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

[Orc]

If you want to feel the road get a Mitsubishi evo

 

[Lester Lugnut]

otherwise sounds like a honda pilot might do all you need

Google -> Pilot VCM issues

Before you consider a Pilot.

 

[gigglytomboy]

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.

Thank you for the suggestion, I'll keep trying to locate one and give it a try.

 

[gigglytomboy]

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.

Another good suggestion, thank you. I was wondering if the 4WD was any better.

 

[gigglytomboy]

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

ok, that's a thought. Thank you.

 

[gigglytomboy]

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.

Thank you for getting what I'm talking about! I'll be interested to know whether that particular mod works. Will you post a follow-up?

 

[gigglytomboy]

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.

Yes, the steering definitely has changed considerably. My '04 is agile, nimble, and highly responsive. The '15 (2WD anyway) is a slug in comparison. Not meaning to offend 5th gen 2WD owners, just saying there is a world of difference between the two.

A Highlander won't work for me, can't handle the payload and doesn't have the cargo capacity of my current 4R.

BTW, I'm a lady. And I outdrive most guys on the road... leave 'em in the dust, still sitting at the stoplight or stuck in the slow lane on the highway while I'm long gone

 

[Nolarola]

The market for a used 2WD 4R must be weak.

Well, it's not.

 

[Stifler]

 

[Antman]

So... I was all like: "Hey! Stiffy responded! Let's just click here and see what....... Bwaaaahhhhh Haaaa!!!!!!"

 

[Matteblack]

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.

Good advice here. Lexus Rx is another good option. Seriously, why have a 2wd (only) 4Runner?

MB

 

[gigglytomboy]

It'd be a wiggly marshmallow sammich.

 

[JayceeP]

Limited.

 

[8086bruce]

Thank you for getting what I'm talking about! I'll be interested to know whether that particular mod works. Will you post a follow-up?

Sure thing.

 

[Jayhawk5G]

A Highlander won't work for me, can't handle the payload and doesn't have the cargo capacity of my current 4R.

Out of curiosity what is the payload that a Highlander couldn't handle? Edit: Cargo space is within 6 cubic feet, 89.7 for 4Runner and 83.7 for Highlander...

 

[Ezlife45]

Try a limited

Not to get into the 2wd 4wd debate, look into the trail with KDSS or the Limited with XREAS. I have a limited and can say with the low profile tires and the XREAS it handles pretty nicely. I have not driven a SR5 recently though so I can't attest for the difference.

 

[Stifler]

It'd be a wiggly marshmallow sammich.

sooner than later would be best! lol

 

[gigglytomboy]

Out of curiosity what is the payload that a Highlander couldn't handle? Edit: Cargo space is within 6 cubic feet, 89.7 for 4Runner and 83.7 for Highlander...

Boxes of rock & fossil specimens and stone blade knives. A lot of weight, a lot of volume.

 

[bimrunner]

Boxes of rock & fossil specimens and stone blade knives. A lot of weight, a lot of volume.

You could go for a Tacoma or Tundra. More payload and you'll feel the road more. Or get a 4Runner and swap out the suspension for something firmer. My LE feels the road plenty.

 

[4FL]

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.

Florida is full of 2wd 4 runners, way out numbering 4x4 models, I actually purchased my trail up in Virginia.