4th Gen Owner Looking to get back into a 4runner.

[Rez90]

My 07 was absolutely the best DD i ever had. I sold it a few years ago and i miss it a lot.

I am thinking about getting a new Limited and keeping it for the long haul. My only gripe with the vehicle is that it's a dog. Does anyone know if there are any reliable ways to get better acceleration out of these vehicles? Or is there perhaps talk of a V8 in the next year or two?

the 4runner is the perfect truck IMO. It does everything well.....except get out of it's own way.

Pic of my 07 Sport. It had a Daystar 2.5/1.5 lift, Spacers, HIDs. It was perfect.

Hoping to be back soon. Thanks in advance. :thumb3:

 

[derekrhu]

I just got an 09 SR5 with a V6 engine a couple months ago. I think it has decent acceleration. Although, I was driving a Sequoia before

 

[1engineer]

It does just fine and compares to 90% of other SUV's in 0-60 times. If you want a V8 get a Lexus. If you want fast get a GC with the Hemi or a Porsche.

 

[balong48]

Unfortunately I'd say there's not a chance Toyota will EVER put a V8 back into the 4Runner. It's highly likely that the 6th generation 4Runner will feature the same 3.5L Atkinson cycle V6 in the 2016/2017 Tacoma. People have said the 3.5 in the Taco is slower than the old 4.0 in the Taco. So not good news if you're looking for acceleration.

The current generation is already heavier (500 pounds if my memory is correct) than the 4th generation was so the 2003-2009 V6 could possibly have more pick up. I personally haven't driven the V6 in that generation, mines a V8 but my dad has a 2014 Limited with the 4.0 and I can say the V8 has much more pick up and that the 4.0 is definitely working hard when the pedal is to the floor.

I'm not looking forward to the powertrain of the next generation 4Runner... hopefully Toyota tunes the 3.5 differently for the 4Runner like they did when the Tacoma and 4Runner shared the 4.0.

 

[off-road runner]

The 4th gen v6 had more giddyup than the current 5th gen IMHO. I know same engine but I think fuel delivery must be different cause the 5th gen is less aerodynamic and heavier but toy wanted to try to keep the same MPG or better. They did have a v8 in some of those 4th gen sports.

 

[1fast_e]

Loved my 4th gen as well. It seemed to be more responsive even with lift and A/T tires than my 5th gen limited. Sure not a apple to apple comparison.

Good luck

 

[LUVDA4RUNNER]

I had a 4th gen and have had a 5th gen for a year. At first you notice it and then you forget. It's not a corvette don't worry so much

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Take a very long test drive in a new Limited. Maybe do it several times. If after doing this you feel you can deal with the lack of low end torque and the stiff ride on the Limited then buy it. I came from a 2003 V8 and my 2014 Limited is barely adequate for me. There is almost no driving excitement. Other than that the 5th gen is better in almost every way. Let the flaming begin but this is my honest opinion.

 

[Threev8s]

Take a very long test drive in a new Limited. Maybe do it several times. If after doing this you feel you can deal with the lack of low end torque and the stiff ride on the Limited then buy it. I came from a 2003 V8 and my 2014 Limited is barely adequate for me. There is almost no driving excitement. Other than that the 5th gen is better in almost every way. Let the flaming begin but this is my honest opinion.

I went the GX460 route for the same reason. I seriously never thought I’d buy one, but it is really tough to go from a 4th gen v8 to the 5th gen if you like low-end torque. The acceleration of the GX is not quite as satisfying as my 4th gen v8 (I still miss it), but it has plenty of get up and go and numbers-wise it is accelerates at least as well. In my opinion, it is really the only option if you want to stick with something close to the 4th gen in size, quality, durability, and reliability but have to have the v8 torque. The other vehicle I put miles on is my wife’s 2014 Limited, so I have a constant comparison going. There's plenty of power there, but you have to find it. I probably would have bought another 5th gen for myself and never considered the GX if I never owned my 4th gen. But, I did and couldn't justify spending the money for a new vehicle and giving up anything that was important to me.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I went the GX460 route for the same reason. I seriously never thought I’d buy one, but it is really tough to go from a 4th gen v8 to the 5th gen if you like low-end torque. The acceleration of the GX is not quite as satisfying as my 4th gen v8 (I still miss it), but it has plenty of get up and go and numbers-wise it is accelerates at least as well. In my opinion, it is really the only option if you want to stick with something close to the 4th gen in size, quality, durability, and reliability but have to have the v8 torque. The other vehicle I put miles on is my wife’s 2014 Limited, so I have a constant comparison going. There's plenty of power there, but you have to find it. I probably would have bought another 5th gen for myself and never considered the GX if I never owned my 4th gen. But, I did and couldn't justify spending the money for a new vehicle and giving up anything that was important to me.

Since you do a lot of back to back driving do you feel the 4runner Limited rides excessively stiff/rough compared to the Lexus?

 

[Threev8s]

Since you do a lot of back to back driving do you feel the 4runner Limited rides excessively stiff/rough compared to the Lexus?

I don't feel that it's excessively rough. It just feels unsettled and jittery compared to the gx. I think part of that is due to the stock wheel/tire combo, but from your sig, you made the right move to have the 17s as an option so you would know better than me. I personally wouldn't have left the dealer without a second set of wheels/tires (17s) but my wife didn't want me to work that into the deal for her. Otherwise, the gx definitely has more body roll but that's part of the sacrifice for the more composed ride. In a perfect world, i'd like to be somewhere in between the two.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I don't feel that it's excessively rough. It just feels unsettled and jittery compared to the gx. I think part of that is due to the stock wheel/tire combo, but from your sig, you made the right move to have the 17s as an option so you would know better than me. I personally wouldn't have left the dealer without a second set of wheels/tires (17s) but my wife didn't want me to work that into the deal for her. Otherwise, the gx definitely has more body roll but that's part of the sacrifice for the more composed ride. In a perfect world, i'd like to be somewhere in between the two.

Thank you.

 

[Phoenix4R]

Is it fast? No.

Are you going to win stop light drag races? No.

Is it completely adequate? Yes.

The only compelling argument I've seen in favor of the V8 is for towing.

 

[bassmacka]

Is it fast? No.

Are you going to win stop light drag races? No.

Is it completely adequate? Yes.

The only compelling argument I've seen in favor of the V8 is for towing.

I just got a V8 4runner and the difference is very significant. Its a sports car compared to a mule.

 

[amalik]

Unfortunately I'd say there's not a chance Toyota will EVER put a V8 back into the 4Runner.

They should. Either that, or some kind of forced induction. That way, we can have the trucks we love *PLUS* some decent power for once. They can probably do it, engineering wise. But it's the damn EPA as the limiting factor.

 

[GreyLife]

My 07 was absolutely the best DD i ever had. I sold it a few years ago and i miss it a lot.

I am thinking about getting a new Limited and keeping it for the long haul. My only gripe with the vehicle is that it's a dog. Does anyone know if there are any reliable ways to get better acceleration out of these vehicles? Or is there perhaps talk of a V8 in the next year or two?

the 4runner is the perfect truck IMO. It does everything well.....except get out of it's own way.

Pic of my 07 Sport. It had a Daystar 2.5/1.5 lift, Spacers, HIDs. It was perfect.

Hoping to be back soon. Thanks in advance. :thumb3:

Go get yourself another 4th gen. The 5th is a tank and a beast but it was made with a cheap head designing much of it. So many complaints about the 5th gen. The 4th gen was the best vehicle I ever owned. Either that or wait for the new Bronco in 2020.

https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/new...e-new-bronco-and-ranger/ar-BBKaSJ4?li=BBnb4R5