Test Drove 5-th gen today.

progress4m

progress4m

Member
I know I can get flamed for this, especially by 5-th Gen owners, and because it was discussed so many times, but I want to share my opinion anyway. Went to buy an oil filter to have my oil change at my local Toyota dealer and since it is a lunch time, perfect weather (lower 70-s) and I always wanted to test drive 5-th gen (to test new V6) so I asked the salesmen for 4x4 version, he had SR5 (same as my current 4-th trim level), and here it goes:
Positive: Nice layout inside, comfortable driving position; very nice dashboard layout; bigger cargo area than 4-th gen; nice looking SUV overall.
Negative: noisy engine; truck is definitely noisier overall; power is not even close to be compatible with V8; no smooth feeling from the drive train either; plastic does feel cheaper vs. 4-th generation, truck feels heavy overall, especially on acceleration.
Also note: that dealer’s 4Runner had Hwy tires (obviously new) and I have AT revo with around 15 K on them...

Conclusion (IMHO): I believe most of the negatives can be cured by adding V8 option.;):
:cheers:
 
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I'll agree with you on this one. If there was a V8 offered I would have one right now. But ill just keep my 06 Limited:fishing:
 
Would I sell mine and get one? No
Would I trade mine for one? Yes



Trail Edition ONLY. The others look like they had too much for dinner.

Salsa Red please?!
 
progress4m said:
I know I can get flamed for this, especially by 5-th Gen owners, and because it was discussed so many times, but I want to share my opinion anyway. Went to buy an oil filter to have my oil change at my local Toyota dealer and since it is a lunch time, perfect weather (lower 70-s) and I always wanted to test drive 5-th gen (to test new V6) so I asked the salesmen for 4x4 version, he had SR5 (same as my current 4-th trim level), and here it goes:
Positive: Nice layout inside, comfortable driving position; very nice dashboard layout; bigger cargo area than 4-th gen; nice looking SUV overall.
Negative: noisy engine; truck is definitely noisier overall; power is not even close to be compatible with V8; no smooth feeling from the drive train either; plastic does feel cheaper vs. 4-th generation, truck feels heavy overall, especially on acceleration.
Conclusion (IMHO): I believe most of the negatives can be cured by adding V8option.;):
:cheers:
Click to expand...

I agree, I was very disappointed with my test drive (Limited model). Felt sluggish and buzzy compared to the V8. The interior was horrible (plastic looking). It hurts for me to write this.

Koz
 
mattb2003 said:
Have you driven a 4th Gen V6? If so, curious to know your thoughts on difference between the 5th Gen V6 and 4th...
Click to expand...

No, I have not had a chance to drive 4-th gen with V6…
I did carpool with co-worker for about a year: he has Taco with the same V6 as 4-th gen.
My 4Runner always felt quieter, refined and more powerful, but since he has Taco and not a 4Runner it is not a true comparison…
 
Koz said:
It was a 2011 demo but I do not see why a demo would matter. Have you test drove it yet.

Koz
Click to expand...

Yes i test drove one and it was not a demo. It was the one on the floor show. 2011 Limited with all the whistles and bells. Heck, i had to ask the salesman teach me how to work all the gadgets or else i'll break it. With my 15-mile experience, the get up and go was faster than my '03 V8. I did 0-60 in 7 seconds (accdg to the cd player time). Managed how to work all the gears and they worked fine. During the test drive, the salesman was nodding his head at times. :lol: Got back at the dealership and asked all the stupid questions but the salesman couldn't answer them all but referred me to the owner's manual. When asked, i told 'em i'd think about buying it.
 
It's okay, its better than a jeep. I like the looks of the trail. I have driven a 5th gen a few times as one is my friends and my mom is thinking of getting one. Its either the highlander or the 4runner for her. so far we're still looking around. The v6 is ok for most people just not me, mine will stomp on it anyday. I need speed! I prefer the looks of the 06-09 4runner over any other. You got to remember that there are major differences between the 4th and 5th gens just like there are with the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd. If you like them you buy them if not then you don't. I am glad the new 4runner is out with the 2nd gen of the 1grfe otherwise I would not be getting bigger long tubes!:D I do indeed look forward to what comes in the 5th gen over time.
 
MikesToy said:
Yes i test drove one and it was not a demo. It was the one on the floor show. 2011 Limited with all the whistles and bells. Heck, i had to ask the salesman teach me how to work all the gadgets or else i'll break it. With my 15-mile experience, the get up and go was faster than my '03 V8. I did 0-60 in 7 seconds (accdg to the cd player time). Managed how to work all the gears and they worked fine. During the test drive, the salesman was nodding his head at times. :lol: Got back at the dealership and asked all the stupid questions but the salesman couldn't answer them all but referred me to the owner's manual. When asked, i told 'em i'd think about buying it.
Click to expand...

There is a big difference between the 03 V8 and the 05 V8. The demo I drove had a MSRP of 44+K. There is no way the 5 gen is quicker then the VVTi V8 4th gen.

Koz
 
Koz said:
There is a big difference between the 03 V8 and the 05 V8. The demo I drove had a MSRP of 44+K. There is no way the 5 gen is quicker then the VVTi V8 4th gen.

Koz
Click to expand...

I know that. But i don't own an '05 V8. My '03 V8 only has 235hp but helluva torque. The '11 Limited V6 that i test drove has 270hp with lesser torque than mine.
 
Koz said:
There is a big difference between the 03 V8 and the 05 V8.

Koz
Click to expand...

No there isn't. you make it sound as if you've got an AMG G55 engine in there.

in fact, the 03 feels smoother, but that's about it. i could tell a big diff between the v8 and v6, however.

just for kicks, i rented a 2010 suburban while my 4R is at the body shop getting the sport hood put on. i'll have it through the weekend.


-literally feels like i'm driving not a boat, but commandeering a barge

-seats are definitely designed for big Americans (not nearly as comfortable as the 4R's)

-fit/finish typical American crap and not much diff from escalade

-the NVH and engine smoothness just not in the same league as my 03 V8 even with lift and AT tires

I do not understand the appeal of these SUVs. I like the looks of them, but i simply don't get it unless you have to transport 5 people on a regular basis (basically a large family) or you're a part of a cartel in Colombia or you need to escort diplomats and senators around town.

the 4R feels solid, is actually fun to drive, much smoother (lexus like), and just more practical to move about in.

as for the 5th gen, i have not driven one, but do absolutely prefer its looks over the 4th gen. but like you guys have said, the V8 is the truffle oil in the 4th gen soup.

one good looking rig (owner: tblackj)

DSC_0033.jpg~original
 
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To your point THEROK,

I had an 08 Yukon and it was NOT fun to drive, looked good though. The transmission needed a complete reseal, the rear main engine seal blew, and two window switches stopped working...at 500 and 8,000 miles respectively. I bought it new for $32K during the gas crunch, and traded it for my 06 4Runner SE V8 and can say, it was the BEST choice I have made in a LONG time. That AND I got $$$ back on the trade in. Felt almost like I was stealing...

Post pics of the finished hood work!

This is just pretty... Now, manual 6spd V8 it...and I'd be at the dealer tomorrow... For now, it's next on my list when I replace the 4th gen...

levelsalsa4.jpg~original
 
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I Like My 4th gen ...I have test Driven a 5th, Yeah it has the crazy 4wd options on the Knob... But In real world the 4th has more clearance and In reality In can achieve all the 4 wd options of the 5th Since I spent 1500.00 on a ARB rear locker .. ..the 5th is nice But I camp and 4wd tooo Much to Mess With trying to mod a 5th Etc. Plus I have 3 german shepherds to haul when I camp so that Y I have a 4 runner in da 1st. Place.
PICT0023-1.jpg~original
 
FourEyedWilly said:
To your point THEROK,

I had an 08 Yukon and it was NOT fun to drive, looked good though. The transmission needed a complete reseal, the rear main engine seal blew, and two window switches stopped working...at 500 and 8,000 miles respectively. I bought it new for $32K during the gas crunch, and traded it for my 06 4Runner SE V8 and can say, it was the BEST choice I have made in a LONG time. That AND I got $$$ back on the trade in. Felt almost like I was stealing...

Post pics of the finished hood work!

This is just pretty... Now, manual 6spd V8 it...and I'd be at the dealer tomorrow... For now, it's next on my list when I replace the 4th gen...

levelsalsa4.jpg~original
Click to expand...

smooth move bud :D

one thing i did not miss in the sub was the oft-maligned but accepted as part of its nature the tranny clunk, but the sub did have a pretty touchy throttle so in some shifts it felt a bit chunky.

def a full sized suv in every way. great for texas, horrible for anywhere else. a true kid hauler aka mommy bus.
 
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