Seriously people complain that the 4runner doesn't have an 8 speed like really? A 6 speed is good enough, I know the 4runner has a 5 speed but it doesn't need 8 speed to add more complication to the gearing.

Facepalm

You are correct

I'm satisfied with 5. It's gotten me anywhere I've wanted to go.
Now if the radio went to 11...

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Not saying anything wrong with the 5 speed. Its great and the 4.0L is great even though some other people want the other 3.5l. Like really? it has less torque then hp and the 4.0 is meant for a truck/suv. The pickup is great for a suv this weight and I have the 2013 4runner so I would know although later on in my ownership Im planning to add the URD supercharger later on.

Agreed. Never have had a complaint about gears in the 4R transmission. Durability/reliability is king in my world.

It comes with the territory of the advancement of vehicle engineering. People look to the left and right and see how things are changing and MPG is always a trending topic. Couple that the few people who do heavy towing, I can see where some people would complain about the 5-Speed. I never looked at the 4Runner and expected it to "keep up with the times." I bought the 4Runner knowing that I can have a vehicle for 300K miles and enjoy it without dealing with a lot of non-routine maintenance. To each their own. If one wants something different, there other (limited they are) choices. I'll take the 4Runner as it is right now knowing that I'll never get the V8 engine. Or that it will never have the latest tech.

Less complexity, reliability and durability rank high in my book.

That said, I have no issues with the transmission as is. It only annoys me when it shifts into 4th at 80mph on the interstate on slight inclines (cruise control activated), then hangs in 4th when things level out for far too long.

I don't need to keep up with the times and I am only 26. I could get a brand new mustang gt 2020 that I saw for $33k with my trade in. I got a quote and I was happy with it but I remembered I like suvs more. I can get a 2nd car later.

For me it's also perspective.
I bought the 4runner one year ago for more comfort, and to go 4-wheeling. Previous to the 4runner I've been driving a 68 F100 for the last 35 years. Before that I was a passenger in it since my Grandpa bought it new. (I've had it longer than him).
240 cu/in (3.9) engine, 1 bbl carb, points ignition, "granny-low" 4 sp top-loader manual transmission, no power steering or brakes (drum), no A/C, crank windows.
I chuckle at every complaint about the 4runner. I have zero complaints about any aspect of my 4runner. (well ok, the oil filter)
I still regularly drive the 68.

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As a side note, 8 speed auto gives you better ratio for towing and higher CRAWL ratio.

Yeah, would love an off-road only ultra-low 1st gear.....and then a super overdrive to keep the mpgs up!

I laugh at the complaints as well. Often, the first thing that goes through my mind when reading about "dated" or other "issues" is 'most of these people have never driven anything from the 60s/70s/80s and it shows.'




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I appreciate the simpler yet tougher tech. 5 speed is fine. I've heard good things about the current 8 speed in many Toyota vehicles including the Rav4, though.

Why not a 1 speed? Very simple. Clutch and a shaft.

I would love a 5:1 transfer case and 4.56 gears in the diffs without any effect on highway efficiency. Wouldn't you? With the 8AT - you effectively get the same gearing as having a 5at and a 5:1 transfer case. And you could run 4.56 gears with the same highway effective range. So the net result would be MUCH better low range gearing.

There is no reason to think that an 8AT is less reliable. And our 5AT is actually a 6AT but only shifts through 5 gears, so there's literally no reason to think our 5AT would become less reliable if it could also shift into 6th gear that it has.

If anyone is curious about all the reasons the 8AT is better - you can find the info here: New 8-speed and 10-speed Automatic Transmissions (Direct Shift-8AT & Direct Shift-10AT) | Toyota Motor Corporation Official Global Website

Everyone that lives where its flat is fine with the 5 speed. Everyone that lives/drives in mountains would prefer another gear.

Me? I just want more torque and for the engine to sound like something other than a massive squirrel cage.