2014 4Runner

[FStephenMasek]

They improved the looks, at least as far as may be determined by viewing the photos, but the solid rear axle, 5-speed transmission, and lack of a V8 are stunning. My 2006 Ford Explorer passed 158,000 miles last week and has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned, but I should at least be thinking about future vehicles. It has a smooth and powerful V8, rear wheel drive for good handling, an independent rear suspension for a smooth ride, and a 6-speed transmission. The 4Runner, to its credit, has not become a bloated front wheel drive mini-van like thing such as the current Explorer. Like the Explorer I have, the 4Runner is still medium sized, so easy to park, but has a wide rear cargo hold to carry the many things I need for work and fun. It is amazing how almost all larger SUVs have boxed-in rear cargo compartment sides, making them much less useful. Still, going to a vehicle with just a six, a solid axle, and a five speed would be three big steps backwards. I rented a 4Runner in 2006 when I was shopping for vehicles, and the six was OK, but a nice smooth and more powerful V8 makes the miles more enjoyable. I suspect many others feel the same way. Where is the mechanical progress?

 

[Quentin]

Jeep Grand Cherokee has an 8AT and IRS.

I think most of this forum would like to see a solid front axle, actually. I'd be shopping used Land Cruisers if Toyota went IRS on the 4Runner.

 

[Curt Sauve]

They improved the looks, at least as far as may be determined by viewing the photos, but the solid rear axle, 5-speed transmission, and lack of a V8 are stunning. My 2006 Ford Explorer passed 158,000 miles last week and has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned, but I should at least be thinking about future vehicles. It has a smooth and powerful V8, rear wheel drive for good handling, an independent rear suspension for a smooth ride, and a 6-speed transmission. The 4Runner, to its credit, has not become a bloated front wheel drive mini-van like thing such as the current Explorer. Like the Explorer I have, the 4Runner is still medium sized, so easy to park, but has a wide rear cargo hold to carry the many things I need for work and fun. It is amazing how almost all larger SUVs have boxed-in rear cargo compartment sides, making them much less useful. Still, going to a vehicle with just a six, a solid axle, and a five speed would be three big steps backwards. I rented a 4Runner in 2006 when I was shopping for vehicles, and the six was OK, but a nice smooth and more powerful V8 makes the miles more enjoyable. I suspect many others feel the same way. Where is the mechanical progress?

Lexus

 

[gm350reratliff]

They improved the looks, at least as far as may be determined by viewing the photos, but the solid rear axle, 5-speed transmission, and lack of a V8 are stunning. My 2006 Ford Explorer passed 158,000 miles last week and has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned, but I should at least be thinking about future vehicles. It has a smooth and powerful V8, rear wheel drive for good handling, an independent rear suspension for a smooth ride, and a 6-speed transmission. The 4Runner, to its credit, has not become a bloated front wheel drive mini-van like thing such as the current Explorer. Like the Explorer I have, the 4Runner is still medium sized, so easy to park, but has a wide rear cargo hold to carry the many things I need for work and fun. It is amazing how almost all larger SUVs have boxed-in rear cargo compartment sides, making them much less useful. Still, going to a vehicle with just a six, a solid axle, and a five speed would be three big steps backwards. I rented a 4Runner in 2006 when I was shopping for vehicles, and the six was OK, but a nice smooth and more powerful V8 makes the miles more enjoyable. I suspect many others feel the same way. Where is the mechanical progress?

Sometimes simple and proven are better. Not everything needs to progress. Like a previous poster stated, if Toyota went IRS, I'd be looking at different vehicles. I do not like the way IRS SUVs feel or drive. At the co. I work for, we have an '08 explorer w/ v6. It sees everything from highway to serious off road use. Off road, the IRS sucks. No suspension travel and no ATRAC like the 4runner so it gets stuck a lot. The ride on the highway is rough and twitchy. The explorer's v6 is slow, rough, and thirsty. We hate that vehicle.

My sister-in-law has a '07 pathfinder that is pretty much the same way.

I guess it all depends on what your going to use it for and what your wants are.

My other truck is a F150 with the ecoboost. 3.5L, twin turbo, direct injected, 6speed auto, 365hp, 420lbft, SYNC. Unfortunately, all that mechanical progress also comes with its share of problems. Thats why I'm looking at the 2014 4Runner or a tacoma. They are simple but it just works.

 

[qs933]

Toyota posted this today on the 4Runner's Facebook page with a message:

"Can you guess what's coming..."

Maybe photos of the SR5 and Limited will be released this week?

 

[KCcarguy]

They improved the looks, at least as far as may be determined by viewing the photos, but the solid rear axle, 5-speed transmission, and lack of a V8 are stunning. My 2006 Ford Explorer passed 158,000 miles last week and has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned, but I should at least be thinking about future vehicles. It has a smooth and powerful V8, rear wheel drive for good handling, an independent rear suspension for a smooth ride, and a 6-speed transmission. The 4Runner, to its credit, has not become a bloated front wheel drive mini-van like thing such as the current Explorer. Like the Explorer I have, the 4Runner is still medium sized, so easy to park, but has a wide rear cargo hold to carry the many things I need for work and fun. It is amazing how almost all larger SUVs have boxed-in rear cargo compartment sides, making them much less useful. Still, going to a vehicle with just a six, a solid axle, and a five speed would be three big steps backwards. I rented a 4Runner in 2006 when I was shopping for vehicles, and the six was OK, but a nice smooth and more powerful V8 makes the miles more enjoyable. I suspect many others feel the same way. Where is the mechanical progress?

Jeep Grand Cherokee has an 8AT and IRS.

I think most of this forum would like to see a solid front axle, actually. I'd be shopping used Land Cruisers if Toyota went IRS on the 4Runner.

Toyota is going for affordable, rugged reliability and capability. Adding a 6-speed adds cost and an IRS is not the best setup for capability and durability. Go test drive a TE or GX460 with KDSS some time. You'll be surprised how smooth the ride is..... Truly the best of both worlds, IMO. The V8 just simply isn't efficient enough. Lots of us would love to have it as an option.

Also, the highlander fits many of your criteria and is probably just as capable is an older explorer.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

When the news of the 2014 came out I was initially disappointed that it seemed beyond mostly visual changes to the exterior and interior, we were getting the exact same powertrain that we had. Since then however, it has become less of an issue to me.

I feel like perhaps it should be more of an issue for Toyota? It must be a lot harder to differentiate your upper models and define value when essentially every 4Runner is very close in terms of powertrain. The TE has locking rear, crawl control, and KDSS (in some instances), the LE has AWD and XREAS, but in the end they all have some form of 4x4 and a 4.0 V6.

I imagine that if my desire for V8 drievability grows over the next few years, or the lack of options my SR5 becomes and issue that eventually the wife and I will trade on a GX460. So far I have gotten over the quirks and really enjoy the vehicle.

 

[scanny]

They improved the looks, at least as far as may be determined by viewing the photos, but the solid rear axle, 5-speed transmission, and lack of a V8 are stunning. My 2006 Ford Explorer passed 158,000 miles last week and has been the most reliable vehicle I've ever owned, but I should at least be thinking about future vehicles. It has a smooth and powerful V8, rear wheel drive for good handling, an independent rear suspension for a smooth ride, and a 6-speed transmission. The 4Runner, to its credit, has not become a bloated front wheel drive mini-van like thing such as the current Explorer. Like the Explorer I have, the 4Runner is still medium sized, so easy to park, but has a wide rear cargo hold to carry the many things I need for work and fun. It is amazing how almost all larger SUVs have boxed-in rear cargo compartment sides, making them much less useful. Still, going to a vehicle with just a six, a solid axle, and a five speed would be three big steps backwards. I rented a 4Runner in 2006 when I was shopping for vehicles, and the six was OK, but a nice smooth and more powerful V8 makes the miles more enjoyable. I suspect many others feel the same way. Where is the mechanical progress?

I had '06 V8 Explorer Limited at some point and I liked it, but I found 4Runner better overall. I'm not sure why do you want to have 6 speed transmission, I'm quite happy with 5 speed as long as it provides me decent mileage. 5th gen 4Runner mileage is much better then V8 or v6 Explorer had and I feel that 4Runner engine has no less power than '06 v8 Explorer. And I like solid axle - I would have front axle solid too if I could. It's not I don't like mechanical progress but if I had a choice I would rather have reliability and affordable price. IMHO Ford went the way adding more features and making more comfortable ride and you saw what happened with Explorer....

 

[Jayhawk5G]

I had '06 V8 Explorer Limited at some point and I liked it, but I found 4Runner better overall. I'm not sure why do you want to have 6 speed transmission, I'm quite happy with 5 speed as long as it provides me decent mileage. 5th gen 4Runner mileage is much better then V8 or v6 Explorer had and I feel that 4Runner engine has no less power than '06 v8 Explorer. And I like solid axle - I would have front axle solid too if I could. It's not I don't like mechanical progress but if I had a choice I would rather have reliability and affordable price. IMHO Ford went the way adding more features and making more comfortable ride and you saw what happened with Explorer....

I would interested in a 6AT if the kept 1-5 ratios roughly the same and allowed a longer 6th gear to get cruising rpm below 2000 rpm at 70mph. City mpg might stay the same but perhaps you could squeek out 23-24 mpg at highway speeds... I don't think it's an issue of if it would be an advantage over the 5AT (the 6th Gen will surely have one) it's more than adding it right now would mean a cost bump.

 

[gwcpa]

My other truck is a F150 with the ecoboost. 3.5L, twin turbo, direct injected, 6speed auto, 365hp, 420lbft, SYNC. Unfortunately, all that mechanical progress also comes with its share of problems. Thats why I'm looking at the 2014 4Runner or a tacoma. They are simple but it just works.

Interesting...I came very close to buying a 2013 F150 Screw EB but instead bought my second 5th gen. I really liked the F150s, and the Ecoboost is very nice, but for the same money I bought LE, which seems to be much less truck for the money. Primary reason is reliability and 2-3 year resale values. If Toyota had updated the Tacoma, I'd probably bought one.

 

[SkidPalace]

Just got back from Iceland.
The place is riddled with Land Cruiser GXs. They are the truck that the 4 Runner should be. It is the Lexus GX without the Lexus bells and whistles.
I would buy one in a second if they were available here. Oh yeah, they have diesels as well.
I don't understand why Toyota doesn't market the Land Cruiser more over here.
The Toyota/Land Cruiser has been the gold standard off-roader across the world for 60 years, but for some reason North America needs a blinged-out Lexus instead.
Well, I guess I am answering my own question. Sales of Lexus GXs would go into the toilet if the toilet if they sold this in the States:

 

[Jayhawk5G]

Just got back from Iceland.
The place is riddled with Land Cruiser GXs. They are the truck that the 4 Runner should be. It is the Lexus GX without the Lexus bells and whistles.
I would buy one in a second if they were available here. Oh yeah, they have diesels as well.
I don't understand why Toyota doesn't market the Land Cruiser more over here.
The Toyota/Land Cruiser has been the gold standard off-roader across the world for 60 years, but for some reason North America needs a blinged-out Lexus instead.
Well, I guess I am answering my own question. Sales of Lexus GXs would go into the toilet if the toilet if they sold this in the States:

I agree the Land Cruiser name is being under utilized, and I think as the Land Cruiser and LX570 show you can have two versions and be ok... the problem then becomes if you are going to have a baby Land Cruiser what happens to 4Runner? You would have to either extended the name to Land Cruiser - 4Runner or get rid of 4Runner in place of a new name. 4Runner has a long history in NA and I don't think they would be quick to lose the name.

 

[Quentin]

I like the interior of the LC Prado, but I don't like the look nearly as well as the 4Runner.

 

[KCcarguy]

I agree the Land Cruiser name is being under utilized, and I think as the Land Cruiser and LX570 show you can have two versions and be ok... the problem then becomes if you are going to have a baby Land Cruiser what happens to 4Runner? You would have to either extended the name to Land Cruiser - 4Runner or get rid of 4Runner in place of a new name. 4Runner has a long history in NA and I don't think they would be quick to lose the name.

4runner has a good reputation as well. I don't understand why they don't just re-badge the prado as a 4runner.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

4runner has a good reputation as well. I don't understand why they don't just re-badge the pearl as a 4runner.

Yeah the 4Runner has pretty good brand recognition here in North America so I don't think Toyota would want to risk getting rid of the name.

 

[Donkey]

Does Toyota release order guides? This will be my first Toyota. Trying to determine if the "sand beige" will be available on more than red, white or black on the 2014. Curious about the option packages too, does the sr5 get the option for ventilated seats? Noticed the red 2014 trail has black brake calipers in the pictures. I'll be looking for an sr5 with the third row and heated seats...hurry up Toyota!

 

[Quentin]

Does Toyota release order guides? This will be my first Toyota. Trying to determine if the "sand beige" will be available on more than red, white or black on the 2014. Curious about the option packages too, does the sr5 get the option for ventilated seats? Noticed the red 2014 trail has black brake calipers in the pictures. I'll be looking for an sr5 with the third row and heated seats...hurry up Toyota!

Tell me the config you want and I'll build it on our order site tomorrow.

 

[Donkey]

Tell me the config you want and I'll build it on our order site tomorrow.

SR5, 4WD, sand beige heated seats and the third row.

Guessing that translates to what is the premium pkg on the '13, which also would include navigation but I'm not sure what will be a package vs a regional a la carte feature. Still learning how Toyota works. Would prefer silver, gray or the new blue. Anything but black or white exterior. Will ventilated front seats and smart key be options only for the limited? Thanks for offering to shed some light on this!

 

[Jayhawk5G]

SR5, 4WD, sand beige heated seats and the third row.

Guessing that translates to what is the premium pkg on the '13, which also would include navigation but I'm not sure what will be a package vs a regional a la carte feature. Still learning how Toyota works. Would prefer silver, gray or the new blue. Anything but black or white exterior. Will ventilated front seats and smart key be options only for the limited? Thanks for offering to shed some light on this!

The SR5 you described doesn't seem to be out of the ordinary. SR5 Premium with 3rd row, plenty of those to be had currently... doubt that would change going into refresh. Sand Beige is already available on Silver and Blue, doubt that would change as well.

Ventilated and Smart Key will probably remain Limited features.

 

[gwcpa]

Sand beige with Silver? That's not a combination I would want to see. You sure that is available?