Interesting thread. This is my first post on this site, as I just purchased a 2017 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium, Barcelona Red. I say interesting, because I just got rid of my 2016 Ram 2500, Big Horn, Crew Cab, with 6.4 Hemi. Yes, I loved the power in that engine, and yes, it is a big difference and adjustment going down to a 6cylinder engine. For me, however, weighing the pros and cons of letting that go for the 4 Runner, the pro's far outweigh the cons.

As much as I enjoyed the power, I did not need the 6,700 pound beast, I did not need to struggle to park the beast, and I did not use this beast for all of its intended purposes, i.e., it is a heavy duty work truck. I am retired, I don't work, and this truck would never have seen any work. I had it only because I enjoyed big V-8 power.

So, down-sizing to the 4Runner, was a positive for me, in many ways; reliability, re-sale, fun factor, being able to get around better, having the option to play with the vehicle, and never having to worry about finding the right parking space. I drove my 4Runner home last night; a 120 mile trip in the pouring rain, in some pretty hilly areas, and yes, it is a different beast, takes getting used to the 5 speed/pairing with the 4.0, however, like anything else, it's about living with the decision you make. I have always wanted a 4Runner, and now I think I have my last vehicle.

I wish you much success in your decision making.

You guys are sooo spoiled! I started out with a 1935 Dodge Panel Delivery - - about 25 hp if I remember right. About 20 vehicles later here I am in the best....

Attached Images

 

If you leave the 4runner platform...TAKE ME WITH YOU!

With Dart chiming in that brings us full circle to every other thread that mentions Raptor!

By the way LawnDart, have you seen they released a “Classic Lawn Darts” game available at many sporting goods stores. They have a plastic blunt nose tip, apparently their idea of classic lawn darts is different than mine!

I have a legit set of lawn darts, but I'm kind of afraid to play with them because of the high risk that i might die.

Nice, had them when I was a kid, no one died. I mean a dart through the foot was probably higher likelihood than actual death.


I’m sure you’ll have that Raptor soon enough, I bet for towing the trailer it’ll be awesome.

OP, I think if I were in your boat I'd try and make it another year or two and wait for the new Ranger at least before making a decision. If you can wait 2-3 years the Bronco should be announced/out as well.

OP, when you test drove the 4Runner (because who would throw down that kind of $$$ without testing it in their regular driving conditions?) did it have enough power back then? It’s simply powered the way it’s powered......it’s no secret. No surprise.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

I wouldn't say the 4Runner is under powered by any means. I cross shopped the Tacoma to the 4Runner and found the 4.0 V6 torque curve to be much better in comparison to the new 3.5. You really don't have to rev the piss out of the 4.0 to get it to go. In day to day driving, I've yet to feel like I was short on power, but then again, I'm not racing everyone off the line either . If you've found the engine to be short on power, I would say, yes, by all means go get whatever floats your boat.

Side note, this is coming from a guy that just sold his 15' Grand Cherokee Overland with the 5.7 (360 HP/ 390 FT TQ) mated to a 8-Speed ZF transmission to buy my TRD OR. I've owned two WK2 Grand Cherokee's through the years, and I simply wanted something with better resale and a simpler package (i.e no air suspension, radar cruise and a huge a** touchscreen). Both are great vehicles, I just see a diminishing return once your break the 300 HP mark. Is it nice to have...yes, but it's not really needed.

My next vehicle when I retire will be the 2009 Lexus GX470 fully loaded - same platform as my 4th Gen V8 2WD but with 4WD and more space with luxurious amenities...been seriously thinking about it.

If we spent time at 10k ft I would have rented a 4runner for a day to be sure the power was sufficient. Towing/hauling at elevation sounds like a modern diesel engine would be helpful.

Look around to see if the current Ford Ecoboost engines achieve the promised economy. Recommend the OP include the Tundra and Sequoia in the next round of shopping.

For towing I use a slightly modified Dodge Cummins. The 4runner will never have the equivalent power. The 4runner is more reliable and easier to park.

He doesn't know how to drive in the mountains, that's the problem, not the engine...

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

Get a land cruiser

Don't forget that god awful grill in the 460.


.