MOST 4runners in our city/ town are 2wd variants on balding oem-spec radials (not much rain or snow here). It’s almost offensive when I pull up to the local grocery store in KO2’s.

As many have mentioned, I’ve recommended the Highlander to plenty of people interested in the 4runner, typically after they balk at the entry price and lack of 4x4 aesthetic accoutrements in the most basic trim.

“It looks aggressive” is enough to influence people’s purchase choices. Must explain why our town is slowly getting taken over by Ford Raptors.

I never understood the "4WD maintenance" because diff and t-case changes are pretty basic, cheap, and infrequent enough that it doesn't become a factor and CV axles only wear out with constant use. And Toyota 4WD systems aren't know for being frail or prone to breakdowns.

And now that I'm in the market for one, the price gap between the 4WD and 2WD is getting pretty narrow. I remember buying 3rd gens and there was a substantial premium for a 4WD, not so much anymore.

Could you imagine how easy it would be to swap a steering rack without all that 4wd crap in the way

'

The highlander with the v6 and 6 or 8AT should tow better as well. Our RX is the same thing and it tows better than the 4Runner. It doesn't have the right rear suspension - but it is more comfortable, has 4.40 diffs, and an extra OD gear. It really does pull better than the 4R. And it has an OEM transmission cooler!! And a higher tow rating.... (Why does my minivan without sliding doors get an OEM transmission cooler and my truck with extra seats 4R doesn't? lol)

The “4WD maintenance” thing mostly comes from people who don’t know any better or, as in the case of my co-worker, have no experience. It was his first Toyota. I’m closing in on 700k miles across the three 4Runners I’ve had, with not even a cracked boot. Never one single problem up front. So I’m with you there.

Same can be said for some of the 4wd drive 4runners and lifted trucks that i see out there. Not a spec of dirt or evidence of any 4wd driven record of usage. And don't get me started on the lifted truck crowds with $$$ invested.. What for... Just for looks, like hey, I am cool 4wd crowd. Tons of pretenders out there, very few hardcore users of 4wd purpose.. . Some i swear only 4wd drive done is going over the driveway curb onto their lawns. On the other side some crazy cash strapped, riding their rav4 2wd out there and bear chasing down other side, out there, simply because they like outdoors, but no $$$.

Yes, i got 2002... 2wd because cheap used unit from neighbor, rear wheel drive units, screw fwd cv axle, long life engine, and keep my wife nagging me for suv, so that she can be me too crowd like her freinds. . But i love wrenching and still have my original new bought 90 truck with 22re engine, bullet proof.

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I thought it was called a 2Runner

My MIL has one, got a good deal on it and looks like our twin which people like. I agree a crossover is a better choice.W e had a highlander before our 4runner and I couldn't stand it. I don't get the whole crossover SUV craze though.

I knew about it. I'd like to drive one just to see how it feels.

I had a single cab toyota 4x4 with stick with a version of that 4 cylinder and it was gutless. 4runner has to be slow as crap when coupled with hundreds of pounds more weight and a slushy.

I've driven Tacomas with the 2.7. And a 3rd gen 4Runner with the 2.7. I'm pretty sure I wouldn't be impressed in a 5th gen 4Runner with that engine, but I would like to try it just out of curiosity.

I'd never buy one because they were 2wd only. Which would defeat the purpose of owning a 4Runner for me.

Almost like they had that in mind!

heh right, his old 4cyl previa had a supercharger, always baffled by the differences, why doesn't a 4runner come stock with a trans cooler be perfect for that hood scoop

Wasn't gutless it had 113hp! I had an 5th gen hilux '89 w/ 22re, a cop pulled me over out in a long stretch of road in Idaho for speeding, I responded "there is no way I was going that fast, its not possible" he laughed, thankfully let me off with a warning.

2wd 4Runner here. Lots of 2wd 4R's running around here in SoCal.

I wanted a reliable, simple, and rwd/solid-rear-axle vehicle for towing a single-axle dump trailer and hauling my bikes and other gear. My second choice was a 2wd Tacoma. The 4Runner is just better as a DD and for road trips vs the Tacoma.

As the 4R is also my only vehicle, and it's a commute vehicle, I never intentionally planned to take my rig offroad. That's what my Niner Jet9 RDO is for.

As for the Highlander, it's not pre-wired for a trailer brake controller, and the AT cooler is a dealer-installed item. I'm just not a fan of transverse mounted V6 engines either. My GF's 2nd gen Acura RDX handles better overall than my 4R, but the RDX feels way more front heavy through corners. Though the 2wd Runner is tall & top-heavy compared to crossovers, it actually feels fairly well balanced.

Yeah, the gas mileage is pretty much the same as a 4wd 4R, but I don't miss the extra 275-350 lbs (depending on trim) that comes with 4wd. The 2wd 4R actually has a slightly better (hp) power-to-weight ratio than the GX 460, and just slightly worse with torque. The 2wd 4R felt plenty quick even before installing the sprint booster, but the SB really enhances the driving experience.

The biggest reason I could see to get 4wd was resale value, but I plan on keeping this rig as my daily driver for the next 12-15 years, and I drive at least 15k miles per year.

I bought a 1988 4Runner new with the 22R-E and 5-speed. Traded a 1984 Supra on it. 116 glorious horsepower. Way different type of vehicle, and much heavier. But I grew to appreciate the durability of that slow beast, and it refused to let me down for more than 300k miles. A reliable friend is the best kind. It would cruise at 90 all day, it simply took a few more seconds to get there.

I bought the 1987 version new. It was a great vehicle and I was thrilled to have it, locking hubs and all.