T4R Trail review

[kevy511]

I have some issues with some of his comments but overall not a bad review and not as condemning as others.

2014 Toyota 4Runner Trail Premium 4x4 Review - SUV - CNET Reviews

2014 Toyota 4Runner keeps it simple, not stupid | CNET TV | Video Product Reviews, CNET Podcasts, Tech Shows, Live CNET Video

 

[Izlu]

Didn't know that CNET review vehicles too. Used to read their hardware and software reviews many years ago but stopped because they lacked depth and left somewhat incomplete impression. So I'm highly sceptical

 

[kevy511]

Didn't know that CNET review vehicles too. Used to read their hardware and software reviews many years ago but stopped because they lacked depth and left somewhat incomplete impression. So I'm highly sceptical

I'm thinking that because these vehicles are employing more high tech electronics and software that there are now in the game. They did one for the Dodge Durango and focused somewhat on the info/entertainment system. That said, seems anyone can be a reviewer, just look at you tube.

 

[nevans2005]

What I find funny about the review is that the things that they did not like are the exact reason that we like them. bulky, truck based, mechanical are some of the adjectives they use. I've looked at CNET reviews before I bought my runner and was looking at the JGC and Ford Exploder, they loved those because of all the tech in them and the advanced gearboxes, but last time I checked Ford Sync system was still garbage and the JGC continues it's legacy of poor build quality.

 

[Gabex35]

Did he say "ford" toyota 4runner in the video? lol

 

[Whiplash Willy]

Yea Toyota, you should listen to that guy and switch out solid/proven/reliable/effective technology for new technology, like DI (Carbon buildup issues), 8-speed (Weak) transmissions, and PITA electronic AWD systems that never do what you want them to do when you want them to. Yea, Toyota, just abandon your roots and conform to what everyone else is doing, and build the 4runner for the road like all of the other midsize CUVs, because we really need another one of those.

When we got 4" of snow in Portland (MAJOR Deal for Us), I chuckled to myself as I passed all of those new CUVs with their fancy electronic AWD systems, as they were either stuck in a ditch, or chaining up. I plowed right past them with my stock 4runner, running crappy stock Bridgestones and no traction aids, with my dinosaur drivetrain...Didn't even slip a wheel in 4H.... The 4runners Simple, Ancient, and very effective 4WD system more then made up for the horrible tires I am running.

And on a side note, I wouldn't call an all-aluminum (and plastic ) DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Timing on the Intake and Exhaust an old or basic design. Just because it doesn't have an "EcoBoost" badge, or Direct Injection, doesn't mean its not a modern engine....

As I said earlier, if you don't know what you're doing, fiddling around with the 4x4 system's shifter could result in some ugly grinding of gears,

I am so tired of everything being "Dumbed-Down" so that the lowest common demonstrator can understand/use it. Products are made worse because of this, and the enthusiast usually suffers.

 

[STX4Runner]

Yeah, this review is the same old song and dance. Most of us on here like the old fashioned attributes of the vehicle. And as [MENTION=52619]Whiplash Willy[/MENTION] said, it's great Toyota has not abandoned proven reliable technology to chase the latest developments.

Strangely, the article also mentioned that it's weird that Toyota focused on off road performance with the 4Runner when it already has the FJ. I guess they don't know the FJ has been killed.

 

[kevy511]

Yea Toyota, you should listen to that guy and switch out solid/proven/reliable/effective technology for new technology, like DI (Carbon buildup issues), 8-speed (Weak) transmissions, and PITA electronic AWD systems that never do what you want them to do when you want them to. Yea, Toyota, just abandon your roots and conform to what everyone else is doing, and build the 4runner for the road like all of the other midsize CUVs, because we really need another one of those.

When we got 4" of snow in Portland (MAJOR Deal for Us), I chuckled to myself as I passed all of those new CUVs with their fancy electronic AWD systems, as they were either stuck in a ditch, or chaining up. I plowed right past them with my stock 4runner, running crappy stock Bridgestones and no traction aids, with my dinosaur drivetrain...Didn't even slip a wheel in 4H.... The 4runners Simple, Ancient, and very effective 4WD system more then made up for the horrible tires I am running.

And on a side note, I wouldn't call an all-aluminum (and plastic ) DOHC V6 engine with Variable Valve Timing on the Intake and Exhaust an old or basic design. Just because it doesn't have an "EcoBoost" badge, or Direct Injection, doesn't mean its not a modern engine....



I am so tired of everything being "Dumbed-Down" so that the lowest common demonstrator can understand/use it. Products are made worse because of this, and the enthusiast usually suffers.

I agree.. and when you listen to all these reviews none of them ever mentions reliability as a factor in there review..go figure. That said, I do think Toyota has the ability to develop a reliable six speed or > tranny. Which is the only major thing I would like to have.