The OEM suspension tends to be very wallowy and boat like. The brake-dive is pretty substantial. This can be greatly reduced, virtually eliminated with aftermarket suspension. Something as simple as Bilstein 5100's (which is what I have) or the Eibach Pro Lift kit are very affordable options and do a great job in firming things up.
Purchasing a 5th Gen advice.
- Thread starter Steve40th396
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The OEM suspension tends to be very wallowy and boat like. The brake-dive is pretty substantial. This can be greatly reduced, virtually eliminated with aftermarket suspension. Something as simple as Bilstein 5100's (which is what I have) or the Eibach Pro Lift kit are very affordable options and do a great job in firming things up.
Steve40th396
Member
Thnx, I did have a 4runner brake next to me the other day, and it dove pretty hard..
I had Bilsteins 5100s on my Chevy Silverado. Big difference from OEM..
Sway bars help too, if they have any for the 4runner..
I will look into the Eibach kit..
BadTrainDriver
New member
As a previous 2019 4Runner TRD Pro owner who now has a 2022 4Runner Limited, I can speak firsthand how different the driving dynamics are.
TRD Pro: Fantastic under 50MPH, other than the horrible nose dive while braking...even just normal braking. Above 50MPH, it floated down the road. Not bad...but not good. It required constant wheel corrections to keep it driving straight. That got tiring to me after a while.
Limited: KDSS is not an option on the Limited. You do get XREAS(no option to not get them). Overall driving around town under 50MPH feels the same rock solidness as the TRD Pro, but the nose drive while braking is greatly reduced. Above 50MPH highway driving, tested to 85MPH, it feels completely planted to the ground, and very little correction is needed to the steering wheel. Literally night and day difference!
Now, before all the haters reply...I'm not saying the Limited is the better of the two, just that it's the better of the two for me. If I lived in AZ where my best friend does, I'd still have the TRD Pro, because I'd actually have a place to use it properly. Living in central Ohio though, I don't need the capabilities of the TRD Pro, so the Limited makes more sense.
Either one is a fantastic vehicle. I'd highly suggest driving both before making your decision.
TRD Pro: Fantastic under 50MPH, other than the horrible nose dive while braking...even just normal braking. Above 50MPH, it floated down the road. Not bad...but not good. It required constant wheel corrections to keep it driving straight. That got tiring to me after a while.
Limited: KDSS is not an option on the Limited. You do get XREAS(no option to not get them). Overall driving around town under 50MPH feels the same rock solidness as the TRD Pro, but the nose drive while braking is greatly reduced. Above 50MPH highway driving, tested to 85MPH, it feels completely planted to the ground, and very little correction is needed to the steering wheel. Literally night and day difference!
Now, before all the haters reply...I'm not saying the Limited is the better of the two, just that it's the better of the two for me. If I lived in AZ where my best friend does, I'd still have the TRD Pro, because I'd actually have a place to use it properly. Living in central Ohio though, I don't need the capabilities of the TRD Pro, so the Limited makes more sense.
Either one is a fantastic vehicle. I'd highly suggest driving both before making your decision.
RobS10
Member
As someone with arthritis in my neck, I honestly like the "rear cross traffic alert" letting me know someone is coming from the side without totally cranking my neck around (not used to the camera yet). Blind spot monitor to warn you someone is in your blind spot's also nice when changing lanes on the freeway, and only a light blinking in your mirror, no alarm. BUT, they can ALL be turned off if you're not into that kind of Nanny State driving experience. However, after driving it 500 miles so far, I haven't felt the need to. And the vehicle I drove for the last 12 years was a 1984 Dodge Power Wagon with crank windows, and our GOOD car is a '99 4Runner SR5.
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Steve40th396
Member
I just drove a 2022 Corolla for a rental for a couple months. If I turned the nanny stuff off, I had this in your face yellow or red alert on the dash.
If turning it off does this in a 4runner, I would sell it..
I dont need it. I hate CEL, or anything that says there is a problem..
If turning it off does this in a 4runner, I would sell it..
I dont need it. I hate CEL, or anything that says there is a problem..
RobS10
Member
KDSS was a must for me.
Something_Awesome
New member
The Limited I believe is a pretty expensive trim, so I imagine an Off Road Premium with KDSS will still be within budget. You will sacrifice a small bit of luxury, specifically the JBL sound system (which is for sure pretty neat). But I feel like if a 4Runner's utility, reliability, and made-in-Japan refinement is what you're after, then you should give the ORP with KDSS some though.
A lot of people think that because it is a hydraulic stabilizer system that its only benefits are the stabilizing of body lean and roll when turning. Some think it has ZERO affect on braking. 100% not true. Your passengers will love you for getting KDSS. Most importantly though, I believe the nosedive mitigation to be quite substantial, and therefore, much safer to drive incase something unforeseen happens.
With all that said, nobody really speeds in a 4Runner. I haven't even entered either of the left two lanes on the freeway with mine, and I don't ever plan to unless required for merging reasons. So perhaps my safety concerns as it pertains to braking is overblown. Nonetheless, less nosedive is a plus.
RobS10
Member
I only drove our nephew's SR5 Premium and don't remember how bad the nose dive was on his, but do remember the body lean, which is why we bought the ORP with KDSS. On turns, the KDSS is great, keeping the vehicle much flatter than the SR5. But I find our ORP still has a bit of nose dive when braking. I've heard many folks say that a decent shock upgrade helps eliminate that.
The XRAES system on the Limited (and Sport) is a slightly more complicated system as it coordinates all 4 shocks, whereas the KDSS just manages the "disconnecting" of the front and rear sway bar. In what I've read so far, the KDSS has fewer problems with leaking over time, as long as the Accumulator is kept free of mud.
Overall, the Limited seems like a good choice for someone who likes a few more creature comforts on the road than the TRD Off Road Premium offers. It has the JBL sound system, Parking Sensors, Memory Seats, auto Climate Control, Remote Start/Remote Connect, actual Leather seats with cooling, 20" wheels for lower profile tires, Full Time 4 wheel drive, and the XRAES suspension, and Auto Running Board option. It does not come with the more fancy Off Road Crawl Control and Multi Terrain Select, or locking rear diff. that come on the TRD Off Road and Pro.
If you are looking at Used, make sure to crawl underneath and check the frame for rust, as 4Runners from Salted Road states have had serious problems with frame corrosion if not well maintained.
2022 Toyota 4Runner Specs & Options
The XRAES system on the Limited (and Sport) is a slightly more complicated system as it coordinates all 4 shocks, whereas the KDSS just manages the "disconnecting" of the front and rear sway bar. In what I've read so far, the KDSS has fewer problems with leaking over time, as long as the Accumulator is kept free of mud.
Overall, the Limited seems like a good choice for someone who likes a few more creature comforts on the road than the TRD Off Road Premium offers. It has the JBL sound system, Parking Sensors, Memory Seats, auto Climate Control, Remote Start/Remote Connect, actual Leather seats with cooling, 20" wheels for lower profile tires, Full Time 4 wheel drive, and the XRAES suspension, and Auto Running Board option. It does not come with the more fancy Off Road Crawl Control and Multi Terrain Select, or locking rear diff. that come on the TRD Off Road and Pro.
If you are looking at Used, make sure to crawl underneath and check the frame for rust, as 4Runners from Salted Road states have had serious problems with frame corrosion if not well maintained.
2022 Toyota 4Runner Specs & Options
Steve40th396
Member
Well, the one I went to look at today was damaged. Front bumper was repaired in some way as both sides by the headlights was not connected.
Dealership didnt note it at all on website.
Oh well.
Dealership didnt note it at all on website.
Oh well.
Charles Bronson
Member
This is why buying used cars really sucks. So much stuff has been wrecked, bought at auction wrecked, fixed by an out of state dealer/shop, then sold at the dealer or back to auction, transferred to another state, etc. In instances like this, the damage is never reported.
You really have to know what to look for. I also recommend taking a vinyl magnet and testing across a car to look for filler. Also, inspect the seams for overspray and tape lines.
Our 4Runner was t-boned in November and had $9K in damage. The front passenger door was replaced, the front passenger control arms, and the whole passenger side of the truck, the rear bumper cover, and the hood were resprayed as a result. I can't tell at all that the truck has been resprayed which is great, but it was reported to insurance and is already on a Carfax report.
If you're not savvy on auto repair, I'd recommend a prepurchase inspection (PPI) by an expert. It's worth the $200-300.
RobS10
Member
Don't forget flood damage...helluva lot of vehicles were floating down the street on the news over the last year.
Steve40th396
Member
I am going to look again after Easter..
I will have check in hand, ready to make the deal.
Due to schedule, I have 2 weeks before I go on travel..
I am really liking the blue now and the tray that comes out the rear for tail gating.. 3rd row seat, not my thing..
I will have check in hand, ready to make the deal.
Due to schedule, I have 2 weeks before I go on travel..
I am really liking the blue now and the tray that comes out the rear for tail gating.. 3rd row seat, not my thing..
DAW89446
Member
Wow. Used prices have really skyrocketed. I’ve heard about high prices in general but haven’t checked for specifics and I’m not in the market.
I bought my ‘18 SR5 w/3rd row and upgraded Entune w/NAV used at a local Ford dealer in July, 2019 with 24,000 miles on it (dealer part of a regional consortium with Toyota dealerships). After tax and license I paid a few bucks over $36,000. I added Toyota 4Runner all weather mats, cargo liner, privacy cover and rear cargo net for another $400 give or take. A couple months later, after slicing open a sidewall on the OEM tires, I had a set of BFG All Terrain TA KOs in stock size installed. The truck has been left as is since. I’ve been very happy with it.
Steve40th396
Member
Nothing in the used car market is cheap right now. Not sure where it is going with inflation , but it cant be good.
Steve40th396
Member
I just did a actual cash value of two vehicles for sale. Using the vin and going through KBB to get an offer. 8 to 10 k under what they are selling for on the lot.
These are cash offers by dealerships in this area..
Crazy, might just go private.
These are cash offers by dealerships in this area..
Crazy, might just go private.
RobS10
Member
Have you tested dealers to see if they negotiate? Maybe those highball prices are a "what the hell, let's see what we can get for it" starting point. Makes buying new seem like a no brainer, though availability of a Pro may be challenging, depending on your area, and many dealers have waiting lists for all trim levels, so having a clean, low mile one on the lot is a selling point in itself.
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Steve40th396
Member
No, I havent, I just learned of it last night.. I will research a little more. Today and tomorrow with the holiday will consume most of my time. Hopefully Monday I can go further with this..
I know things are raelly high right now, but, I am in need of a car more than a want. I figure, buy once cry once and dont look back. But, on the same note, if I can get a better deal by knowing a little more about the price, I would feel better too.
RobS10
Member
My process started looking at 2014 and up, but slowly climed the ladder to newer vehicles due to mileage (my wife didn't want anything close to 100K). Older vehicles with low miles at a reasonable price don't seem to last long, and you always wonder about the history. I believe Toyota improved the Entune system around 2016, so I went up from there. I thought a 2019 might be good, but when you get to that year, they start costing the same as new, give or take. At that point, you are chasing a particular car on a dealer's lot that seems to get sold between you decide you want that car and the time you call the dealer and tell then you want to check it out. Buying new depends on what a dealer in your area's allotment is, and waiting list (if any), but found the process a little more predictable than the Used market, as long as the wait isn't too long. The dealer in San Francisco told us "2-4 months waiting list, AND $3000 dealer markup on TRD ORPs". I checked another dealer 30 miles south, and he said a couple weeks, no markup. I went with that, and am now driving a new, 2022 ORP. One frustrating thing though, is no one is taking orders, i.e. the Multi Terrain Monitor camera I lusted after was not coming on anyone's ORP allotments, nor was the rear sliding cargo deck, and no way to add them. Nothing was being added at the Port right now, not even TRD Pro wheels, due to the Supply Chain issues plaguing everyone. We didn't get everything we wanted, but my old Dodge truck didn't pass smog so we needed to get something soon, and 85% of what we wanted was acceptable to get our butts in a car, rather than chasing the elusive and iffy Used market. You also get a little more choice on color when buying new - Used, it is what it is.
BTW, I found this site helpful for seeing what changes Toyota made to the 4Runner models and trim levels over the years...
Toyota 4Runner Models, Generations & Redesigns | Cars.com
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Steve40th396
Member
Just for fun, I did a TRD sport. Only option I put on it was rear sliding cargo technology, 1600.
45000 dollars. Very plane.
One thing I kinda want, not a need is heated/cooled seats. Limited has that.
Did a limited, and with the slide cargo, only tan interior available, weird..
50000. Without cargo, 48225.
Both of these vehicles are 4wd.
45000 dollars. Very plane.
One thing I kinda want, not a need is heated/cooled seats. Limited has that.
Did a limited, and with the slide cargo, only tan interior available, weird..
50000. Without cargo, 48225.
Both of these vehicles are 4wd.
