Gecko
New member
Hello T4R Community,
I am new here but not new to internet forums and certainly not new to 4Runners! I owned – and loved - a 2001 SR5 Sport a few years ago but sold it for something that was more city-friendly and had better gas mileage. Since then I’ve owned a few different cars and am currently contemplating the purchase of a 2015 LE 4x4.
I actually considered a ’13 last year but ended up buying a Rav4. I know that probably raises some eyebrows, but I had a 70 mile commute at the time and the Rav4 made more sense with gas mileage. I’ve only had it for a year now, but am considering moving up to something larger... so here I am.
Last year, I actually narrowed my shopping down to the 4Runner and Rav4 but there was one big thing about the 4Runner that I didn’t love: How it drove. My 2001 and the 2006 we have in the family drove firm and sporty, but like a truck… “Like a 4Runner.” I’m sure that many of you know what I mean by that. After a spin in the 2013, I was shocked with how floaty and disconnected the 5th generation had become. I will admit that I drive rather aggressively so something smaller and rev-happy, like the Rav4, has worked well for me for commuting purposes and city driving.
One of my primary issues with the Rav4 has been driver comfort. I am 6’1” and built wide, so my frame is a very snug fit in the seat of the Rav. It’s just me most of the time, so I’m not at a loss for space for kids or other people, but a larger cargo area would be nice for weekend trips and getaways. Honestly, the biggest thing drawing me to the 4Runner is the Redwood leather option… very similar to a 2003 GS 300 that I had and sold last year. I love the color. There are also numerous upgrades like the JBL Sound System, curb appeal, roll-down rear window, etc.
I am not particularly impressed with Toyota’s decision to go with full-time 4x4 on the Limited, as this seems like an unnecessary waste of gas for me. With that said, my Rav4 is AWD and I’ve definitely enjoyed the traction in rain and light off roading.
To those of you who have moved up from previous generations of 4Runner, how do you feel about how disconnected the 5th gen drives? Was there any change in 2014 over 2013? Not that I can find in press, and I assume not knowing Toyota, but figured you guys would know best. Is there anything that can be done to tighten up how the truck drives? I don’t assume so, but again, figured I would ask.
Also, what is your MPG like? I drive probably 70/30 highway/city, and know the 4Runner will be way less than my Rav4, but am wondering how bad it will truly be.
One other thing I don’t like is the use of a 5AT in 2015, but with this being a big, torquey motor, it’s not like it’s particularly rev-happy and needs more gears to compensate. Any thoughts or comments here? Do you find yourself wanting for an extra gear in acceleration or on the highway?
Anything else I should know?
Thanks in advance.
Few pics of my 2001 below:
I am new here but not new to internet forums and certainly not new to 4Runners! I owned – and loved - a 2001 SR5 Sport a few years ago but sold it for something that was more city-friendly and had better gas mileage. Since then I’ve owned a few different cars and am currently contemplating the purchase of a 2015 LE 4x4.
I actually considered a ’13 last year but ended up buying a Rav4. I know that probably raises some eyebrows, but I had a 70 mile commute at the time and the Rav4 made more sense with gas mileage. I’ve only had it for a year now, but am considering moving up to something larger... so here I am.
Last year, I actually narrowed my shopping down to the 4Runner and Rav4 but there was one big thing about the 4Runner that I didn’t love: How it drove. My 2001 and the 2006 we have in the family drove firm and sporty, but like a truck… “Like a 4Runner.” I’m sure that many of you know what I mean by that. After a spin in the 2013, I was shocked with how floaty and disconnected the 5th generation had become. I will admit that I drive rather aggressively so something smaller and rev-happy, like the Rav4, has worked well for me for commuting purposes and city driving.
One of my primary issues with the Rav4 has been driver comfort. I am 6’1” and built wide, so my frame is a very snug fit in the seat of the Rav. It’s just me most of the time, so I’m not at a loss for space for kids or other people, but a larger cargo area would be nice for weekend trips and getaways. Honestly, the biggest thing drawing me to the 4Runner is the Redwood leather option… very similar to a 2003 GS 300 that I had and sold last year. I love the color. There are also numerous upgrades like the JBL Sound System, curb appeal, roll-down rear window, etc.
I am not particularly impressed with Toyota’s decision to go with full-time 4x4 on the Limited, as this seems like an unnecessary waste of gas for me. With that said, my Rav4 is AWD and I’ve definitely enjoyed the traction in rain and light off roading.
To those of you who have moved up from previous generations of 4Runner, how do you feel about how disconnected the 5th gen drives? Was there any change in 2014 over 2013? Not that I can find in press, and I assume not knowing Toyota, but figured you guys would know best. Is there anything that can be done to tighten up how the truck drives? I don’t assume so, but again, figured I would ask.
Also, what is your MPG like? I drive probably 70/30 highway/city, and know the 4Runner will be way less than my Rav4, but am wondering how bad it will truly be.
One other thing I don’t like is the use of a 5AT in 2015, but with this being a big, torquey motor, it’s not like it’s particularly rev-happy and needs more gears to compensate. Any thoughts or comments here? Do you find yourself wanting for an extra gear in acceleration or on the highway?
Anything else I should know?
Thanks in advance.
Few pics of my 2001 below:
eace:
