Drove a 2013 4runner and didn't like it

[bigskyeric]

My 04 Limited V6 turned 190,000 miles last month and I've been kickin' around the idea of getting a newer 4runner. I'm looking at a brand new 2015 with leather for around $38,000. But then i saw a 2013 for $30,000 with only 30k miles on the clock. Here are my impressions.

Bigger and heavier with the same engine= slower and underpowered feeling compared to my 2004, Uncomfortable seats, cheaper feeling plastics on the dashboard, Blind spots, squishy boat feel, less steering feedback gives a numb driving experience. At 190,000 miles my 04 doesn't feel any less new than the 2013 w/ 30k miles.

Anyone else have this same experience? The thing literally felt like it was missing about 100hp when i got on the gas.

 

[zonianbrat]

Havent driven a 5th gen personally but the looks of the new 4 runners are really growing on me. Bet it would look really nice lifted with better wheels and tires...

 

[c_mack9]

I sell Toyotas and I've driven a lot of 5th gens and I agree that the 4th gen has many advantages but I think you're exagerating a bit. In my opinion, the 4th gen is quieter and has a little more high quality feel overall. I've never gone wide open throttle on either but the throttle feels more responsive on the 5th gens than on my 2006 v6. I'd still take a 5th gen all day over the 4th gen. To me, they just look WAY better and seem to sit up higher, and I actually prefer the interior but I would get the trail version.

 

[LTDSC]

My 04 Limited V6 turned 190,000 miles last month and I've been kickin' around the idea of getting a newer 4runner. I'm looking at a brand new 2015 with leather for around $38,000. But then i saw a 2013 for $30,000 with only 30k miles on the clock. Here are my impressions.

Bigger and heavier with the same engine= slower and underpowered feeling compared to my 2004, Uncomfortable seats, cheaper feeling plastics on the dashboard, Blind spots, squishy boat feel, less steering feedback gives a numb driving experience. At 190,000 miles my 04 doesn't feel any less new than the 2013 w/ 30k miles.

Anyone else have this same experience? The thing literally felt like it was missing about 100hp when i got on the gas.

thats because these vehicles shouldnt have V6's. Its a heavy big vehicle now. Not a mid size SUV, put a bigger motor in it. Toyota dropped the ball there.

I like the new ones, i dont like how tall the seat is without being able to lower it. The interiors are above and beyond the 4th gens design and feel.

 

[CXS]

Any idea what the weight difference is between 4th & 5th gens? I'm curious but not enough to look t up myself.

:grouphug:

 

[chmura]

Try and give the 2014 a look. Interior has been improved. I myself did not like the 2010-2013 4runners interior. But the small changes in the 2014 really improved the look and I like the interior now of the new runner.

Power should be the same as your 4runner. Is has more hp than your v6 but it weighs more. So power wise it's the same.

 

[JeffMerr]

I can't believe Toyota has been running this 4.0 liter engine for so long. I was under the impression the new 5th gen had a new motor. Seems like the fuel prices increasing constantly and all of these other companies like Dodge and Ford producing more and more efficient truck engines, they need to do something sooner than later.

 

[c_mack9]

I can't believe Toyota has been running this 4.0 liter engine for so long. I was under the impression the new 5th gen had a new motor. When are they going to get updated? Seems like the fuel prices increasing constantly and all of these other companies like Dodge and Ford producing more and more efficient truck engines, they need to do something sooner than later.

Because this engine is incredible. Good power, beautiful delivery, quiet, extremely reliable, lasts forever. Why change an engine that great. You need to do some more research, Dodge and Ford are making terrible drivetrains and that net high EPA ratings so they can get sales up but in real world driving, they're MPG sucks and Ford gets sued on the regular for it. Dodge is advertising a 22 MPG truck but if you read the fine print it's a 2wd v6 with an 8 speed car transmission. Who wants a truck like that? I'll stick to my truck drivetrain that gets nearly 20 MPG and is rock solid in terms of reliability. It always irks me a bit to hear people complain about poor gas milege in trucks, like have y'all ever thought about what equates to good gas milege? Something low to the ground with an aerodynamic shape, lightweight, with a low powered engine that can sip fuel, is that the truck you want? I guarantee if they put a truck bed on a Prius no one would buy it.

 

[T4R2014]

I can't believe Toyota has been running this 4.0 liter engine for so long. I was under the impression the new 5th gen had a new motor. Seems like the fuel prices increasing constantly and all of these other companies like Dodge and Ford producing more and more efficient truck engines, they need to do something sooner than later.

The 4.0 in the 5th Gen is redone with dual VVTi. It's not exactly the same engine aside from being called a 1GR. What makes it feel doggish is the stupid eco throttle mapping.

 

[JeffMerr]

The 4.0 in the 5th Gen is redone with dual VVTi. It's not exactly the same engine aside from being called a 1GR. What makes it feel doggish is the stupid eco throttle mapping.

I see. Interesting.

 

[Bossman]

Any idea what the weight difference is between 4th & 5th gens? I'm curious but not enough to look t up myself.

:grouphug:

Curb weight of a 2009 (4th generation) 4Runner SR5 V6 is 4,300 pounds.

Curb weight of a 2009 (4th generation) 4Runner Limited V8 is 4,555 pounds.

Curb weight of a 2010 (5th generation) 4Runner SR5 V6 is 4,655 pounds.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Any idea what the weight difference is between 4th & 5th gens? I'm curious but not enough to look t up myself.

:grouphug:

I think I read somewhere that it was 500-700lbs heavier.

Try and give the 2014 a look. Interior has been improved. I myself did not like the 2010-2013 4runners interior. But the small changes in the 2014 really improved the look and I like the interior now of the new runner.

Power should be the same as your 4runner. Is has more hp than your v6 but it weighs more. So power wise it's the same.

I really like the new interior. I didn't mind the 2010-2013 but didn't like it enough to buy one. The 4runner's throttle is mapped totally different. You really have to smash it to get it to go. That will take some getting used to by me as well.

I can't believe Toyota has been running this 4.0 liter engine for so long. I was under the impression the new 5th gen had a new motor. Seems like the fuel prices increasing constantly and all of these other companies like Dodge and Ford producing more and more efficient truck engines, they need to do something sooner than later.

Because this engine is incredible. Good power, beautiful delivery, quiet, extremely reliable, lasts forever. Why change an engine that great. You need to do some more research, Dodge and Ford are making terrible drivetrains and that net high EPA ratings so they can get sales up but in real world driving, they're MPG sucks and Ford gets sued on the regular for it. Dodge is advertising a 22 MPG truck but if you read the fine print it's a 2wd v6 with an 8 speed car transmission. Who wants a truck like that? I'll stick to my truck drivetrain that gets nearly 20 MPG and is rock solid in terms of reliability. It always irks me a bit to hear people complain about poor gas milege in trucks, like have y'all ever thought about what equates to good gas milege? Something low to the ground with an aerodynamic shape, lightweight, with a low powered engine that can sip fuel, is that the truck you want? I guarantee if they put a truck bed on a Prius no one would buy it.

The 4.0 in the 5th Gen is redone with dual VVTi. It's not exactly the same engine aside from being called a 1GR. What makes it feel doggish is the stupid eco throttle mapping.

These^^^

These little V6s are great. Are they the most powerful? No. Do they get the best mpg? Close. Better than some, little worse than others. Are they reliable? Absolutely. That is what I like most about them. I'm actually trading in my 2012 ecoboost f150 for another 4runner. Why? My truck has had little issues since day one. Some issues I've learned to live with. The latest issues have drove me over the edge. My oil level is rising and stinks of gas. Also the truck has a lot of blow-by and has a little rattle on a cold start. More now than ever. If you look at the f150 forums, these things regularly blow up. I'm out of warranty now so I'm not taking the chance.

Dodges have serious head problems. Two of my co-workers have had to get new engine heads installed since the first of the year. One was covered by warranty. The other was a $2800 bill.

A few folks on here were so ticked because Toyota hasn't gone with forced induction or direct injection. I'm one of the few that is glad they didn't. The hassles and cost just isn't worth it sometimes.

 

[bigskyeric]

I sell Toyotas and I've driven a lot of 5th gens and I agree that the 4th gen has many advantages but I think you're exagerating a bit. In my opinion, the 4th gen is quieter and has a little more high quality feel overall. I've never gone wide open throttle on either but the throttle feels more responsive on the 5th gens than on my 2006 v6. I'd still take a 5th gen all day over the 4th gen. To me, they just look WAY better and seem to sit up higher, and I actually prefer the interior but I would get the trail version.

I apologize, but I'm not exaggerating. The dashboard on the 2013 was all scratched up on the passenger side. And by the looks/feel of the material, it isn't hard to do. As for the lack of power, it sounds like others agree it's from throttle mapping. Overall, I was disappointed and I prefer the way the 4th gen drives. More go, less fat. And the lack of steering feel removed the 'quality' feel I've grown to love with my 4th gen. Overall..its just top heavy.

Living in a very snowy climate, the 4th gen has this connection to the driver that makes it a perfect rally suv when the snow gets deep. 2 feet of snow on a twisty road makes for some long drifting. I got the sense the 5th gen wouldn't play as well in the snow.

I do agree the 5th gen looks better. Especially the 2015 model. That front end is gorgeous. I'll have to drive a brand new one, hopefully they tightened up the package a bit.

 

[JB.]

5th gen weight increase based on 2005 and 2010 brochures.

4wd SR5......+375.......(+170 compared to V8)
4wd LE.........+460.......(+250 compared to V8)

5th gen TE is approx halfway between SR5/LE.

 

[2014 Warthog]

Re throttle response:

I posted some time ago in another thread about someone saying the 2014 had no power. Yes it really is just the throttle positioning/response, not the ending itself. I came from a 2004 taco and that thing was nice and punchy. Test drove the 2014 and felt the same way you did, seemed really gutless, very disappointing drive. Problem was I was just pressing down on the pedal like 10 years of my 2004 trained me to.

I still loved everything else about the truck and bought it anyway. After a weeks worth of driving I can say that the 2014 is just as punchy as my 2004 Taco after I reprogramed my foot for the exact amount of throttle to give it.

In the end the power is good for what the vehicle is. It won't tow 6000 pounds or go to the race track, but then it's not supposed to. It's a mid sized offroader, people transporter and small trailer hauler and it does pretty great at all that while getting ok MPGs. Not bad!

 

[c_mack9]

Good point. I haven't had my 2006 for very long, I came from a 3rd gen with the 3.4L v6. I know those things will last forever and are very capable off road and all but they're a turd. You can bury your foot into the mat and it's still not going to go anywhere quickly. They ride like a log wagon too. The 4th and 5th gen are light years better than the 3rd gen in my opinion.

 

[salong53]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the lack of headroom in the 5th gen. I'm not excessively tall (6'1") but my head feels like it's sticking out of the sunroof on the 5th gen. I couldn't own one for that sole purpose.

 

[JB.]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the lack of headroom in the 5th gen. I'm not excessively tall (6'1") but my head feels like it's sticking out of the sunroof on the 5th gen. I couldn't own one for that sole purpose.

I'm surprised to hear it mentioned.

If Toyota was going to fix the headroom, I wish they would have really fixed it, but all reports seem to indicate there is more usable headroom in the 5th gen.

Moon roof makes a big difference though. I'm guessing your 04 doesn't have one.

 

[Sporin]

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned the lack of headroom in the 5th gen. I'm not excessively tall (6'1") but my head feels like it's sticking out of the sunroof on the 5th gen. I couldn't own one for that sole purpose.

I feel the same way in my 4th gen with sunroof, and I'm barely 6' (long torso).

Got to check out a friend's 5th gen and I liked it just fine. Certainly a different style and layout than the 4ths but it seemed like a nice enough truck to me. :tea:

 

[ToyotaDoodz]

My 04 Limited V6 turned 190,000 miles last month and I've been kickin' around the idea of getting a newer 4runner. I'm looking at a brand new 2015 with leather for around $38,000. But then i saw a 2013 for $30,000 with only 30k miles on the clock. Here are my impressions.

Bigger and heavier with the same engine= slower and underpowered feeling compared to my 2004, Uncomfortable seats, cheaper feeling plastics on the dashboard, Blind spots, squishy boat feel, less steering feedback gives a numb driving experience. At 190,000 miles my 04 doesn't feel any less new than the 2013 w/ 30k miles.

Anyone else have this same experience? The thing literally felt like it was missing about 100hp when i got on the gas.

I've owned an 03 and a 14 and I don't agree with your assessment.

(Note, I'm at no time talking about the Limited trim level)

I had an 03 Sport V8. The interior of the my 14 trail premium feels larger and is much quieter with BFG AT's than my 03 was with the same tire. The 14 is peppy, but it gets more peppy as the engine and drive train breaks in. It was a bit more sluggish on the test drive than it is now with 1,500 miles on it. Now, I went from a V8 to a V6 so if anyone would be shocked by under power you'd think it would be me. When you floor it, it goes. It's not a race car but it sure as heck will get me in front of anyone I need to on the on-ramps. My 14 body is higher than my stock 03. I HAD to lift the 03. I've not see the need yet in my 14.

BTW, I haven't seen any 2015's on lots yet. Are you talking about 2014's?

The interior is not cheap. I like the dimpling on the dash of my premium. Blind spots? No, I don't have any, in fact the higher ride height compared to the stock 03 reduces them for me. FJ Cruisers yeah, now they have blind spots.