How the 2019 Toyota 4Runner Defies Rationality

[Blue 4ever Runner]

I've owned a lot of vehicles, and am a member on many automotive forums for those vehicles.

In the past few days since I have registered I have posted a little, and read a ton.

What I have learned is that 4Runner owners are exactly like Subaru owners.

I'm one of the above. Got the Forester for the wife. Nice vehicle, gets decent gas mileage, comfortable, etc. Got the 4Runner for me 'cause I'm a truck kinda guy.

 

[Scramble]

Wow. Can't believe how many here are butt hurt by the writer. His audience is not existing 4rnr owners or buyers but instead those that just don't know about it. And he's not comparing either. He's simply writing an article about what is truly a unique, some-may-say alluring old-school vehicle to draw readers.

Agreed, did the above complainers even read the article? Bunch of internet whiners, sick of them. The author even says he own's a 2017.

 

[snivilous]

It's a popular mechanics article, what do you expect. Popular Mechanics/Science are about as reliable as the Onion for literally anything they write about.

 

[swampdodo]

Well, after you lower your testosterone level, you'd surely realize crossovers make all the sense in the world for the 95% who want a comfortable, car-like ride with some creature comforts while still allowing them more confidence to do the recreational activities most people relish in....... like getting to the ski mountain, mountain bike and hiking trails, the beach, etc. with various amounts of gear and in sometime inclement weather that requires light off-roading.

They make total sense and selling cars is a bazillion dollar business so they make what people want. Crossovers is what people want. Very, very few likely need a 4runners or Jeeps capabilities.

Actually, what I've heard is that the real reason CUV are popular is because they are easier to get in/out of compared to full frame SUV or cars. Think about it...a full frame SUV like the 4runner...you have to climb up into it. As for most cars...you have to 'fall' into them...and on some cars, you have to pull yourself out.

Americans in generally are less flexible than they use to be...either because of age or too many big macs. An CUV is just easier to live with day to day. When I first got my wife's 06 CRV...I was skeptical...but I be damned if it wasn't the easiest vehicle to get in and out of...just slide in and slide out...no grunting, cursing or gymnastics involved.

As I age, I find it harder to bend certain body parts...I find it easier to get in/out of my wife's '16 CRV than my 05 4runner.

 

[The Duke]

I agree that in a world where kids are overwhelmed with information, it seems that information is focused on only specific areas of life. Vehicles are no different. I've owned BMWs and Porsches in my early 20's to ride on urban streets, Ford Crossovers to transport the family around the city on a dime, and now I am looking at moving to the mountains and getting myself something for that. Articles written for those with little-to-know knowledge on the subject should not be viewed by those "in-the-know". How many people here know about the modern $5000 mountain bikes on the market? If nothing else, we need more of this type of thing to welcome people into the fold (who want to come into it) and keep people out who want nothing to do with it.

 

[Jernik]

Agreed, did the above complainers even read the article? Bunch of internet whiners, sick of them. The author even says he own's a 2017.

I admit, not all of it. It wasn't in green font, so I missed the sarcasm. Figured it was just another fly-by bashing the 4R because it doesn't accellerate like a Corvette, tow like a Cummins RAM, have cutting edge electronic gadgetry like a Mercedes, and isn't priced like a 90's era Kia.

Guess I'll take my red ass and go now before another one of you meanies hurts my feelings again. out:

:laugh::cheers:

 

[Starsky]

At first I thought it said: 'How the 2019 Toyota 4Runner Defines Rationality', which made a lot more sense to me.

 

[jspagna1]

Actually, what I've heard is that the real reason CUV are popular is because they are easier to get in/out of compared to full frame SUV or cars. Think about it...a full frame SUV like the 4runner...you have to climb up into it. As for most cars...you have to 'fall' into them...and on some cars, you have to pull yourself out.

Americans in generally are less flexible than they use to be...either because of age or too many big macs. An CUV is just easier to live with day to day. When I first got my wife's 06 CRV...I was skeptical...but I be damned if it wasn't the easiest vehicle to get in and out of...just slide in and slide out...no grunting, cursing or gymnastics involved.

As I age, I find it harder to bend certain body parts...I find it easier to get in/out of my wife's '16 CRV than my 05 4runner.

I can't agree more. This is the direction I see myself heading. I am on my second 4Runner. I had a 97 for 16years and in 2011 bought my current SR5. My wife has back issues and she is starting to find getting into the 4Runner harder & harder. My next vehicle may be a Highlander?

 

[swampdodo]

That...or if you don't need the space...Rav4.

But not all CUVs are created equal...some are higher or lower. I've driven several...I believe Honda CRV has the right height just right for most people. The last Rav4 I drove...I believe it was a '15 model...you had to just step up just a little to get in.

Around here you see a lot of the CRVs driven by the older generation.

 

[hikenbike]

I can't agree more. This is the direction I see myself heading. I am on my second 4Runner. I had a 97 for 16years and in 2011 bought my current SR5. My wife has back issues and she is starting to find getting into the 4Runner harder & harder. My next vehicle may be a Highlander?

2019 GLC 300 4MATIC Midsize SUV | Mercedes-Benz USA

Yes, a tad more than a Highlander but supremely comfortable......and surprisingly reliable for Mercedes. Just got one for my wife and, if I'm being honest, the thought of ditching my '16 4rnr for one of these has crossed my mind more than a few times.

 

[BLK7BRD]

when someone asks me, which is better highlander or 4runner? I always respond with a question. "Which vehicle would a mangina drive?" Then I follow up with, "do you have a mangina?"



Works every time.

Today I learned that my wife might have a mangina


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Bwmartinkc]

No new thoughts in that piece. I guess the next gen 4runner will face much of the same arguments, less they make it into a crossover (which I don't think they will).:argue:

I did read something today that said it might not be body on frame anymore. I can't imagine Toyota ever making the 4Runner not off road oriented, but that worries me.

 

[LandCruiser]

 

[wkilby9]

If a new T4R means a crossover, I'd be okay with the current generation forever..

 

[Ezlife45]

I'd be OK with a fifth gen with a 3.0L turbo or twin turbo, six gears, 340 hp and 350 ft-lbs. I'm not greedy.

 

[Drobs]

I can't agree more. This is the direction I see myself heading. I am on my second 4Runner. I had a 97 for 16years and in 2011 bought my current SR5. My wife has back issues and she is starting to find getting into the 4Runner harder & harder. My next vehicle may be a Highlander?

I stayed in a Holiday Inn Express over the weekend. Watched a fella put down a plastic step stool so 3 old ladies could get into the back of his GMC Sierra Pickup.


To quote John Wayne from the cheesy movie - Ballad of the Green Berets - "Adapt, Improvise, Overcome."

I liked this quote from the article:

"I typically launch into a sermon on the dynamic and packaging virtues of the Highlander. It’s so much better to drive, I say. The 4Runner drives like a bag of rocks pulled by a Clydesdale that was recently exhumed from the Pet Semetary. If the 4Runner could communicate, it would do so through pointing and grunting."