My honest 2011 Toyota 4runner Review...

[JJMAC]

I have had my ups and downs with this car since we purchased it. I know that I will get a ton of grief for posting this review on a 4runner lover forum to those that don’t take criticism to the vehicle very well. But….

My motivation is that those that are looking at this vehicle get an honest review of 2011 Toyota 4runner SR5 from the perspective of one that uses a vehicle to haul a family of 4 off the beaten path while towing an offroad camper.

After hauling my off-road camper with a family of 4 through the forest roads on the Arizona Strip of the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, I give it a 7.5 out of ten.

Pros:
-Wife likes it.
-Decent SUV, moderate offroad family car.
-3rd row
-controls are located in comfortable locations.

Cons:
-Engine is not very responsive. I find myself practically flooring the vehicle to get it to get up and go. Prior vehicle was a Nissan Frontier and that engine was much more responsive but equally as poor on its towing capabilities.

-Towing is horrid on this vehicle. First the rear sag is absolutely terrible. We are only towing a Fleetwood Cobalt camper. Its tiny and should be easily handled by this vehicle. A 3 day camping trip and the rear bumper was practically dragging. The tow harness plug is in the worst possible place to be on a vehicle. Especially on a so-called off-road vehicle. Its practically under the spare tire. Ours ripped off on a forest road. Not technical at all.

-Interior lighting is terrible if you have children. No driver controlled dome light. No 3rd row dome light. Terrible rear cargo lighting. Especially if you are using this vehicle to camp.

-Stock radio on SR5 is garbage.

Overall it’s a decent vehicle for SUV, Family Fun and moderate offroad use. This is not the vehicle that you want to have to get you up and down mountain roads or offroad camping loaded with the family. Its just not rugged enough from the engine to the shocks to handle certain activities required by those that want to get away from it all with an offroad camper..and for a 5th generation vehicle you would think that most of the little things like lighting, sag and towing would have been taken care of by the engineers.

 

[Jin]

thanks for your unbiased opinion; excellent pictures and setup by the way. i hope to be able to buy a mobile camper one of these days...when we are done having kids & they get old enough that is.

 

[Mudcat]

Not intentionally trying to derail, but I agree that's a great looking camper. Mind giving its specs and an unbiased review, too?

 

[jakehere]

This is my third 4runner and I've also owned about 20 other cars and I'm only 33 years old, (I'm a car nut), many of them purchased new. (until I got married wife put an end to that). You are absolutely right with all of your observations. Couple things tho.

1. Stock tires are so bad, you almost have to replace them with something better. Significant difference with handling and marshmellowness. Wheels need 1-2" more offset also.

2. Stock springs are so soft, too soft for any tongue weight at all really. My 1200 pound Yamaha Rhino and single axle trailer (2000lbs) squat the rear 1.5". You have to do a lift with heavier duty springs and prob shocks too if you're going off road or towing. I'm currently researching combos trying to decide.

3. Interior lights are weird, no way around that one.

4. Look at the Yen vs. the US Dollar. $33,000 in 2011 is around $23,000 in 2004 in yen vs. dollar purchasing power. To keep the price point about the same and still be built in Japan at one of the best factories on the planet, Toyota had to strip some things from the platform and cut some corners. It's just economics. Adjust the current price and it's a bargain compared to years past. If the base 4th gen in 2004 was $29k it would be about $38k in today's dollars with the exchange rate the way it is.

5. Reliability and resale. Awesome. You will be stoked some day when you sell your 4R how much value it retained and how reliable it has been, I promise. Especially if you've ever bought a new American car...!

6. Engine responsiveness gets better with age. I swear when mine was new (under 1k miles) it felt like I had to floor it all the time too. It "loosens up" with time and gets more responsive, I don't know the tech behind it, but it does, have patience.

7. Upgrade the front dash speakers to the 3.5 Infinity speakers all the guys on here are doing. They are like $60 shipped on amazon and sound great, easy to install. Then always use party mode. It sounds dang nice.

8. Front wheel caster angle is not set right from the factory. 5th gen's are hard to keep in the lane and drive twitchy on the freeway. Tires helped. KDSS or XREAS helps but I don't have it on my SR5. I'm hoping stiffer springs and better shocks help too, we'll see. After the lift I'm going to take it to an alignment place where they know what they're doing and have them set max positive caster, I think it's 4 degrees or something. That's another reason I want to lift the front 2.5" max, so there's enough adjustment left to set the max caster without having to buy aftermarket upper control arms. I'm trying to get springs to lift 2.5/1.5". Thinking OME 889 with SAW rear coils. Or maybe OW 2.0 coil-overs and rear SAW springs...?

I'll admit Toyota screwed up on a few things with the 5th gen. And it sucks you have to go out and spend money to make it right - how it shouldv'e come from the factory. I'm a little pissed to be honest still. But I studied this forum and knew what I was getting into before hand. A few mods and you'll have a 250K mile vehicle that will retain tons of value and is super safe and reliable and will become like an old friend.

My 2 cents.

 

[ltdrose]

That seems to be a fair review of a 4runner, I was curious do you have the "sport" transmission which is shiftable or the regular auto (wondering if it would make a difference)? I have owned 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen's all V6's and just bought a 11 4runner. I ended up selling all of them for the same two reasons under powered and under sized .

So far my 2011 has solved the only problems i had with the originals. It is by no means a rocket ship but up over 3k RPMs it will actually move, and gets better gas milage. I just hope its as durable. Towing anything with a truck wieghing as much as a v8 rig with a V6 is an exercise in futility. They aren't tow vehicles (even little trailers) by any means, they never have been. If someone told you they were you should smack them upside the head.

I think your review is fairly accurate but it sounds like you have the wrong rig for your application. I have a 10000 pound trailer that my duramax pulls at 70mph up our mountain (snoqualmie) pass no problem. The 4runner is for throwing the kids in, driving in snow, and day trips into the mountains, until the lift that is, than its wheeling time.

 

[KCcarguy]

I agree with everything you guys have said. I drove my 4runner through the Ozarks last w/e and I had to floor it to get it to downshift for passing or going up a hill. I was also surprised how much the rear sagged with just one adult and luggage in the back. I replaced my tires immediately and it helped, but there's still kind of a disconcerting floaty-feeling when going around high speed corners (at reasonable speeds) and over bumpy/ hilly sections of road. The poor visibility also bothered me a bit when I was maneuvering through tight roads/ trails. I loved the way my old 2005 Tacoma handled/ accelerated, I don't see why the 4runner should be so different. To sum it up, my wife said: "This new truck has no balls"
I also have to agree with your questions on ruggedness, especially with the plastic trim bits on the SR-5/ limited. They're flimsy and limited access to recovery hooks, etc.

I bought the 4runner because:
a) I've always wanted one
b) I love toyotas and have had great experiences in the past
c) Used 4runner and land cruisers are very expensive and I thought a new 4runner was the wisest decision

I'm in the situation where I'm trying to decide if I should pour some money into it (suspension upgrades, maybe TE plastics), or if I should bail and get something else.

 

[1engineer]

Those are great pics and a good review with one caveat: Your vehicle is stock. I doubt if you can get ANY mainstream vehicle (Jeep, Ford, Toyota, Honda, Chevy, Dodge, Nissan) right off the showroom floor and expect it to do exactly what you expected. You have very specific qualifiers for your needs which you listed above which are:
1. SUV
2. 3RD Row
3. Off Road Capable
4. Tow Capable Off Road
5. Handle Heavy Cargo Loads, again off road.
6. Cargo area must be able to double as additional camp space.

I do not think a vehicle that is stock exists anywhere. Everyone that comes to mind that will meet some of your additional needs (Sequoia, Tahoe, Armada) will let you down in other ways.
Most, if not all people who plan to use a vehicle like yours (Jeep 4D JK, 4Runner, Nissan Xterra) will know that it needs modifications to specifically tackle the terrain and extra needs. For under $2K you could have:
1. Better tires
2. Small lift (5100 Bilstein) to prevent rear sag as much
3. Electrical mods (interior lighting and better HU and moved plug)
4. Odds and ends specific to your needs.

I have 4 in my family too. When you say you want to take them camping for 3 days then you will be adding over 1000 lbs of CARGO not including the camper unless you are a minimalist. Geez, 3 additional people (400 lbs and that is for regular kids and tiny wife), Food including water (250 lbs) Clothes (100 lbs) Camping gear (300 lbs) and toys like bikes will put you over 1000 lbs. Now add your trailer on top of that and you can expect your truck to not respond like it did empty. Your review is fair don't get me wrong but I think you could expect to do those mods I listed above to ANY vehicle in this class in order to satisfy your needs. I did a lot of camping with my family when they were young and every vehicle I had needed mods and no vehicle I had was ever perfect for these needs. I tried the Tahoe, 4D Pickups and even an AWD minivan. They all had drawbacks. Again, nice pics!

 

[JJMAC]

Not intentionally trying to derail, but I agree that's a great looking camper. Mind giving its specs and an unbiased review, too?

Sure. The camper is a 2009 Fleetwood Popup. We LOVE IT. Leaps and bounds above ground tent camping and the camper can go ANYWHERE the car can go. It actually has more clearance than the 4runner.

If I had to do it over again, I would have purchased a used older popup and put the money into a new axle and lift and tires. It would have saved me a couple grand and would have had the same set up.

Check out some of the set up here....

Expedition Trailers: Sponsored by AT

 

[4RFan]

Great pictutres! Looks like you had a good time. I think the camper looks great, too. I was reading a thread over at expo portal about a group that did the Arizona strip. I wish I lived there!

 

[1engineer]

Now those guys know how to camp! Hmmm no mods to those vehicles right? haha

 

[philsey]

Nice objective post, plus great pics. I'm pleased to see mature, objective, replies as well. Hope it stays that way.

As I read it, the question that formed was (as 1engineer posed) "just what stock vehicle would do what you require"? Honest question, not meant as criticism.

Curious as to what you'll do now? Mod up your 4R, or look for something else?

Also curious as to what you'd buy if you could do it over? Lifted Sequoia?

 

[WIT4R]

Is it an SR5 issue?

Thanks for your review, sweet looking camper too.

I have noticed that in every review where the author comments on how soft the 5th gen suspension is, the test vehicle is always an SR5 model. I havn't driven an SR5 but are they really that soft?

I know from driving my Limited that it feels very solid. It doesn't dive at all when you brake and doesnt pitch and roll like the SR5's thanks to the Xres suspension. Also the rear doesn't sag when I tow my 8x10 utility trailer with my 60'' Scagg mower and equipment. But then again, you are carrying a full load with the family and all.

I agree with you on the throttle response, but that went away when I changed out the factory air filter with an AFE pro dry. Now it doesn't feel sluggish at all. That factory filter is really dense.

But I think with a few mods you can tweak your ride to get it where you'll be happy.

 

[JJMAC]

Nice objective post, plus great pics. I'm pleased to see mature, objective, replies as well. Hope it stays that way.

As I read it, the question that formed was (as 1engineer posed) "just what stock vehicle would do what you require"? Honest question, not meant as criticism.

Curious as to what you'll do now? Mod up your 4R, or look for something else?

Also curious as to what you'd buy if you could do it over? Lifted Sequoia?

Good points about stock. I really wasnt happy with the frontier because we needed more room and the same engine/sag etc for that vehicle as well.

I guess as some have said that a V8 full size is probably the best way to go. I modded up the Frontier pretty good with new suspension PRG Products lift kit and Radflos. It still just didnt have the tourque.

I think if it was up to me I would look at the Tundra, Titan or F150. But then that brings us back to the 3rd row which makes more sense.

Long answer....looking right now at the sequioa...or armada.

 

[Curt Sauve]

I have not noticed any of those issues with my 11' Limited. Correct me if I am wrong but I believe the LTD has a different part number for springs? I would try some airbags in the rear or check out a Tundra Double Cab TRD Rock Warrior!

 

[4Takbo]

I also feel the engine is non responsive and sluggish after driving from Calgary to Jasper this past long weekend. Mine is more than 5000km, I have to floor down the accelerator in order to waken up the engine. Whenever I need to pass other vehicle on an uphill or steep road, I just shift to sports mode and step on the accelerator sometimes i need to pull down to 3rd gear to regain power. I wish we have the V8 power and torque on our 5th gen.

 

[hamiltonj2w1]

Good points about stock. I really wasnt happy with the frontier because we needed more room and the same engine/sag etc for that vehicle as well.

I guess as some have said that a V8 full size is probably the best way to go. I modded up the Frontier pretty good with new suspension PRG Products lift kit and Radflos. It still just didnt have the tourque.

I think if it was up to me I would look at the Tundra, Titan or F150. But then that brings us back to the 3rd row which makes more sense.

Long answer....looking right now at the sequioa...or armada.

Sounds like you need a mild lift some better tires TRD cold air intake a new exhaust new speakers and some led interior lights and you should be all set:banana:

Oh fyi I am love that camper if I would quite buying new Harleys every couple years I would have had one of those campers years ago lol

 

[bnekic]

I added the TRD air filer and radiator cap which made things a bit more responsive with better MPG. I changed the license plate bulbs to LED and am in the process of changing puddle, lower door and map lights to LED. Just some things to think about.

 

[deekoi]

-Interior lighting is terrible if you have children. No driver controlled dome light. No 3rd row dome light. Terrible rear cargo lighting. Especially if you are using this vehicle to camp.

+1

I changed the interior lighting as many have. Huge difference and one of the best mods. Not expensive and easy to do. Worth it...

sp8ball has excellent write up on all the mods he's done and linking to others. Great reference. Check it out
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/86370-sp8ball-s-mod-thread-stealing-other-poster-s-ideas-since-mid-2010-a.html#post747626

 

[homeyclaus]

OP, the fact that your vehicle did fine without any mods at all says volumes about the capability of the platform.

All manufacturers need to cater to the middle of the road, and face it, people like you (us) are not that common. So everything you get will need some tweaking to be better suited to your purpose, and I am glad that the 4Runner's designers gave us the nod by making a vehicle to which that can be done.

Personally, I hate dislike my 4R empty more than I do when it's full.

 

[StarGazer]

Regarding the power response - I think it has to do with the gas pedal sensitivity. My 2006 Xterra had an ultra sensitive gas pedal as did the Pathfinder I test drove. You would barely touch it and it would take off abruptly. It took getting used to and I would still take off quicker than I wanted to every now and then (passengers get a little neck snap). The 4Runner is just as powerful but you just need more pedal travel to get there. This is probably advantageous for those trying to feather the gas to save on fuel. The Nissans give you the illusion of more power but they aren't any more powerful.