AgentKooper
New member
I picked up my 2021 TRDP in Lunar Rock a couple weeks ago. I've wanted a 4Runner ever since I was 19, when a guy I knew got a 2nd gen. Thirty years later the stars finally lined up right, and it was time. First Toyota I've owned, and I love it. Here are some initial general impressions:
APPEARANCE
I really like Lunar Rock. I wasn't sure when I saw the first pictures last summer. But in person I think it looks great -- very different in different lighting, all great. Cement to me is one of best Pro colors, and I like this even better. Looks particularly good on the 4R, IMO. Overall appearance is an A+ for me. With the wheels/tires and the slight lift it looks exactly like I wanted right off the lot.
Another photo in different light:
DAILY DRIVING EXPERIENCE
I can't speak to the other trim models, but mine rides as smooth as can be -- no lean in the corners, no nosedive. I've driven about 50 miles of steep highway switchbacks over the past two weeks and never felt any sway. The suspension feels smooth -- not too stiff, not too soft. It handles quite nicely, actually. Much less of a rough truck feel than I'd expected (not that I'd have minded that anyway). Based on comments I've read here and elsewhere, I expected the throttle response to be worse than it is. I'd been thinking that one of the first things I'd do would be to add a Pedal Commander. But after driving it around town and on the interstates around Denver, I think it's fine as is.
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
There is so much complaining online about this engine's supposed lack of power, speed, etc. I don't understand that, unless people are comparing it to a totally different class of vehicle. I've been driving it for two weeks on crowded Denver highways and have had zero problems merging into highway traffic, passing quickly when needed, etc. Acceleration is fine for a V6 SUV. The drivetrain might be outdated, but in terms of daily driving experience, I have no complaints. I drove it up I-70 and over Berthoud Pass the last two weekends. No problem at all passing uphill at 70-75 mph on I-70 or getting around slowpokes quickly on Berthoud.
TRD EXHAUST
It's definitely noticeably louder. I can see why some folks wouldn't like it. But to me it's not an unpleasant sound, just louder than usual. I've stopped noticing it for the most part.
ROOF RACK
I don't mind its looks, but it's still a strange design, and the one flaw in the package. To me the big problem is that they tried to shoehorn this old FJ design into a footprint that's too small. It's fine for now -- I found a Yakima box I can fit up there for my skis, and that was my immediate primary need. I'll keep playing around with it, but if I end up modding anything, it likely will be this rack.
MISCELLANEOUS
The interior is plain and obviously not luxury, but I like it just fine. It just feels sort of basic and old school, which is my style anyway. The touchscreen maybe could be of higher quality, but I don't have any real issue with it, and CarPlay works great.
The stock tires felt fine on the road and look good. I probably won't get them off-road until the spring, so no opinions there yet. I put Blizzaks on pretty quickly for the winter, and they feel great on it.
Overall, I couldn't be happier with the purchase. Honestly, so far it's really the first vehicle I've owned that I've truly loved.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
APPEARANCE
I really like Lunar Rock. I wasn't sure when I saw the first pictures last summer. But in person I think it looks great -- very different in different lighting, all great. Cement to me is one of best Pro colors, and I like this even better. Looks particularly good on the 4R, IMO. Overall appearance is an A+ for me. With the wheels/tires and the slight lift it looks exactly like I wanted right off the lot.
Another photo in different light:
DAILY DRIVING EXPERIENCE
I can't speak to the other trim models, but mine rides as smooth as can be -- no lean in the corners, no nosedive. I've driven about 50 miles of steep highway switchbacks over the past two weeks and never felt any sway. The suspension feels smooth -- not too stiff, not too soft. It handles quite nicely, actually. Much less of a rough truck feel than I'd expected (not that I'd have minded that anyway). Based on comments I've read here and elsewhere, I expected the throttle response to be worse than it is. I'd been thinking that one of the first things I'd do would be to add a Pedal Commander. But after driving it around town and on the interstates around Denver, I think it's fine as is.
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
There is so much complaining online about this engine's supposed lack of power, speed, etc. I don't understand that, unless people are comparing it to a totally different class of vehicle. I've been driving it for two weeks on crowded Denver highways and have had zero problems merging into highway traffic, passing quickly when needed, etc. Acceleration is fine for a V6 SUV. The drivetrain might be outdated, but in terms of daily driving experience, I have no complaints. I drove it up I-70 and over Berthoud Pass the last two weekends. No problem at all passing uphill at 70-75 mph on I-70 or getting around slowpokes quickly on Berthoud.
TRD EXHAUST
It's definitely noticeably louder. I can see why some folks wouldn't like it. But to me it's not an unpleasant sound, just louder than usual. I've stopped noticing it for the most part.
ROOF RACK
I don't mind its looks, but it's still a strange design, and the one flaw in the package. To me the big problem is that they tried to shoehorn this old FJ design into a footprint that's too small. It's fine for now -- I found a Yakima box I can fit up there for my skis, and that was my immediate primary need. I'll keep playing around with it, but if I end up modding anything, it likely will be this rack.
MISCELLANEOUS
The interior is plain and obviously not luxury, but I like it just fine. It just feels sort of basic and old school, which is my style anyway. The touchscreen maybe could be of higher quality, but I don't have any real issue with it, and CarPlay works great.
The stock tires felt fine on the road and look good. I probably won't get them off-road until the spring, so no opinions there yet. I put Blizzaks on pretty quickly for the winter, and they feel great on it.
Overall, I couldn't be happier with the purchase. Honestly, so far it's really the first vehicle I've owned that I've truly loved.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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I think the 4Runner will be perfect for my needs. Look forward to a lot of fun times with it!
