Anybody go from a full size truck to a 4Runner?

[Cabinetman]

I'm having a bit of buyer's remorse with my 2016 F150 Platinum. It is a very nice truck with a ton of bells and whistles, but I really don't use my truck like a truck anymore. Now I'm considering trading my truck for a '17 TRD Pro early next year.

I know I will be giving up a lot of creature comforts, but I really don't use them that much. The biggest things I will miss are radar cruise, interior storage cubbies/cup holders, 35 gallon gas tank and the power of the 3.5l eco boost. I also like the quiet cabin as I have a 45 minute commute twice a day.

Can anybody that has made the transition from a full size truck to a 4Runner give me your thoughts on the transition? I like the idea of a smaller vehicle, but I have been drive big trucks for years and I'm concerned I will miss the room. I have also had built Jeeps in the past and miss having something I can enjoy on the trails. The 4Runner appears to be a good mix of daily driver and trail rig.

 

[1engineer]

I did six years ago and never looked back. Tons of covered and lockable storage. When I need a truck three or four times a year I rent an open trailer for $30 a day.

 

[mwray8909]

Why would you choose the TRD pro?

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[T4RZAN]

Not coming from a full size truck, I had a 2002 F150 Regular cab, but I can definitely attest to the size of the 4Runner. It is a smaller vehicle but it's not so small that it feels cramped. I'm 6'1" and don't fit well in a Tacoma, but I fit extremely well in a 4Runner. So much room to sprawl out, height-wise and side to side.

As far as road noise, it won't be as nice as your current truck, especially if you move to some more aggressive tires that are better suited for off road use but can still be used for your daily commutes. But the road noise is not bad by any means.

As far as storage, it doesn't come with a ton of options stock. But the possibilities are endless for cargo options. A ton of members on this forum have made their own, but if you wanted something bulletproof and completely customizable I would check out goosegear.com They make some incredible products, some that you would have never even thought of.

One of my favorite features of the 4Runner is just how good of a platform is. It really can be transformed into exactly what you want without a ton of restrictions. And you don't have to get a TRD Pro for that either. you can get a lower end model and build it how you want it. A TRD Pro is going to come with a ton of the bells and whistles stock though. Many similar to the vehicle that you are coming from.

Hope this helps!

 

[honcho44]

Maybe you should hold out for the new Bronco with an Ecoboost.

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[coltm4]

I did this year. F250 supercab w/8' bed. You will miss the power and gas tank size most. i've planned for renting uhaul trailer for anything that is oversized since so cheap to rent by the day compared to having a truck I rarely drove and the deferred maintenence that would cost a fortune to get caught up on. I rarely need the 8' bed except for a couple times a year. I also got rid of a sedan at the same time so it really has become THE daily driver. I think it has been said the 4runner is jack of all trades and master of none. It certainly doesn't handle well like a car, not a truck like ride either. It is all around good vehicle that will take you to places even you don't feel comfortable going, and doing it comfortably compared to the rougher ride of a Jeep and other trucks. So far, I'm very happy with my utility vehicle.

 

[honcho44]

Easy to forget about all the things you do use a truck for until you don't have one.

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[shearn]

Most recently, I drove a Ford Expedition.

It was a very good vehicle for our needs. I wanted something that could take us camping, to the mountains to ski, on some fire roads, tow my boat and haul a whole bunch of kids.

My 16 year old kid drives the Expedition, (blue book, $2,200) so I still have it in the arsenal.

I thought I wanted a pickup, so I drove F-150, Colorado, Tacoma, Tundra, Silverado and Ram.

It's funny - the most professional salesguy I met was at the Chevy dealer. He actually asked proper salesguy questions. He asked me what I needed. How I'd use it, etc. I planned on a pickup, he convinced me I still wanted more of an SUV. At his suggestion I drove a Tahoe (why bother...I had an Expedition) and a Trailblazer (ick)

That led me back to the 4Runner.

I've had it only a couple of weeks. But I've been on two long drives (3-4 hours) plus around town (much easier to park than F-150) plus off-road (wow, so awesome)

So yeah, a little confirmation bias, I suppose, but at the moment, it's right for me. I did take my time since I keep stuff forever.


Probably didn't answer your question....short answer, went from big SUV to 4runner, very happy

 

[Cabinetman]

Why would you choose the TRD pro?

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I don't like the look of the Limited as much, and the TRD Pro looks to be pretty well optioned. 4wd is a must for me as I hunt, camp and want to be able to get to work regardless of conditions. Plus, I'm spoiled by auto on headlights and it seems only the Limited and Pro have that option.

 

[mcarey86]

I was torn between an f150 and the 4runner.

I never drove the truck, because to get the options I wanted, I ended up being a bit out of my price range.

That said, the 4runner is the second car I've ever owned, that I absolutely love driving.

There are times where I really wish I had a truck, but none of them actually justify owning a truck.

 

[3wbdriver]

I traded a 2011 2wd Tundra Crew Max in on my current 4R. There are days I miss the extra cubbies and storage in the Tundra. But I have had TONS more fun with the 4R since I bought it.

 

[coltm4]

Why would you choose the TRD pro?

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For me, it was that it had everything I wanted and nothing I don't, plus the factory warranty.

I wanted softex, auto headlights, manual transfer case. Did not want the sunroof or the pull out cargo tray. The wheels and factory suspension upgrade were a nice bonus. As it turns out, I was thinking of getting a 2" lift, but after reading all the threads about lifts, UCA's, and alignment issues, I think I'm going to keep what I have now just for less maintenence (uniball greasing/rebuild issues). Would I like an ICON stage 7? Yes, but only after warranty is totally used up and I need new suspension due to age/use/wear.

I got everything but the color. I wanted white and got quicksand instead.

OP. I suspect you will love the TRD Pro. I certainly enjoy it and have not yet had to rent the Uhaul trailer for oversized cargo.

 

[RoverGS]

I sold my Dodge Ram dually diesel and bought the 4Runner. Not sorry in the least. I've had a total of 5 Rams, all but 1 were diesels the last being a dually. I thought I would miss having a large truck. Nearly a year later and I have no regrets. I get bored easily with vehicles but so far I enjoy the 4Runner way too much still. Its a great vehicle, resale is fantastic, reliability even better. Buy a 4Runner and don't look back. Buy a trailer or rent one in the events where an 8 ft bed is needed.

 

[jmmec]

F150 epas

I think you made the right decision moving away from 2011 and newer Ford F150s, at least until they have a permanent fix for their electronic steering system (EPAS). It is a very expensive fix, especially out of warranty.

I traded in my F150 after two EPAS failures and into a 2016 4Runner. Here is my story about the Ford EPAS, although you can find many more online:

Electronic Steering (EPAS) - Two Failures Now - What the ??? - Ford F150 Forum - Community of Ford Truck Fans

 

[Engineer]

I think you should test drive, test drive, test drive before you make the switch. I have not owned any of the newer trucks but have friends or family that have the full range (Ford, Dodge, Chevy/GMC) and I personally think they are all better driving and more "comfy" then the 4runner, the comparison only gets worse if you start adding lifts, tires, racks etc. Not saying the 4runner isn't right for you, just make sure to understand what you are getting into.

If I had that long of a commute I would be really tempted to

a) get a CAR with a dedicated trail pig
b) get a CAR with a weekend/Friday truck
c) get a 4Runner and have a amazing weekend warrior that does just fine on the road :jump:

 

[TXBulldawg]

Just traded in a 2014 F150 XLT SCab 4x4 last month for the 2014 4Runner. There will probably be some things I miss, but nothing I won't get over. I haven't been truly attached to a vehicle since my beloved 2001 Taco was totaled in 2010. I'm still pissed and bitter about that loss to this day. Since then, I've had a 2011 Tacoma, 2011 Xterra, the 2014 F150, and now the 2014 4Runner. Based on the time and money I've spent on the 4Runner in the last month, I think I'm pretty excited about it, and maybe it can fill the shoes of my old Taco.

 

[catrains]

The 2016 SR5 I just bought is a good vehicle. ride is softer than truck .the power is a bit too low . needs more torque or the transmission needs some engineering changes to match up with the power available.

I put it in 4th gear driving below 40MPH too much shifting .

 

[crankycodger]

Yep, I did.

Just traded a 10K mile 2015 GMC Sierra with every possible option I'm aware of for my new 2016 Limited. I've driven full size pickups for more than 20 years and it was just time to downsize. (But don't kid yourself, these 4Rs aren't small by any means.) I do sometimes miss the throttle response of the GMC but other than that I haven't looked back. And if the need arises to carry something really big I have a wire utility trailer so there's that. And the third row seating sure is handy for the grandkids.

I think the key is you just have to know yourself and be honest about what you want and can live with. And remember, every vehicle out there is a compromise in some way. Perfection doesn't exist.

Edited to add: I'm glad I didn't read these forums before purchasing. I would have probably let the negativity about the perceived lack of power put me off. I had admired these vehicles from afar for a while, and liked the way they felt on a couple of demo rides so I just jumped in. And I'm glad I did!

The engine /trans mapping can indeed be annoying at times, no doubt. Fuel economy standards notwithstanding, it's amazing to me that Toyota doesn't have some kind of an eco on/off switch to give the owner some choice in the matter. And it's even more surprising that they have designed an engine for this type vehicle where the power band seems to kick in at the upper end of the scale. But they did, and it's really nothing more than learning how to drive this thing. Mine has now reached 1100 miles, and a couple of days ago I decided to run it through the first 4 gears at WOT for a change. The acceleration was almost shocking.

So I say get one and if the lazy throttle bothers you just modify the way you drive it and all will be well.

 

[philsey]

No truck experience, but based on your comments ...

I love this 4R. Dead-bang reliability for 6 yrs. Good space, good utility, I like driving it. Upgraded shocks and Michelins = gtg for me.

As said, you need test drives.

-If you're picky about cruise control, well, it's not up to modern standards, especially compared to more powerful or 6+ speed vehicles. Hilly terrains are annoying, and frankly you'll shut it off then, it's for level ground, period.

- The 4R is programmed to upshift early and downshift reluctantly, for mileage. As such, in normal driving, it seems sluggish until it's further up in it's powerband. It's not underpowered, you just have to learn how to drive it.

- Be sure you understand the 4WD systems, between the PT SR5/TE versions, and the FT LE version.

I'm an SUV guy, minimal bells/whistles, and I'm constantly on the hunt for my next vehicle. After 6 yrs there is absolutely no other vehicle I'd consider buying.

 

[Simpleman74]

2010 F150 Lariat to 2015 4runner SR5.... no regrets at all.