Are you happy with your 5th gen T4R?

[Ripsnort]

I'll tell you the two things that I am unimpressed with on my 2011 limited.
1) it's under powered. This truck could use more power.
2) the brakes, you have to engage them a considerable amount to start to slow. I just had it in to the dealer today, they said it was completely normal.

1) more power would translate into "At the sacrifice of gas mileage"...personally I like the balance of slightly underpowered and great gas mileage. If I need power, I use 4th gear (No OD) when towing.

2) I agree, the brakes do have more travel to the floor than other vehicles I've owned.

 

[Lou]

Went from a 2004 4runner Sport to a 2011 LE 4runner. Very happy with my choice based on ~40 days of ownership. Drove the JGC, MDX, Cayenne, and all have good points and so-so points, none did as much as well as the 4runner.

Much mention of brakes, I think the brakes are exceptional, but they feel different than most vehicles. Long travel, squishy start of engagement, and a almost inaudible "woosh" noise. I think this is how Toyota designs their brake system. I had all of the same concerns with the 4th gen (except the "woosh" noise), and had the regional tech meet me at a dealership for a detailed check of my brakes. Everything checked out fine, and I consider the 4runner brake feel normal because I am use to it.

Another key ability for me is that I can go offroad. I don't go much, but when I do, I know the vehicle is more capable than I am! While the other vehicles have some capability off-road, the 4runner is more capable. I guess the JGC can be outfitted better for offroad, but go read the JGC forums, I could never get past the huge number of problems people have.

Get the 4runner.

 

[Chuntsman949]

sold my bmw 335i for one.. LOVE IT! Only grip is that the passenger seat cannot be lowered... lameeeee

 

[Quentin]

Went from a 2004 4runner Sport to a 2011 LE 4runner. Very happy with my choice based on ~40 days of ownership. Drove the JGC, MDX, Cayenne, and all have good points and so-so points, none did as much as well as the 4runner.

Much mention of brakes, I think the brakes are exceptional, but they feel different than most vehicles. Long travel, squishy start of engagement, and a almost inaudible "woosh" noise. I think this is how Toyota designs their brake system. I had all of the same concerns with the 4th gen (except the "woosh" noise), and had the regional tech meet me at a dealership for a detailed check of my brakes. Everything checked out fine, and I consider the 4runner brake feel normal because I am use to it.

Another key ability for me is that I can go offroad. I don't go much, but when I do, I know the vehicle is more capable than I am! While the other vehicles have some capability off-road, the 4runner is more capable. I guess the JGC can be outfitted better for offroad, but go read the JGC forums, I could never get past the huge number of problems people have.

Get the 4runner.

I was thumbing through the latest consumer reports. For the 4Runner, they have 0-60 at 7.7sec, 1/4 mi at 16.1sec, and braking at 131ft. JGC (V6), 9.1, 17, 139. JGC (V8), 7.9, 16, 138. As far as gas mileage, the 4Runner got the same as the JGC V6 (while the JGC V8 gas mileage was dismal). So, basically, you get JGC V8 performance at JGC V6 efficiency with the 4Runner.

 

[4Runnerspv]

I am very, very happy with my 2011 4Runner Trail Edition. I came from an '06 Toyota Tundra.

 

[TRDSmokedU]

1) more power would translate into "At the sacrifice of gas mileage"...personally I like the balance of slightly underpowered and great gas mileage. If I need power, I use 4th gear (No OD) when towing.

2) I agree, the brakes do have more travel to the floor than other vehicles I've owned.

I could care less about gas mileage. I want power. At least give the option of the 4.6 or even better the 5.7. I have no choice but to consider the Pathfinder due to the availability of the V8. :ybrick:

 

[rickwol]

Having previously owned two other T4Rs (a 2nd and 3rd gen) I've enjoyed many of the improvements with 5th gen. However there is one gripe that I have and probaby will be viewed by most here as a non issue but I really think that the heat output during very cold days leaves something to be desired. Yesterday the temps in the morning were in the low 20's and I was very surprised at not only how long it took to get some meaningful heat into the cab but also how underpowered the blower seems to be. My wife and I drove around for a very long time with that blower on high. Granted, once we were about 30 min into our trip we were comfortable but I know for a fact that our old 2000 Ford Explorer put out way more heat much more quickly as did both of the other T4Rs.

 

[Quentin]

I could care less about gas mileage. I want power. At least give the option of the 4.6 or even better the 5.7. I have no choice but to consider the Pathfinder due to the availability of the V8. :ybrick:

The GX goes to 60 a whopping 0.2 seconds faster than the 4Runner (7.5 sec v. 7.7 sec). Quarter mile is 0.1 seconds faster than the 4Runner (16.0 sec v. 16.1 sec). Yeah, the GX is 11% heavier (505lbs), but it doesn't do as much as expected with that extra 40hp. It probably feels a good bit faster because of a flatter torque curve giving better instant response, but by all traditional metrics, things are pretty close between the 4.6L V8 and the 4.0L V6. The 5.7L is a different story. The tundra does have pretty ridiculous 4.3 gears in it, though, when equipped with tow package, which the one tested by CR was.

 

[dekeman]

Gotta love that braking too....

 

[TRDSmokedU]

The GX goes to 60 a whopping 0.2 seconds faster than the 4Runner (7.5 sec v. 7.7 sec). Quarter mile is 0.1 seconds faster than the 4Runner (16.0 sec v. 16.1 sec). Yeah, the GX is 11% heavier (505lbs), but it doesn't do as much as expected with that extra 40hp. It probably feels a good bit faster because of a flatter torque curve giving better instant response, but by all traditional metrics, things are pretty close between the 4.6L V8 and the 4.0L V6. The 5.7L is a different story. The tundra does have pretty ridiculous 4.3 gears in it, though, when equipped with tow package, which the one tested by CR was.

I know the power is comparable in testing conditions. However, I guarantee if you put the 4.6 in the 4Runner it will be even faster than the GX. As it is, the 2005 Toyota 4runner ram to 60 in 7.2 seconds. You're right, when I drove the GX it felt faster, and the power was readily available. Here in the mountains, the GX climbed the steep grade with ease while the 4Runner needed the accelerator pressed to the floor to get the power. The V8 felt more at ease and coupled with the 6 speed transmission it was smoother. Gas mileage is about the same for the V8 vs. the V6. Sorry, I love the smooth power of the V8. The V6 feels unrefined. I am looking for a 2009 V8 to hold me over for a few years.

 

[Reata]

Absolutely love it!!!

 

[Ryan F.]

Love my 4Runner because it's a truck and it doesn't ride like a car. Get a bigger crossover if you want an SUV type vehicle that rides like a car.

Bingo. I had never owned a body on frame truck. I was told by many that based on my buying history--Tercel, Corolla, RAV4, Matrix--that I wouldn't like it. Wrong. This was the ride quality I always wanted--stiff, yet my Runner is absolutely solid--like it was carved from granite. Awesomeness. Love the ride, the ruggedness...everything. I'm driving my dream ride.:trophy:

 

[SoCalSnake]

I absolutely love my 4Runner.

I just recently purchased the truck in September.

I researched the 4Runner for 9 months. Actually I was looking at several vehicles. When I finally narrowed it down to an SUV, I bounced back and forth from every CUV and SUV available. But at the end of the day, the 4Runner had everything I was looking for.

Granted, I quickly changed the suspension on my Limited, but that is not to say XREAS was not a good system - I just know what I want to do with the rig.

In stock form, the 4Runner would have exceeded all my expectations. It is not only a great body on frame SUV, but an excellent vehicle overall.

I seriously considered the LR4, Range Rover Sport, Volvo XC60, Jeep GC, Toyota Highlander, BMW X5, Ford Explorer, Nissan Pathfinder, Audi Q7, but it was going to be the 4Runner all along.

Love this truck!

 

[ninoshrv]

My wife drives a mercedes clk550 and she was hesitant on us getting the 4R because she thought she would not like the ride quality of a "truck." Boy was she wrong. We bought a 2011 Limited and she's absolutely in love with the 4R. She loves the extra room with the 3rd row over my previous Dodge Ram. We've taken a few people with us on small trips and that 3rd row has become very handy. She has absolutely now problem with the ride quality. We also looked at purchasing the MDX. The price of the Limited and MDX are damn near the same. I have to agree that the MDX is probably more "wife" friendly than the 4R since it is essentially a crossover that rides like an Acura TL. However, we are head over hills in love with the 4R.

 

[TRDSmokedU]

Well, after much debate, I got lucky today. My friend at Toyota called and said he had a 2007 Toyota 4Runner 17k miles on it. Lucky for me it has the V8. I must say, I love it. I know it's not the 5th generation but I am really happy.

Some interesting news is that the service manager said that a group of Japanese engineers stopped by the dealership as part of a research project. The research project is the 6th generation 4Runner. I was not told specifics, but was told it is going to awesome. Akio Toyoda is not playing games. He wants the best of both quality and power in all his vehicles. Let's hope he follows through.

 

[SubyGuy]

6th gen?

Not for four more years i hope, i just got my 2o11 Trail :flipoff:
But back to the post, i went from a 2005 Saab 9/2 Aero (WRX Basically) and a 2002 Chevy Tahoe to my 4runner trail and couldn't be happier. Basically combined both cars into 1.

 

[Quentin]

Not for four more years i hope, i just got my 2o11 Trail :flipoff:
But back to the post, i went from a 2005 Saab 9/2 Aero (WRX Basically) and a 2002 Chevy Tahoe to my 4runner trail and couldn't be happier. Basically combined both cars into 1.

Welcome fellow ex-Subaru guy. Depending what happens with the FT-86/FR-S/BRZ, I might yet have another one (if only under the skin).

<-1993 Impreza, 2001 Impreza 2.5RS

 

[offroadingatc]

I wouldn't worry much about the 6th gen yet, I'm sure it's minimum 3 years away, although I wouldn't be surprised if they are designing it now (more likely a mid model upgrade)

I doubt if they will put a v8 in it though, it's all about fuel efficiency these days, and the handful of consumers they loose over the perceived lack of power is probably a lot smaller than the number they pick up by achieving respectable mileage. An option would be nice, but options cost money to offer. Do they use the v8 in anything produced in that plant? If not it probably won't happen

 

[Foques]

came from a built g35 coupe. While I do miss the HP/TQ of that little monster I had, and miss those extra 5 seconds in a 1/4mile... I love the 4R..

 

[TRDSmokedU]

I wouldn't worry much about the 6th gen yet, I'm sure it's minimum 3 years away, although I wouldn't be surprised if they are designing it now (more likely a mid model upgrade)

I doubt if they will put a v8 in it though, it's all about fuel efficiency these days, and the handful of consumers they loose over the perceived lack of power is probably a lot smaller than the number they pick up by achieving respectable mileage. An option would be nice, but options cost money to offer. Do they use the v8 in anything produced in that plant? If not it probably won't happen

I am not worried about it, just thought it was cool. The main reason for the visit was because the Akio wants perfection. In terms of power, there are lots of ramblings of direct injection and super/turbo charging engines to stay in the game. As for the V8 the 4Runner is built at the Tahara plant in Japan. There are many V8 engines produced in the same plant. The GX460, LS, GS, and IS are all produced at the same plant. I believe this is also where the world’s first 8 speed transmission was produced.