04 4Runner w/ 3rd row (pics)

[Nerve]

I originally posted this on Yotatech, but I thought I'd share it with everyone here. I made a few observations in regard to the 3rd row option. Some may just be normal 2004 changes, but I believe most are particular to the 3rd row.

1) The 60/40 split rear seats (2nd row) are reversed (ie. the 40 split is on the passenger side).

2) The rear seats (2nd row) tumble forward instead of lifting the seat cushion first, then bringing down the seatback.

3) The rear seats ( you know which row) are not locked in a fixed incline, they can recline.

4) The rear seat headrests are different. They're like the front seat head rests.

5) The rear center armrest doesn't have the "burger tray", just the cup holders.

6) At least one reason why the JBL Synthesis in not available with the 3rd row is because the speaker mounts in the cargo area are where the seatbelts mount.

7) The 3rd row seats each weigh just about 32 lbs.

That's about all I can recall right now. If anyone has any questions, just ask.

Now a few of the pics...

More pics and a sloppy video of how to remove the 3rd row can be found here
http://home.earthlink.net/~jdvillasan/images/

 

[Greenhorne]

Thanks for bringing the thread over... It looks like the system as a whole (3rd row seating) works pretty well.

Are you happy with it so far.

 

[peter78]

I agree, thanks for posting it here. It is interesting to see the seats in their folded position. They seem to take a good bit of room. Still, it is nice to have as a option and on a long trip when you carry lots of stuff I guess you just take them out.

 

[Nerve]

Love the car so far. Such a great ride around town. It handles the gnarled up roads without a problem.

As for the 3rd row. We got it because of the flexibility it offers. There are only a few times when we really need every inch of cargo space. So any loss in room wasn't much of a factor. And like peter78 said, could just pop out the seats.

Plus with the seats, extra passengers don't have to go sardine style in the back.

 

[jharris2]

With the V6, have you actually filled all the seats to see how the truck drives and handles?

The reason for the question is that I once rented an Expedition on a business trip, and with 7 customers in it, the handling and braking was much worse than I expected it to be. Yes, you'd expect it to be worse than when you're alone, but the degradation was pretty severe.

 

[Nerve]

That's a good point. Haven't had the chance yet to pack'em all in there (Still less than a week old). I'll see if I can get some people in, even for a short bit, just to get some quick observations. Just gotta' make sure I don't mention that I'm using them to test the limitations of the truck.:nono:

 

[Nerve]

Finally got a chance to pack in a full 7 people in the truck. About an hour each way (to and from) of 60% city driving. The drive was better than I expected it to be. That's not to say it was piece of cake, but it was very controllable. With the feedback from the truck (road feel, body lean, weight shifts, etc) I could tell how far not to push it. I was pretty impressed with the brakes when I had to stop a bit quick on a quick yellow light. Smooth, progressive bite all the way through the pedel. My feeling is that any degradation in handling and breaking are still within the limits of the truck (as long as you don't push too hard of course). During the time I never felt it get away from me. Quite windy last night, and still a bit wet out too.

Overall it felt tighter than some packed minivans I've driven. More controllable too, than the old 98 Runner when it was packed with luggage during airport runs.

These are initial impressions as I still have less than 1,000 miles on it, but it'll give you an idea.

Jon

 

[HiluxSurfBMX]

Was the Honda Eliment first to do that flip up seating thing?

 

[Wai]

And like peter78 said, could just pop out the seats.

Both of the seats in the 3rd row could be removed from the vehicle? That would be nice! After removal, does the trunk space look exactly like any other regular 4Runner without this option?

Thanks for the pics!

 

[mswscco]

Both of the seats in the 3rd row could be removed from the vehicle? That would be nice! After removal, does the trunk space look exactly like any other regular 4Runner without this option?

Thanks for the pics!

Yes, both third row seats can be removed pretty easily. I know there are some minor differences between models with and without third row seats (2nd row child seat anchors for example). Not sure if there are any major differences in the cargo area.

We also got the third row for its flexibility. Only thing is our 2-year old screams every time we put him back there insisting that we not make him sit in the "trunk". So grandparents end up squeezing in with him in the second row anyway when they're along for the ride. =P

 

[turboale]

Land crusiers have had this design for years... so did the Previa "egg" van

 

[HiluxSurfBMX]

Here I just noticed that the Land Rover Defenders have that type of seating as well as the Mitsubishi Pajero (Tougher verson of the Montero).

 

[Wai]

Strictly personal opinion, I don't like how this 3rd row seat is designed. It makes the whole back interior looks all chopped up. :nono:

I think for the GX470, the 3rd row seat folds into the floor pan right? It would be nice if they could apply that design to the 4Runner.

 

[webshot]

Well that is some really interesting stuff!! I wondered how Toyota handled that set up. I'm really glad that my 2003 did not come with those though. In my personal case, those seats would never be used and just taking up space in my garage. Based on the small space in these vehicles, I could never imagine trying to actually sit in one of those things! Of course there is not really any place but the drivers seat for a 6' 2" ME!

Thank you for sharing!

webshot

 

[turboale]

The reason for that is there is no room... where are you going to put the spare if the seat is going to be under there? In the GX its a bigger truck (off the sequoia platform), so they could move the spare back far enough to have both.

At 6ft 8in the front sea... oh wait... there is no seat in a 4runner designed for me!! doh!

 

[dancojgl]

In the GX its a bigger truck (off the sequoia platform)

The GX is a 4Runner (with different C and D pillars, bumpers, and grille), not a Sequoia...

 

[Greenhorne]

At 6ft 8in the front sea... oh wait... there is no seat in a 4runner designed for me!! doh!

Is there even ANY vehicle designed for your size? There are some advantages to being average size...

 

[bryancos]

... I'd tell the whiny two yr old that they can ride in the third row or be hogtied and strapped to the roof... When they're that young, they don't have the right to make decisions. :

 

[mswscco]

third seats sucks in 4runner why:

Because


1)It is useless, noone buy dwarfs can fit in
Kids are small enough, even if they aren't dwarves.

2) you lose moonroof
Definitely agree with you on this one. Passed on the Sport edition the dealer had only because it didn't have a moonroof and we couldn't have third row in it anyway.

3) you lose cd changer
4) you lose extra speakers
Would prefer doing my own aftermarket. More selection, lower cost

5) you lose tonneau cover
Can do without

6) you lose air suspension on v8 ltd
If you're in the market for a V8 Ltd

7) you lose double-decker flooring system
Okay by me. Quite a few posts going around with owners saying the double-decker isn't of much use.

SUCKS, SUCKS SUCKS


Basically, all the good stuff you lose. And what do you have left - two ugly folded picnic stools banging against the walls of your trunk.

I guess it all depends on what you're looking for. Would have been great to have a moonroof, especially here in SoCal where it can be used just about year round, but the third row won in the end.

 

[mswscco]

... I'd tell the whiny two yr old that they can ride in the third row or be hogtied and strapped to the roof... When they're that young, they don't have the right to make decisions. :

Are you kidding? He's the ONLY one making decisions, especially when grandparents are in tow! :rolleye2: