Questions on Driver
- Thread starter Jake
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KMX3060
New member
I/m 6' tall and if I put the seat all the way back I can't reach the pedals or the steering wheel.
I have the seat in a comfortable position that is not all the way back and not all the way down either, and the steering wheel all the way out.
Sport is the way to go.
If your vision is blocked from the hood scoop you might be able to trade with another member of the forum.
I have the seat in a comfortable position that is not all the way back and not all the way down either, and the steering wheel all the way out.
Sport is the way to go.
If your vision is blocked from the hood scoop you might be able to trade with another member of the forum.
Thanks for the replies. It is possible that I didn't have the driver's seat ALL the way back. I stopped playing with it when I found the right setting for me. [A higher positon seems better for the back.]
How about the armrest? I don't remember exactly, but it seemed like the vertical setting was right in the middle for seating & driving comfort but my arms would prefer about only 1/4 up from the floor.
The hood scoop doesn't block my view. But I'd sell it for the right price (probably double the cost of buying an exact replacement).
Bigger front disc brakes? That should translate to quicker stopping.
How about the armrest? I don't remember exactly, but it seemed like the vertical setting was right in the middle for seating & driving comfort but my arms would prefer about only 1/4 up from the floor.
The hood scoop doesn't block my view. But I'd sell it for the right price (probably double the cost of buying an exact replacement).
Bigger front disc brakes? That should translate to quicker stopping.
chrsbonner
New member
My thoughts...
As a 6'2" driver coming out of a BMW 328, I felt like I needed the seat all-the-way back and all-the-way down to get comfortable.
I went out to my Sport today and experimented with the height adjustment and telescoping wheel to give you some feedback.
If you have the height up halfway, I can understand that you lose some visability at traffic lights. And since the 4Runner has 'shallow' visibility to start with, you may need to lower the seat. I think you'll have the same problem with any SUV, though.
And, IMO the armrest position does feel 'low' with the seat halfway in height. That would be another reason (for me) to lower the seat.
My steering wheel is telescoped almost all the way out. I am not sure how that compares to the SR5 position, but I'm glad I could get the SW closer to me.
As far as the XREAS, mostly everyone on the board agree it is great. To be honest, XREAS is incredible. Since I was used to a BMW (with Sport package suspension) I thought the 4Runner would feel 'top-heavy' and 'sloppy'. Let's say I was happily surprised. For an SUV, the 4Runner is on 'rails' - at least compared to my '99 Grand Cherokee.
As far as the seat, it takes some getting used to. For your next test drive, I would try the seat 'lower.' Give it a chance, and if you're like me, you will quickly get used to it and feel right at home in the seat.
Final thought...get the Sport and avoid "Hood scoop-envy."
Best of Luck,
Chris
As a 6'2" driver coming out of a BMW 328, I felt like I needed the seat all-the-way back and all-the-way down to get comfortable.
I went out to my Sport today and experimented with the height adjustment and telescoping wheel to give you some feedback.
If you have the height up halfway, I can understand that you lose some visability at traffic lights. And since the 4Runner has 'shallow' visibility to start with, you may need to lower the seat. I think you'll have the same problem with any SUV, though.
And, IMO the armrest position does feel 'low' with the seat halfway in height. That would be another reason (for me) to lower the seat.
My steering wheel is telescoped almost all the way out. I am not sure how that compares to the SR5 position, but I'm glad I could get the SW closer to me.
As far as the XREAS, mostly everyone on the board agree it is great. To be honest, XREAS is incredible. Since I was used to a BMW (with Sport package suspension) I thought the 4Runner would feel 'top-heavy' and 'sloppy'. Let's say I was happily surprised. For an SUV, the 4Runner is on 'rails' - at least compared to my '99 Grand Cherokee.
As far as the seat, it takes some getting used to. For your next test drive, I would try the seat 'lower.' Give it a chance, and if you're like me, you will quickly get used to it and feel right at home in the seat.
Final thought...get the Sport and avoid "Hood scoop-envy."
Best of Luck,
Chris
Thai
Elite Member
Jake said:
Yes and no...bigger disc brakes = less brake fade in repeated stops. So, bigger brakes will result in shorter braking distance after REPEATED use. On the first few stops, all 4runners should stop the same distance.
(Stopping distance is more related to tire width, stickiness of tires, and weight of vehicle.)
iFORCE
New member
1) I'm 6'1" and yes... when I stop too close to the intersection.... I can't see the traffic lights. What do I do? bend down and look or wait till the cars start moving.
2) I find the armrest too low too.. so I use the window sill....
3) Telescopic steering wheel is going to help you alot since you'll be sitting a little futhur back in the seat.
2) I find the armrest too low too.. so I use the window sill....
3) Telescopic steering wheel is going to help you alot since you'll be sitting a little futhur back in the seat.
Maybe a Sequoia would be better.
As good as the 4Runner is, I've often griped about the tight squeeze to get inside and I'm 5'5", and no, I am not shaped like a bowling ball.....I'm 170 lbs, 42 short jacket and still wears 34 inch waist pants.....anyway. But the Runner is tight and even tighter for 6 footers. Nothing like the Barcalounger captain's chairs in my Tahoe.....
Perhaps the Runenr is a bit small. Have you considered the Seqouia???? Same great Toyota build, Same great V8 engine. Same great feel, but not quite so off road capable but still great all weather capable...
Just trying to think out of the box....
As good as the 4Runner is, I've often griped about the tight squeeze to get inside and I'm 5'5", and no, I am not shaped like a bowling ball.....I'm 170 lbs, 42 short jacket and still wears 34 inch waist pants.....anyway. But the Runner is tight and even tighter for 6 footers. Nothing like the Barcalounger captain's chairs in my Tahoe.....
Perhaps the Runenr is a bit small. Have you considered the Seqouia???? Same great Toyota build, Same great V8 engine. Same great feel, but not quite so off road capable but still great all weather capable...
Just trying to think out of the box....
snap315
New member
I had simialr "issues" when I was considering a 4Runner.
I'm 6'1" with fairly long legs and I felt the drivers seat needed tobe all the way back AND all the way down for me to be comfortable. In fact, I almost decided to NOT get a 4Runner for the this single reason.
I then shopped around and tested several other SUV's (Pathfinder, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Trailblazer, etc.).
What I found was that for me, almost ALL had to have their seats all the way back and at the lowest setting. I realized that while the 4Runner is a little on the low side, it is still the best overall SUV for me. And the differences in the interior space between most of these SUV's isn't as great as I first thought.
I suggest trying back-to-back comparisions between similar SUV's (front AND rear seat room), and then decide.
I'm 6'1" with fairly long legs and I felt the drivers seat needed tobe all the way back AND all the way down for me to be comfortable. In fact, I almost decided to NOT get a 4Runner for the this single reason.
I then shopped around and tested several other SUV's (Pathfinder, Jeep Grand Cherokee, Trailblazer, etc.).
What I found was that for me, almost ALL had to have their seats all the way back and at the lowest setting. I realized that while the 4Runner is a little on the low side, it is still the best overall SUV for me. And the differences in the interior space between most of these SUV's isn't as great as I first thought.
I suggest trying back-to-back comparisions between similar SUV's (front AND rear seat room), and then decide.
For me, it was a no brainer... I got the Sport Edition. I am 6' 3" and I fit just fine with no major complaints (although I have driven a 4Runner since '99 and before that I had an Exploder).
The sport has a leather wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel stereo controls, hood scoop, bigger front brakes, nicer looking wheels (imo), silver accents, XREAS and probably more I'm missing.
As far as XREAS being worth it, I know it was a huge step above my '99 for body roll. Now I just compare it to my Acura TSX w/ upgraded rear sway bar and I still think it handles great.
The sport has a leather wrapped steering wheel, steering wheel stereo controls, hood scoop, bigger front brakes, nicer looking wheels (imo), silver accents, XREAS and probably more I'm missing.
As far as XREAS being worth it, I know it was a huge step above my '99 for body roll. Now I just compare it to my Acura TSX w/ upgraded rear sway bar and I still think it handles great.
Mark86
Super Moderator
Just to let you know, you can get a tilt/telescoping steering wheel on the SR5. If you get the leather wrapped steering wheel with audio controls option, that would be the same wheel you would get on the Sport/Limited. You may have to look around, but you should be able to find one with that option.
The XREAS definitely makes a difference in way the truck handles. You do not feel like you are in a high SUV and there is no body roll at all. This is one of the best cornering SUV's I have ever driven. On the other hand, if you are planning on lifting your 4Runner, it may be better to get one without XREAS.
The XREAS definitely makes a difference in way the truck handles. You do not feel like you are in a high SUV and there is no body roll at all. This is one of the best cornering SUV's I have ever driven. On the other hand, if you are planning on lifting your 4Runner, it may be better to get one without XREAS.
Re: Re: Re: Questions on Driver
I'm 6'1". I've had a Grand Cherokee, Trailblazer, and a Durango. All of those had more head room than my T4R. When I first test drove the runner, it was my main concern--it took some getting used to, but once I got the seat adjusted (all the way back and down), it wasn't a problem. And yes, I have the moon roof! By the way, compared to my other SUVs, the T4R's visors are thicker.
Boaz said:
I'm 6'1". I've had a Grand Cherokee, Trailblazer, and a Durango. All of those had more head room than my T4R. When I first test drove the runner, it was my main concern--it took some getting used to, but once I got the seat adjusted (all the way back and down), it wasn't a problem. And yes, I have the moon roof! By the way, compared to my other SUVs, the T4R's visors are thicker.
JVA4runner
New member
Hi Jake
I can completely relate to your dilemma. I was debating between the SR5 and the Sport for sometime. I finally ended up getting the SR5, because it was the only one in stock at the time with a V8 and 4X4. But after driving it awhile, I really began to regret not waiting for a Sport, mainly because the lack of the telescopic wheel.
For me, I have to have the seat pushed all the way back for my leg to be comfortable (old sports knee injury). However then, with the stock tilt wheel of the SR5, I kept feeling like I was always straining to reach the wheel, and I could never get comfortable. It got to the point that I was about ready to take a loss and trade it in after four months.
Fortunately for me, I found a shop that was able to change the tilt SR5 wheel to the tilt/telescopic one of the Sport. Making the change wasn
I can completely relate to your dilemma. I was debating between the SR5 and the Sport for sometime. I finally ended up getting the SR5, because it was the only one in stock at the time with a V8 and 4X4. But after driving it awhile, I really began to regret not waiting for a Sport, mainly because the lack of the telescopic wheel.
For me, I have to have the seat pushed all the way back for my leg to be comfortable (old sports knee injury). However then, with the stock tilt wheel of the SR5, I kept feeling like I was always straining to reach the wheel, and I could never get comfortable. It got to the point that I was about ready to take a loss and trade it in after four months.
Fortunately for me, I found a shop that was able to change the tilt SR5 wheel to the tilt/telescopic one of the Sport. Making the change wasn
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ksneubec
New member
I have an '04 Sport and I got the Daystar Lift. It is 2.5", so it's more subtle than some of the others on the market, but I like that- you can tell it has been modified, but not in a huge- hillybilly-type way
. Plus, doesn't interfere with the XREAS and hasn't affected handling one bit.If you are fairly tall in the body, the sunroof actually takes headspace away - I love the truck but I had to have an SR5 within no sunroof to fit in it. Fortunately in Canada the 3rd row seat option put back in the telescopic steering wheel - without that I would have the same issues you mention about feeling too far from the wheel.
Good luck with your decision making!
Good luck with your decision making!
I'm 6'3", and when I first got my 4R, I too took the seat all the way back, and as low as I could go. It was fine for my legs, but my arms were reaching too far. The main problem was that I flet my visability over my shoulder was blocked by the door pillar. Also, the view out the rear view mirror wasn't the greatest. If you move your seat up a bit further, and bring the front of it up, you'll have a much better driving position, and it's more comfortable. Just because you're tall doesn't mean you have to crank the seat all the way back. Try bringing it forward with the front of the seat raised, and you'll still have plenty of leg room.
