Just got a 2014 T4R SR5 10 days ago, traded in our beloved 2002 Subaru Outback. The Outback was great, but we wanted (1) something that could get us to trailheads even the capable Outback can't, (2) something that would sit more upright and comfortable for long trips (we take a number each year), (3) something that wouldn't strain so much pulling our small (1400 lb) travel trailer, and (4) something more reliable, as the Outback was just starting to show its age.

After a lot of research, we concluded ONLY the T4R met all our requirements. The crossovers are just bigger versions of the Outback and had equal (or in most cases worse) off-road abilities. Other quality off-road vehicles didn't have the road capabilities of the T4R (or were a LOT more expensive).

We chose the SR5 because (1) I'm not into delayed gratification, so no custom order, (2) there is only one dealership within 100 mi, so limited to the dozen or so on the lot, and mostly (3) it had close to exactly what we wanted. We didn't want a sunroof (I like to sit high and very upright, and with a sunroof my head brushed the roof, so bangs on any bump). KDSS was interesting, but not likely to be beneficial for our driving very often, and to me the ride was noticeably stiffer, so not good for long drives. I didn't want leather seats. I didn't want 20 in wheels. I didn't want a third row. The only things it didn't have that we would have liked were heated seats (can add later) and 4WD shift instead of dial (not a bid deal, though).

4 days after we bought it, we got to a trailhead that the Outback couldn't have done (a lot of AWD and trucks bailed along the road, only our T4R and a Wrangler made the ridgetop trailhead that day). Then we towed the trailer about 1000 mi to a family reunion, couldn't even tell the trailer was back there (got about 20 mpg, including mountain driving, but mostly freeway).

So, good the be here, looking forward for following the forum.

welcome to the Toyota world

Great story on why you chose the T4R, and that only it and the Jeep could make it to the top....

to the forum!

to T4R.ORG