most comfortable 4Runner trim (suspension on road)?

[Znztivguy]

To the point

That's not really relevant to this thread.... But good for you

What is relevant is that before we put our money down on the 4runner we tried out all the different trims.
For the road base model handled the best in our humble opinion.
The Trail and Pro had its quirks that would translate to better offroad but not on the regular pavement.
Limited felt good as well..but the price after CA. Tax...kinda took it out of the equation.

 

[1engineer]

What is relevant is that before we put our money down on the 4runner we tried out all the different trims.
For the road base model handled the best in our humble opinion.
The Trail and Pro had its quirks that would translate to better offroad but not on the regular pavement.
Limited felt good as well..but the price after CA. Tax...kinda took it out of the equation.

That was a good post. Don't worry about this guy he thinks this forum is just for him to ask and that all the guys who spend their time answering his question do so in a manner pleasing to him. Welcome to the forum and enjoy your new ride!

 

[PNTRDPROO]

This is me dude. If you were standing in front of me talking I would be the same way.

Not for very long you wouldnt

What is relevant is that before we put our money down on the 4runner we tried out all the different trims.
For the road base model handled the best in our humble opinion.
The Trail and Pro had its quirks that would translate to better offroad but not on the regular pavement.
Limited felt good as well..but the price after CA. Tax...kinda took it out of the equation.

That is relevant, and I thank you for your input.

That was a good post. Don't worry about this guy he thinks this forum is just for him to ask and that all the guys who spend their time answering his question do so in a manner pleasing to him. Welcome to the forum and enjoy your new ride!

Like I said before, its simple... "Dont do me no favors"... Dont "spend your time" answering my question just to stroke your ego. If you want to be helpful, thats one thing, and I appreciate that... If you want to talk down to someone like you know better, then dont let the door hit you on your way out of my thread. I have been nothing but respectful to people on here. No need to be an ass to me just so you can feel accomplished and satisfy your complex.

 

[03_4x4Runner]

Finally we are getting an exciting post, I was getting bored with the normal stuff.

 

[Randyman...]

Sub'd! :hungry:

 

[Jabberjaw]

This is why I love the internet ...sarcasm goes w/o saying.

 

[intense1776]

Not for very long you wouldnt


That is relevant, and I thank you for your input.

Like I said before, its simple... "Dont do me no favors"... Dont "spend your time" answering my question just to stroke your ego. If you want to be helpful, thats one thing, and I appreciate that... If you want to talk down to someone like you know better, then dont let the door hit you on your way out of my thread. I have been nothing but respectful to people on here. No need to be an ass to me just so you can feel accomplished and satisfy your complex.

Chill out big guy. Nobody here is trying to start a fight with you. You asked a question about which 4runner "is the most comfortable" to a website FULL of people from different parts of the world, driving on different road conditions, with different backgrounds, with different opinions and communication styles. I would advise you to respect the people who have come before you, and take each response for what it is worth to YOU. And show some appreciation for the time people have given to try to help YOU out.

Not for very long you wouldnt

Making veiled threats to a seasoned member of this forum is not a smart move. I would advise against that in the future, and I believe you owe a couple of humble apologies for coming in to this site with guns blazing. :gun4:

1engineer is (if I may, 1e) trying to maintain the factual integrity of this website that he has spent many hours contributing to. I have been a member for a while, and only found it neccesary to post a handful of times, because 1engineer, antman, sp8ball, and jessee1983 (to name a few) have answered my questions before I needed to ask them. Ride "comfort" is incredibly subjective, and your best plan of action is driving ALL of the 4runner models in your price point, then drive other models in the SAME class, and compare them. When you compare the 4r to a Rogue, you are comparing Kim Kardashians rump, to the bellies of 2 pigs laying side by side on their backs. Wait... Bad example.

You wrote in your post that using "Sport Mode" (which I believe the owners manual actually calls "Shift" mode...) would somehow damage, or negatively impact the transmission. This is not a true statement. If someone were to search the site, and took your post out of context, it would misinform the reader. This is probably what 1e is trying to avoid.

I drive a '14 LE find that it has a tendency to wander, especially on windy days. This may be related to what you said was a lack of confidence in the handling over bumpy roads. The NJ Turnpike on a windy day, with the hump in the center of the lane, is downright scary over 75mph. Below, I have included a link to another post about the Caster settings in the front suspension. Adjusting the caster on your new truck will help that feeling a lot. Think of how a shopping cart wheel acts at high speed... It shakes like an addict in a police station. Compare that to a raked out chopper motorcycle, which is VERY sluggish to turn, yet stable, at high speeds. This is the effect (although less dramatic than my comparison) that adjusting your caster will have. Yes, it makes a big difference.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/131579-ome-alignment-caster-2012-4runner.html

I really think you're over analyzing this purchase. You will fall in love with a 4r if you get it, and any quirks you feel now will fade quickly.

 

[PNTRDPROO]

Just to update and keep it on topic, I ended up renting an SR5 Premium yesterday.

Considering how much more responsive the throttle felt compared to the new one I test drove a few days ago, I think this one has "learned" the good ole rental lead foot syndrome. That is fine by me because acceleration is effortless with this one and you can feel the power and torque. Obviously it is no race car, but this rental with 9k miles doesn't feel underpowered like the one with 4 miles that I test drove.

The suspension is very comfortable and smooth on the road. It however does not instill confidence when it comes to handling, but I already knew and expected that. However, I would call the handling "stable" and as long as you don't ask it to do anything too crazy, it stays relatively composed in long sweeping curves on the highway. That being said, I will still have to get used to it, as this vehicle's comfortable cornering "limit" is lower than my Rogue's. The Trail Premium with KDSS is still something I feel I should at least test drive but I am so far satisfied with the SR5 Premium's all around package.

I am averaging 16.5mpg right now in the 4Runner, which isn't too bad considering I average 18mpg in my Rogue. The 23 gallon gas tank in the 4Runner will make up for the loss in MPG with more miles per tank.

The interior (and vehicle overall) has a feeling of quality, and on the road the interior is Lexus quiet as far as I am concerned. It is leaps and bounds above that of my Rogue.

The truck overall feels very solid and upscale.

Considering that at this point I do not feel that I need a TRD Pro, the SR5 Premium at $36k seems much more reasonable to me (although I still want to test drive a Trail Premium with the KDSS and thicker sway bars). Thus, since I am not going after a limited edition model, I can wait a bit longer and ride out my lease either until the end or until the negative equity is drastically cut or even made a wash (the last 6 months of a lease are usually forgiven via incentives, etc.).

So I will probably be able to get out of my lease cleanly towards the end of summer 2015, and then into a 4Runner of my choosing for what will most likely be a better deal at that time of year anyway.

 

[TK-421]

Just to update and keep it on topic, I ended up renting an SR5 Premium yesterday.

Considering how much more responsive the throttle felt compared to the new one I test drove a few days ago, I think this one has "learned" the good ole rental lead foot syndrome. That is fine by me because acceleration is effortless with this one and you can feel the power and torque. Obviously it is no race car, but this rental with 9k miles doesn't feel underpowered like the one with 4 miles that I test drove.

The suspension is very comfortable and smooth on the road. It however does not instill confidence when it comes to handling, but I already knew and expected that. However, I would call the handling "stable" and as long as you don't ask it to do anything too crazy, it stays relatively composed in long sweeping curves on the highway. That being said, I will still have to get used to it, as this vehicle's comfortable cornering "limit" is lower than my Rogue's. The Trail Premium with KDSS is still something I feel I should at least test drive but I am so far satisfied with the SR5 Premium's all around package.

I am averaging 16.5mpg right now in the 4Runner, which isn't too bad considering I average 18mpg in my Rogue. The 23 gallon gas tank in the 4Runner will make up for the loss in MPG with more miles per tank.

The interior (and vehicle overall) has a feeling of quality, and on the road the interior is Lexus quiet as far as I am concerned. It is leaps and bounds above that of my Rogue.

The truck overall feels very solid and upscale.

Considering that at this point I do not feel that I need a TRD Pro, the SR5 Premium at $36k seems much more reasonable to me (although I still want to test drive a Trail Premium with the KDSS and thicker sway bars). Thus, since I am not going after a limited edition model, I can wait a bit longer and ride out my lease either until the end or until the negative equity is drastically cut or even made a wash (the last 6 months of a lease are usually forgiven via incentives, etc.).

So I will probably be able to get out of my lease cleanly towards the end of summer 2015, and then into a 4Runner of my choosing for what will most likely be a better deal at that time of year anyway.

Glad to hear the SR5 worked out for you. I'm sure you will like the Trail Premium w/ KDSS as well.

It seems like you have a solid plan now -- you will save yourself some money by not terminating your lease early, you're not eating the negative equity by rolling it into a new purchase now, and you've alleviated that initial rush to buy you had when you thought you wanted the limited run TRD PRO.

 

[Kennyr44]

I think the bottom line is you have to enjoy driving a modern day truck, whether it be a pickup or 4runner. Its a good feeling to many of us. Crossovers feel like tall cars. They feel smooth and quick. The longer ones with 3rd row seats feel like minivans. In the 4runner trust me you will not feel like your driving a minivan) not that theres anything wrong with that). My wife likes the tall truck ride even more than me. I have no buyers remorse about getting the SR5 Premium. Its her main ride but I drive it several times a week and it is way more fun than driving a crossover. Your not going to like the turning radius though! If you think you like it now it will grow on you more every day you own it. At least it was that way for me. Its fun to drive and puts a smile on my face every time. It looks to me like your already hooked though! If it were stolen I would buy another one for sure.

 

[RESQLAB]

Geez, all that drama and not even buying for another 8 months... I'm sure there will be something else of interest released by then.

What a bummer and I was looking forward to the build threads!

 

[PNTRDPROO]

I ended up getting a great deal on the rental (about $48 per day) so I kept it for 2 extra days.

I must say, by the third day, I was much more confident throwing it around corners at speeds that were a little faster than the flow of traffic (to a point), and dashing in and out and around slower moving cars. That said, it still has a bit more float and overall "waterbed" (how one salesman described the body motions) feel than I'd like and because of that I'd like to at least (I know I've said this before) try out the Trail Premium with KDSS.

I can definitely get used to the trans and power.

The steering, meh, I can get used to it but I wish it didn't need as much correction to keep a certain line (or stay in between them), and I wish it were more precise. I'm hoping the Trail Premium with KDSS's steering is a little more precise in that respect.

I don't know if the seats have a lack of thoracic support and side bolstering or if I just didn't set the seat at a good enough seating position or steering wheel position, but I have a thoracic back injury around my left scapula and after driving this truck for 3 days I realized that my injury (pain) was getting exacerbated after using my left hand to drive. This doesn't really happen in the Rogue. I'm hoping it was just seat position.

Gas mileage... WOW. The first day I was averaging 16mpg. Second day, 14.5mpg... 3rd day, 13.9... Granted we are talking about NYC, but this was in generally mild traffic on average. In contrast, I get 17-18mpg in my 2012 Rogue, and my dad gets 15mpg in his 2013 Maxima. I wish the 4Runner was consistently 15-16mpg, but getting into the 13's starts to get a little ridiculous. I do drive a few mph over the speed limit regularly granted, but I don't floor it everywhere or bury the throttle every chance I get. My driving style can be described as "spirited" so I can see 15mpg but not 13.

Just wanted to update with my feelings after 3 days versus 1. Overall, I like the truck a lot and kinda don't want to go back to driving my Rogue everyday as it is going to seem too small, too rough over bumps, and too loud in comparison to the 4Runner.... There are some things that would make me like the 4Runner even more and that would be MPG, less body roll, and more steering precision.

There are still really no other SUVs that are catching my fancy right now. My girlfriend's dad just got a 2015 Rogue (today actually) and I am very impressed with the 2015 Rogue's onboard technologies. I'd say its twice the car that the 1st gen Rogue was it is that good. But that vehicle is just not rugged enough for my liking at this point in time.

Looking forward to trying out a Trail Premium with KDSS.

 

[oljedi11950]

Judging by some comments about mpg & the computer learning you driving habits & style , I would think the only thing to learn about 4r is ride & comfort levels ! It probably is going crazy by all the different drivers & their bad habits just my 2cts !

 

[PNTRDPROO]

Judging by some comments about mpg & the computer learning you driving habits & style , I would think the only thing to learn about 4r is ride & comfort levels ! It probably is going crazy by all the different drivers & their bad habits just my 2cts !

I would hope so. Because I can live with 15mpg city. Not so sure about 13

 

[oljedi11950]

I've been lucky & with 285/70/17s getting little better than 16 with mixed city & highway . But you probably have more stop & go driving in NY ? Would kill any decent reads .

 

[PNTRDPROO]

I've been lucky & with 285/70/17s getting little better than 16 with mixed city & highway . But you probably have more stop & go driving in NY ? Would kill any decent reads .

Yeah in NYC there is a LOT of stop and go

 

[Wizzard]

I only have experience with a Trail w/KDSS and a TRDP. The KDSS gave a very secure car-like ride, it is a very impressive system, comparable to my wife's past Volkswagen. My wife blazed through an unfamiliar sweeping turn during the test drive (to the point where most vehicles that size would have body roll and squeal the tires) but the thing stayed level and planted with 5 people in the vehicle. Over bumps it is firm and gives good feedback. I am a big fan of KDSS when it comes to its performance.

The TRDP has noticeably more roll and nose dive. However the TRDP is a 'softer' ride than the KDSS for sure, not overly 'rollie' by any means, just not as firm. Basically one is more responsive with better road feel, and the other is softer and bumps aren't felt as much. I can't say if one is more "comfortable" than the other, since one person may think that the better responsiveness and enhanced road feel of the KDSS gives them comfort through road feel and the security that comes with it, while another may prefer the softer/smoother ride of the TRDP.

 

[Bruin1md]

I only have experience with a Trail w/KDSS and a TRDP. The KDSS gave a very secure car-like ride, it is a very impressive system, comparable to my wife's past Volkswagen. My wife blazed through an unfamiliar sweeping turn during the test drive (to the point where most vehicles that size would have body roll and squeal the tires) but the thing stayed level and planted with 5 people in the vehicle. Over bumps it is firm and gives good feedback. I am a big fan of KDSS when it comes to its performance.

The TRDP has noticeably more roll and nose dive. However the TRDP is a 'softer' ride than the KDSS for sure. Basically one is more responsive with better road feel, and the other is softer and bumps aren't felt as much. I can't say if one is more "comfortable" than the other, since one person may think that the better responsiveness and enhance road feel of the KDSS gives them comfort through road feel and the security that comes with it, while another may prefer the softer/smoother ride of the TRDP.

Very helpful feedback for those of us trying to decide......

For me I think it's between the limited and the trail premium with KDSS.

The firmer suspension with tighter handling of turns is a huge draw for the KDSS but as long as it's not too brutal over potholes and bad roads. That doesn't sound like it's the case, especially with the right tires on......
I've driven the limited and really can't wait to compare it to the KDSS trail premium.

 

[Wizzard]

Very helpful feedback for those of us trying to decide......

For me I think it's between the limited and the trail premium with KDSS.

The firmer suspension with tighter handling of turns is a huge draw for the KDSS but as long as it's not too brutal over potholes and bad roads. That doesn't sound like it's the case, especially with the right tires on......
I've driven the limited and really can't wait to compare it to the KDSS trail premium.

I forgot to mention that the TRDP that we own is not a 'boat' by any means, so it doesn't roll like a Crown Vic. It just isn't as firm as the KDSS which gave us a very firm ride. I would guess the TRDP ride is between the SR5 and KDSS models if that helps.

And tires can make a big difference like you mentioned, the oe BF Goodrich tires on our F250 felt/handled like bricks compared to the Bridgestone Revo2 that replaced them all else being the same. Good luck!

 

[PNTRDPROO]

I only have experience with a Trail w/KDSS and a TRDP. The KDSS gave a very secure car-like ride, it is a very impressive system, comparable to my wife's past Volkswagen. My wife blazed through an unfamiliar sweeping turn during the test drive (to the point where most vehicles that size would have body roll and squeal the tires) but the thing stayed level and planted with 5 people in the vehicle. Over bumps it is firm and gives good feedback. I am a big fan of KDSS when it comes to its performance.

The TRDP has noticeably more roll and nose dive. However the TRDP is a 'softer' ride than the KDSS for sure, not overly 'rollie' by any means, just not as firm. Basically one is more responsive with better road feel, and the other is softer and bumps aren't felt as much. I can't say if one is more "comfortable" than the other, since one person may think that the better responsiveness and enhanced road feel of the KDSS gives them comfort through road feel and the security that comes with it, while another may prefer the softer/smoother ride of the TRDP.

I forgot to mention that the TRDP that we own is not a 'boat' by any means, so it doesn't roll like a Crown Vic. It just isn't as firm as the KDSS which gave us a very firm ride. I would guess the TRDP ride is between the SR5 and KDSS models if that helps.

And tires can make a big difference like you mentioned, the oe BF Goodrich tires on our F250 felt/handled like bricks compared to the Bridgestone Revo2 that replaced them all else being the same. Good luck!

Thank you very much for your input!

Compared to the SR5 would you say the Trail with KDSS is harsh or rough over bumps? Or just a little firmer? Because I love the smoothness of the SR5 but just not some of the body motions and roll. And I can deal with more firmness to get the better handling, but as long as it is still smooth over bumps.

I have an sr5 so can't speak to the rest of the trims but I think they are all similar. Mine has a very soft smooth ride. In fact it's to smooth for me so the stock shocks have to go!

I agree it is very smooth. I just dont like how soft the handling is like you