Thinking about switching to 4Runner from Tundra

[ColoT4R]

I currently have a 12' Tundra Rock Warrior. Nice truck but I'm getting tired of 14mpg, parking it, and the ride.

I used to own a 2000 Limited 4Runner so this would not be my first runner.

I'm looking at a 2014 Trail Premium in Magnetic Gray.

What can I expect? What should I know about these 2014 trails? common problems? Likes and dislikes? All input very much appreciated as I want to do my homework before making the switch.

Note - we have an infant, make frequent road trips, will tow a small trailer with my RZR on it

 

[Lolrax]

My brother has a 2010 Tundra with the 5.7 (assuming you have that engine as well), and going from it to a 4Runner will be a huge disappointment from a power perspective. At most, people are "satisfied" with the power on their 5th gen.

I know you want better fuel economy, but 4Runner really isn't that economical because of its power to weight ratio. Its way more practical, but I just don't know if you will like it to be honest.

 

[1engineer]

I currently have a 12' Tundra Rock Warrior. Nice truck but I'm getting tired of 14mpg, parking it, and the ride.

I used to own a 2000 Limited 4Runner so this would not be my first runner.

I'm looking at a 2014 Trail Premium in Magnetic Gray.

What can I expect? What should I know about these 2014 trails? common problems? Likes and dislikes? All input very much appreciated as I want to do my homework before making the switch.

Note - we have an infant, make frequent road trips, will tow a small trailer with my RZR on it

There are no common problems. The 2014 platform has been the same since 2010. The 4Runner is at the top in reliability and dependability.

You will miss the load pulling capability. You can only tow 5K with the 4Runner. You will like getting 20 mpg on the highway. You will like having a covered area to haul the crap that comes with having a little one around.
You can expect to be able to go pretty much anywhere your nerve will let you go.

The resale is high and they are comfortable on long trips. Good luck.

 

[WODWorldWide]

Good Choice. I have the same exact 4Runner and I absolutely love it. The first thing you will notice is it's a lot larger than the 2000 4R as well as the 4th gen. Owning all 3 models, this is my favorite so far. The back seats are spacious for car seats and whatever else you need. The turning radius on this is pretty great so it makes parking pretty easy over the full size Tundra. You will definitely notice the loss in power but for getting around everyday and stock winter driving I am getting around 21 highway, I'd say its a great choice.

 

[1engineer]

My brother has a 2010 Tundra with the 5.7 (assuming you have that engine as well), and going from it to a 4Runner will be a huge disappointment from a power perspective. At most, people are "satisfied" with the power on their 5th gen.

I know you want better fuel economy, but 4Runner really isn't that economical because of its power to weight ratio. Its way more practical, but I just don't know if you will like it to be honest.

How long are you going to beat that dead horse [MENTION=85537]Lolrax[/MENTION]? As far as I know most here are happy with the V6 power. You weren't and you did something about it. Good for you but don't state your opinion as fact. This "people" is fine with the power.

 

[cbreze]

I'm also happy with the power. When I punch it, it gets up and goes. After recently coming home from my first long road trip I had lots of opportunity to enjoy the adequate power while passing and such. Power requirements are relative as to who needs/thinks what. When I was on some very curvy mountainous roads I did long for my old Miata. But then I remembered all the gear I had onboard and the back roads I could tackle. Vehicles do have their purposes. Ah, I could have towed the Miata.

 

[dekeman]

If you don't need the bed of a pickup every week, the 4R is a fine replacement.
I'm accustomed to having 500-plus horsepower at my disposal most weeks, and yet I'm quite content with the 4R's 270.

 

[3wbdriver]

I traded in my 2011 Tundra Crewmax TSS a few weeks ago for a 2014 Trail. Other than a little narrower seating area and a few less knickknack storage areas I haven't been disappointed at all. I was getting 17 - 18 with my 4.6 Tundra. On the 75mph interstates in south Texas I am getting a little over 18. I do expect it to get a little better with break in. My wife's only complaint so far has been fewer drink holders because we keep a butt can in one of the only 2 readily accessible in the front seat area.

 

[USMCRUNNER]

I made the switch from a 2011 Tundra Crewmax to a 2013 Trail 4Runner and couldn't be happier. Nice having the covered storage as 1engineer stated. Haven't really missed the 5.7 that much either. I love off roading as well and the 4Runner obviously serves that purpose much better. Should be fine towing your RZR to.

 

[NoDak]

here is my mpg. take this with a grain of salt.

my town is only 4mi wide by 7mi long so alot of stop and go traffic at 30-35mph and spots up to 45.

drive to work is roughly 18mi straight road, but wicked cross winds daily to/from work.

forgot to add, running 89 octane with 10% ethanol.

.

 

[Lolrax]

How long are you going to beat that dead horse [MENTION=85537]Lolrax[/MENTION]? As far as I know most here are happy with the V6 power. You weren't and you did something about it. Good for you but don't state your opinion as fact. This "people" is fine with the power.

Depends on your needs I guess, the 5.7 is like driving a giant muscle car. If he is willing to leave that behind for a few MPG, then I would say 4Runner is an excellent vehicle.

 

[rbrownlie]

I currently have a 12' Tundra Rock Warrior. Nice truck but I'm getting tired of 14mpg, parking it, and the ride.

If I could average 14 mpg with my 2012 Trail, I would be happy. I average 13.6 ... If you plan to lift your 4Runner and put larger, heavier tires on it, do not expect an improvement in mileage.

 

[Intruder]

The whole "power satisfaction" thing can easily be resolved with a test drive. Being lifted with a bunch of extra weight I don't expect to put in fast quarter mile times nor do I want to. If I did I'd buy a sports car. On the other hand towing power sounds like a need, so make sure you look at the weight of your RZR and trailer to make sure you're not pushing close to the 4Runner's limit or you might really notice the difference when towing uphill.

 

[mfregeau20]

I went from a 1998 T4R to a 2007 Tundra Crew Max 5.7 then back to a 2013 T4R SR5.

Never looked back, enough said!

to be honest the only fun part of the Tundra for me was the power. I have more fun driving around in the new T4R just like I did in my old one.

 

[Jeremy556]

With the 4Runner, you won't need the RZR...

 

[splash101]

I currently have a 12' Tundra Rock Warrior. Nice truck but I'm getting tired of 14mpg, parking it, and the ride.
I'm looking at a 2014 Trail Premium in Magnetic Gray.

I traded a 2011 Tundra Crewmax for a 2013 Limited w/3rd row plus a utility trailer. Happy with the 4runner and don't miss the Tundra.

Your family may grow. Consider a 3rd row: SR5 Premium or Limited.

 

[Antman]

If I could average 14 mpg with my 2012 Trail, I would be happy. I average 13.6 ... If you plan to lift your 4Runner and put larger, heavier tires on it, do not expect an improvement in mileage.

All depends on driving habits.

I have a 2.5" lift, E Range Duratracs, Gobi rack with lights, dual batteries, and a storage/sleeping platform with at least 100 lbs of stuff in it at all times.

I average 18 mixed. Struggle to see over 20 on trips, and dip into the 14's when towing my boat.

I drive like a puss these days though...:lookout:

PS- Coming from a beast 5.6L Titan, I am super happy with the mileage and only miss that extra power/torque 1/10 of a % of the time.

 

[Jessrin]

Let me tell You.. I did the same thing you thinking. I had a 2012 Tundra Crewmax RW Also. The Truck used soooo much gas. I would just let the truck sit in the driveway. I traded it on a used 2010 4Runner and Wow! I had so much more options going on in that 4Runner than the Tundra. The Auto windows on all four doors were an awesome feature. If I keep my foot out of the engine block and drive nice on a trip I have gotten 23-24 mpg. What a huge difference than the Tundra. Around the city with stop and go I've gotten around 14 mpg, where the Tundra I got 10-11 mpg with it. Its been 6 months now that I traded in the Tundra. Sure I look back and see the Tundras on the road and I do miss it. I mean they are a great truck. But when I hit the fuel pump and the end of the week and fill up. I sure do like paying the runners fill up instead. Plus I don't mind starting the 4Runner and going for a ride now on the weekend. Its not going to drain my savings account for a pleasure ride. I do miss the Tundra though when I have to go to the gas station and fill the gas cans for the mower and Diesel for the Tractor. I don't like to put that smelly can in the back of my 4Runner..

<a href="http://s129.photobucket.com/user/Cretens/media/2012-10-20_16-07-38_6_zps4ab12d71.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/Cretens/2012-10-20_16-07-38_6_zps4ab12d71.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo 2012-10-20_16-07-38_6_zps4ab12d71.jpg"/></a>

This is the day I took it home. I was so excited. the truck looked so cool.

<a href="http://s129.photobucket.com/user/Cretens/media/photo_zps48d0a63b.jpg.html" target="_blank"><img src="http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p210/Cretens/photo_zps48d0a63b.jpg" border="0" alt=" photo photo_zps48d0a63b.jpg"/></a>

The 4Runner. I like it more than the Tundra.

 

[rbrownlie]

All depends on driving habits.

:iagree:
I have to confess that there is a dent in the floor board behind the accelerator from trying to push the pedal through the floor.

 

[M1911]

I currently have a 12' Tundra Rock Warrior. Nice truck but I'm getting tired of 14mpg, parking it, and the ride.

Mileage in the 4Runner won't be all that much better. Maybe 17-18 mpg combined. Yes, that is better than 14 mpg, but it still isn't great.