5th Gen 4Runner Trail Premium - What's your Experience?

[Cytronus]

brakes are very touchy . push down slowly no braking then it suddenly brakes too much . I told the sales guy the brakes are not good . he said it is normal. I was thinking he sells cars I repair vehicles don't seem good to me. so I drive it 500miles and I go easy on the brakes break in time. well I was on the hywy and I had to hit the brakes hard due to the traffic coming to a quick stop. the rear end wanted to keep going the front did stop good. well that made me bleed the brakes today . the passenger side rear caliper was full of air. .. went for test run brakes normal now to ME!..

now I have light braking when I push down a little and when I push down harder the both front rear brakes stop evenly .

other than this brake issue now fixed , the T4R pre seems good .

I recently rented a 2016 SR5 4WD in Vegas and drove her for 3 days on and off road and felt the exact same thing. Bad nose dive braking and delayed braking from the moment of first peddle depression. Once the brakes got a bite they were great but that nose dive and bounce back at the stop were some of the worst I've experienced in an SUV. Maybe it had air in the lines as well?

Last week I test drove a used 2014 Trail (non premium) and the breaking was much better than the SR5 I rented. I'd say normal braking. The KDSS was also very noticeable on turns at speed compared to the SR5.

 

[Lexusbstrdchild]

Nose dive is normal and is documented. Once you change the suspension it will be just fine. I've had a 3rd, 4th, and 5th gen. There is something about the 3rd Gen that reminds me of the 5th gen. Feels similar, I'm not sure why, just wasn't a fan of the 4th gen. The 3rd and 5th have been my favorite, as is my wife's fav as well. I have the Trail Premium, and softex leather has worn very well, no issues to report, mpg is crap but I expected it after mods. Solid vehicle, and I feel safe with the fam going down the road and that's what matters to me. If you look at pics of people who God forbid have had an accident in them, they hold up extremely well, and that matters more to me than anything.

 

[Danimal]

I've had a 3rd, 4th, and 5th gen. There is something about the 3rd Gen that reminds me of the 5th gen. Feels similar, I'm not sure why, just wasn't a fan of the 4th gen.

I agree; I've always thought that Toyota channeled the 3rd gen when they designed the 5th gen.

Dan

 

[catrains]

I recently rented a 2016 SR5 4WD in Vegas and drove her for 3 days on and off road and felt the exact same thing. Bad nose dive braking and delayed braking from the moment of first peddle depression. Once the brakes got a bite they were great but that nose dive and bounce back at the stop were some of the worst I've experienced in an SUV. Maybe it had air in the lines as well?

Last week I test drove a used 2014 Trail (non premium) and the breaking was much better than the SR5 I rented. I'd say normal braking. The KDSS was also very noticeable on turns at speed compared to the SR5.

your braking experience you had , is what I had until all that air came spitting out. I would say , with all my brake repair experience that the right rear was not bled. this is the first component to be bled as you go around the caliper/brake cylinder bled procedure. so it did have a huge effect on the rear not braking. another note to this the rear rotors looked like they never did any braking . your comment "that nose dive and bounce back at the stop were some of the worst I've experienced in an SUV" that was also the effect with light braking like in stop go traffic. slight dip is normal with a heavy braking on most all vehicles. but when the rear end wants to swing around because the front brakes are doing all the braking it is dangerous.


all fixed now ..

 

[sandcrawler]

The front sway bar is located differently with kdss, clearance under the front diff is decreased to allow the sway bar to articulate down when the system "disengages" at slow speed offroad.

Oh wow, interesting. I had no idea KDSS allowed the sway bar/stabilizer to sit lower than a non-KDSS. That sounds like a major flaw. Any idea what the clearance difference is?

the swaybar designs are certainly different, and the standard swaybar is definitely mounted higher on non-KDSS models, but there are effectively no clearance differences. the front (OEM) skid plates are nearly identical with the exception of cut-outs for KDSS swaybar travel.

see this post for direct comparison http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/197368-trd-pro-skid-15-4runner-te-w-kdss.html#post2026615

aftermarket front skids for KDSS that actually do reduce clearance are due to the fact that they give a wide berth to the secondary tubular radiator supports and give up some additional clearance in doing so. if these supports are removed (as required for Shrockworks skids, for example) it's a wash.

Do the non-KDSS Trail skids tuck up any higher than the KDSS version? My recollection is that they don't. Look at the TRD skid plate; it can be cut out to allow for KDSS sway bar articulation, so it doesn't sit any higher than my stock KDSS skid plate.

precisely

I agree; I've always thought that Toyota channeled the 3rd gen when they designed the 5th gen.

my thoughts exactly. it's what Toyota meant when they said "back to its roots" for the 5G. the 10-13 front bumper is a modern refresh of the 3G "fat lip" bumper.

 

[jstim]

How does the faux leather seating seem to be holding up/wearing?

Good so far, even in extreme heat and sun exposure.

Has your lift affected KDSS negatively or caused a bad lean?

Nope, I'm at a mild lift with ~1.5"

What's your MPG with 33" tires or close to that size?

on 265/70/r17 BFG KO2s and aggressive driving I'm at 15.58 MPG

Any odd noises, particularly at highway speeds?

TRD intake, URD y-pipe, magnaflow muffler, ko2s, and crossbars with roof mounts don't exactly contribute to a quiet ride.. the 5th gen 4runner has better noise insulation than a '12 Taco access cab, not as good as the '16 landcruiser 200. So its 'decent'

Any electrical or mechanical issues?

1 year, 15k miles, nothing so far (knock on wood)

Personal likes, favorites and dislikes?

Pros: Crawl control, e-locker, moonroof, nice and practical console layout
Cons: Nothing major, but if I can quote the wishlist then: More torque, a 6th gear..

Overall experience and happy owner?
Yes!

A note on KDSS: For a stock 4runner in everyday driving, the handling difference is considerable. However, it does seem to be quite firm on washboards or higher speed offroading as the system seems to be fighting against independent suspension movement. I am no expert, but would not feel comfortable pushing KDSS beyond a 3" lift

The y pipe doesn't cause it to throw any codes since you've eliminated the cat? I really like the looks of the exhaust just was interested in that. How does it sound?

 

[blake989]

I've got a 2008 SR5 4wd, which was configured in a way to be considered close to today's version of the SR5 premium, and a 2016 TEP. Both leveled/lifted with suspension, sitting on 33 MTs, and locked. I love them both, but I'll explain some of things I've encountered that you just can't get from the build sheets.

The TEP returned the 4runner driver's seat back to the "cockpit" feel of the earlier generations (which was my only complaint with the 4th gen). The rear seats have been reconfigured to make them easier to lower into the down position (you don't have to remove the headrests anymore).

The TEP has lost a few of the "little things" from the 4th gen that I really liked (automatic ignition key completion, back glass button on the key fob, auto-final close of the lift gate). I'll eventually get used to this, but man are those nice.

The TEP's suspension, before modification, was in my opinion way too soft...lots of body roll and very noticeable brake dive, but this is all gone now.

The TEP's oil change is night and day different from the 4th gen. The thought that went into engineering the 4th gen's oil change process was impressive, but I guess you can't have your cake and eat it too.

Hood scoop. I still like my 4th gen, and honestly it will go anywhere my TEP will go, but it doesn't have a hood scoop! Call me a redneck, but dang the TEP looks mean from the front end

 

[Muzzle of Bees]

The nose dive happens when people drive a 4x4 like a sports car. Even alleged great sports cars get mushy breaks after a few hot laps. I get no nose dive because I stop slowly. Otherwise, it will nose dive.

 

[wbpolk]

Following this!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[1engineer]

Howdy 5th Gen Trail Edition Premium (TEP) owners. I'm considering moving from my 3rd Gen Limited to a 2014-2016 Trail Premium with the goal to outfit it with 33" shoes and a 2.5" - 3" ICON Stage 6 lift while keeping KDSS in place. Other additions: Skids, K9 roof rack with Eezi-Awn Rooftop Tent, Warn Undercover Winch, Dual Air Compressor, Dual Batteries, and rear fridge and storage system.

For me, the appeal of the TEP over other models are its Softex faux leather seats, for easy cleaning vs fabric, heated seats, moon roof, e locker, crawl control, terrain selection and KDSS.

For all you TEP owners, especially those who've done a lift, what's your experience been so far? The good and bad? Bonus if you can compare to past 4Runners, especially the 3rd Gen.

Some questions I have include:

How does the faux leather seating seem to be holding up/wearing?
Has your lift affected KDSS negatively or caused a bad lean?
What's your MPG with 33" tires or close to that size?
Any odd noises, particularly at highway speeds?
Any electrical or mechanical issues?
Personal likes, favorites and dislikes?
Overall experience and happy owner?

OP, if you just read a few of the thousands of threads here you would get your answer. Most auto message boards are complaining about transmission failures, premature brake replacements, engine oil leaks and the like.

Even after 300K+ 5th gen 4Runners have been sold you get complaints here about cup holder inserts, trailer plugs being mounted in the proper place, colors, wheel designs and such frivolous things that have no bearing on the reliability, durability or proper operation of the vehicle.

Yes, there have been a few "true" problems and they are documented but all in all, the only real complaints are from owners who think they can design components better than Toyota, like KDSS for example. I have repeatedly asked those who complain to give me a better suspension, at ANY cost, that will outperform KDSS on the HIGHWAY AND OFF ROAD. They can't. Now, I'm sure an air suspension could be fitted, computer modules added and programming accomplished that could outperform KDSS. That should only add about the price of a new 4Runner if you go aftermarket...

The truth is the 5th Gen 4Runner is all trim levels is a good vehicle that will last for a long time with low maintenance and high residual value that has very few real problems. It's gonna get about 17-20 mpg stock. When you add a bunch of crap it's gonna get 12-18 mpg depending. The seats are fine with no appreciable wear. Stock you won't get any strange noises. When you mod it you will get strange noises. As a matter of fact, based on this forum, the majority of problems are on MODDED vehicles, not stock vehicles and the problems are usually with the aftermarket components.

With that said, there are better vehicles out there. A Land Cruiser will outperform the 4Runner in every metric except economy. If you tow, any full size truck will outperform the 4Runner. If you like going fast through the curves any sports car will outperform the 4Runner. If you like creature comforts and a real smooth ride a Highlander will outperform the 4Runner. If you have small children any MINIVAN will outperform the 4Runner for ease of use and hauling the tons of stuff associated with babies and small children.

There you go.

 

[jrandom]

I too have owned a 99' 3rd gen for a good 7 years before letting it go for a 2013 Trail with KDSS.

Other than being a bit chunky compared to the nice slenderness of a 3rd gen, I love everything (well voice command with NAV is crap) about it performance wise. LOL mileage sucks a bit I average 16.4 mostly city, highway trips ~19ish.

I have a few hundred extra pounds in hardware and some suspension to compensate. Roughly 2" of lift all the way around. The lift I just finished last week, waiting on a tire upgrade to 275/70/17 (a good middle ground I believe) currently on stock LT C rated BFG AT's

Pre-lift, leveled FOX2.5 DSC shocks all the way around with stock springs in the rear, it handled insanely well, often outperforming shitty (and some good) drivers in more sporty cars on road and off-road handling is a perfect compromise for not being a application specific vehicle like a jeep JK for example.

Sorry no Softex seats to compare.

 

[Cytronus]

Sideview mirrors on Trail Premium - have turn signals and ground light?

Hey guys, again great feedback from all, many thanks. I'm sold.

I noticed from a few photos online that it appears the Trail Premium models have side view mirrors with turn signal indicator lights. Do they also have the light facing down that lights up the ground at night when the doors open/unlock like the Limited's have? From the photos I'm seeing it appears the Trail (non-Premium) does not have the turn signal lights built into the sideview mirrors.

Please confirm what you guys have on your Premiums.

Also, I'm planning to swap out the Trail OEM 17" x 7.5" wheels with the TRD Pro 17" x 7". I'm planning to go with 33" tires. Since I'd be losing a half inch of rim width with the TRD Pro wheels, is it possible to go with a wider tire; well, wider than the normal 285/70/17? I'll likely go with A/Ts.

I just got word that a new Mag Gray TP is arriving at a local dealer next Tuesday, but it just so happens I'll be on a plane to Austin that same day and won't be coming back until Sunday. There's a line of people wanting to buy it too so I'll probably miss my chance on this one. Darn! I'm hoping maybe they get it in early on Monday. If so, this could be it!

By the way, I'm also discovering that every dealership I talk has NO CLUE what the differences are between the Trail and TP and seem to have a hard time looking it up.

 

[renau001]

Yes, TEP has the side mirror "puddle" lights. Don't quite make it to the ground though, but they work.

 

[Cymon]

Hey guys, again great feedback from all, many thanks. I'm sold.

I noticed from a few photos online that it appears the Trail Premium models have side view mirrors with turn signal indicator lights. Do they also have the light facing down that lights up the ground at night when the doors open/unlock like the Limited's have? From the photos I'm seeing it appears the Trail (non-Premium) does not have the turn signal lights built into the sideview mirrors.

Please confirm what you guys have on your Premiums.

I just got word that a new Mag Gray TP is arriving at a local dealer next Tuesday, but it just so happens I'll be on a plane to Austin that same day and won't be coming back until Sunday. There's a line of people wanting to buy it too so I'll probably miss my chance on this one. Darn! I'm hoping maybe they get it in early on Monday. If so, this could be it!

By the way, I'm also discovering that every dealership I talk has NO CLUE what the differences are between the Trail and TP and seem to have a hard time looking it up.

All Premiums models, SR5 and Trail should have the turn signal indicators on the outside of the side view mirrors and puddle lights in the mirrors. At least my SR5 premium came that way...unless I somehow ordered the super-premium.

 

[Brandonium]

Does the TEP have the lane change feature where you get three flashes of the turn signal without fully engaging the turn signal?

 

[mcarey86]

Does the TEP have the lane change feature where you get three flashes of the turn signal without fully engaging the turn signal?

Nope.

 

[DgoDog]

Does the TEP have the lane change feature where you get three flashes of the turn signal without fully engaging the turn signal?

Nope.

 

[77Bronc]

Want to add, I checked my mileage last week, combined driving, interstate and local city and I calculated 20.1, which is great. Better than I thought. More interstate than city, but not bad.

I read 1Engineers reply and he summed it up good, I feel the 4Runner is an outstanding "average" vehicle. I cannot Imagine pulling a 4000 LB trailer thousands of miles with the 4Runner as it does not have "tow vehicle" written on it, my wife's Expedition Limited rides much better, my old 2005 F150 would run circles around it, but overall, the 4Runner will be a better vehicle, no doubt, more reliable and will last a lot longer. In terms of another SUV, the only one I would consider would be the LC. I would never buy a GM vehicle and now that Ford only puts that POS Ecoboost in their Expeditions, no more of these vehicles for me either.

If Toyota would increase torque and HP by 10% and add a 6 speed transmission, the truck would be outstanding.

77

 

[High_Country]

All Premiums models, SR5 and Trail should have the turn signal indicators on the outside of the side view mirrors and puddle lights in the mirrors. At least my SR5 premium came that way...unless I somehow ordered the super-premium.

I don't think this is correct. At least it wasn't in the 2015 MY. My Trail Base model does NOT have turn signal indicators or puddle lamps in the outside mirrors.

The electronic brochure available online is your friend.

 

[Cymon]

I don't think this is correct. At least it wasn't in the 2015 MY. My Trail Base model does NOT have turn signal indicators or puddle lamps in the outside mirrors.

The electronic brochure available online is your friend.

You are correct, the trail base and SR5 base models do not have puddle lamps or turn signal indicators...it's part of the premium package on both lines. And I read the brochure cover to cover several times before purchasing over a year ago....