Impressions of a 2010

[4-Legged-Runner]

I had the oppurtunity today to examine (without driving) a 2010 4Runner Limited in Black .

Let me preface my forthcoming opinions by saying my first T4R is a 4th Gen. I can say I appreciate all generations up to this point for a variety of reasons. However, when it comes to the 5th Generation, I am not impressed.

1. Overall exterior look - inflated, oversized and pudgy. Not 4X4 capable.
2. Wheels drawn too far inward - spacers?
3. Pushed-out taillamps - cheap looking.
4. View of vehicle from rear - cheap.
5. Tailgate does not assist you in closing when pulled to.
6. I do like the upward appearance. However...
7. With that upwardly stance I was expecting a significant increase in interior front passenger volume. At 6'1", I still felt cramped - as much from my shoulders as from my head.
8. I forgot to explore the rear seating.
9. I bumped my legs on the steering wheel getting into the driver's seat. This with the wheel fully tilted upward. The seats required a GREAT amount of decrease in height for me to fit.
10. Shifter is PATHETIC. Cheap junk.
11. Push-button glove box releases a flimsy glove box lid.
12. Way too many contrasting plastic surfaces throughout the interior.
13. Non-locking gas filler lid.
14. Overabundance of black plastic on the exterior of the truck - I found the amount of plastic on the Limited shocking (I cannot speak for any other models)

I would like to close by rhetorically asking: What market is Toyota trying to capture? What void is this vehicle now going to fill? It did not look/feel mid-sized to me. It has gotten too big (in Limited form) to be considered a competant off-road vehicle. I found nothing on this vehicle to be a standout feature. I cannot comment on driving dynamics, so maybe that will change my attitude towards it. However, I was truly hoping my initial opinions regarding it would change once I saw it in person, sadly however, that was not the case.

 

[SkylineGTRracer]

I agree on looks and unless it has that 5.7L V-8 and a manual then I have no interest. It looks to FJ like to me and I dont like that. My mother likes the FJ and the new 4Runner. She might get it although she wants a lexus so will she.:dammit:

 

[LandRvr Convert]

I agree on looks and unless it has that 5.7L V-8 and a manual then I have no interest. It looks to FJ like to me and I dont like that. My mother likes the FJ and the new 4Runner. She might get it although she wants a lexus so will she.:dammit:

It looks too Honda Pilot to me!!

 

[aaronfro17]

A salesman I spoke with said they pulled a lot of styling from the Land Cruiser...I'm not convinced, but don't forget the Sequoia is no more, so Toyota made the 4runner a touch larger. I share similar thoughts with you in regards to the interior and styling.

 

[M1911]

I'm not convinced, but don't forget the Sequoia is no more, so Toyota made the 4runner a touch larger.

Huh? They are still selling the Sequoia. 2010 Toyota Sequoia

 

[Ed Rooney]

I also examined and drove a limited last night. I'm 6' with long legs and it was a big step to get in, but for once I had sufficient legroom. Seats were comfortable - definitely an improvement from the 4th Gen SR5 I had. Since it's a Limited, couldn't they have done a power adjustment to the steering wheel? Lots of back seat room. Black on Black is a pretty slick combo. It's not escalade posh, but it has the feel of a well-appointed F-150. The slide-out back thing looks cool and would be helpful unloading grocer....um...I mean, my rock climbing gear or shooting stuff:lol:.

Salesguy said I could get a side-step for my kids. I haven't seen that as an option. As it is, they can not step into the vehicle.

On the road, the steering is a bit looser than my 03 SR5. It doesn't feel as top-heavy in turns as I thought it would. It's just different. Overall it's very well-mannered and will handle city driving. I felt that it was a better "driver" than the Honda Pilot, which pretty much corners like a penske truck.

I told the salesguy that overall I liked it, but if he had it sitting next to a discounted 09 limited, I would have a tough choice to make.

 

[aaronfro17]

You are exactly right M1911...I remember reading an article about Toyota stopping production of the Sequoia in 2009, but I think that mustve been just to keep from flooding the lots with vehicles; a temporary stop it turns out. But, my logic was sound if the Sequoia was no longer an option!

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I think you went in looking at it with a negative view since all your comments were negative so nothing was good about the 4Runner? I don't think the Limited really is going for the off road scene but the TE is very capable and maybe even more so than most of the 4th gens in stock trim. (see Moab vids)

Ed- nice to see you giving a bit of both sides of the equation.

I think Toyota will be fine with the 4Runner market and really aren't expecting it to return to it's sales glory of the late '90s since sales have dropped nearly every year since.

 

[pahns51]

I also examined and drove a limited last night. I'm 6' with long legs and it was a big step to get in, but for once I had sufficient legroom. Seats were comfortable - definitely an improvement from the 4th Gen SR5 I had. Since it's a Limited, couldn't they have done a power adjustment to the steering wheel? Lots of back seat room. Black on Black is a pretty slick combo. It's not escalade posh, but it has the feel of a well-appointed F-150. The slide-out back thing looks cool and would be helpful unloading grocer....um...I mean, my rock climbing gear or shooting stuff:lol:.

Salesguy said I could get a side-step for my kids. I haven't seen that as an option. As it is, they can not step into the vehicle.

On the road, the steering is a bit looser than my 03 SR5. It doesn't feel as top-heavy in turns as I thought it would. It's just different. Overall it's very well-mannered and will handle city driving. I felt that it was a better "driver" than the Honda Pilot, which pretty much corners like a penske truck.

I told the salesguy that overall I liked it, but if he had it sitting next to a discounted 09 limited, I would have a tough choice to make.

I just got back from my local dealer and they had two SR5'S. For me, it looks better in person. I ended driving a pearl white SR5 4WD with sport seats, ($530.00) moonroof,($1050) sliding rear cargo deck($350.00) mats($204.00)
Total price was 34,739. Very comfy up front with good quality materials. I did notice the rear head room with the moonroof option could be an issue with folks over 6ft tall. You may have to recline the seat back more. Quiet smooth ride but it had a little to much body roll for me, not bad though. Power was ok but nothing to rave about. When mashing the pedal to the floor power came on quickly but too much noise made it's way into the cabin, otherwise it's a quiet ride. With a base price of 30,915 plus 800 for destination for a base 4WD SR5 it a pretty good value.

 

[JB.]

....off road scene.... but the TE is very capable and maybe even more so than most of the 4th gens in stock trim.

Maybe?

How could there be any doubt.

 

[4-Legged-Runner]

I think you went in looking at it with a negative view since all your comments were negative so nothing was good about the 4Runner?

Ron - You are correct - I did go in with a negative attitude. This was entirely based upon the photos I have seen. I was truly hoping my opinion would change - as others' have on this forum - when I saw the vehicle in person. Unfortunately, my attitude was unchanged after seeing it. I did mention in #6 that I liked the more upright positioning - i.e. FJC. I am looking forward to seeing a TE and driving an SR5 or TE in the near future. However, almost all of my complaints as listed above will be shared among all trim levels.

Many of the complaints I have listed make this vehicle feel like a step backwards to me. I do not want to get into a discussion of the economic rationale for the design of this vehicle. Aside from the appearance, how can a potential customer coming out of a 4th Gen settle for design de-evolutions such as a mast antenna, non-locking gas cap and non-assist tailgate? Just my thoughts.

 

[alaskaman]

Toyota lost huge this last year, got out of racing, and scaled back on major projects. To me, they are still pushing a lot of good products, and hey they can do what they want.

They trimmed the 4Runner. some new owners like it a lot, more bare bones less tweaky (no burger tray, auto tailgate closer, and small mirrors) back to the original off road vehicle. To each his own.

But about that 4 cylinder.......:rockthrow:

I am going to see if the dealer on Gamble will allow a test drive and will take some pics if the weather cooperates.

I am attempting to keep my mind open. it's hard to do that in winter in Alaska.............but I'm trying.

 

[SciRunner]

I checked one out at the dealer today. Similar to a Range Rover, I like how the rear wiper blade is hidden by the rear spoiler. I didn't like the backseat cup holders. The flexible cups that come with it comes off. IMO, I would rather have one without a slide deck. The doublde decker system on the Gen 4 is not as obtrusive as the slide deck.

 

[M1911]

The flexible cups that come with it comes off. IMO, I would rather have one without a slide deck. The doublde decker system on the Gen 4 is not as obtrusive as the slide deck.

The double decker system on the 4th gen is also a waste of money and space. I don't understand why Toyota felt the need to include them.

 

[simple]

I checked one out at the dealer today. Similar to a Range Rover, I like how the rear wiper blade is hidden by the rear spoiler. I didn't like the backseat cup holders. The flexible cups that come with it comes off. IMO, I would rather have one without a slide deck. The doublde decker system on the Gen 4 is not as obtrusive as the slide deck.

How so, I think that the slider is a sweet idea. I haven't seen it yet, but there's a lot of things I carry in my trunk for emergencies that I'd love to put in a spot that frees up space for cargo. Not willing to pay 40 thousand bones to get it, but I'm going to check it out and see my options.

 

[alaskaman]

tried to locate a new 4Runner but could not not even the Toyota dealer has one...........very slick day here. black ice on the highway today put the Beast to the test. switched over to 4WD after I did a nice 50 mph sideways skid at the Highland Road exit. The Hakkas helped and I did not over correct. Nice to know.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Aside from the appearance, how can a potential customer coming out of a 4th Gen settle for design de-evolutions such as a mast antenna, non-locking gas cap and non-assist tailgate? Just my thoughts.

You know what I think is that Toyota really isn't trying to capture the 4th gen buyers and are leaning towards the FJ crowd since the FJ has only another year or two.

Being realisitic is your average 4Runner buyer isn't going off road or using more of the 4Runner's capabilities and Toyota knows this and that their Highlander/Rav4 market is more stable and profitable so Toyota probably isn't too concerned losing some 4th gen owners and after a low sales year of 10,000 there really isn't as many new 4th gen owners as in previous years.

After the last couple of years 4Runner sales have been pretty dismal so I think Toyota is refocusing the 4Runner as one of the last true SUVs and knows they probably will never sell 100,000 4Runners a year.

Another thing is the 4Runner and FJ almost pull sales from each other and with the FJ retired the 4Runner will focus on the more adventurous crowd and I think they will offer the FJ driveline in a year or two and have certain options restored but for now Toyota is being careful with the state of the economy and some potential 4Runner buyers will have to be patient for their ideal Runner becomes available.


It is sort of a return to the 3rd gen feel with the Limited still being available who want the luxury but won't mind the compromised ride quality when compared to the more soft entries in the SUV/crossover market.