East Tennessee // Toyota family substitution
We don't rent the Tacoma. The FJ is the Toyota 4WD we have.
Same Toyota, same 4WD, better suited to passenger-focused East Tennessee trips. The FJ seats five comfortably; the Tacoma is optimized for cargo.
You searched for Toyota Tacoma
We don't rent that. Try the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser Trail Teams.
The V6 Toyota Tacoma and the Toyota FJ Cruiser are closely related vehicles — both use Toyota's 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 engine and share similar 4WD transfer case systems. The Tacoma is a pickup truck optimized for cargo capacity; the FJ Cruiser is a body-on-frame SUV optimized for passenger transport and go-anywhere capability. If you searched for a Tacoma because you needed truck bed space for gear, the FJ's closed cargo area is a compromise — but it's a lockable, weather-protected cargo area. If you searched for a Tacoma because you wanted Toyota 4WD capability for the Smokies and East Tennessee roads, the FJ Trail Teams matches that brief directly.
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Toyota Tacoma V6 (what you searched)
2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser Trail Teams
Tacoma vs FJ for East Tennessee trips
The most common Tacoma search in the East Tennessee market comes from people wanting a capable 4WD vehicle for Smokies hiking trips — parking at trailheads, handling gravel approaches, carrying camping gear. The FJ Cruiser covers the first two requirements better than the Tacoma (more nimble, same 4WD, rear locker standard) and covers the third worse (no truck bed, just a hatch and rear cargo area).
If you're packing camping gear that fits in the back of an SUV, the FJ is fine. If you're hauling a load that needs a pickup bed — bikes, kayaks on a rack, construction materials, anything that won't fit in an enclosed SUV — the FJ doesn't substitute. In that case, national chains at TYS have truck rental options.
Frequently asked questions
Can the FJ tow a trailer?
The FJ Cruiser is rated to tow up to 5,000 lb when properly equipped. We do not allow towing with our rental vehicles — the tow hitch is present but not authorized for use during the rental period.
Is the FJ good for Cades Cove with camping gear?
Yes — the FJ's rear cargo area with the seats folded handles gear for 2-person camping trips. Larger groups or more gear should consider the Odyssey's rear cargo or the NV Passenger for genuine group capacity.
Can I haul bikes in the FJ?
With the seats configured, yes — mountain bikes fit in the back of the FJ with the rear doors open. For a cleaner setup, a hitch rack is the better solution, which we don't support for rentals. Roof racks are not available on the FJ rental.
Is there a truck rental available at TYS?
Yes — Enterprise, Hertz, and Budget at TYS all have truck inventory (typically F-150, Silverado, or RAM class). For genuine truck bed needs, those are the right resources.
Can the FJ Cruiser handle forest service roads?
Yes — BFGoodrich All-Terrains, rear locker, 4WD low range. Forest service gravel roads are well within its capability.
Can I pick this up if I'm staying in Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Sevierville?
Yes. Our pickup is near TYS in Maryville/Alcoa. From Gatlinburg it's about 50 minutes; from Pigeon Forge or Sevierville it's 40–45 minutes. Many guests pick up at TYS on arrival and drive directly to their Smokies destination.
Related
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Toyota 4Runner alternative
Another body-on-frame Toyota SUV search — the 4Runner/FJ comparison.
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Rugged SUV rentals
The FJ's category page — full specs and East Tennessee use cases.
Related
Cades Cove
The FJ's best road. More nimble than a Tacoma on the 11-mile paved loop.
Related
Family rentals
For the cargo-hauling version of the Tacoma search — the Odyssey and NV Passenger.
Same Toyota V6. Better for passengers.