sinks88
New member
Well, here is a bit of food for thought on my experiences with the 5th gen 4runner after 80k miles. Just a bit of history, I got this guy used a bit ago with 35k miles. it’s a Plain Jane 2014 SR5.
First thing that wants to come out of my fingers is:
TOO SLOW....its as we know under powered. (at higher speeds) and that's where the caveats come to play. I mean if you in the woods and in rock and etc....its perfectly capable. but battling a head or side winds traveling down I90 at 85mphs with a pack....well, it leaves something to be desired. It’s not that big of a rig and its really too bad there are not any options for us as far as tuning or factory v8's. I really have been getting a bit pissy about its lack of go juice for a bit now. As far as out on the trails, like I said its perfectly capable...but once you get used to your rig and want to challenge yourself to a bit of "hooning" (drifting gravel corners, spraying your buddies full of mud, etc) that's where the lack of power comes popping up again
I do all my own oil changes, I recommend this as I don’t trust dealerships to go through the process of changing oil filter. Its easy once you do it a couple times. I did install the TRD intake which is a waste of money on reality…It does nothing more than make more noise. (I got it for next to nothing so I did it anyway) Check your air filter regularly.
BOTTOM LINE: Its almost sufficient in the power department but almost sufficient isn't a very good acclimation....so my mind wanders on the idea of a motor swap someday.
Let’s get back to a positive aspect of the 5th gen:
ITS BEAUTIFUL and its PURPOSEFUL design is refreshing! With the lot of boxie trucks and vanilla SUV's the 5th gen 4runner is gorgeous in perspective. I love the look and adore the thought process that went into creating a front fascia that has nice approach angles stock! The subtle body lines and a bit of flares on the fenders on top of a throwback “square” look that reminds you of the 1st gen. The interior is just fine, seats are comfy enough and all the seats push, pull, flip flop as they should….remember its easy to just take out the bottom rear seats for a bit more sleeping and front seat movement when traveling for two or less. The Tech on mine is basic, no nav or sunroof or any extra dilly-dallies…but I have found that everything is within reach and easy to find and adjust even while bouncing around on rocks. My Bluetooth pairs nicely and the sound is good enough for me. ***SIDE NOTE: Paint is questionable, I have already got service done to fix rust on rear deck lid (I am worried about future rust issues)****
BOTTOM LINE: I love it, I look back often and admire its handsome lines and rugged stance
I have done quite a bit to my 4runner to chase that elusive perfect set up and I believe I am still chasing it. I’m not completely happy with it. Currently I have OME 885’s and Bilstien 5100’s at bottom setting on front and Bilstien 5100’s and Icon 2” springs in rear. (BUT, I DO HAVE A GAWD DAMN DRIVERS SIDE LEAN THAT WONT GO AWAY ((insert sad face)) I chose not to go reservoirs as I don’t ride washboards for hours on end and it’s a waste of money (according to industry “experts” when comparisons arise). Maybe it’s my current pairing but I feel I’m not quite in unison. I don’t have as much travel as I would like (even tho I probably don’t need it) and it feels a bit sloppy on the highway at times. I don’t know if there is a way to win at both yet…I’m still researching and asking questions…etc. My 4runner has although handled around 50K miles of trails, woods, rocks, mud, hiways, biways, country roads…etc-etc without a failure. It feels better in the “sh1t” when its light and unpacked. It may not have felt perfect in any one spot but does them all without too many scares. This is a great representation of how well rounded this vehicle is regardless of the options you put under it. The mechanical's are rock solid. (knock on wood) One word of advice for owners that see salt and snow: UNDERCOAT YOUR TRUCK!
I have been quite amazed by “A-Track” or whatever you want to call it. I have put my runner through a lot and I have yet to find something to hold her down. Believe me when I say that for most owners, a SR5 is sufficient. I thought not having lockers were going to be an issue but I am constantly proven wrong…over and over and over! My take is don’t waste your money…but I know that opinion isn’t a very popular one. The real reason I say this is that this is an expensive vehicle and while its capable of many things…some things may not be meant for a daily driver. I of course dream of lockers and high horsepower and etc…but all that’s going to make me do is try harder and harder stuff and ultimately break my machine! I don’t want to break my burrito! I want to love and enjoy its many adventurous miles of doing almost everything well!
BOTTOM LINE: If you want a trail rig or a daily consider your area. The extras versions beyond an SR5 might not be worth the price considering. I have met many of TRD PRO owners that wish they wouldn’t have spent the extra bucks as they are switching out suspension on their rigs now. Unless you have the extra cash laying around I would dare say my SR5 will do anything the high dollar versions do just as well (plus at a lighter gross weight) Approaching 100K miles I feel like I have made a trustworthy friendship with my 4runner. With any friendships come give and take….without proper maintenance I can see where that friendship will falter. With that said, she is not perfect…she has a power plant of a donkey and paint of a company saving a buck….but she’s got it where it counts! I’m not a huge fan of IFS for off-roading but she will get you through any rational obstacle you throw at her (albeit slowly)
Long live the 4runner
-Burrito Express
First thing that wants to come out of my fingers is:
TOO SLOW....its as we know under powered. (at higher speeds) and that's where the caveats come to play. I mean if you in the woods and in rock and etc....its perfectly capable. but battling a head or side winds traveling down I90 at 85mphs with a pack....well, it leaves something to be desired. It’s not that big of a rig and its really too bad there are not any options for us as far as tuning or factory v8's. I really have been getting a bit pissy about its lack of go juice for a bit now. As far as out on the trails, like I said its perfectly capable...but once you get used to your rig and want to challenge yourself to a bit of "hooning" (drifting gravel corners, spraying your buddies full of mud, etc) that's where the lack of power comes popping up again
I do all my own oil changes, I recommend this as I don’t trust dealerships to go through the process of changing oil filter. Its easy once you do it a couple times. I did install the TRD intake which is a waste of money on reality…It does nothing more than make more noise. (I got it for next to nothing so I did it anyway) Check your air filter regularly. BOTTOM LINE: Its almost sufficient in the power department but almost sufficient isn't a very good acclimation....so my mind wanders on the idea of a motor swap someday.
Let’s get back to a positive aspect of the 5th gen:
ITS BEAUTIFUL and its PURPOSEFUL design is refreshing! With the lot of boxie trucks and vanilla SUV's the 5th gen 4runner is gorgeous in perspective. I love the look and adore the thought process that went into creating a front fascia that has nice approach angles stock! The subtle body lines and a bit of flares on the fenders on top of a throwback “square” look that reminds you of the 1st gen. The interior is just fine, seats are comfy enough and all the seats push, pull, flip flop as they should….remember its easy to just take out the bottom rear seats for a bit more sleeping and front seat movement when traveling for two or less. The Tech on mine is basic, no nav or sunroof or any extra dilly-dallies…but I have found that everything is within reach and easy to find and adjust even while bouncing around on rocks. My Bluetooth pairs nicely and the sound is good enough for me. ***SIDE NOTE: Paint is questionable, I have already got service done to fix rust on rear deck lid (I am worried about future rust issues)****
BOTTOM LINE: I love it, I look back often and admire its handsome lines and rugged stance
I have done quite a bit to my 4runner to chase that elusive perfect set up and I believe I am still chasing it. I’m not completely happy with it. Currently I have OME 885’s and Bilstien 5100’s at bottom setting on front and Bilstien 5100’s and Icon 2” springs in rear. (BUT, I DO HAVE A GAWD DAMN DRIVERS SIDE LEAN THAT WONT GO AWAY ((insert sad face)) I chose not to go reservoirs as I don’t ride washboards for hours on end and it’s a waste of money (according to industry “experts” when comparisons arise). Maybe it’s my current pairing but I feel I’m not quite in unison. I don’t have as much travel as I would like (even tho I probably don’t need it) and it feels a bit sloppy on the highway at times. I don’t know if there is a way to win at both yet…I’m still researching and asking questions…etc. My 4runner has although handled around 50K miles of trails, woods, rocks, mud, hiways, biways, country roads…etc-etc without a failure. It feels better in the “sh1t” when its light and unpacked. It may not have felt perfect in any one spot but does them all without too many scares. This is a great representation of how well rounded this vehicle is regardless of the options you put under it. The mechanical's are rock solid. (knock on wood) One word of advice for owners that see salt and snow: UNDERCOAT YOUR TRUCK!
I have been quite amazed by “A-Track” or whatever you want to call it. I have put my runner through a lot and I have yet to find something to hold her down. Believe me when I say that for most owners, a SR5 is sufficient. I thought not having lockers were going to be an issue but I am constantly proven wrong…over and over and over! My take is don’t waste your money…but I know that opinion isn’t a very popular one. The real reason I say this is that this is an expensive vehicle and while its capable of many things…some things may not be meant for a daily driver. I of course dream of lockers and high horsepower and etc…but all that’s going to make me do is try harder and harder stuff and ultimately break my machine! I don’t want to break my burrito! I want to love and enjoy its many adventurous miles of doing almost everything well!
BOTTOM LINE: If you want a trail rig or a daily consider your area. The extras versions beyond an SR5 might not be worth the price considering. I have met many of TRD PRO owners that wish they wouldn’t have spent the extra bucks as they are switching out suspension on their rigs now. Unless you have the extra cash laying around I would dare say my SR5 will do anything the high dollar versions do just as well (plus at a lighter gross weight) Approaching 100K miles I feel like I have made a trustworthy friendship with my 4runner. With any friendships come give and take….without proper maintenance I can see where that friendship will falter. With that said, she is not perfect…she has a power plant of a donkey and paint of a company saving a buck….but she’s got it where it counts! I’m not a huge fan of IFS for off-roading but she will get you through any rational obstacle you throw at her (albeit slowly)
Long live the 4runner
-Burrito Express
