Bought a Trailhunter

[Ras_Thavas]

Took delivery yesterday. Still learning everything it does, owners manual is 500+ pages. This is my 3rd 4Runner.

I'll list my 2 complaints here.

The console box is super small, way smaller than my 2014. I got the safe that goes in there which makes it even smaller.

Auto stop/start. When I chose my options the guide from Toyota's website indicated that auto stop/start was not available on the Trailhunter. It has it. Although there is no button to disable it, driving in tow/haul mode turns it off per the manual (haven't confirmed that yet, just read it last night.)

Cargo area in the back looks to be longer than my 2014, but floor is raised a little due to the battery.

It drives really nice, snorkel is pretty loud with the windows open.

LED headlights are fantastic, and the automatic high beams work well.

 

[shine]

Congrats, it's a beauty!

About auto stop/start - every hybrid will shut down the gas engine when it can, that's what they do. Not only when you're stopped at a red light, but also when you're coasting downhill or otherwise don't need the power of dead dinosaurs.

You might have noticed that it some times will take off on battery power only when the light turns green, this is different from a non-hybrid with stop/start.

Oh, and Everest is the best color!

 

[Jeff_DML]

congrats

btw, why do you want turn off the stop/start for a hybrid?

 

[chrisp6]

Congrats! Loving my Trailhunter so far but agree with you on the console box. I was not expecting it to be so much smaller than the 5th gen.

 

[KS4Runner2021]

Congrats! Looks good. Love that color.

 

[Ras_Thavas]

congrats

btw, why do you want turn off the stop/start for a hybrid?

I don't think it is conducive to long engine life on any vehicle, hybrid or not.

Especially on vehicles with a turbo. The turbo gets extremely hot. To shut the engine off right after it has spooled up is not a god idea. There is even a warning in the manual about letting the vehicle run for a minute immediately after high-speed driving or hill climbing, driving that would necessitate a lot of turbo use. I have noticed that even during normal driving the turbo is in use a lot.

Also, when you start from a stop using very mild acceleration the whole process is rather clunky. The electric motor starts you moving then the engine starts and the transmission shifts and it is not smooth. It is a little better if you start with more acceleration. Although, if you are coasting to a stop say at 45mph and the engine shuts down pressing the accelerator will start the engine again and that process is very smooth.

I have a little over 1200 miles on it now. I hope to get time to write more about what I like about it and what I don't like.

 

[rdruss]

I would definitely shut it off, a complete waste of engineering effort and I agree with you about engine damage in the long run.

 

[ExpatExplorer]

Curious, nearly two months in, what your initial impressions are of the truck, and whether there are any areas where you feel it falls short as compared with your 2014. Color looks great!