Greetings all!
Trying to make this post brief. Lost my pre-owned BMW x5 3.0 to some slick roads a couple of weeks here in Colorado Springs. I have been contemplating a 4Runner for a while now. To keep things simple, if I were to go for a 4Runner I would be looking at least at the base TRD model for the 4x4 (Colorado weather) capability as well as "possibility" of doing bolt-ons and other stuff later if I get into more off-roading (which my friend with a jeep wants me to......im 50/50....money always key.) Keeping short, here are some questions I have for you all.
*context: If I don't buy new, I am looking at least at gently used 2014-present model years as alternatives*
1. Are there any options that you wish you had/wish you did not have?
2. Are there any particular "quirks" with specific model years I should be aware of?
3. What are some easy "cost-efficient" mods I might consider getting right after purchase?
4. How do you feel its like a daily driver?
5. Do you feel there is anything else you need to add as a new possible "4Runner enthusiast"?
6. Do you think I should wait for another year or two based on "rumors" of new things?
Thank you all for your hospitality!

Best vehicle ive ever had

I have a 2019 TRD Off Road which I thoroughly enjoy. I haven’t taken it off road yet, but am looking forward to it. I’m wondering if the 4Runner Limited will fit your lifestyle better. It’s the only one with full-time 4wheel drive, which I assume your BMW had. Plus, the Limited will do better than the BMW on the trails. Just a thought. I can say this: you won’t mind the reliability. Best wishes!

1. Are there any options that you wish you had/wish you did not have?

KDSS. It makes a slight difference in on road handling, but also makes for weird leaning issues when lifting.

2. Are there any particular "quirks" with specific model years I should be aware of?

Older ones will have bad door locks. It's an expensive fix to dig around in the doors. The 5th generation models before the 2014 all have cheaper interiors than the post-refresh models, especially if you get the upgraded one. Toyotas also love to rust in certain climates so get a southern vehicle if buying used.

3. What are some easy "cost-efficient" mods I might consider getting right after purchase?

Nothing I did, it depends on how you use it.

4. How do you feel its like a daily driver?

It's a heavy and large truck. Perfectly capable of being a DD/commuter, but if that's your main use, then there are far better vehicles.

5. Do you feel there is anything else you need to add as a new possible "4Runner enthusiast"?

Don't modify anything until you have an idea what your specific needs are.

6. Do you think I should wait for another year or two based on "rumors" of new things?

No.

I would add that they kinda suck in CO snow and ice unless you have dedicated snow tires, even then the lack of a center diff blows when using the 4WD on streets and highways. I used Blizzaks and Nokians for snow tires.

Honestly, the BEST winter car I had in CO was my dad's Outback. That thing killed it in the worst weather conditions.

Heres my opinion. Im not an off road guy. I live in Miami. As flat as you can probably get. But we might be up there in amount of pot holes though lol.

I have a White 2018 TRD Pro.

1. Are there any options that you wish you had/wish you did not have?
- I purchased my TRD Pro because I just wanted the top tier and I didn't have plans on upgrading my suspension. The only thing I would have done was add black accents (knowing I was going to get a white 4Runner) but the TRD Pro trim did that for me.
2. Are there any particular "quirks" with specific model years I should be aware of?
- I have my own 5th Gen. From all the research Ive done, there is nothing to be aware of. Which is one of the reasons why I bought it in the first place.
3. What are some easy "cost-efficient" mods I might consider getting right after purchase?
- not going to answer this one because my mods are "non off road" related so the majority of this forum will hate me.
4. How do you feel it's like a daily driver?
- I love it. I feel like I'm driving a tank. BUT... for short, quick, drives... I sometimes miss my quick little Scion tC.
5. Do you feel there is anything else you need to add as a new possible "4Runner enthusiast"?
- For me... I had a lot of questions kinda like this post before and after purchasing. But a lot of people just gave me sarcastic answers and told me to just research the answers. Not on this forum specifically but on facebook groups, forums, etc..
- I thought that purchasing the TRD Pro would stop me from buying extra things. But as I write this, Im waiting on a front bumper from Southern Style Offroad and a rear bumper from Shrockworks. Why though? I just want more protection from these idiotic Miami drivers.
- Whenever you think there is nothing else to add to a 4Runner, a google search will change your mind quickly.
6. Do you think I should wait for another year or two based on "rumors" of new things?
- No. My opinion. Theres a reason why Toyota hasn't updated this vehicle. You don't fix things that aren't broken. They could probably sell this 5th Gen model for another 10 years and aesthetically it would still be fine. But times are changing. I believe the rumor has it set that the next gen will be 2023.

1. Are there any options that you wish you had/wish you did not have?
wish i had a sunroof, nothing i wish i didnt have.
2. Are there any particular "quirks" with specific model years I should be aware of?
not that i know of
3. What are some easy "cost-efficient" mods I might consider getting right after purchase?
meh
4. How do you feel its like a daily driver?
its pretty great. in bad weather its unstoppable, in good weather its more comfy than the reviewers want to say
5. Do you feel there is anything else you need to add as a new possible "4Runner enthusiast"?
rims, leveling lift...the rest is per your own wants and/or needs
6. Do you think I should wait for another year or two based on "rumors" of new things?
if you are going to wait, you'll be waiting a while for something truely new...2014 = 2021...with minor changes.

The new model is supposed to be 2022 but that might change due to corona and GM having a massive deal on 84 months 0% financing
Mike

Watching so many youtube videos on Colorado and off roading, if I were you I'd get an T4R Off Road and plan to upgrade it.

Look for a Off Road with KDSS if you don't plan on upgrading the suspension right away.

The on road handling of the KDSS OR beats the non-KDSS OR. A suspension lift ($1500) on the OR makes it even.


A Sprint Booster really changes the feel of the Acceleration. Goes from being a dog to a race car.

1. Are there any options that you wish you had/wish you did not have?

2017 TRD Off-Road. Wish I had CarPlay, heated seats (which you can get in the premium model), independent fog lights (which can be re-wired so). Biggest gripe for me is fuel economy tbh.

2. Are there any particular "quirks" with specific model years I should be aware of?
3. What are some easy "cost-efficient" mods I might consider getting right after purchase?

Depends on goal. There are a ton of threads on this site talking about cheap intro mods. Mine were: blackout emblems, laminx fogs (upgraded to Diode Dynamics SS3), Pro grill ($100 chinese version), paint front and back bumper valance ($10). If you want to armor up i'd wait for sales on sliders and skids.

4. How do you feel its like a daily driver?

Used to drive 40 miles round trip daily. No issues. Now i drive 10 miles round trip daily in town and no issues. No suspension upgrades for me yet and it drives great on the freeway at 80mph.

5. Do you feel there is anything else you need to add as a new possible "4Runner enthusiast"?

4runner was my dream vehicle, and I smile every damn day i look at it. I'm so happy with the purchase.

6. Do you think I should wait for another year or two based on "rumors" of new things?

Depends, do you need a 4x4 now? You can purchase a Trail or TRD Off-Road reasonably, or go with a 2020 (carplay) if you want to drop the money new.

I should add:

I compare the 4Runner to the Jeep Wrangler. Both are old school (old tech) off road biased vehicles.

They are apples and oranges different from a BMW which is a on road performance vehicle.


I like the long term reliability and interior comfort of the 4Runner over the Wrangler.

If you want the latest technology package / safety gizmos - apple car play, etc, etc, etc - look elsewhere.

I ended up choosing a Limited after 5 years in a BMW 550i x-drive with the twin turbo V8. I would be prepared for a starkly different daily driving experience. It took me about 4-6 months to really get used to it. It was also about that time when I started modding and getting into it's off-road abilities here in CO. This is when it turned into a love-fest and I've had an absolute blast ever since. Mod info in my sig if interested. Good luck!

2020 TRD Pro

1. Heads-up display. I had it in my Yukon and really got used to it. I also miss my proximity sensor. When I would walk away from the Yukon it would automatically lock. I've left my 4Rnr unlocked a few timesalready

2. The TSS black rectangle in the grille is ugly

3. Wheel spacers. Changes the whole look of the truck IMO. Looks way more aggressive.

4. I love it so far as a daily. Of course more power would be better, but not that big of a deal, even considering my Yukon had around 430hp.

5. I'm going to lift an inch or 2.

6. Never wait. There is always something better coming so you will end up waiting forever.

I have never had a heads up display in a vehicle before. In fact, I have never owned/purchased a vehicle that was not at least 12 years old so I never had the luxury.

I agree the TSS black rectangle can be a bit gaudy, however, I guess its the price you pay for a better looking front end overall.

I had not thought about wheel spacers, but now I am curious!

I was hoping within the first few weeks of owning it to do some basic cost-efficient upgrades like Intake and exhaust to help with power and some of the MPG. Being in Colorado Springs N/A motors can get a bit anemic at this altitude, got to help out any way I can.

Yup, I'm already shopping around for a 3-inch lift system right now. Most likely a purchase that will be made way in the future.

I'm hoping that the silver lining to this whole corona thing is that dealers are willing to make deals to move product off their lots since I'm sure sales are at a low.

Test dive one with KDSS and one without. For me it was a must have. Some people don't like it. It is only available as an option on TRD OR models or Pre 2017 Trail Edition models. Trail Edition from 2010 to 2016 model years was the same thing as TRD OR is now. The new "Trail" package for 2020 is an SR5 with cosmetic upgrades. It's a bit confusing and I'm not sure why Toyota was so lazy to reuse the same package name for a different package on the same model. Just make sure you're really getting what you think you're getting.

It's a great swiss army knife, but not really great at any one task, but does a lot of things pretty well. Its' really heavy and doesn't have a ton of power. Exhaust and intake will give you approximately 0 additional hp. So don't expect anything other than more noise. If you want the best highway performance - keep it stock especially tire size. If you do mod - pay attention to aerodynamics (don't put a giant roof basket on) and weight (don't bolt on or fill with unnecessary weight). If you're okay with 14mpg and 10 second 0-60, put some 34" tires on, drive around with a roof top tent, and fill the back with 1000 lbs of drawers and fridges and tools.

I would also suggest looking at a Lexus GX460. Same vehicle platform, but with a V8 and different sheet metal. Style is polarizing. GX models all have KDSS and all have AWD center diff. I find little or no value in AWD vs 4x4, but some people like it. I have vehicles with both and they're both perfectly fine for snowy roads. I was going to trade my 2015 for a GX recently but have decided to wait and see what the next generation land cruiser is like. Nothing is wrong with it - I've had it for 5 years and I'm bored. The GX will fit all of the suspension and other mods I have on my 4Runner, so it's an easy swap over to something new.

Stock tires suck - so that would be my first change out.

Sorry about your BMW....4Runner is juuust a bit different. I got into mine after doing research, test driving, then finding out it is top 3 in both reliability and longevity among all vehicles. Agree with the point above that a Limited (with full time 4wd) might be the best match. Or GX as Jetboy suggested.

1. Are there any options that you wish you had/wish you did not have?

Locking rear differential. Haven't needed it yet, but the time will come. Full time has also crossed my mind.


2. Are there any particular "quirks" with specific model years I should be aware of?

2015 and up, not that I'm aware of.

3. What are some easy "cost-efficient" mods I might consider getting right after purchase?

These are so owner-dependent....my ideas are likely different than yours.
That said: tires are the biggest single thing IMO that contribute to ride, handling and offroad ability. The stock Bridgestones for example are bad in the wet, clog up with mud easily and are definitely a street tire.

4. How do you feel its like a daily driver?

It's great for me. Kind of reminds me of an older vehicle; body on frame with compliant suspension. It will take some getting used to after a Beemer, but I've never had an issue.

5. Do you feel there is anything else you need to add as a new possible "4Runner enthusiast"?

Not really; I haven't done any hardcore offroading, so the stock setup has been fine. I AM eyeballing some Bilstein 5100s in another 15,000 miles or so. Am considering the Sprint pedal controller. Though quite spendy, the supercharger is attractive but I will likely leave the engine untouched.

6. Do you think I should wait for another year or two based on "rumors" of new things?

Nope....5th gen is a great vehicle and as mentioned above you'll be waiting awhile - not to mention that you're in the market right now.

Welcome to the club!