As someone who owns and has owned a Unibody SUV/CUV, what are the perks of having a Body on Frame SUV?

[TigerEyeJazz]

So a little background, I’ve owned about 3 vehicles in my life thus far. 16’ Elantra GT, 19’ X2 M35i and currently 23’ Honda HR-V.

As someone who’s owned literally only Unibody vehicles, what are the benefits of owning a body on frame vehicle. Would love to have input from current 4Runner owners as well as owners of Broncos and other body on frame owners.

 

[Bronconomore]

Real difference is that the chassis and suspension are separate from the body.

Pros

• Better ground clearance for off-roading
• Ability to handle heavier loads
• Easier to modify with lifting kits
• Flexes over uneven terrain to keep wheels on the ground
• Rubber-mounted body filters out vibrations for a comfortable ride

Cons

• Much heavier than unibody
• Not as safe, with a higher risk of rolling
• Less fuel-efficient

 

[TigerEyeJazz]

Real difference is that the chassis and suspension are separate from the body.

Pros

• Better ground clearance for off-roading
• Ability to handle heavier loads
• Easier to modify with lifting kits
• Flexes over uneven terrain to keep wheels on the ground
• Rubber-mounted body filters out vibrations for a comfortable ride

Cons

• Much heavier than unibody
• Not as safe, with a higher risk of rolling
• Less fuel-efficient

I appreciate the insight! I’ve only driven my buddies Tacoma TRD Pro and you can definitely feel a difference but I wasn’t quite sure what it was.

 

[Nuke]

Bronconomore, what is your opinion/experience regarding corrosion susceptibility between a body-on-frame and unibody? Of course TigerEyeJazz would not have an issue in Florida, but in the U.S. "Rust Belt" this is a critical concern with the frames.

 

[MJE]

I appreciate the insight! I’ve only driven my buddies Tacoma TRD Pro and you can definitely feel a difference but I wasn’t quite sure what it was.

That would definitely be a major contributor to the difference you’re feeling. I had BOF pickups for most of my life & only in the last 8? Years have gotten into unibody SUVs. That feel you’re describing int he Tacoma I’ve come to determine I prefer. Rear drive alone feels hugely different in driving, I enjoyed the explorer I had as possibly the only rear drive (ok AWD with a rear bias) unibody vehicle.

 

[TigerEyeJazz]

That would definitely be a major contributor to the difference you’re feeling. I had BOF pickups for most of my life & only in the last 8? Years have gotten into unibody SUVs. That feel you’re describing int he Tacoma I’ve come to determine I prefer. Rear drive alone feels hugely different in driving, I enjoyed the explorer I had as possibly the only rear drive (ok AWD with a rear bias) unibody vehicle.

I’ve never owned a RWD vehicle thus far I’ve only owned FWD and the AWD in the X2 which was FWD based. I think it’s time to get a Body On Frame vehicle. Overall driving will feel different for me going from CUV’s to SUV’s but I need something different.