2014 4Runner

[Jayhawk5G]

Why I bought a 4Runner (2WD):

- Because I like the high driving position

- Because it has the features I value (smart key, leather, navigation)

- Because I don't need 4WD and, given the option, I chose not to buy it

- Because I count on Toyota's reputation for reliability

- Because I know the resale value will be high (and in my market, 2WD 4Runners outsell 4WD -- might be totally different in your area, but I don't live there)

- Because I wanted it -- and given that I paid for it, that's really all that matters

I didn't buy it, or exclude it, because it was body-on-frame.

Back on topic - the Toyota pressroom site has an article about the new Entune lineup for 2014. I'm still disappointed that it looks like even the Limited with the premium system will have the minimum-sized screen (6.1 inches).

Hey to each their own, but if I wasn't going to need 4x4 there are a lot of crossovers I would be considering. I look at things in terms of total package, the body on frame and solid rear axle fit with 4x4 and being off-road. If you are always going to be on pavement, then unibody and independent suspension will give you a better ride and better fuel economy. While maybe not having the high seating position, they can be had with all the same features and in some cases more features than a 4Runner and get better gas mileage. In terms of towing, most crossovers are similarly rated in terms of weight... anyone doing serious towing would just buy a truck.

 

[gwcpa]

You must not actually tow and not want a pickup. There are lots that do. I know 2 older guys with 2wd 4runners and they love them. Tow boats and have winter houses in Fla.

Not everyone wants a highlander or Tucson

 

[harper7]

Hey to each their own, but if I wasn't going to need 4x4 there are a lot of crossovers I would be considering. I look at things in terms of total package, the body on frame and solid rear axle fit with 4x4 and being off-road. If you are always going to be on pavement, then unibody and independent suspension will give you a better ride and better fuel economy. While maybe not having the high seating position, they can be had with all the same features and in some cases more features than a 4Runner and get better gas mileage. In terms of towing, most crossovers are similarly rated in terms of weight... anyone doing serious towing would just buy a truck.

I could say the same thing about your choice and many peoples on here since you don't go serious offroading anymore then what a crossover could do offroad from what I've seen on here!

I owned a 2WD 2006 Sport 4Runner for 5 years and 108k miles and loved it and there are plenty of 2WD 4Runners around here in TX as we get relatively no snow. I Traded a Yukon Denali 4x4 in on it that was slipping gears and about to go through it's second tranny and was basically falling apart at 100k miles and not at all reliable. I wanted something reliable and preferred body on frame.Never a single problem with that 4Runner and sold it for $19k to a guy here at work and he still has it as a family vehicle with 150k+ miles on it without a problem.

My 06 4Runner was a DD and a means of reliable transportation to me as I had a love for German sports cars at the time with my Porsche 911 and then a M3 that stayed in the garage unless the weather was perfect.

Besides...IMO crossovers are for women:barf:

 

[KCcarguy]

Several reasons:
I agree on the solid rear axle. The 2015 Mustang will finally have an independent rear suspension, so the 2014 4Runner should also have it, or have it as an option, and have solid axles front and rear as an option for the off-roaders.

:frusty:

 

[Jayhawk5G]

I could say the same thing about your choice and many peoples on here since you don't go serious offroading anymore then what a crossover could do offroad from what I've seen on here!

I based my comments on the actual statement that qs933 made about not needing 4x4. What have you seen on here, that would give you knowledge of why I purchased my 4Runner? No I don't rock crawl or go off-roading every weekend, but I do camp and I do require 4x4. If I knew before purchase I was never going off-road, then the things that make a 4Runner such a good off road vehicle and limit it's performance on road wouldn't make sense.

I owned a 2WD 2006 Sport 4Runner for 5 years and 108k miles and loved it and there are plenty of 2WD 4Runners around here in TX as we get relatively no snow. I Traded a Yukon Denali 4x4 in on it that was slipping gears and about to go through it's second tranny and was basically falling apart at 100k miles and not at all reliable. I wanted something reliable and preferred body on frame.Never a single problem with that 4Runner and sold it for $19k to a guy here at work and he still has it as a family vehicle with 150k+ miles on it without a problem.

Like I said each to their own, there is obviously a market for them or they wouldn't make them but it doesn't make sense to me personally.

My 06 4Runner was a DD and a means of reliable transportation to me as I had a love for German sports cars at the time with my Porsche 911 and then a M3 that stayed in the garage unless the weather was perfect.

Besides...IMO crossovers are for women:barf:

I could say the same thing about 4x2 4Runners... but I don't want to hurt feelings or be sexist.

 

[M1911]

Several reasons:

2) Cargo carrying capacity, especially width, not just height

Typically, unibody vehicles of the same dimensions have larger interiors than body-on-frame, solid-rear-axle vehicles.

In a solid-rear-axle vehicle, the rear diff moves up and down. As a result, the rear floor of the vehicle has to be higher to allow for that movement. In an IRS vehicle, the rear diff doesn't move -- only the halfshafts move up and down.

The separate frame also typically results in the loss of several inches of interior height. The space efficiency of the unibody design typically allows for third-row seats to fold into the floor.[/quote]

I agree on the solid rear axle. The 2015 Mustang will finally have an independent rear suspension, so the 2014 4Runner should also have it, or have it as an option, and have solid axles front and rear as an option for the off-roaders.

What vehicles on the market have an option for independent or solid axles? None, as far as I am aware. Now why that might be?

I suspect there are several reasons. First, engineering and development of suspensions takes time and money. It isn't cheap. It takes a lot of work to get the spring rates, damping, and geometry correct. Second, solid axles and independent suspensions connect to the vehicle in different locations. So offering the option of solid versus independent would likely require different frames. Finally, I suspect that changes that significant would likely require a second set of crash testing -- that costs millions.

Doing that much extra engineering for a vehicle that sells ~50k per year simply isn't realistic.

Finally, there is a reason that so few vehicles on the market have solid front axles -- they result in significant compromises in handling, steering, and ride comfort. Is there a market for it? Yes, Jeep sells a bunch of Wranglers. But eating into that market is not easy, as many buyers get a Wrangler because of the image, not because of its offroad ability.

 

[Canazes9]

I could say the same thing about 4x2 4Runners... but I don't want to hurt feelings or be sexist.

Careful what you say!

My wife had no use for a 2wd 4Runner :hand:, insisted on 4wd........


:biggrin2:


David

 

[Jayhawk5G]

Careful what you say!

My wife had no use for a 2wd 4Runner :hand:, insisted on 4wd........


:biggrin2:


David

:thumb: That was my point, we have some female members who like to get out and wheel, and def. prefer 4x4's... so I didn't want to make the same statement that Harper7 did about crossovers.

I think crossovers are so popular because for a lot of people they are the perfect fit for handling weather, having interior space while not being too big, while still returning fairly good gas mileage.

 

[FStephenMasek]

Offering a solid front axle option would be a big stretch, but the classic Jeep currently has no other direct competitor.

Typically, unibody vehicles of the same dimensions have larger interiors than body-on-frame, solid-rear-axle vehicles.

Not practically useable cubic feet, as most have boxed-in rear cargo area sides, making the cargo areas narrow. The solid axle does take more space than an IRS. I see Ford is coming out with a new Ranger-based SUV with a solid rear axle for markets outside the USA. If the "chicken tax" is eliminated, they may well sell it hear, a return to the original Explorer.

 

[1engineer]

Offering a solid front axle option would be a big stretch, but the classic Jeep currently has no other direct competitor.

Not practically useable cubic feet, as most have boxed-in rear cargo area sides, making the cargo areas narrow. The solid axle does take more space than an IRS. I see Ford is coming out with a new Ranger-based SUV with a solid rear axle for markets outside the USA. If the "chicken tax" is eliminated, they may well sell it hear, a return to the original Explorer.

Chicken Tax is not applicable to SUVs.

 

[BltByKrmn]

I apologize if this has already been covered, but has Toyota announced the color options for each trim level on the 2014?

 

[philsey]

I apologize if this has already been covered, but has Toyota announced the color options for each trim level on the 2014?

yes, in this very thread.

 

[BltByKrmn]

yes, in this very thread.

The problem is the thread is 30 pages long even with 40 posts per page, guess I'll have to go digging.

 

[philsey]

Up at the top .... "Search this Thread".

 

[1engineer]

the problem is the thread is 30 pages long even with 40 posts per page, guess i'll have to go digging.

#603.

 

[BltByKrmn]

#603.

Thank you.

I found this as well if anyone is interested (from this thread):

Toyota | 2014 Toyota 4Runner Product Information

2014 trail edition/SR5 colors:
Barcelona Red Metallic
Black
Classic Silver Metallic
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Nautical Blue Pearl
Super White

2014 Limited adds:
Attitude Black
Blizzard Pearl

 

[DannyLlama]

Thank you.

I found this as well if anyone is interested (from this thread):

Toyota | 2014 Toyota 4Runner Product Information

2014 trail edition/SR5 colors:
Barcelona Red Metallic
Black
Classic Silver Metallic
Magnetic Gray Metallic
Nautical Blue Pearl
Super White

Hmm that's a new one - pretty cool.

 

[4Run4YourLife]

Thank you.

I found this as well if anyone is interested (from this thread):

Toyota | 2014 Toyota 4Runner Product Information

Well, it looks like they STILL get the wheel size wrong for the limited, "7.5 x 20".

 

[Rocky5000100]

I can't wait for a white TE :jump:

 

[FStephenMasek]

Chicken Tax is not applicable to SUVs.

correct, but they are unlikely to bring over the SUV without the pickup.