Toyota 4Runner / FJ Cruiser / Lexus GX

Trim Levels:

• SR5
• SR5 Premium
• TRD Off-Road
• TRD Off-Road Premium
• Limited
• Nightshade Edition (limited availability)
• TRD Pro

Engine Options:

• 4.0L V6 engine

Transmission Options:

• 5-speed automatic transmission

Drivetrain Options:

• Rear-wheel drive (2WD) standard on most trims
• Part-time 4WD system available on most trims
• Full-time 4WD system available on Limited trim

Seating and Cabin Configurations:

• Seating for up to 7 passengers with optional third-row seat

Off-Road Features (TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro):

• Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control
• Locking rear differential
• Off-road suspension components

Infotainment and Technology:

• Toyota Entune infotainment system with touchscreen display (varies by trim)
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility (limited availability on some trims)
• Available advanced driver assistance features

Other Notable Features:

Rugged body-on-frame construction for durability and off-road capability

Optional third-row seating

Available Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for improved off-road performance

Roof rails for additional cargo options

Generous cargo capacity with fold-flat second-row seats and available sliding rear cargo deck

The Toyota 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, and Lexus GX have become familiar platforms for trail driving, camping, and longer trips with gear aboard. Each brings a different personality, from the FJ’s distinctive body to the GX’s more comfortable interior and the 4Runner’s long history as a practical Toyota SUV.

The first 4Runner arrived in 1984 with roots in Toyota’s pickup range and a removable fiberglass top over the rear cargo area. It was much closer to a pickup with an enclosed back than the later four-door models. The FJ Cruiser took a different route into Toyota’s history, borrowing recognizable styling cues from the FJ40 Land Cruiser.

The GX adds Lexus comfort to a body-on-frame SUV platform. Alongside the 4Runner and FJ Cruiser, it gives builders another way to combine everyday use with off-road travel. There are mechanical relationships across these vehicles, but generation, suspension equipment, and drivetrain still determine which parts fit.

Why We Like These Platforms At 9AM:

We like vehicles that can carry camping gear on Saturday and still be enjoyable on the drive to work. These platforms leave room for both. A build doesn’t need every available accessory to be useful, and we appreciate seeing owners figure out what actually earns its place on the vehicle.

You don’t need to build the whole truck before taking it camping. Start with the trips you actually want to take, get familiar with the vehicle, and pay attention to what would make those trips better. A daily driver that sees weekend trails has different needs than a truck carrying camping gear full time. Here are a few places to start.

Suspension That Suits The Truck

Before choosing a lift, think about how the truck rides now and what you normally carry. Bumpers, tools, and camping gear all become part of the suspension conversation. Our 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, and GX suspension collection includes shocks, coilovers, springs, and control arms from Dirt King, ICON, Elevate, and Locked Offroad. For a daily driver and weekend trail truck, we’d start by looking at ride control and a setup suited to its weight. Long travel is a bigger commitment for a build with different goals.

Wheels And Tire Plans

It helps to decide on your tire size before falling in love with a wheel. That choice affects clearance, wheel width, and how much additional work the truck might need. Our Toyota off-road wheel collection includes options from Method, ICON, Falcon, Battle Born, and others. Tell us which truck you have, its suspension setup, and the tires you’re considering. That gives us a useful starting point for narrowing down fitment.

Recovery Gear Before You Need It

Recovery equipment deserves a place in the budget early if you’re heading off pavement. Our Toyota recovery collection includes MAXTRAX boards, recovery kits, shackles, and winches. Start with equipment suited to the terrain and learn how to use it before the trip. A winch takes more planning around mounting and electrical requirements, while recovery boards are something you can carry without building the truck around them.

Lighting And Accessory Controls

Think about where you need light. Finding a campsite after dark and seeing farther down an open trail are different jobs. Our 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, and GX lighting collection includes fog-light upgrades, auxiliary light kits, and mounts from brands including Baja Designs, NACHO, and Vision X. If you’re adding several accessories, the Toyota interior collection has switch systems from Switch-Pros, NACHO, and others to give those controls a dedicated home.

Camping Gear You’ll Actually Use

A comfortable chair, organized storage, and some shade can make a weekend better without turning the truck into a full-time camping rig. Our Toyota overland collection includes camp chairs, storage boxes, awnings, and RotopaX containers. Build around the things you reach for on your trips. You’ll have a better idea of what belongs on the truck after a few weekends using it.

Intake And Exhaust

If you want to change the truck’s sound and character, our 4Runner, FJ Cruiser, and GX powertrain collection includes intake and exhaust options from aFe, Injen, and Gibson for selected applications. Think about the highway drive as much as the sound outside the truck. An exhaust you enjoy around town still needs to be something you want to hear for a few hours on the way to camp.