Previous generation 4Runner was better

[Toyko]

At least according to Consumer Reports. I can't really comment as I haven't owned the previous gen. model.

Consumer Reports Cars Blog: 2011 Annual Auto Issue: Stuck in reverse

 

[Johnny Utah]

lots of discussion on this review before. the review is a few peoples opinion and they can suck it. The 5th gen is awesome and i like it, thats my opinion.

welcome to the forum

 

[bigbwb]

I read that article as well. After owning the 3rd, 4th, and now 5th gen 4runners, some things about the 4th gen in my mind were better while some things in the 5th gen got better. I wont get into details but based on the type of soccer mom crowd CR tailors to, the 4th gen would probably rate better towards this crowd anyway.

My personal dissapointments on the 5th gen:
Poor handling on non KDSS & SR5 models...I at the time could only afford the base TE model. my last 2003 & 2006 had Xreas.

The dash and plastic inside are cheap looking, although the fit/finish is nice.

No powertrain advancements such as 6sp tranny, direct injection, and lack of V8.

Lack of full time 4wd.

 

[FlyNavy]

Labeling the 4Runner as a "clear dissapointment" is a little dramatic.

Getting tired of all the sensationalition and exaggeration - We're surrounded by it. Anybody watching CNN these days? Wow.....

As for CR...... you're off the island!

 

[1engineer]

We like them...they don't. What more is there to say?

 

[dpr422]

I own both -- 2005 V8 SE and 2011 TE KDSS...

I cannot say that I one is better than the other -- but as stated before, there are benefits to both cars -- the V8 is a big bonus, but the v6 is a strong engine. I do not tow, but I can see how this could be an issue for some.

I like the interior space in 2011, the reclining back seats and the KDSS has exceeded my expectations. I have only had the TE for a week, but the KDSS by itself almost negates any negatives of the car for me.

Time will tell, but I am happy to have both cars...

 

[KCcarguy]

They're trying to steer people away from true SUV's and toward CUV's. Instead of pointing out the inherent weaknesses in a true off-road capable SUV vs. a car-based CUV, they should judge a car with it's intended purpose/ capabilities in mind....I don't here them bashing a Prius for being slow. They need to drop the agenda and give more honest reviews; then let people make their own decisions.

ALTHOUGH.....they are right about the seat cushions being short/ uncomfortable (my wife complains about it). And the handling of my SR-5 is a bit sloppy compared to my Dad's 4th gen and my old Tacoma. I understand all three trucks are on the same basic frame, so I guess it's the additional weight/ higher center of gravity.

I still love mine though!!!

 

[chetJ]

My personal dissapointments on the 5th gen:
Poor handling on non KDSS & limited models...

Not sure what you are referring to. I own a 2011 Limited (XREAS) and have absolutely no complaints about its handling what so ever!

 

[Quentin]

My only complaint about the suspension on the SR5 is the brake dive. That really isn't what I call handling though. I guarantee I've had it on more challenging rural WV roads than what CR has and it handles them fine. It is a 4600lb vehicle. There will be body roll. It isn't going to handle like my wife's MINI.

I think the overboosted steering has more to do with people's perception of handling than anything.

Anyway, I personally think the 5th gen is a big improvement. It has more space, more power (V8 excluded), better fuel economy, more ground clearance, and better conveniences (USB port, bluetooth streaming, backup camera).

 

[DigableKid]

Not sure what you are referring to. I own a 2011 Limited (XREAS) and have absolutely no complaints about its handling what so ever!

I think he meant; limited and trails have good handling...SR5s don't.

 

[Moti]

Did I miss something in the Consumer Reports article or would most of their complaints be solved by getting the Limited instead of SR5?

It irks me btw that CR would test base models for some vehicles and Limited models on others and then rate them against each other. Seems either biased or just plain incompetent.

I haven't joined the T4R club yet, but it's at the top of my list. The CR article has shaken my confidence a bit. My plan is to get a Limited for the XREAS and 3rd row, probably when the 2012 models come out.

Am I making a mistake to assume that the XREAS will solve what the CR article is complaining about? I'd hate to give in and join the CUV crowd, but having not tossed my hat in the ring yet, I want to make the right decision.

 

[SeattleMike]

Did I miss something in the Consumer Reports article or would most of their complaints be solved by getting the Limited instead of SR5?

It would have at least made it a more honest comparison.

It irks me btw that CR would test base models for some vehicles and Limited models on others and then rate them against each other. Seems either biased or just plain incompetent.

It's selection bias, a rather dishonest way to get the results you want while still being able to claim impartiality. If you pick the contestants for a head to head competition to determine "X", your choices will determine the winner... not the competition itself.

I haven't joined the T4R club yet, but it's at the top of my list. The CR article has shaken my confidence a bit. My plan is to get a Limited for the XREAS and 3rd row, probably when the 2012 models come out.

Am I making a mistake to assume that the XREAS will solve what the CR article is complaining about? I'd hate to give in and join the CUV crowd, but having not tossed my hat in the ring yet, I want to make the right decision.

Somewhat, but the 20" rims and skinny tires will introduce other characteristics that you may or may not feel are "problems". However, if you are willing to swap out the rims for either of the 17" versions (with the appropriate tires), you'd reduce most of what was complained about in CR. Reduce, not eliminate. My TE has KDSS and handles great in corners, but the nose still dives under hard braking. XREAS helps with both but doesn't eliminate either completely.

Seriously contemplate your use of the third row. If it is a "must have" that you will be using frequently then a 4Runner may not , in fact, be "the right decision". If the third row is for the rare occasion and occupied by smaller people, the 4Runner might be the perfect SUV.

 

[fraggy]

Own Both

My 5th gen limited does not handle as well as the 4th gen V8 sport especially on grooved hightways. For me, there is a big difference in the V8 4th gen from its v6 counterpard and the v6 5th gen, that is more than raw power for towing. The V8 simply has a more stable solid ride. High winds have greater impact on my 5th gen than my v8 4th gen. One persons observation/opinion. The interior cabin is far superior in the 5th gen. For me, Toyota could have made the 5th gen so much better with technology they already have, but took some shortcuts. Still not a bad rig, but not spectacular.

 

[Moti]

Somewhat, but the 20" rims and skinny tires will introduce other characteristics that you may or may not feel are "problems". However, if you are willing to swap out the rims for either of the 17" versions (with the appropriate tires), you'd reduce most of what was complained about in CR. Reduce, not eliminate. My TE has KDSS and handles great in corners, but the nose still dives under hard braking. XREAS helps with both but doesn't eliminate either completely.

Seriously contemplate your use of the third row. If it is a "must have" that you will be using frequently then a 4Runner may not , in fact, be "the right decision". If the third row is for the rare occasion and occupied by smaller people, the 4Runner might be the perfect SUV.

Thanks Mike. I have my 3 kids part time, so being able to stick one of them in the back so they aren't all cramped in one row fighting with each other is all I need the 3rd row for.

I'm not looking at the 4Runner for a smooth ride either, just something to get around in these Montana winters. Being able to go off-road as needed is a nice plus and is why I'm looking at going traditional SUV. I just was writing to make sure as long as I can handle a more truck-like ride, that the 4Runner is still the place to be.

 

[chetJ]

Moti- I have a 2011 Limited and I have absolutely no problems with its ride quality. I am writing to point out to you that a lot of opinions on here (including mine) are subjective and there are a lot of factors that go into any one person's opinion. Sorting through all the opinions, I believe that the truth can be filtered out to 'the 4 R is a body on frame and hence will not drive as smooth as a CUV'- the rest of it is completely subjective-which is fine. My recommendation would be that you test drive a Limited a number of times and then decide.
Also, I have the 3rd row seating and while it is true that it will not do for a tall person, my wife (who is petite) is able to sit back there when needed (riding with other tall relatives/friends who have to sit up front) without any issues.
I hope this helps.
Dr.J
PS-Also, I do not believe that it is a must that the 20 inches on the Limited need to be swapped out for a better ride- I have not swapped them out and as I mentioned before- I do not have any issues with the way it drives or handles

 

[scanny]

I think he meant; limited and trails have good handling...SR5s don't.

As fas as I can see SR5 handling is fine. Yes, it's affected by strong winds on highway and have more nosedive than crossovers. If you are driving aggressively in the city, suddenly changing lanes, braking and accelerating hard all the time - yes - I can see that SR5 handling might be annoying and regarded as poor. If you drive mostly with traffic - SR5 handling is pretty good especially if you learn to brake slowly.

If Limited has less lean and nosedive, I think handling might be easily compared with rossovers.

On highway I didn't see any issues as long as tires has properly inflated. Except when it's windy - 4Runner seems to be affected by strong winds quite noticeable, but there is no surprise providing 4Runner size and shape.

 

[peter78]

I found the April care issue on-line and I thought I might put some of the writre ups dealing with the new 4Runner. Take the advice with a grain of salt.

 

[peter78]

Two more items for the 4Runner from Consumer Reports.


If you want to see the whole issue, here is a link:

http://www.mediafire.com/?fo4y1ei69y6j3um

 

[Quentin]

Why is the predicted reliability "average" on the 5th gen T4R? True delta shows it doing very well in reliability and so much of the 5th gen is based on the 4th gen (which also did very well reliability wise) that I don't see any reason to believe the 5th gen would be "average".

The way I see it, Toyota pushed the 5th gen a bit back toward the off road enthus and CR has no love for that (as shown by the Wrangler and FJ low scores).

 

[peter78]

Why is the predicted reliability "average" on the 5th gen T4R? True delta shows it doing very well in reliability and so much of the 5th gen is based on the 4th gen (which also did very well reliability wise) that I don't see any reason to believe the 5th gen would be "average".

The way I see it, Toyota pushed the 5th gen a bit back toward the off road enthus and CR has no love for that (as shown by the Wrangler and FJ low scores).

I am not sure why either. My guess is they just don't like the car. For 2010 they didn't like the hardware or the stereo. Other than that, all good marks.