2016 4Runner Limited

[RWBlue01]

This is my first new thread so bear with me.

I am new here. I am just across the river in Virginia and can see the hell of DC. So 99% of my current driving is on road. I am hoping to change location back to some where I will drive on gravel, mud, farm fields....

I am looking to replace my 2003 Ford Explorer. The top contender is the New 2016 4Runner Limited.

Here are my requirements: If I could replace my current Explorer with an exact copy for what I paid for it I would.

• AWD/4WD, 99% of driving is on road, AWD is great for snow days and for the days when I go off road. Current vehicle has issue when front right and rear left is off the ground.
• 2 inch Hitch is a must, Fits bicycle rack and other hitch hauler
• Rails is a must, I don’t carry a canoe very often, but when I hope to get to a point where I can do this more.
• I don't need the third row of seats and really don't have a place to store them if they come out.
• Power inverter, I run a computer and some other stuff while camping. If it is not built in, I will need it to support a significant one that I can buy.
• Flat spot in the back to sleep. I car camp ever now and then.
• Storage cubbies would be nice. Current vehicle has nice spots to store stuff like jumper cables, coat, straps…. Hidden and out of sight.
• Backup camera, makes life easier with an SUV.
GPS, should be standard on anything made today.
• Bluetooth connector so I can use the phone to play music, to be honest, it may not get used. Phone connects to ear bud.
• USB power plug, convenience.
• To get what I am looking for in the Ford, it comes to about $45K. But it takes what it will take.

 

[RWBlue01]

Here are my question?

Can I assume that the 2016 is as good/better than the older ones? It looks like the Toyotas run and run and run, then someone rebuild them and takes them off road where they run some more. I am looking to run this 4Runner 200K and hopefully be somewhere I can drive it off road at that point.

Can I assume that the 2016 4 wheel drive is REAL 4WD so if I get front right and rear left off the ground, I still go? (current Ford doesn't)

I assume my day to day will be in AWD. (I drive fast and find AWD helps)

The flat area in the back is problematic. It looks like with the slide out, everything is fairly smooth. With out it, there is a dip between the seats and the far back. I can't get the slide out in my preferred color. What do you do to fix this?


The New Ford Explorer has every bell and whistle out there.
The only one I think I will miss is the auto park. How do you guys deal with parallel parking where you can't see the little car in front over the hood. (I am very impressed with the Ford on this feature. I would have never been able to fit into the spot it auto parked into.)


What features should I get on the new 4Runner? Cloth matts?


What features should I NOT get on the new 4Runner? I am thinking running boards. After market would be more robust. And I can hold off until I get off road.

 

[Dark Lord]

The 5th Gen (2010-Present) 4runners are great. I came from a 3rd Gen 4runner, and really enjoy the new amenities that came with the new model. I have a 5th Gen 4runner Limited. Most people on here get the Trail. I got the Limited because I wanted FT4WD, the real leather, heated/ventilated seats, better stereo etc. All the stuff the Trail comes with I can add at a later date (lockers, etc). I've taken my Limited off road and it did great. Even with all the new amenities the new 4runners are still pretty utilitarian. No blind spot detectors, rear cross traffic alert, or auto park. It's still pretty nice though, and I have no desire to have the driving nannies anyway. You won't be disappointed.

I got my Limited without the third row, and I don't think the sliding tray is an option on the Limited (don't quote me on that).

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[RWBlue01]

I took my second test drive of the 2016 4Runner Limited and second test drive of a Ford Explorer Platinum.

Ford drives really nice on the road. Has all the bells and whistles. A little longer in the bed, in case I want to use it for camping in the back (but I kind of broke the 3 row of seats getting in and out). It is going to suck if someone spills a shake or ... in the third row as the seats don't come out and there is no way to get underneath them. I wouldn't want to take it on a rock crawling, but I think it would do ok on the gravel and mud roads I usually drive on.

The 4runner, is a little stiffer. Doesn't have the bells and whistles. Costs less. The back has a little dip that is going to piss me off when loading long heavy stuff and if I sleep back there.

 

[Sleeter]

I took my second test drive of the 2016 4Runner Limited and second test drive of a Ford Explorer Platinum.

Ford drives really nice on the road. Has all the bells and whistles. A little longer in the bed, in case I want to use it for camping in the back (but I kind of broke the 3 row of seats getting in and out). It is going to suck if someone spills a shake or ... in the third row as the seats don't come out and there is no way to get underneath them. I wouldn't want to take it on a rock crawling, but I think it would do ok on the gravel and mud roads I usually drive on.

The 4runner, is a little stiffer. Doesn't have the bells and whistles. Costs less. The back has a little dip that is going to piss me off when loading long heavy stuff and if I sleep back there.

If you really want a vehical to last 200K miles why are you even considering a Ford? What is going to piss-you-off more: not having totally flat second row (4Runner) or a POS money pit that might leave you stranded with mechanical or capability issues (ford).

Take a look at the explorer forums, that vehical has issues. Not as bad as Chrysler but not even close to Toyota.

 

[RWBlue01]

If you really want a vehical to last 200K miles why are you even considering a Ford? What is going to piss-you-off more: not having totally flat second row (4Runner) or a POS money pit that might leave you stranded with mechanical or capability issues (ford).

Take a look at the explorer forums, that vehical has issues. Not as bad as Chrysler but not even close to Toyota.

Current Ford Explorer is at 181,000 miles with only minor issues and minor maintenance. The issues are fixable, but not for the cost on a vehicle with 181K on the odometer.

 

[RWBlue01]

I got my Limited without the third row, and I don't think the sliding tray is an option on the Limited (don't quote me on that).

It is, but only if the vehicle is white. I don't like the 4Runner in white.

I think white looks good in Denali/Yukon size, but not in smaller vehicles. Or maybe it is just my experience with white Gov. vehicles.

I am thinking Red or Blue....and tan/grey interior.

 

[LandCruiser]

I'm putting a down payment on one for my dad tomorrow.

I like the LE.

If I had to do it again, I'd probably get an LE and lift that, Toyota's full time 4WD is the tits.

 

[jwkilgore]

The requirements in the first post pretty much described a 4Runner Limited exactly.

Only the Limited model has AWD, and yes the center diff is lockable for true 4WD (4HI and 4LO). That said, "front right and rear left off the ground" will stop even a true 4WD without either lockers or really good traction control. Fortunately, the 4Runner has really really good 4WD traction control. Once you drop to 4LO you can turn on ATRAC which will carry you pretty much everywhere you described.

It comes with an inverter, with a rear outlet, with an option for a center console outlet. According to this thread, it's:
400W: Vehicle stationary in P or N, possibly has to be running
100W: Any other condition. So if you wrap it in 200W worth of Christmas lights they will shut off when you start driving.

I've never heard of the 3rd row being color dependent. Is this something you've found online, or something a dealer told you? I just went to Toyota.com and "built" a Limited, Mag Gray, without a 3rd row.

Also, the 2016 Limited with AWD starts at $44k, so not really cheaper than the Explorer.

 

[Hadley22]

I bought a 2016 limited and was looking for some of the same features. I travel a lot of road miles and the AWD does great. Just drove 600 miles this weekend averaging 19.9MPG. I do a fair amount of hunting and fishing the wanted a capable 4wd. The limited does the trick so far. All of the other features you listed are mostly standard on the limited. I have owned several ford and Toyota products. The Toyotas go the distance better than the fords. I have the third row seats (2 kids) but have never even put them up. the floor is pretty flat.

 

[JEL]

Quality and reliability potential aside, think about it this way:

I see 10+ year old 4runners on craigslist with 100k+ miles on them for $16-18k all the time, and they don't seem to last before someone grabs them.

A 10+ year old Exploder (family had one, was a giant POS and lived up to the name) with 100k+ miles pretty much can't be given away....


Over the last 3-4 years Ford has been having terrible problems with quality and reliability, IIRC a couple years back there were down in the Jaguar/Land Rover and Fiat territory.

 

[Animal52]

I kinda skimmed, but I felt I needed to add.. I actually just purchased a 2016 Limited WITHOUT 3rd row seats about 3 weeks ago.

First, without the 3rd row seats, the floor is flat. With the 3rd row seats, there is an incline. I noticed this because I was considering the 3rd row seating. So best to go without the 3rd row because honestly, its so tight back there that you'll never use the, unless its a little person or a kid.

As someone mentioned, does have the power inverter.

Now, as for the ride, yes the ford is slightly softer on road, but thats because the 4runner is made to take a beating and still last in the suspension department. I used to own a Jeep Wrangler, very rough ride, but you don't buy it for the ride, you buy it to survive the zombies while driving over a mountain.

I have never heard of a Ford outlasting a toyota (not speaking for the pre-1990s fords) so why risk it with getting a new ford that has 8,945,093 computer systems that make all new engines break faster then you can repair them.

In terms of sleeping in the 4runner, which i also do. Im 5'8" and can lay completely flat back there with about 3-4 inches of extra room at my feet.

 

[RWBlue01]

It comes with an inverter, with a rear outlet, with an option for a center console outlet. According to this thread, it's:
400W: Vehicle stationary in P or N, possibly has to be running
100W: Any other condition. So if you wrap it in 200W worth of Christmas lights they will shut off when you start driving.

I still don't understand that. I would think zooming down the road I would have more power, but it is what it is.

I've never heard of the 3rd row being color dependent. Is this something you've found online, or something a dealer told you? I just went to Toyota.com and "built" a Limited, Mag Gray, without a 3rd row.

Sorry for the confusion. Third row is not color dependent. The slide out is only one color and only from the factory and .... So although I want, it is not an option for me.

 

[RWBlue01]

I kinda skimmed, but I felt I needed to add.. I actually just purchased a 2016 Limited WITHOUT 3rd row seats about 3 weeks ago.

In terms of sleeping in the 4runner, which i also do. Im 5'8" and can lay completely flat back there with about 3-4 inches of extra room at my feet.

I don't know how that works for you.

Length is good. I wouldn't want to be any taller, but it will work. I still have the tent back for the Explorer. I think it will work on the 4Runner.

It has an 1.5-2 inch drop. It hits me right at the hip. If I am going to sleep in the back, I see myself cutting some plywood to remove the dip. Then it will work. OR buy an inflatable mattress.

OR, I think I can setup the hammock inside the 4runner.

Now, as for the ride, yes the ford is slightly softer on road, but thats because the 4runner is made to take a beating and still last in the suspension department. I used to own a Jeep Wrangler, very rough ride, but you don't buy it for the ride, you buy it to survive the zombies while driving over a mountain.

I think you are correct. The Ford is the more civilized choice. I do prefer the breaking and ride, but I wouldn't trust it on gravel and forget able traveling across a farm field.

 

[RWBlue01]

I am now the owner of a 2016 4Runner Limited in Red.:first:


The Ford lost the sale more than Toyota won it.

Ford's issues: The third row, pops out of place when I climbed over it. There is no resale value on the Ford. I wouldn't trust it on gravel, let along off the road. Why would they not have a power inverter in back? If I had kids, that is where I would need the power for their stuff. Not having kids, that is where you work on stuff, plug in the crock pot or ..... They removed every feature I liked or complicated it. I could tell that some parts were fragile. One dealer even made the comment about something being fragile that didn't look it. I am a computer guy and the computer system was confusing. It take three screens to get to anything. It is like they didn't take any time working on the user interface. They have everything configurable EXCEPT the items that MUST be configurable. If I could have a bicycle rack and self park that would have been something, but that is not configurable (and it would be so easy to fix that). And then there is cost.

The Toyota cost too much for what I am getting, but ... the Ford is $50K gone in 5 years.

Have you ever seen a house with 4 bedrooms that are the size of walk in closets vs. a house with 2 normal sized bedrooms. The Ford is the house 4 bedrooms. The Toyota is the house with 2 normal size bedrooms.


BTW1, It looks like I can buy a rear view camera and mount it in front if I change jobs and need to parallel park every day. Give it a year or two and it will probably be common.


BTW2, Dealers Suck. Trying to get them to give you a straight price sucks. They wasted my time and hid items until I pinned them down. They don't know their vehicles and lie about it. The guy at the Ford dealership may have actually been the best. It looks like Tesla will be changing the model. Hopefully this will run the current bad salesmen and dealships out of business.


Steelership pricing, (not exact, still not sure what my exact number is) 40,988+TDA+destination charge+Tax+title+VA stuff. (Tax+title+VA stuff added up to sooooooo Fing much more than I anticipated. Nothing like getting raped by the Gov.) I added on the spray coating to protect the outside and inside. It may not be worth it, but in the first 7 years, I will stain the inside and they will replace something.

 

[fjaded]

Limited 4Runner

I made the switch to a limited 4Runner after owning 3 FJ's for almost 8 years and I have no regrets. You will really like it!

 

[Animal52]

I don't know how that works for you.

Length is good. I wouldn't want to be any taller, but it will work. I still have the tent back for the Explorer. I think it will work on the 4Runner.

It has an 1.5-2 inch drop. It hits me right at the hip. If I am going to sleep in the back, I see myself cutting some plywood to remove the dip. Then it will work. OR buy an inflatable mattress.

OR, I think I can setup the hammock inside the 4runner.




I think you are correct. The Ford is the more civilized choice. I do prefer the breaking and ride, but I wouldn't trust it on gravel and forget able traveling across a farm field.

With the 3rd row seats, the incline is dramatic which makes it bad to sleep in. I have a 2 inch air mat, but I've actually slept in the limited without the 3rd row seats without it and I was fine all night.

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[SurfCityJD]

Tray

I have a 2016 Limited 4wd with this "tray". I am wondering what if anything, anyone out there is doing to protect it. The floor mats from weather tech and Toyota (the ones I have) do not have a solution for this.

I live near the beach and I take it out there every so often...

Anyone out there doing anything to cover this thing?

The 5th Gen (2010-Present) 4runners are great. I came from a 3rd Gen 4runner, and really enjoy the new amenities that came with the new model. I have a 5th Gen 4runner Limited. Most people on here get the Trail. I got the Limited because I wanted FT4WD, the real leather, heated/ventilated seats, better stereo etc. All the stuff the Trail comes with I can add at a later date (lockers, etc). I've taken my Limited off road and it did great. Even with all the new amenities the new 4runners are still pretty utilitarian. No blind spot detectors, rear cross traffic alert, or auto park. It's still pretty nice though, and I have no desire to have the driving nannies anyway. You won't be disappointed.

I got my Limited without the third row, and I don't think the sliding tray is an option on the Limited (don't quote me on that).

Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk

 

[RWBlue01]

I have a 2016 Limited 4wd with this "tray". I am wondering what if anything, anyone out there is doing to protect it. The floor mats from weather tech and Toyota (the ones I have) do not have a solution for this.

I live near the beach and I take it out there every so often...

Anyone out there doing anything to cover this thing?

I wish I could have gotten the slide out, but it was not to be.

I would like some photos, if you could do that for me.

I happen to have a large rubber backed mat, like you see at business to wipe your feet. I have put it in the back. I am not sure how that it will work.

 

[wcjeep]

Check NHTSA or CarComplaints for 2016 models. A few 2016 4runners have a bad sticker. The 2016 Ford Explorer has multiple real issues.