The 5th Gen is a beast in the snow.

[clin9383]

Having grown up in STL, I looked forward to playing in the snow. Now in Texas I only dream of driving the 4runner in snow. Oh by the way....

:worthless

 

[jspagna1]

Yes the 5th Gen is great in the snow as it's a heavy vehicle but I still think my 3.4L 1997 3rd gen SR5 with snow tires IS a beast in the snow.

 

[Glock_19]

If you had the V8, I think that would explain it. Heavier steering feel due to both full-time 4WD and, I assume, weight balanced slightly more to the front.

If you had the V6, I'm at a loss.

I have a 2006 with the V6 and it feels heavy because the brakes suck.

 

[KS4RUNNER]

The KC storm last week was an awesome test on the 4runner. It Passed with flying colors! What a beast! I had to go out to get my niehgbor home. He was stuck on one of the Metro buses that got stuck, actually the news reported all 60 of them got stuck. I had absolutely no issues getting to him, and had a twelve pack of my fav beer on my door step the next day! Thank you 4runner!!

 

[Mort82]

2010 LE with SR5 wheels and BFGoodrich AT tires sticks like glue compared to the 20" rims and shit tires.

 

[Ryan1975]

Having grown up in STL, I looked forward to playing in the snow. Now in Texas I only dream of driving the 4runner in snow. Oh by the way....

:worthless

Oh sorry.

 

[Ryan1975]

The KC storm last week was an awesome test on the 4runner. It Passed with flying colors! What a beast! I had to go out to get my niehgbor home. He was stuck on one of the Metro buses that got stuck, actually the news reported all 60 of them got stuck. I had absolutely no issues getting to him, and had a twelve pack of my fav beer on my door step the next day! Thank you 4runner!!

I need to get my bumpers (after the baby is born and finances settle down) so that I can start recovering vehicles (lol)

 

[Avalanche]

Totally agree with the OP Ryan. The 4Runner is a snow destroyer! I feel totally safe in this tank. Drove it to Colorado last week with lots of snow. Snowed every day I was in Colorado. The thing just totally rocks. I admit I also have brand new Blizzaks on it, but not once did I slip or slide. Not once. Didn't even have it in 4WD 4HI mode either! Love the rig. I get compliments on it all the time, too.

Bought it last December. I always wanted a 4Runner. Loved the 4th Gens but once I test drove the 5th Gen I changed to the 5th. To be fair to others, I test drove a Ford Explorer (yuck), Nissan Xterra (cheap both in price as well as quality), and then a Pathfinder (ho hum). Paid about 10k more for the 4Runner but you often get what you pay for.

I seriously feel so safe in it it's like I'm in a tank, but it handles like a sports car in many ways. Love the 4Runner! One of the best purchases I've ever made.

 

[4runner10]

Yeah, these trucks are awesome in the snow. When we changed from an old Explorer to our 3rd gen 4runner, we were super impressed with the VSC and trac. I mean you can toss these trucks into turns wayyy too fast and it totally recovers every time. The beeping and stuff impresses passengers too!

Now that's confidence for winter driving! I mean, ice is always hard to drive on, but if it's snow nothing beats a 4Runner!

Sounds like a big storm is coming Ontario's way after crossing the states. Hopefully some great drifting opportunities. Enjoy it but most importantly be safe everyone!

 

[shawn719]

I live about 20 miles SW of Wichita. I used our Tundra during the storm because I didn't think the factory tires on the 4runner would do much in the snow. We have approx a foot on the ground with more due later Monday. This is the most snow I've seen in 17 years here. I grew up in upstate NY so I'm no stranger to this type of WX.

I did away with the stock tires and went to a beefier pair of LTs. The driving last and this storm proved tires and 4R are on point. I am in Derby and loving the piles of snow!

 

[psiems]

Yes! I have been loving the above average snow fall this year!

 

[SShink]

Agreed- mine far exceeds my expectations for snow even with the factory tires.

My 2013 TE with Dunlop AT20 Grand Trek tires absolutely sucks in the snow. It slides around corners over 10 mph and require a lot of stopping distance to stop without sliding. Previous to this, I had a 2009 FJ Cruiser (BFG Rugger-Trail) and it was awesome in the snow.
Definitely going to change tires before next winter.

 

[psiems]

My 2013 TE with Dunlop AT20 Grand Trek tires absolutely sucks in the snow. It slides around corners over 10 mph and require a lot of stopping distance to stop without sliding. Previous to this, I had a 2009 FJ Cruiser (BFG Rugger-Trail) and it was awesome in the snow.
Definitely going to change tires before next winter.

MY Duratrac's eat snow all day long! Excellent traction!

 

[Ryan1975]

I did away with the stock tires and went to a beefier pair of LTs. The driving last and this storm proved tires and 4R are on point. I am in Derby and loving the piles of snow!

Next weekend I'll be stopping in Wichita to drop off some rims I think. I'll wave.

Another morning out blasting snow drifts and plow rows. :humble:

 

[Avalanche]

Speaking of various tires, I highly recommend (albeit I have only had them a short time) Bridgestone Blizzak DM-V1 snow tires. They are studless and are just GREAT in the snow. Good on ice, too... at least as good as any tire could be.

I learned about them on this site. So much good advice here.

 

[SShink]

MY Duratrac's eat snow all day long! Excellent traction!

I'm sure they do...and sure they eat mpg all day long (5-11 pounds more per tire depending on what load rating), while being more noisy too.

 

[JayG]

I'm sure they do...and sure they eat mpg all day long (5-11 pounds more per tire depending on what load rating), while being more noisy too.

I have Duratracs and have not noticed any loss in mpg. I drive from San Jose up to Lake Tahoe a couple times per month. I average 18.8 on the way up and about 24.0 on the way back. All at 65-75 mph. I do notice the improved handling and have yet to have my traction control kick in. They do hum, but I like driving a truck so I don't care.

 

[KCcarguy]

I love this truck.

I had a 4th Gen Sport Edition prior to this gen in Upstate New York. So to say I have snow experience would be an understatement.

When it finally snowed this past week in Kansas City I was beyond ecstatic. The 5th Gen is a beast in the snow.

Now, my 5th Gen is lifted with GY duratrac tires...so it's not a healthy comparison. But here's what I do know:

5th Gen is lighter
4th Gen / 5th Gen: Stability control interference is the same and both are unwanted.

4WD System is awesome

that's about it for now.

This one's for you, @Ryan1975

Major Snowstorm to Hit Kansas City on Tuesday February 26, 2013 - YouTube

 

[shawn719]

This one's for you, @Ryan1975

Major Snowstorm to Hit Kansas City on Tuesday February 26, 2013 - YouTube

Hahahahah...hahahaha

 

[Ryan1975]

This one's for you, @Ryan1975

Major Snowstorm to Hit Kansas City on Tuesday February 26, 2013 - YouTube

I hate that guy.