehicles they have on hand.
Looks like the end of trail running soon...unless you boys can get your hands on a sled to test😛
Nate is like the Jack Black of TFL lol.