Anyone else disappointed with the 2019 unveiling of the T4R

[Thrasher_S]

Some valid points...but then again some of the “complaints” about the 4Runner are valid too.

The v6 engine has been around, in one form or another, since the early 2000’s. The transmission is still using 5 gears, which is pathetic in this day and age, even compared to other Toyota’s. The powertrain is long overdue for an update.

Toyota knows this, but they also know there are plenty of gullible consumers who will be awed by some new badging and exterior design and will buy a 10 year old SUV because it looks new.

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Some of your cons can also be pros, when it comes to reliability with a tried and true rig. Also, there are lots of them so the aftermarket is really strong. I bought mine a few months back and, dated or not, it was really the only viable option given my needs. Capable enough, comfortable enough, with high reliability and decent resale (I may need to switch to a truck in the near future). Oh yeah, budget mattered too. Look at a list of comparable competitors... Tahoe, Explorer, Durango, Cherokee, Wrangler, Highlander, Pathfinder? Nope. F-Pace, Discovery, GX, G-Class? Also nopes. I was seriously considering buying a Land Cruiser with under 150k miles, but that fuel economy.... Another compromise would by something like a $10k Fj60 and a decent small car. EDIT: My top choices in order were: 4Runner, Tacoma, Sequoia, Tundra (notice a trend? Apparently I like Toyotas, though this is my first).

I'm very pleased with my decision, so far. I'm hoping the 6th gen will be better and not worse, but it should be a loooooong time before I need a new rig. I'm not saying the 5th gens are perfect, not by a long shot. I have a list of suggestions for the 6th gen (how about the ability to open the rear window from the back for all models.... or from the key! Also, a V8 would be nice, or a turbo diesel!). Actually, the fact that the 4Runner is the "best" (in my opinion and for my needs) says a lot about the offerings from other manufacturers! This thing is outdated and STILL better than the competition! Seriously, this was an easy decision. What other mid-size, affordable, body-on-frame, highly reliable rig is there?

 

[rushrunner]

As long as the back window goes down, who really cares!!! :yo:

 

[thennen]

Well said. There are still some thinkers amongst us here! :withstupid: :cheers:

That attitude chased me out of Austin, out of my "cool" cars I had before the 4Runner (which, even though it's supposedly such a POS is my favorite car I've ever owned), out of any place I start to notice it. I'm not "alternative" in any way, but the follower/FOMO/one-up-manship mentality is the worst. I like helpfulness, kindness, quirks, and things that just work as intended.

It's funny, I was visiting my folks in Texas last week and drove my dad's Porsche SUV. Used to love driving that thing, but after getting used to the 4Runner, it felt kinda flimsy and ostentatious. I owned a 1984 911 that had that same "hewn from steel" feeling as the 4Runner. I'm sure today's Civics are faster than that old thing was, but I'm also sure that EcoBoostDenaliRaptorRAMs are faster than our POS 4Runners. But they don't feel or look as good after dozens--nay, hundreds--of thousands of miles of abuse, they aren't as intuitive, and they play the mainstream game with huge makeovers too often, which means your model is outdated as soon as your neighbor buys his.

I was marginally annoyed with Toyota after the teaser, because I just bought a 2018 Pro a couple of months ago. I'm not a sheeple or a badge whore, I just got sick of trips to the off-road shop, trips to the alignment rack, and long days/nights in the driveway instead of on the river or in the mountains. I miss wrenching a lot, but I wanted a daily driver that didn't need any. And I stand by that choice, 2019 updates and POS badge whore overpriced paintjob and all. I'm a huge 4Runner fan, and continue to reply to people on the Tacoma forum who ask my honest opinion about the difference between the two. (Spoiler alert: the 3.5L V6 and 6-speed auto are AWFUL).

I’ve never bought a 4Runner because it was fast, and people who complain about that are blind to its purpose.

 

[mtnbiker49]

How can you not be disappointed in the unveiling of a nine year old body style?

 

[DeepSea]

Aside from the PRO updates and new Nighshade Edition on Limited models, the remaining 2019 lineup will only see changes to the roof racks:

SR5 & Premium styles will feature silver rails with black caps. Silver caps, previously available in those trims, will now only be offered in the Limited. Nightshade and TRD models get all-black designs. That's it. No new colors, electronics, options, safety features, etc..

Lame. I'm still holding out for the FJ Army Green as a color option. Hopefully in 2020

 

[thennen]

Nope, no disappointment here. Hopefully very soon, I'll have a 5th Gen of my own, and it'll be all new to me. So in my view, how disappointed could I be in getting a vehicle that has almost no direct competitors? Plus, it'll easily go 300k+ miles with little to no troubles. Plus, it's a 4RUNNER. All in one's perspective, I guess. :thumb3::guitar2::bounce::bravo:

 

[NYRunner]

I guess there is a big enough market for “old school.” Disappointing to see Toyota milking these old designs for so long. They’re great vehicles but generations behind other manufacturers. The new JL wrangler looks awesome. My only worry, however, is that when they finally update the 4runner, it’ll price a lot of people out of the market. A fully loaded JL Rubicon unlimited is now around $55,000. The new 2.0 turbo option will be an additional $1000. Pushing $60K for Wrangler?


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Perhaps, though a large part of the actual cost of a vehicle like this comes from the design stage so the "extra" profits they're making right now are being reinvested into the next model which would hopefully keep that from happening

 

[Dalko43]

Some of your cons can also be pros, when it comes to reliability with a tried and true rig. Also, there are lots of them so the aftermarket is really strong. I bought mine a few months back and, dated or not, it was really the only viable option given my needs. Capable enough, comfortable enough, with high reliability and decent resale (I may need to switch to a truck in the near future). Oh yeah, budget mattered too. Look at a list of comparable competitors... Tahoe, Explorer, Durango, Cherokee, Wrangler, Highlander, Pathfinder? Nope. F-Pace, Discovery, GX, G-Class? Also nopes. I was seriously considering buying a Land Cruiser with under 150k miles, but that fuel economy.... Another compromise would by something like a $10k Fj60 and a decent small car. EDIT: My top choices in order were: 4Runner, Tacoma, Sequoia, Tundra (notice a trend? Apparently I like Toyotas, though this is my first).

I'm very pleased with my decision, so far. I'm hoping the 6th gen will be better and not worse, but it should be a loooooong time before I need a new rig. I'm not saying the 5th gens are perfect, not by a long shot. I have a list of suggestions for the 6th gen (how about the ability to open the rear window from the back for all models.... or from the key! Also, a V8 would be nice, or a turbo diesel!). Actually, the fact that the 4Runner is the "best" (in my opinion and for my needs) says a lot about the offerings from other manufacturers! This thing is outdated and STILL better than the competition! Seriously, this was an easy decision. What other mid-size, affordable, body-on-frame, highly reliable rig is there?

This is true. The 4runner's greatest strengths (its bulletproof design) can also be counted as its greatest weaknesses (dated design and lackluster engine performance/economy).

The 4runner doesn't have direct competition, yet....that could change with the rumored introduction of the Bronco (likely derived from a Ford Ranger platform).

And Toyota is being lazy about the 4runner...plain and simple. Almost every other BOF SUV or pickup is running 6 or more gears. The 4runner still relies on a 5-speed with a reliable, but dated, v6. The efficiency on these 4runners isn't horrible, but for a vehicle in the midsized segment, it should be better.

The underlying chassis is solid. The powertrain needs an update. Turbo gasoline or diesel would be nice, at least as options.

 

[Leftseat]

4Runners

Good thread. We are on our 5th 4 Runner, 4WD standard opt SR5. I am always amazed the trade in value.
This last purchase, 2018 SR5-4WD, may be the last frame on
body of the 4Runner, and this one may be a keeper.. Good driving protection for my wife.
Only item needed with each purchase, are the Michelin LTX/MS, which are now called the Defenders, go straight from dealer to the tire store.
All have had wheel vibration except the 2008 and 2012. The Haweka 6 pin
adapter and an experienced tech, who can index and balance, takes care of it.
V

 

[willo]

Toyota is one of the least aggressive about releasing new designs. Japan is all about perfection. There's a reason that these things run and last for so long.

The slow rate of change also helps the resale value. It's been a winning combination. A 2010 4runner looks nearly the same as the 2018 and is nearly as reliable. That's a winning combination. Especially when you add in the used pre-certified sales.

Frankly, There's no real driver to release a new design until sales actually start to slump.

 

[tacoyota]

Ford Ranger Raptor and Bronco anyone? Granted they are different class than the 4runner but Ford is snooping around!

 

[sn_85]

This is true. The 4runner's greatest strengths (its bulletproof design) can also be counted as its greatest weaknesses (dated design and lackluster engine performance/economy).

The 4runner doesn't have direct competition, yet....that could change with the rumored introduction of the Bronco (likely derived from a Ford Ranger platform).

And Toyota is being lazy about the 4runner...plain and simple. Almost every other BOF SUV or pickup is running 6 or more gears. The 4runner still relies on a 5-speed with a reliable, but dated, v6. The efficiency on these 4runners isn't horrible, but for a vehicle in the midsized segment, it should be better.

The underlying chassis is solid. The powertrain needs an update. Turbo gasoline or diesel would be nice, at least as options.

Toyota is getting lazy but there is still nothing like it on the market. It's a good combination of on-road comfort, luxury and off-road capability. It represents a tremendous value for ~$35k. There is also oodles of aftermarket support. Try and price out any Grand Cherokee and it's easily in the $45k range. The Wrangler JL can get pricey as well even in Sport models and lacks the interior size and comfort of the 4Runner. Of course the Wrangler off-road capability and aftermarket can not be matched. Yes the Bronco is coming out but I don't think it will come cheap.

The 6th gen 4Runner will come in with more luxuries, possibly better engine options, and better fuel economy. But who knows if it'll be BOF and it will likely be $2-3 more expensive. I think the current 5th gen has a few more years of shelf life before it gets old & tiring. Right in time for a 2021 6th gen release, whatever it may be.

 

[MT Runner]

This thread is entertaining. A lot of strong views here one way or another. I personally like the most recent 4Runner but totally understand that people are wanting to see the 6th gen sooner rather than later. I do too, but not because I’ll be getting one anytime soon, but just because I’m a Toyota fan and I want to see what they come up with next.

I’m definitely more of the kind of person that buys a vehicle, does some mods, pays it off, and enjoys it, for years, and years....
I bought my 05 6 years ago at 101k, I’ve done some stuff here and there, have a few more plans as money allows, and i’ll drive it for probably another 6 years or more. I’m about to crack 200k and I fully plan on seeing 300k+ in it.

I find it hard to justify spending a ton on a new or new-ish 4Runner, do a bunch of mods to it, then sell it 3 or 4 years later(or sooner with some people). The mods are certainly not an investment, just something I think we all do because we like the functionality or look or whatever of them, but we all know that we’re not getting that money back out of it when it comes time to sell. So my view is, why not keep it around for a few years, I know the Toyota will last long enough, so enjoy it!

 

[4FL]

While it is nine years old, I feel it got to a slow start because of the US coming out of the great recession, so while enthusiasts were hyped on it, many non-enthusiasts were not really paying attention to new models and such. When the economy started booming in the last few years did the attention start coming, so it almost feels like the 5th gen is only a few years old, not nine. Just my opinion, lol.

 

[sn_85]

While it is nine years old, I feel it got to a slow start because of the US coming out of the great recession, so while enthusiasts were hyped on it, many non-enthusiasts were not really paying attention to new models and such. When the economy started booming in the last few years did the attention start coming, so it almost feels like the 5th gen is only a few years old, not nine. Just my opinion, lol.

I feel like things started to boom after XOverland, Instagram, and the whole "overlanding" fad hit.

 

[wrw4runner]

We have two choices. A 4runner or a jeep. Only reason I purchased the 4runner was its reliability, but If I am going to spend 40k It needs something more. The 5th gen is a boring truck. I am willing to give up some reliability for more power. I have a 4th gen 4runner so I can wait to see what 6th gen has to offer or Bronco looks interesting also.

 

[infamousRNR]

https://www.motorauthority.com/news/1115220_2019-toyota-trd-pro-off-road-lineup-debuts-in-chicago

Looks like a few minor cosmetic upgrades
The Tacoma gets a snorkel and we're left with red letting on the skid.....
Is it just me or have we ALL been let down over the last 3 years. We're going from "trail" to"TRD OFF ROAD" and still no redesign

why can't everyone from T4R band together to make the ultimate 4runner?!?! we all know the vehicle so well and they need our help or the 4Runner is doomed!!!

 

[jaywhy66]

Yeah! What would you change? Just got a 2019 trd off road and love everything about it. But hey, it's still my honeymoon. I am not big on gadgetry in cars so far so good. The tech et al is sufficient for me.
What would next gen needs

 

[yardsale]

I don't understand why people want to see their current model become the old, outdated model. As far as I am concerned Toyota can make 5th Gens for a few more years.

I had a 16 Tacoma and trust me, that thing sucked. I ditched it after a year and got a leftover 2016 4Runner in January 2017. I wanted the old technology, because it is better.

 

[newbian]

Sorry to resurrect this thread...but do we think the 2020 announcement (same old vs refresh vs new) will happen around the same time as it did last year, February-ish?