Low Range on the Limited?

[NukeProf]

This is my first post on this forum.

I am considering purchasing a 2011 4Runner to replace my 2002 Tahoe. I need a 4WD vehicle with good interior space, ground clearance, and a 2-speed transfer case. My activities require Low Range on the vehicle occasionally.

On-road ride is another consideration as we sometimes drive across country to the Rocky Mountain states from Virginia. My understanding is that the Limited has a more comfortable on-road ride than the SR5.

But does the Full-time 4WD system on the limited have Low Range?

I chatted with a rep at Toyota.com, but was not totally convinced by his responses.

 

[mib]

yes

YouTube - ‪2010 Toyota 4Runner: Transfer Case - Electronic Dial‬‏

 

[NukeProf]

YouTube - ‪2010 Toyota 4Runner: Transfer Case - Electronic Dial‬‏

Thanks, just the info I needed. Looks like what I want!

Any comments on the comparative ride, SR5 vs. Limited?

 

[scanny]

I drove Limited just on test drive for 20 min, but last Monday I did 600 miles trip on my SR5 and I can say that after 11 hours driving I didn't feel tired.
Maybe it's just me, but I have no complains about SR5 ride. I think that nose dive is not as noticeable on Limited, but I'm not sure if it's better enough to justify price difference. And I don't brake sharp anyway.

 

[Ryan F.]

Thanks, just the info I needed. Looks like what I want!

Any comments on the comparative ride, SR5 vs. Limited?

I walked away from a SR5 then drove a Limited and fell in love. I am not hammering on the SR5 handling--I came from nothing but unibodies, so I am no judge of body on frame handling characteristics. However, I know what I like, and what I love is the handling characteristics of the Limited. Awesome. I have had my Limited for a year now, and I will tell you that you will love it.

 

[NukeProf]

I drove Limited just on test drive for 20 min, but last Monday I did 600 miles trip on my SR5 and I can say that after 11 hours driving I didn't feel tired.
Maybe it's just me, but I have no complains about SR5 ride. I think that nose dive is not as noticeable on Limited, but I'm not sure if it's better enough to justify price difference. And I don't brake sharp anyway.

I walked away from a SR5 then drove a Limited and fell in love. I am not hammering on the SR5 handling--I came from nothing but unibodies, so I am no judge of body on frame handling characteristics. However, I know what I like, and what I love is the handling characteristics of the Limited. Awesome. I have had my Limited for a year now, and I will tell you that you will love it.

Thanks, Scanny and Ryan, for your replies. I am very impressed with the capabilities of the 4Runner but have gotten used to the creature comforts and ride quality of the Tahoe. I've decided against another Tahoe for two reasons: they're too tall for my wife and I to load our canoe on top at our present age, and they've gotten too expensive with the options I would want.

I'll probably keep whatever I buy for 10 years like I have the Tahoe, and can't bear the thought of it's being uncomfortable.

 

[Catchlight]

NukeProf, if you are getting less enthused about loading your canoe onto a rack on a tall SUV, you might find this product by Yakima takes the hassle out of it.

Yakima Hully Roller load assist kayak rack 4035

With the rollers, I can load my 70 pound kayak onto our 4Runner with ease, and my wife and I can load our 100 pound double without strain. I'm pretty sure they would work just as well for a canoe.

 

[NukeProf]

NukeProf, if you are getting less enthused about loading your canoe onto a rack on a tall SUV, you might find this product by Yakima takes the hassle out of it.

Yakima Hully Roller load assist kayak rack 4035

With the rollers, I can load my 70 pound kayak onto our 4Runner with ease, and my wife and I can load our 100 pound double without strain. I'm pretty sure they would work just as well for a canoe.

Thanks for the tip, Catchlight. It looks interesting, but you've still got to get one end of the boat up to the level of the roof rack. The Tahoe height is 76.5", while the 2011 4Runner height is 71.5". I think that 5" difference will be significant.

 

[Scuba6]

Nuke -
For what it's worth, I traded my '99 Tahoe for an '11 4R Limited. I had the Tahoe for almost 12 years and loved my time in it. That said, after 8 months in my 4R, I haven't regretted the purchase a bit. As you said, it's slightly smaller than the Tahoe, but that's what I wanted. I do miss the pickup of the V8 a bit, but I've gotten used to the V6 in time.

 

[NukeProf]

Nuke -
For what it's worth, I traded my '99 Tahoe for an '11 4R Limited. I had the Tahoe for almost 12 years and loved my time in it. That said, after 8 months in my 4R, I haven't regretted the purchase a bit. As you said, it's slightly smaller than the Tahoe, but that's what I wanted. I do miss the pickup of the V8 a bit, but I've gotten used to the V6 in time.

Thanks, Scuba, and War Eagle to you!

I also had a '96 Tahoe, which is similar to the '99. The 2002 is significantly smoother and more comfortable on the highway.

Our car #2 is an '06 Highlander Hybrid. It rides pretty well, but it's not as comfortable on long trips as the Tahoe. Can anyone comment on which of these the 4Runner ride quality would resemble the most?

 

[WRM1]

The Trail is more comfortable on the road than either the Limited or the SR5, if KDSS is installed.