Drove a 5th Gen 4R, very disappointed, so now I have questions

[gigglytomboy]

Hi everyone. I have a 2004 4R 2WD which I love but needs paint, a new dash, and new tires. In lieu of pouring $6,000-$8,000 into it (and still having a 10-y-o vehicle), I thought I'd trade it in on a 5th Gen.
So, I drove a 2015 SR5 Premium 2WD. That thing was so soft and mushy, I couldn't feel the road. Felt like I was driving on wiggly marshmallows. I want to feel the road, feel the grip (or lack of), feel where the tires are, just like I can with my '04. Does anyone else know what I'm talking about? How can you drive without feeling whether or not you have traction?
So, now I'm wondering if the 4WD feels any better? There isn't one around here to drive, or else I wouldn't have to ask.
Thanks in advance for any info.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

Hi everyone. I have a 2004 4R 2WD which I love but needs paint, a new dash, and new tires. In lieu of pouring $6,000-$8,000 into it (and still having a 10-y-o vehicle), I thought I'd trade it in on a 5th Gen.
So, I drove a 2015 SR5 Premium 2WD. That thing was so soft and mushy, I couldn't feel the road. Felt like I was driving on wiggly marshmallows. I want to feel the road, feel the grip (or lack of), feel where the tires are, just like I can with my '04. Does anyone else know what I'm talking about? How can you drive without feeling whether or not you have traction?
So, now I'm wondering if the 4WD feels any better? There isn't one around here to drive, or else I wouldn't have to ask.
Thanks in advance for any info.

I have driven a 2013 SR5 4x4 since 09/12, and don't understand any of the complaints that you mentioned. The only thing that took getting used to was the nose dive under braking.

I don't know the appeal of this vehicle in 2WD configuration though, there are so many better options if off-road capability isn't important.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Try driving a limited with xreas suspension. They are very firm and no brake dive. They also corner like they are on rails.

 

[Canon_Bob]

I have a 2014 Trail Edition with KDSS. The KDSS system adds a lot of responsiveness to the on-road experience for sure. Best handling SUV I've ever owned. I also do not notice any "nose dive" under breaking that others have mentioned with the SR5's. I'm not sure what you mean when you want to "feel the road", but I can say that I love the feel of the KDSS system in that it's both comfortable on the road and VERY responsive in cornering, breaking, etc.. Best way I can put it is that it just feels nice and tight, but it doesn't ride at all like a stiffened suspension.

 

[mattleegee]

if you want to feel the road more might i suggest some M/T tires, possibly a lift?
get more feedback that way :bolt:

 

[Nolarola]

I don't know the appeal of this vehicle in 2WD configuration though, there are so many better options if off-road capability isn't important.

Like what? Sure a minivan would be better at hauling kids around but wouldn't be ideal for hauling a boat.

 

[Ky4Runner1]

I have a 2015 Limited 4 x 4 and I feel like a get a lot of feedback from the road compared to the 2014 Pilot Touring I traded in. The steering felt very electric in the Pilot.
Love the 4 Runner.
Try driving the 4 x 4 and see what you think.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

Like what? Sure a minivan would be better at hauling kids around but wouldn't be ideal for hauling a boat.

My father-in-law has a Toyota Sienna with a Hitch and we have towed his SeaDoo Speedster 150 behind it with no problems. The entire setup was probably 3500 lbs. If you are towing a boat larger than that I would suggest a truck...

Pretty much any unibody crossover can tow up to 5,000 lbs. this is assuming the OP tows boats, if they don't then blindfold yourself and throw a dart at a wall of crossovers and pretty much anything you hit would be a better choice.

 

[forwheeler]

Like what? Sure a minivan would be better at hauling kids around but wouldn't be ideal for hauling a boat.

I don't think a 4R would be a good choice for hauling a boat either. I think the point was that if you don't care about offroad driving (i.e. getting a 2WD 4Runner), then why are you getting a 4R in the first place? If you want to haul a boat, a pickup with a deisel is probably your best bet. If you want to haul a family, get a minivan or maybe more of a crossover. If you just want to sit high up for visibility, get a crossover. I don't understand why they even sell 2WD 4Runners. They must sell enough to make a profit, but it just doesn't make sense to me. The market for a used 2WD 4R must be weak.

I'd suggest to the OP that if a 4R is your choice, for whatever reason, seriously consider whether it makes sense to get the 2WD. Compare your expected depreciation in the 2WD model vs. the 4WD model, and I suspect the 4WD model will actually be cheaper, all things considered.

 

[Stifler]

cool story

 

[8086bruce]

OP, I have a 15 on order and I thought the same thing about the ride on the one I test drove. But I thought the same thing of my 07 before I added fj springs and bilstein shocks.

From what I've read on the forum a set of 5100 shocks helps a lot. They will be my first mod.

 

[Antman]

I don't think a 4R would be a good choice for hauling a boat either....

Well, I know for a fact that it is a great choice for hauling a boat.

I tow mine at least once every week all year long and get twice- TWICE- the gas mileage, while towing the same boat, than I did with my Nissan Titan.

Sorry for the Hijack- back to the "wiggly marshmallows". :bravo:

 

[470SNC]

Try driving one with KDSS, it makes a big difference, but at the same time, its not a sports car

 

[Jayhawk5G]

Well, I know for a fact that it is a great choice for hauling a boat.

I tow mine at least once every week all year long and get twice- TWICE- the gas mileage, while towing the same boat, than I did with my Nissan Titan.

Sorry for the Hijack- back to the "wiggly marshmallows". :bravo:

My father-in-law had gifted us the same boat we had towed with his Sienna. 2007 SeaDoo Speedster 150 which was initially towed with my 05' JGC Hemi and then towed with the 13' 4Runner... and the only difference was getting substantially better gas milage...

 

[Lester Lugnut]

I don't know the appeal of this vehicle in 2WD configuration though, there are so many better options if off-road capability isn't important.

I saw your other post further down in this thread. You mentioned crossovers/etc. Many of those feel like a car and most don't have the view the 4 Runner has. I bought my 2WD '14 4 Runner SR5 to replace a 2WD '95 Rodeo which also has a truck-like feel. Got used to it and I like it.

I must admit that the new Honda Pilot was first on my list, but after reading about all of the issues Honda is having with that vehicles VCM(variable cylinder mgt.) I decided to go with the 4 Runner.

And last but not least I too like the feel of riding on wiggly marshmallows.

 

[NoDak]

well if your going to get a 2wd version of the 4runner, I would suggest getting a highlander instead. same tow rating as the 4runner but probably better overall for non off road use.

 

[Lester Lugnut]

well if your going to get a 2wd version of the 4runner, I would suggest getting a highlander instead. same tow rating as the 4runner but probably better overall for non off road use.

Tow rating may be the same, but it has a lower field of vision and a completely different feel. Drove one - didn't care for it at all.

Much prefer my 2WD '14 4 Runner SR5.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

I saw your other post further down in this thread. You mentioned crossovers/etc. Many of those feel like a car and most don't have the view the 4 Runner has. I bought my 2WD '14 4 Runner SR5 to replace a 2WD '95 Rodeo which also has a truck-like feel. Got used to it and I like it.

I must admit that the new Honda Pilot was first on my list, but after reading about all of the issues Honda is having with that vehicles VCM(variable cylinder mgt.) I decided to go with the 4 Runner.

And last but not least I too like the feel of riding on wiggly marshmallows.

You wanted a truck, and you got a truck...

The OP describes wanting cross-over handling in a 2WD 4Runner, and would probably be better off as others mentioned checking out a Highlander since handling seems to be of high importance.

The only time I have experienced anything close to what the OP described is when I go from driving my brother-in-laws 11' Jetta then the 4Runner. The 4Runner still feels great, but I'm reminded it isn't a low to the ground car.

 

[adam2562]

like others have said.. try driving the limited with the 20" wheels and much smaller more responsive sidewall. that with the xreas might change your mind.. otherwise sounds like a honda pilot might do all you need depending on how much your towing.

 

[Lester Lugnut]

The OP describes wanting cross-over handling in a 2WD 4Runner, and would probably be better off as others mentioned checking out a Highlander since handling seems to be of high importance.

He drives an '04 4 Runner. Not familiar with that yr/model, but would wonder if the steering is all that much different? Both his '04 4R and the 5th Gens are RWD. Right? Apparently the steering has changed considerably.

Yes - the Highlander has the 2GR-FE engine(transverse-mounted) - front-wheel drive, so he might be happier with it. I have that same config. in an Avalon and find it quite interesting to jump from the Avalon to the 4 Runner.

Love 'um both.

OP - buy a Highlander.