For starters you cannot control all aspects of the vehicle. Take headlights for example: There are basically two positions for full operation, manual and automatic. In manual mode, you have to turn on the headlights and automatic mode it turns them on for you at dusk. Fine so far right? In both modes you decide when to use high beam or low beam, now get this, except the sensor decides if high beams are rreeeeaaaalllllyyyy needed. Example: A car is coming towards you and you have it on high beam. The sensor picks up the headlights and auto dims the headlights, when the car passes the light goes back to high beam.... except when it doesn't. I have blinded some drivers for a few seconds. I have needed high beams and not been able to use them because of reflection of lights off a railroad crossing sign. Do they work? Sure, after a fashion, but they absolutely don't function like I use my headlights. So maybe it's just dumbass me lol.
Auto stop at red lights and in traffic is a *****. Yes, they give you a button to turn that feature off. No, it won't stay off and you only remember to hit the button when it kills the engine going through a drive through lol.
Radar cruise control.... need I say more.
Truthfully, for 95% of the people interested in a vehicle like this it is perfect. Just drive it. It won't let you back over something, it will auto brake if you forget, reminds you if you cross a line, rides good, comfortable, has all the bells and whistles and will be reliable and dependable forever. Tons of interior room too.
However, that vehicle has no soul... none whatsoever. My new Tacoma, even though it has the same 3.5 engine, has a soul. It has a six speed manual transmission, is not really quiet, rides like a truck and you have to do everything yourself. I love it because you have to drive it and never get bored. You have to pay attention. It has a personality. The 4Runner has a soul too, even though it is a more subdued one than the truck. The Highlander? None.
