100% agree on all points. I was a little disappointed w/the performance in our brand new 2013 Limited after getting my used 2006 four months later. Rented an FJ Cruiser once and was so hesitant to change lanes because of blind spots. If one thinks the 4Runner has blind spots, they are in for a rude awakening with all the crossovers out there....hell, in anything outside of a truck, a Yukon/Tahoe/Expedition, etc, you will have huge ones
Drove a 2013 4runner and didn't like it
- Thread starter bigskyeric
- Start date
100% agree on all points. I was a little disappointed w/the performance in our brand new 2013 Limited after getting my used 2006 four months later. Rented an FJ Cruiser once and was so hesitant to change lanes because of blind spots. If one thinks the 4Runner has blind spots, they are in for a rude awakening with all the crossovers out there....hell, in anything outside of a truck, a Yukon/Tahoe/Expedition, etc, you will have huge ones
Toyota factory had the newly designed 4.6 V8 ready to roll out in the 5th Gen but when the recession hit and when the fuel prices began to climb to the 3.50 avg level, they decided to pull the V8.
My friend, a former Gen Mgr saw the 4.6 V8 at the factory when it was being put through its paces and mentioned that to me at the time.
I think the 4.6 V8 would be the perfect engine for the 5th Gen 4Runner.
My friend, a former Gen Mgr saw the 4.6 V8 at the factory when it was being put through its paces and mentioned that to me at the time.
I think the 4.6 V8 would be the perfect engine for the 5th Gen 4Runner.
Dylan
Member
I think they look like Kleenex boxes. Then again, I'm originally a 2nd gen guy and still think those are the best looking. It took me a while before I got a 4th gen to admire their lines, but now I can't get enough of them. Maybe the 5th gen will grow more on me. Of course any newer car is expected to have nicer amenities though.
28.
New member
I have to agree with OP on this one. My 04 V8 is just shy of 200K and we considered a 5th. Just didnt feel as smooth, seemed gutless, and loud. Ended up going with a used LX470 Landcuiser instead. I know eventually i'm going to have to replace ol ''Beast Mode'', but he's still running strong and as long as i can ''fix'' it, he's staying.. then the Cruiser will take his place.... And yes Beast Mode is a male lol... all my trucks have been. Our cars have all been females lol : ).... But i do love the look of them.. Who knows it might just be in the writing considering how unibody is taking over little by little.
Last edited:
I test drove a 14 a few weeks ago when I was in the market for a replacement for my 03. I didn't think the interior was cheap, but it was lacking. I did not like the nearly flat windshield. The visibility was horrible. The dash is too big and the roof is too low. Kind of reminded me of being in a chop top.
The power was abysmal. I totally agree with you there. That thing would barely get out of it's own way. Reminded me of my days with a 3.slow.
In the end I passed on it because of the option package. I didn't want leather and I thought I found something with the SR5 premium until I realized that you get the fake leather softex seats in it. Only in America can you put a substandard product out there with a fancy name and charge more for it.
The power was abysmal. I totally agree with you there. That thing would barely get out of it's own way. Reminded me of my days with a 3.slow.
In the end I passed on it because of the option package. I didn't want leather and I thought I found something with the SR5 premium until I realized that you get the fake leather softex seats in it. Only in America can you put a substandard product out there with a fancy name and charge more for it.
03_4x4Runner
Senior Member
I have test drove around 5 or 6 5th gens since they came out also looking to get a new 4runner to replace my 03 V8. I walk away disappointed every time.
When I get back in my 4th gen it feels and runs much better. I keep hoping for at least a six speed trans in the new ones. The new V6 really disappoints me.
When I get back in my 4th gen it feels and runs much better. I keep hoping for at least a six speed trans in the new ones. The new V6 really disappoints me.
IAmTodd
New member
swapmeet
New member
Before we had our second child, I briefly entertained getting a trail edition 5th gen.
I test drove a SR5 premium.
x2 on the flat windshield, and really just the size. I remember when a Tacoma was a minitruck. Now they're the size of a 96 Fullsize Chevy. And the 5th gen 4R's feel like the 1st gen Tahoe's.
I liked the features, and the interior was fine I guess.
Definitely wasn't a powerful ride, and my 4.7 4Runner would probably eat its lunch.
And I really really don't like the newest front ends... but thats just a style thing I guess.
BTW, C mack, as a salesman, I pretty much ignore anything a Toyota salesman has to say on a topic like this LMAO... It just sounds like you're drinking the kool-aid man. But its cool you get to sell kickass cars!
I test drove a SR5 premium.
x2 on the flat windshield, and really just the size. I remember when a Tacoma was a minitruck. Now they're the size of a 96 Fullsize Chevy. And the 5th gen 4R's feel like the 1st gen Tahoe's.
I liked the features, and the interior was fine I guess.
Definitely wasn't a powerful ride, and my 4.7 4Runner would probably eat its lunch.
And I really really don't like the newest front ends... but thats just a style thing I guess.
BTW, C mack, as a salesman, I pretty much ignore anything a Toyota salesman has to say on a topic like this LMAO... It just sounds like you're drinking the kool-aid man. But its cool you get to sell kickass cars!
claydoctor
New member
Drove my first 5th generation today as a loaner for my 2006 Sport in the shop.
I was disappointed , when they first came out but hoped they would grow on me - not ! They had the Sequoia so why make the 4-Runner, longer , heavier, wider and taller ?? I wanted to like the one I was given today but I felt like I was driving a bus compared to my '06. The distant flat windshield enhanced the effect . Like most newer cars , I felt more removed from the drivetrain , not as much a part of the vehicle . I didn't like the video display constantly reminding me I was getting even less mileage than in my 2006 V-6. . The radio was confusing . Does the rear window still go down ? Never did find the switch . Liked the console and the cupholders . Loved it when the dealer guy handed me an actual KEY . Don't like the window switches. Too prone to raindrops . Back hatch feels heavier and has no close assist- another corner cut . This vehicle reminds me of the comment someone made in the mid nineties, when they introduced a new generation Mustang . They said , it looks like they introduced , the generations in the wrong order . In this case it looks like the 4th generation should have come after the fifth. Better styling, more compact , better road feel, more powerful, better mileage . My 2006 has 196,000 miles . Subaru Outbacks are starting to look good .
I was disappointed , when they first came out but hoped they would grow on me - not ! They had the Sequoia so why make the 4-Runner, longer , heavier, wider and taller ?? I wanted to like the one I was given today but I felt like I was driving a bus compared to my '06. The distant flat windshield enhanced the effect . Like most newer cars , I felt more removed from the drivetrain , not as much a part of the vehicle . I didn't like the video display constantly reminding me I was getting even less mileage than in my 2006 V-6. . The radio was confusing . Does the rear window still go down ? Never did find the switch . Liked the console and the cupholders . Loved it when the dealer guy handed me an actual KEY . Don't like the window switches. Too prone to raindrops . Back hatch feels heavier and has no close assist- another corner cut . This vehicle reminds me of the comment someone made in the mid nineties, when they introduced a new generation Mustang . They said , it looks like they introduced , the generations in the wrong order . In this case it looks like the 4th generation should have come after the fifth. Better styling, more compact , better road feel, more powerful, better mileage . My 2006 has 196,000 miles . Subaru Outbacks are starting to look good .
c_mack9
New member
Surprisingly I don't even get offered kool-aid. I'm very opinionated and I would let it be known if I didn't like it. Like I said, I've only had my 4th gen for a few months so I haven't had years to develop my bond with it like many of y'all have. I can tell you which version a customer would rather buy, that's the 5th gen so since Toyota is in the business of selling these things, maybe that's why things are the way they are. Internet die hards like us make up such a tiny percentage of sales our opinion is null and void. I can state very confidently that the new body style is winning. I've yet to hear one single customer say anything negative about it when comparing it to the older style. Thanks, it is pretty cool to sell these things. I really enjoy it.
swapmeet
New member
New cars are winning over used ones??? In America?
Everyone who comes in drops 35-40k on one is really happy???
Thanks for clearing that up.... HAHAHAHA!!!
I would imagine they be happy considering cars cost 1/3rd of most home mortgages. *duh*
Most people do a lot of research and have made their brand/ model choice before they walk through the dealership doors. So yeah, by the time they've come in, they believe the 4runner is the best for them.
You're in a vacuum. I'm sure the guy at the Jeep dealer says the same thing about his customers comments.
I agree with you about people on forums in regards to cars. I'm fairly confidant the OEM's don't give two shits about our opinions, which sucks because I think we're the most passionate owners.
BlackWorksInc
New member
The 5th gens have some oomph to them but they seem to have some laggy spots in acceleration and performance, I suspect the "lag" many people feel has to do with "Eco" tuning to squeeze better MPG for the upcoming CAFE Standards (I swear turning ECO off does nothing but turn the light off...)
I love the exterior styling of the 5th gen and even don't mind where they put the 4WD knobs and stuff on the TE (I don't really use that area much on my 4th gen anyways.) But I don't like them as much as my 4th gen (was debating to trade the 4th gen in for a 5th gen when they first came out, since I had barely bought the 4th gen at the time.)
My biggest complaints with the 5th gen are as follows:
-Lack of a V8, coming from a '93 S10 Blazer with that pitifully excuse of a 4.3L V6 I swore I would never get anything mid-sized or larger without 8 cylinders (this was more than likely due to impending CAFE Standards and low sales of the V8 as the vehicle was built as the GX460 and all they'd have to do is put 5th gen body on the frame; the other reason I suspect CAFE Standards is because a 2.7L I4 option was offered at the launch of the 5th gen (though it was only for a year before dropping it completely due to lack of interest and sales.)
-Interior is awkwardly uncomfortable; the window sill buttons feel awkward, the windowsill is too tall and puts my arm above 90* when cruising which causes fatigue, the interior layout is just a hair out of comfortable reach for the most part, that god awful Tundra shifter, ect. Its not horrible, but is "off" just enough that I never feel comfortable driving a 5th gen as compared to say a 3rd or 4th gen.
-Decontenting core features vs. hiked up price, only the Limited gets a T3 Torsen Center Diff, Flick Start was removed on all trims (Limited get a push button, which I am not partial to), roll down rear window button is gone, ect Basically they are progressing further into a Mall Crawler and less into its 4WD Heritage (the TE is a nice vehicle, but still feels more like what the 4WD package should have standard and that still doesn't have the T3 Torsen, I personally feel the 4WD system in the V6 4th gens was the best IFS system, I even like my V8's all-time 4WD which is basically the same components minus a 2WD shift fork), they could have kept this as their mid-size semi-luxury off-road capable SUV like the 3rd & 4th gens represented, but instead they've started the inevitable process of turning the 4Runner into another Highlander much like Nissan has done with the Pathfinder.
-2014+ Models are horribly re-designed, the headlamps and tail lamps are great; but the front bumper design is just a travesty on both SR5 and Limited models, the designer who drew that and approved it should be shot for such a poor job
-Giant Wagon Wheels are a big turn off, they seem to ride far more stilted than my 4th gen even with fancy KDSS and such
I know the thoughts here a bit disjointed, the heat is frying my brain... but I guess you guys get the gist of it? Basically as someone who wants a nice, reliable, quality built, but off-road capable vehicle for a good price; the 5th gen is the downward slope of the progression when compared to the 4th gen.
I love the exterior styling of the 5th gen and even don't mind where they put the 4WD knobs and stuff on the TE (I don't really use that area much on my 4th gen anyways.) But I don't like them as much as my 4th gen (was debating to trade the 4th gen in for a 5th gen when they first came out, since I had barely bought the 4th gen at the time.)
My biggest complaints with the 5th gen are as follows:
-Lack of a V8, coming from a '93 S10 Blazer with that pitifully excuse of a 4.3L V6 I swore I would never get anything mid-sized or larger without 8 cylinders (this was more than likely due to impending CAFE Standards and low sales of the V8 as the vehicle was built as the GX460 and all they'd have to do is put 5th gen body on the frame; the other reason I suspect CAFE Standards is because a 2.7L I4 option was offered at the launch of the 5th gen (though it was only for a year before dropping it completely due to lack of interest and sales.)
-Interior is awkwardly uncomfortable; the window sill buttons feel awkward, the windowsill is too tall and puts my arm above 90* when cruising which causes fatigue, the interior layout is just a hair out of comfortable reach for the most part, that god awful Tundra shifter, ect. Its not horrible, but is "off" just enough that I never feel comfortable driving a 5th gen as compared to say a 3rd or 4th gen.
-Decontenting core features vs. hiked up price, only the Limited gets a T3 Torsen Center Diff, Flick Start was removed on all trims (Limited get a push button, which I am not partial to), roll down rear window button is gone, ect Basically they are progressing further into a Mall Crawler and less into its 4WD Heritage (the TE is a nice vehicle, but still feels more like what the 4WD package should have standard and that still doesn't have the T3 Torsen, I personally feel the 4WD system in the V6 4th gens was the best IFS system, I even like my V8's all-time 4WD which is basically the same components minus a 2WD shift fork), they could have kept this as their mid-size semi-luxury off-road capable SUV like the 3rd & 4th gens represented, but instead they've started the inevitable process of turning the 4Runner into another Highlander much like Nissan has done with the Pathfinder.
-2014+ Models are horribly re-designed, the headlamps and tail lamps are great; but the front bumper design is just a travesty on both SR5 and Limited models, the designer who drew that and approved it should be shot for such a poor job
-Giant Wagon Wheels are a big turn off, they seem to ride far more stilted than my 4th gen even with fancy KDSS and such
I know the thoughts here a bit disjointed, the heat is frying my brain... but I guess you guys get the gist of it? Basically as someone who wants a nice, reliable, quality built, but off-road capable vehicle for a good price; the 5th gen is the downward slope of the progression when compared to the 4th gen.
Last edited:
texas4rnr
New member
I got to drive a 2014 for a week while my 08 was in the shop. I was ready to get my 08 back after a few days. The wind was bouncing the truck around pretty fierce.
I'm pretty short and I feel like the '14 was sitting wayyy higher than the 08 even with my lift! I liked that
The mileage on it was worse than my 08. The interior was SUPER roomy and the gadgets were cool, but I can do without especially for the pricetag.
4th gens to me are still great! <3 ... though I'd take the 2014 for the price of a used 4th gen any day teehee
I'm pretty short and I feel like the '14 was sitting wayyy higher than the 08 even with my lift! I liked that
The mileage on it was worse than my 08. The interior was SUPER roomy and the gadgets were cool, but I can do without especially for the pricetag.
4th gens to me are still great! <3 ... though I'd take the 2014 for the price of a used 4th gen any day
teeheeC mack is correct. New car sales numbers speak for themselves. Not everyone is a savvy, value-minded buyer. The folks may not be happy but they sure are buying a ton of new vehicles.
c_mack9
New member
WRONG. Most people have no clue what they're doing when they show up on a car lot. I've sold them to loyal 4runner peeps but most of the time people have no idea what the 4runner is about or why the should or shouldn't buy one. That's where I come in. I sell a shit ton of Highlanders to families that come in to look at 4runners because the dad likes them and wants to put his wife and kids in one but since she drives it 99% of the time, never tows with it, never goes off road with it, hates the way trucks drive, and needs room for kids and a third row. That's why good sales people are valuable, old school sleezebags would try to sell them on the 4runner because it would probably be easier since daddy is the one paying for it. What do you do for a living? I'd love to talk shit to you about it. I'm in a vacuum? **** off, you don't know anything about me or car sales apparently.
JB.
New member
OK, fixed.
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.
swapmeet
New member
HAHAHAHAHAAHA!!!! "Eff your vacuum mfer!" LMAO!!!
Cool your jets man.... Just my opinion. No need to get all wound up. You being a car salesman with values and good moral fiber doesn't suddenly increase the validity of your opinion. Although I do have more respect for you as a sales person for doing those things.
I still stand by my opinion, but i'm not going to argue. Not at the expense of you getting your feelings hurt more than they already have. I would prefer we could have a open debate, but this is the internet and that doesn't appear to be an option.
I'll agree you have more experience as a person behind the desk doing the deal than I do, so i'll take your word for it.
To be honest, I couldn't do it. If what you say is true, and people just wander into a dealership to buy a car because they saw one on the road or in their neighborhood and decided they wanted one too... I'd be so depressed over my loss of faith in society. Seriously... that stresses me out.
I can just see it, some wife decides she wants a big truck and decides she likes a F250 4x4. She buys it but it never sees dirt or tows. Ugh... shoot me. That's an extreme case, but just to make the point. And yes, I assume that most salesmen would usher that sale right on through so they can make a fat commission on a 50k truck.
What we're we talking about?
Actually to get back on topic, are there still "Trail Editions" being offered in the 2014-15 life cycle?
c_mack9
New member
You know why an open debate with you is not an option? Because you make wild accusations and assumptions, then defend yourself calling them your "opinion". Kool-aid drinking, being in a vacuum, how ridiculous is this? You think Toyota has started some kind of cult that all sales people are required to join? I don't work for Toyota, I work for the guy that owns the dealership, and I work there because I love Toyota and this is the best dealership in my small town. We have only top shelf merchandise on our lot and I know it's the best stuff you can get here so I have no problems presenting what I sell to customers. If you're not a fan of the 5th gen, fine, THAT is your opinion and you shouludnt buy one but don't be an e-dick and get stupid when someone does like them.
Similar threads
