Unstable-vic: now game with dealership begin - they will try to sell to you not what you ordered, but what they have. wait for them to call you. be strong and not deviate from your order. it's inevitable that they will sell you some additional stuff you don't need, like stupid exhaust tip, cross bars, and try to sell extended warranty, etc. - just be smart. the best money spend are for paint protection for roof and hood, like vinyl wrap, but that's aftermarket, not dealership. instead curved cross bars, have straight bars, also aftermarket, you actually can carry something. engine ticking - myth of idiots, who messing with wrong oils: use TGMO 0w20 every 5K, and engine will be smooth as butter. warped rotors easy preventable by annual brake maintenance to prevent sticking pads and seizing calipers, and careful braking technique. I like you frequently run long trips North-South I-95 and my wife and I happy with T4R. also I pull boat for local boat ramp, and I have 4 grand-kids, for me 7 seater was mandatory. Please do not kill it with stupid so-called "mods". The only "mods" it need is frame rust proofing and seats covers.

I have a 2010 Trail that I bought used in 2013 with 18K miles. Now it has 135k and I've not had any significant issues.
Living in S. Florida, I've driven it to Ouray, upstate NY, all over North Carolina, and it's very comfortable to be in. 10-11 hours is no problem.
Fold the seats down and it can hold a lot of things. I think you'll enjoy it for what you want to do. If you want to do more, it can probably do that too.

Yes, but even with improved power trains you can't do anything about the fact that your car needs a "Co-Exist" sticker.

In all honesty though, whether you care or not, certain makes have a stigma associated with them, at least in the enthusiast community. For instance, I've never taken the plunge on a BMW product simply because I don't want to be associated with a lot of the idiots who drive BMWs (often like idiots). Great car; bad owners .

OP, My wife and I have been annoyed/frustrated by vehicles in the past as well. However, have you driven a 4Runner Limited on the highway, up grades, on rough pavement, etc.? I(we) do a thorough test drive of a vehicle we are considering under the conditions we plan on using the vehicle. We have found it worth our time to search dealers to find an example to test drive, even if it is a year or two old before we commit to waiting for our actual unit to be delivered.

The Limited doesn't have air suspension and the 20 inch rims provide a firmer ride on pavement. A 22 Outback Wilderness with 17 inch or 21 XT with 18 inch rims rides better over rough pavement as does a 4Runner with 17 inch rims. The aforementioned Subarus also offer better acceleration, handling on the highway and mpg, especially over grades.
Our 22 Subaru Ascent Touring is the same width and height and barely 6 inches longer than our 4Runner. It is a superior long distance cruiser as far as power, quiet, gas mileage, comfort and front seat area cubbies, etc. My wife prefers the Ascent (her daily driver) around town and over the Interstate pass(8600 ft.).
Where we live, over half the year, the weather conditions are constantly changing, so wife enjoys the AWD of the Ascent and the Limited.
I prefer driving the 4Runner (my daily) on the abundance of country paths, rutted grassland, dirt and assorted forest service roads as it feels in its element while maintaining some creature comforts.

Sorry guy, but my pics proved the flaws with the Subaru AWD. As you said, place it in the hands of a shitty driver and you get those results. That’s what buys Subarus and thus explains my third paragraph.

I can not thank you all for your feedback. You have given me a lot to think about.

I prefer my 19 Forester Limited over my 4Runner Limited (when it was stock) on long road trips any day.


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sorry I meant XREAS suspension system. As far as the co exist nonsense I really do not get involved in what Subaru means to some people.
I test drove a limited and felt it was a much better ride then a TRD pro model. Yes it is not winning any races lol. I could care less though as long as it goes 70-75 were good. The 2023 Limited I put a $100 refundable deposit on comes in early September. Blue with the Rosewood leather. It has the pull out cargo tray, mats, door edge guards and roof rails and chrome running boards. MSRP was 52,933 and I am getting it for$49,936 plus a $399 non negotiable doc fee and there giving me 3k more then Carvana offered on my 2022 Outback touring xt with 18,000 miles on it. So as far as the deal goes I think I am doing ok in this market. I am just tired of all the dealer visits with the Subaru and the overcomplicated nanny's that bust my balls. I have been driving for years and drive well and I do not need to be told keep my eyes on the road. My company pays all my gas so the fuel consumption is not an issue. I will use premium as always, and possibly put a peddle commander on it to see if it takes some of the mushy out of it.