4 Cylinder base Camry vs SR5...features

[gwcpa]

Was given a very worn, 26,000 mile Camry base 4 cylinder/auto loaner by the dealer yesterday.

I'm guessing this is a +- $20,000 vehicle, but the features it has that my SR5 4 Runner does not is interesting/odd/frustrating.

+Projector headlights (bright, but a sharp low beam cutoff, highs are excellent)
+Large, legible stereo display
+LED tail lights
+no mast antenna
+hooks in trunk for grocery bags, and a tray that holds a 6 pack of Sam Adams perfectly
+12V accesory plug right beside cupholders, the USB/AUX/12V plugs are in the center compartment right in front of the shifter
+6 speed auto trans with sport shift
+more extension of telescoping steering wheel

Not so good:
-cheap feeling cloth/plastic interior
-steel wheels with plastic covers
-no mpg readout
-front drive torque steer
-no much power
-mushy handling, feels like a buick century from 1995

Just wondering the logic of de-contenting features on a 4Runner when a base, entry level Camry gets these features. I'm sure this has been discussed when the '10s were first released, but first time I've really had a direct comparison of the 2 to comment.

Still love my SR5, but wish they could get the Bridgestone tires balanced. 11,000 miles and they've never been right, and have recently gotten horrible out of balance with no luck in fixing after balance 3 times.

 

[westwind77]

Was given a very worn, 26,000 mile Camry base 4 cylinder/auto loaner by the dealer yesterday.

I'm guessing this is a +- $20,000 vehicle, but the features it has that my SR5 4 Runner does not is interesting/odd/frustrating.

+12V accesory plug right beside cupholders, the USB/AUX/12V plugs are in the center compartment right in front of the shifter
+6 speed auto trans with sport shift

Just wondering the logic of de-contenting features on a 4Runner when a base, entry level Camry gets these features.

I have a 12V plug, AUX & USB in my SR5 - are you complaining about the location of them in our 4R?

We have a 5 speed auto with sport shift - are you complaining about the missing 6th?

 

[SeattleMike]

Just wondering the logic of de-contenting features on a 4Runner when a base, entry level Camry gets these features. I'm sure this has been discussed when the '10s were first released, but first time I've really had a direct comparison of the 2 to comment.

The 4Runner is built in Japan. With the Dollar/Yen exchange rates dropping from the 120's into the 70's from 2007 to the present, the cost of parts/assembly/transport was directly affected for the models still built there. The choice was either decontent or raise the price. People looking for more can go pay $70k for a GX460 Premium.

In contrast, the Camry is made in Georgetown, KY. There is no currency premium on labor, transport, or even most parts. This allows the higher-end content you think is missing even if there is the impression of lower build quality.

 

[gwcpa]

Forgot

+Auto headlights

Complaining? No, just noting the differences of a entry level sedan to the entry level 4Runner. Much of the switchgear/hardware is shared between the two. Just odd how the decisions to add or delete content were made imo. Not like I didn't know it when I bought it.

Oh, yes, I'm complaining about no 6th speed. lol...

Do miss the backup camera when I don't have it though. Initially I thought the mirror dispay was useless, now use it every day. Makes parallel parking/ combined with the sonar sensor very easy.

 

[westwind77]

Forgot

+Auto headlights

Complaining? No, just noting the differences of a entry level sedan to the entry level 4Runner. Much of the switchgear/hardware is shared between the two. Just odd how the decisions to add or delete content were made imo. Not like I didn't know it when I bought it.

Oh, yes, I'm complaining about no 6th speed. lol...

Do miss the backup camera when I don't have it though. Initially I thought the mirror dispay was useless, now use it every day. Makes parallel parking/ combined with the sonar sensor very easy.

Sounds like you should trade your 4R for a Camry! Then you would not have to worry about going around a corner and having your groceries fall out of their bags. For me I would rather my 4R have things like ATRAC than grocery bag clips. Bag clips do you no good if you can't make it to the store to use them!

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Now compare what the 4Runner has that the Camry doesn't. The cost of off road capability has it's costs and also remember back in the late '90s you'll see 3rd gens costing low $30k (my mom's '99 limited cost nearly $37k) and up range so really the cost of a new 4Runner isn't much different than it was 10-15 years ago but yes,some quality may have suffered a little to keep prices in check but the 5th gens have alot that the 3rd gens didn't have.

 

[1engineer]

All of you make valid points and here is another to consider: When you start with a fresh body style you start with the basics. Otherwise there is nothing to add to attract new and repeat customers for the 5-7 years the style is offered. The added a few things in the '11, they are adding a few more things in the '12. I'm sure they will eventually add the headlight and taillight package some of you covet and creature comforts as well. I am just impressed with the build quality and drivetrain as it is a great platform to add all the goodies in the years to come. I personally am only holding out for the Spruce Green Mica I hope they will offer in a few years.

 

[gwcpa]

I'm only complaining about the lack of 6 pack holder in the cargo area. I'm tired of my Sam Boston Lager (actually I'm drinking light now and it isn't bad) rolling around in the back! Come on toyota, offer that Camry beer tray as an option, at least on the limited! :biggrin2:

And my dealer was able to balance the tires finally, and I was very happy to give the Camry back...

 

[Ryan_S]

You're comparing completely different vehicles that are targeted at completely different demographics.

The Camry is unibody, front wheel drive, sedan. That translates to much less steel, much simpler drivetrain, and components that require much less strength.

They can afford to add those things by saving in other areas to get people into that vehicle over their direct competitors, Hyundai, VW, Honda, etc.

I see what you're getting at.. .but it really is apples to oranges.

 

[offroadingatc]

The 4Runner is built in Japan. With the Dollar/Yen exchange rates dropping from the 120's into the 70's from 2007 to the present, the cost of parts/assembly/transport was directly affected for the models still built there. The choice was either decontent or raise the price. People looking for more can go pay $70k for a GX460 Premium.

In contrast, the Camry is made in Georgetown, KY. There is no currency premium on labor, transport, or even most parts. This allows the higher-end content you think is missing even if there is the impression of lower build quality.

I think it's more than an impression.

 

[Uneek]

The same can be said, about buying an IS250, you can get a Camry V6 XLE with nav, etc.

It's not an apples to apples comparison. Also take a look at the Camry's competitors, there lots of other very good alternatives in that segment. With the 4Runner, the only other option is the Xterra.

 

[KCcarguy]

You pay for the things you can't see in a 4runner. It's built to do work and take abuse.....All the underpinnings of a $60k luxury SUV for half the price.

 

[bobs4state]

Sounds like you should trade your 4R for a Camry! Then you would not have to worry about going around a corner and having your groceries fall out of their bags. For me I would rather my 4R have things like ATRAC than grocery bag clips. Bag clips do you no good if you can't make it to the store to use them!

I don't think ATRAC was put in the T4R in place of grocery bag clips. More often than not, it is the little things that irritate people about their cars, and Toyota left out a lot of little things that would have made this truck more fun to own. Yes, stronger steel and another gear would be nice, but more attention to the interior would help too, along with decent wheels on the LE.