JayceeP
New member
So I'll try and keep this brief but I recently travelled to California/Vegas for a 12 day celebratory trip.
We arrived into LAX and took the shuttle over to Alamo where I somehow booked a 12-day "standard" SUV for only $305US (Hyundai Santa Fe or similar). Crazy deal because the rates were usually about $550US for most major car rental companies. I feel like it was a glitch. Anyway...
So, we get to Alamo. Already checked-in online so the rep directs us to the "SUV" line where in expecting to see Santa Fe's, perhaps a Grand Cherokee, Explorer etc. As we were walking I noticed a Black SR5 sitting by some other big SUVs like Tahoes, Suburban's etc. Anyway, we get to the "SUV" line and see a guy occupying a Black Santa Fe that looked decent and I then look in horror as all that remains is a Nissan Rogue, Jeep Compass, and a few other non-SUV vehicles. I immediately walk over to the rep and basically say, these are not the vehicles I was expecting. Without hesitation the rep says, "We've got a black 4Runner.." and before I let him continue any further I say "I'll take it!!!!!!!"
So, all I really wanted to say is how impressed I was with the new SR5's! Much better than the 2013 I test drove when I bought my LE. Nose dive is minimal at most... brakes are a bit grabby. The handling was very impressive and felt as solid as my LE on the highway and around corners. The headroom was awesome because there was no sunroof. The factory touchscreen and sound system were adequate and much better than the 2013 I test drove. I also noticed the 2015 SR5 felt lighter overall and the rear lift gate was also much lighter. Not sure if more lightweight parts are being used.... I doubt the 20" LE wheels make the vehicle feel that much heavier though I suppose the full-time 4wd contributes to the extra weight too.
Fuel economy: noticeably better than my LE and very good overall. Booted it up to San Francisco immediately after leaving LAX and I got just under 21mpg according to the computer despite doing nearly 80mph the whole way (traffic was moving fast) and despite a nearly 1-hour delay in a construction zone on I5. I wish my LE performed this well on the highway. I rarely get better than 18mpg on the highway which is annoying.
In general the refreshed styling, updated gauge clusters etc make the SR5 seem like a reasonable entry level 4Runner and it is definitely an improvement over the pre 2014 models.
Overall, if the refreshed SR5 was available at the time of purchase, I would strongly consider saving close to $10k and going with it over the LE. Some nicer wheels and running boards are all that's missing.
Just thought I'd pass along my comments/experience. I have NOT driven a refreshed LE so I can't compare it.
We arrived into LAX and took the shuttle over to Alamo where I somehow booked a 12-day "standard" SUV for only $305US (Hyundai Santa Fe or similar). Crazy deal because the rates were usually about $550US for most major car rental companies. I feel like it was a glitch. Anyway...
So, we get to Alamo. Already checked-in online so the rep directs us to the "SUV" line where in expecting to see Santa Fe's, perhaps a Grand Cherokee, Explorer etc. As we were walking I noticed a Black SR5 sitting by some other big SUVs like Tahoes, Suburban's etc. Anyway, we get to the "SUV" line and see a guy occupying a Black Santa Fe that looked decent and I then look in horror as all that remains is a Nissan Rogue, Jeep Compass, and a few other non-SUV vehicles. I immediately walk over to the rep and basically say, these are not the vehicles I was expecting. Without hesitation the rep says, "We've got a black 4Runner.." and before I let him continue any further I say "I'll take it!!!!!!!"
So, all I really wanted to say is how impressed I was with the new SR5's! Much better than the 2013 I test drove when I bought my LE. Nose dive is minimal at most... brakes are a bit grabby. The handling was very impressive and felt as solid as my LE on the highway and around corners. The headroom was awesome because there was no sunroof. The factory touchscreen and sound system were adequate and much better than the 2013 I test drove. I also noticed the 2015 SR5 felt lighter overall and the rear lift gate was also much lighter. Not sure if more lightweight parts are being used.... I doubt the 20" LE wheels make the vehicle feel that much heavier though I suppose the full-time 4wd contributes to the extra weight too.
Fuel economy: noticeably better than my LE and very good overall. Booted it up to San Francisco immediately after leaving LAX and I got just under 21mpg according to the computer despite doing nearly 80mph the whole way (traffic was moving fast) and despite a nearly 1-hour delay in a construction zone on I5. I wish my LE performed this well on the highway. I rarely get better than 18mpg on the highway which is annoying.
In general the refreshed styling, updated gauge clusters etc make the SR5 seem like a reasonable entry level 4Runner and it is definitely an improvement over the pre 2014 models.
Overall, if the refreshed SR5 was available at the time of purchase, I would strongly consider saving close to $10k and going with it over the LE. Some nicer wheels and running boards are all that's missing.
Just thought I'd pass along my comments/experience. I have NOT driven a refreshed LE so I can't compare it.
Last edited:
.
