I like it, but this is where Toyota just lost me (per the article):
the 4Runner is competitively quick for a 4762-pound vehicle, delivering 0 to 60 in 7.8 seconds
My V8 F/T 4WD is faster than that... At least the numbers I've seen. I know this doesn't matter much off-road, but it counts in traffic as the roads get more crowded, Toyota should have at least thrown in a 6sp or something.
While the 4Runner is admirably brisk, given its 400-pound weight gain over its predecessor, we miss the '09's 4.7-liter V-8 option. Toyota is quick to point out that the tweaked 4.0-liter makes more horsepower than the old V-8 and that its fuel economy (17/22 for 4WD) is better than that of the 4.7 (14/17) as well as the previous 4.0 (16/20). Sure, but the new 4.0's torque is still down 28 pound-feet compared with the 4.7's. When overtaking slower vehicles on the highway, where the 4.0-liter strains through a downshift and some heavy breathing, Toyota's new 4.6-liter 310-horse 327-pound-foot V-8, which debuted in the 2010 Tundra, would have made a welcome option, especially for towing or carrying a full load.
They just hit the nail on the head and this is my experience when I drive friend's 4th Gen V6's.
Sorry, I'm going to wait until I can have a Limited (F/T 4WD) with a 4.6l V8, hopefully the KDSS, and the pull out cargo floor... Thought the latter two are not deal killers, my X-Reas made it until about 80-90K before failing.
BTW, FWIW: The "15.3mpg Observed Fuel Economy"... I get better than that in my 4.7l (4WD) and I drive it like it's stolen. I get about 15.8mpg or so (using a calculator at fill up).
Like the exterior, am ho hum on the interior because of all the silver plastic (which scratches and discolors in my 4th Gen)... Maybe someone will come out with a wood kit around the same time Toyota releases a V8... I bet we see the V8 by June. The one pictured needs some grown up tires, even going up one size and buy Revos made a difference in looks on mine over the Mich Cross-Terrains (which were great tires on the road, awful on wet dirt/clay/grass).
BTW: $39k isn't cheap... My Limited had every option except the adjustable height and Nav and the stick was $39,8xx.
Great post, thank you for finding it.
