2018 4Runner

Yeah, it has all kinds of cool stuff but it's missing one thing: A soul. That has to be the most boring thing to drive and ride ever. Highlander.... no soul man.

QFT lol - nailed it. I was given a '17 highlander as a loaner the other day while my 4r Limited was getting serviced and it is exactly what you said. I was falling asleep. It really is boring. Couldn't wait to get my t4r back.
 
Bought the wife a 2017 Limited yesterday to replace her 04 SR5 only because the SR5 has 194,000 miles on it..Never a single issue in 14 years and still drives like new..Personally I prefer the 04 model..At least I can find the oil filter on it..
 
Regarding safety features, he may be referring to things such as blind spot monitoring, rear cross traffic alert, adaptive cruiser control etc. I agree with the OP that I wouldn't mind having these features, nearly every car manufacturer offers them. The 3rd gen Tacoma has them so I'm guessing the 6th gen 4Runner will too. It does bother me though that the GX460 gets them and we don't. It's demonstrably reliable there so they should carry it over.

For what it's worth these safety features are not available on the current wrangler either. Considering the JK Rubicons have a tendency to just shut down on the freeway for no reason at all I'm not sure how much it'd help though :lmao:

There's 42 pages of predictions/discussion/arguments over the next 4Runner here, I suggest the OP check it out.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/182866-6th-gen-2017-4r-will-exist.html

Man, I must be one lucky SOB, I was BORN with all that crap!!
 
Any changes? Any new safety features added?

Getting tired of the Grand Cherokee being in the dealership and leaving you stranded?

When I bought my 14 Tacoma part of the draw for me was it's simplicity. Coming from a Silverado it was a downgrade, but in a good way. Moving up to the 4Runner it was an upgrade in build quality but still remains simple.

Everything you need and nothing you don't.
 
After a little research it looks like things are not as simple anymore..Does this thing not even have a spin on type oil filter anymore?
 
I also like that you can pick a 4Runner out of the crowd. We're shopping right now and when you look down the row at midsized SUVs, they all look the same. I'm actually glad Toyota doesn't change the 4Runner every couple of years, that way it doesn't look outdated so quickly. And if you're a high-mileage driver, like I am, you really appreciate simplicity.
 
I guess I wasn't conveying my message well enough...I am not for all of the nanny stuff, in fact you can turn off many of them if you don't like them on the Highlander. My point was how does the SE Highlander cost $4000 less than a Trail? My wife works at the corporate office of the dealership she works for. We got both cars for $200 over what they bought them for. I love the 4R I just feel it is over priced for what you get. I have owned a 4R since 2003, I love my 4R. It is just my opinion that it seems like it lacks the features of other Toyotas at that price point. Which is what it seems like OP was asking, was hey, did they add anything, or is it the same since the refresh?
 
I guess I wasn't conveying my message well enough...I am not for all of the nanny stuff, in fact you can turn off many of them if you don't like them on the Highlander. My point was how does the SE Highlander cost $4000 less than a Trail? My wife works at the corporate office of the dealership she works for. We got both cars for $200 over what they bought them for. I love the 4R I just feel it is over priced for what you get. I have owned a 4R since 2003, I love my 4R. It is just my opinion that it seems like it lacks the features of other Toyotas at that price point. Which is what it seems like OP was asking, was hey, did they add anything, or is it the same since the refresh?

Comparing 4runner to Highlander is a bit misleading in terms of price. There are not many SUVs that offer lockable rear solid axle, body on frame, kdss, crawl control, and 100% made in Japan. If you don't value any of these, then 4runner is overpriced. Highlander does not offer any of these. When I was in the market, I compared Highlander with Kia Sorento, and thought Highlander is overpriced. Whereas, I compared 4runner with Jeep Wrangler, and found 4runner as a good value.

I wouldn't want too much tech on these cars, and this comes from a person who owes a sedan with all technology available in the market. After driving 400 miles in both cars on same route, I was much more fresh with 4runner, compared to the sedan with adaptive cruise control etc. And this is even more interesting, sedan would have cut me an hour with much higher avg speed.

What 4runner needs though from my perspective is a 6 speed with a shorter first gear so better acceleration etc, and a towing package with additional cooling etc, so I can tow more.
 
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They aren't a luxury vehicle. If you want all of that extra crap, you bought the wrong vehicle. Go buy a BMW, Audi or Mercedes Benz if you want over-engineered, over-electrically-loaded crap.

Speaking from a service advisor/technician stand point, the less it's equipped with, the better off. Less breakage. Less mess. Less $ out of pocket for repair/replacement. I purposely ordered mine without a SUNROOF, because I didn't want the issues. When that crap breaks, wallets cry.

You mean the Lexus GX... it's basically the luxury trim 4Runner.

That said a fully optioned out Limited 4Runner is not too far off from these other luxury brands... Toyota did cram a lot of tech and breakable stuff into that thing...
 
After a little research it looks like things are not as simple anymore..Does this thing not even have a spin on type oil filter anymore?

I really don't know what they were thinking with that one... they got it right with the last generation.

Every time I buy a newer car, I start to think about what I liked about the older ones. Also... the wife still hasn't shut up about the sun glass holder.
 
You mean the Lexus GX... it's basically the luxury trim 4Runner.

That said a fully optioned out Limited 4Runner is not too far off from these other luxury brands... Toyota did cram a lot of tech and breakable stuff into that thing...

Yea, I have a Limited and dislike the auto door unlock sensors and push button start. To be fair though crawl control on the trail edition adds complexity too.


On a slight departure, Toyota make's simple trucks, we just don't get them here. A Land Cruiser GX (200-series Land Cruiser, basic trim) starts at $66k USD equivalent in Australia, and a snorkel is a factory option. $52k USD gets you a 70-Series Land Cruiser Wagon. If the Jeep Africa concept Wrangler ever takes off it'll be a good indication to Toyota that there's a market here for the 70, but I'm aware of what kind of pipe-dream that is.
 
For the longest times up to a year or two ago, they were selling 4runners relatively cheap in Central America and they were all desiel. You could even upgrade to Turbo desiel. Talk about an awesome ride! Now they've gone to the Prado. They also still have the Tacoma but called a hi-lux. Also in desiel and turbo desiel. So nice!! All these don't have all the US specs so they are obviously not as safe but still nice!!
 
I really don't know what they were thinking with that one... they got it right with the last generation.

Every time I buy a newer car, I start to think about what I liked about the older ones. Also... the wife still hasn't shut up about the sun glass holder.

I'm with her..
 
Ok when we traded our 2015 Limited 4 Runner for my wife's 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited loaded with all the toys (V6) I said I would report back good or bad. Now its been 6 months and 14,000 miles. In that time early on at 1,000 miles going down the highway all the dash lights lit up and a warning sound came on. My wife pulled over and shut the car off. After restarting it was fine and never happened again in the last 13,000 miles. The power tailgate was stopping mid way at times. We took it in and they could not duplicate the problem and sent us home. It happened again and I called and asked for the service manager and told him I wanted a new pr strut. He agreed and that fixed it. I had a persistent rattle in the drivers door. After locating it at the upper door jam by the dash I folded a towel and put it there and gently forced the door on it to pretty much take a shot at accomplishing something. Like magic the rattle was fixed and is still gone to this day.
This car (for me and my wife mind you) is light years ahead of the 4 Runner. The turning radius is incredible. It is way faster and smoother than the 4 Runner because of the upgraded 300 hp V6 and the 8 speed trans. The ride is way less harsh on concrete roads and over potholes etc. The 8 inch info screen and total system is amazing and the bluetooth actually works with both our phones correctly, unlike the 4 Runner. I was repeatedly told they all do that when I complained. I love the blind spot warning system. When I back out of my driveway if I go too far instead of hitting the bushes the car just gently brakes itself, flipping amazing. I can pull up and the car will parallel park itself with my hands off the wheel like magic although I rarely use this feature. The radar cruise is addictive and my wife is in love with it. I don't like or use the lane departure feature. This car has great ground clearance and just feels good, better than all the SUV's we test drove, and we drove them all up to $70,000. I paid 44.5k, it listed for 49k and I also bought a Mopar factory Lifetime unlimited miles warranty that covers everything but cosmetic and maintenance items with a $100 deductible for $2,660. This is an amazing car we are very happy with it. If anything breaks I will let you know.
 
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Ok when we traded our 2015 Limited 4 Runner for my wife's 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited loaded with all the toys (V6) I said I would report back good or bad. Now its been 6 months and 14,000 miles. In that time early on at 1,000 miles going down the highway all the dash lights lit up and a warning sound came on. My wife pulled over and shut the car off. After restarting it was fine and never happened again in the last 13,000 miles. The power tailgate was stopping mid way at times. We took it in and they could not duplicate the problem and sent us home. It happened again and I called and asked for the service manager and told him I wanted a new pr strut. He agreed and that fixed it. I had a persistent rattle in the drivers door. After locating it at the upper door jam by the dash I folded a towel and put it there and gently forced the door on it to pretty much take a shot at accomplishing something. Like magic the rattle was fixed and is still gone to this day.
This car (for me and my wife mind you) is light years ahead of the 4 Runner. The turning radius is incredible. It is way faster and smoother than the 4 Runner because of the upgraded 300 hp V6 and the 8 speed trans. The ride is way less harsh on concrete roads and over potholes etc. The 8 inch info screen and total system is amazing and the bluetooth actually works with both our phones correctly, unlike the 4 Runner. I was repeatedly told they all do that when I complained. I love the blind spot warning system. When I back out of my driveway if I go too far instead of hitting the bushes the car just gently brakes itself, flipping amazing. I can pull up and the car will parallel park itself with my hands off the wheel like magic although I rarely use this feature. The radar cruise is addictive and my wife is in love with it. I don't like or use the lane departure feature. This car has great ground clearance and just feels good, better than all the SUV's we test drove, and we drove them all up to $70,000. I paid 44.5k, it listed for 49k and I also bought a Mopar factory Lifetime unlimited miles warranty that covers everything but cosmetic and maintenance items with a $100 deductible for $2,660. This is an amazing car we are very happy with. If anything breaks I will let you know.

If you're so happy with the GC why did you ask about the 2018 4Runner? Sounds to me like you found the right vehicle for you and your wife. End of story.
 
Ok when we traded our 2015 Limited 4 Runner for my wife's 2017 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited loaded with all the toys (V6) I said I would report back good or bad. Now its been 6 months and 14,000 miles. In that time early on at 1,000 miles going down the highway all the dash lights lit up and a warning sound came on. My wife pulled over and shut the car off. After restarting it was fine and never happened again in the last 13,000 miles. The power tailgate was stopping mid way at times. We took it in and they could not duplicate the problem and sent us home. It happened again and I called and asked for the service manager and told him I wanted a new pr strut. He agreed and that fixed it. I had a persistent rattle in the drivers door. After locating it at the upper door jam by the dash I folded a towel and put it there and gently forced the door on it to pretty much take a shot at accomplishing something. Like magic the rattle was fixed and is still gone to this day.
This car (for me and my wife mind you) is light years ahead of the 4 Runner. The turning radius is incredible. It is way faster and smoother than the 4 Runner because of the upgraded 300 hp V6 and the 8 speed trans. The ride is way less harsh on concrete roads and over potholes etc. The 8 inch info screen and total system is amazing and the bluetooth actually works with both our phones correctly, unlike the 4 Runner. I was repeatedly told they all do that when I complained. I love the blind spot warning system. When I back out of my driveway if I go too far instead of hitting the bushes the car just gently brakes itself, flipping amazing. I can pull up and the car will parallel park itself with my hands off the wheel like magic although I rarely use this feature. The radar cruise is addictive and my wife is in love with it. I don't like or use the lane departure feature. This car has great ground clearance and just feels good, better than all the SUV's we test drove, and we drove them all up to $70,000. I paid 44.5k, it listed for 49k and I also bought a Mopar factory Lifetime unlimited miles warranty that covers everything but cosmetic and maintenance items with a $100 deductible for $2,660. This is an amazing car we are very happy with. If anything breaks I will let you know.

You are right, Jeep sales much lower than the MSRP listed. I looked 17' trailhawk 5.7 V8 with all tech available. It was 15K lower.

What I didn't like for jeep, the overall dimensions, markedly smaller than 4runner.
4runner has 89.7 cubic inch behind the first row, whereas Jeep has 68.3 cubic inch. Interior feel is also much spacious for driver and passenger. The seat was so uncomfortable for me in JGC, 4runner was better for a bigger guy like me.

Additionally, the panel gaps between doors and hood etc was not perfect for all the JGCs we looked this summer. 4runner had perfect spaces all over.

Another issue, I felt more rollover in JGC, and their sway bars are thinner. 4runner with KDSS is much stable.

I still don't know why but there is like half second between when I pressed the gas in JGC and the vehicle started moving, it may be because of more tech or something else. 4runner is slower, but more direct.

FCA in general, hit and miss, they are great for some folks when their cars work.

Yes, 4runner is not that high in tech, works for what is intended.
 
See, the JGC is a perfect example of all the bells and whistles being available if someone really wants those things. It is great there are options out there. I do not want many of those things like adaptive cruise and blind spot warning; one of the attractions to the 4r is because it did not have those things.

Now, if they offered options, that would be cool, so those who want can just get, but I do not want it as a part of every 4r with no choice in it. I would like the bigger info screen, but cannot think of anything else I would want as an option, I can say I do not like that panic brake feature it has or whatever it is called.
 
Most of these features on the Jeep are just options. You don't need to pay for them if you don't want them. The 4 Runner should at least offer them considering almost every other car made does. Anyway it doesn't matter since they sell all they make no problem. I guess they just feel you can go out and buy a GX460.
 
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I've had Jeeps and I've had Toyotas. I feel that a lot of American cars come off stronge and tight but after a few years, feel lose and sloppy. Like they are made to lease and that's about it. I also feel Japanese cars are built for the long haul because really, they are sold mostly to the foreign market where leasing isn't an option and most of these people buy a car with expectation of it lasting 20+ years. These just my own observations owning different cars and spending years out of country.
 

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