XREAS - can't feel the difference

[xcalibur]

X-Reas rules

i do not see it as odd at all. I think everyone here probably took their time and focused on what they really wanted. I know i did, at $35k i wanted to make sure i got what i wanted. WHich was a kool looking, dependable Toyota, The handling is what really sold me on the SE.
If you read a post i made here about me and my buddy racing my 4runner SE against his BMW on the way to have lunch. I could never have handled the tight turns and winding roads without the x-reas and stayed with him. It was very obvious to me that the x-reas was worth the money.

 

[HuntRunner]

I now some people who actually have two 2003 Limited Edition 4Runners; one with xreas, one without. They say they can tell a huge difference between the two! They bought a Limited without xreas first and after driving in a Sport, they traded their Tahoe in for a Limited with xreas. They love the Xreas! Though it is just their opinion, I would say that is a good test.

 

[Canuck]

I have never driven a non-sport 4-runner....but what I know from other vehicles I drove, the 4-runner sport is very stable in corners. I have driven a friends 300m, and Id say the sport is close when it comes to cornering performance.

I had a Grande Cherokee before the 4-runner and all I can say is the Jeep felt like a pregnant cow in corners compared to the Toyota. My wife has a 2002 RAV4 and I feel more confident taking corners quickly in the 4-runner, even though it weighs twice as much as the RAV.

 

[Kmvreter]

Future mod?

Probably be big $'s but could X-REAS be done as a future upgrade (when and if the current shocks wear out)? Is there any electronics involved (ie. an ECU) or is it strictly a mechanical/hydraulic system?

 

[darktiger]

I could feel the difference right away. I test drove both like 6 times to be sure. Plus I can feel the difference driving on the highway going 80, mine feels smoother than my friends without XREAS.

 

[bluewolf]

Ok, I guess I have an update.

I just couldn't stand it so I went back and took a Sport out. Strangely, in this vehicle there was a noticeable difference. Not sure what the deal is with the limited I tested, it does indeed say XREAS on the window sticker, but the Sport handled much differently. The limited behaved just like my SR5, so I'm quite confused! Perhaps it's mismarked (I didn't crawl underneath to look).

Anyway, like Hawaiian said, the Sport leaned in the curves only a little bit less than the SR5, but the real difference is the way it quickly levels back out after a curve (as opposed to counter-leaning, the SR5 never goes so far as to "wobble" like a Jeep). Also the Sport suspension seems much stiffer, much firmer, yet it still soaks up the bumps equally as well as the SR5.

Ok, pretty cool. Wish I had it. Probably costs WAY too much to install (if it can even be done).

 

[Kanab]

I compared both an SR5 without XREAS and a Sport with it and I can definately say there was a large difference between the two. There is much less body sway with XREAS. I was able to take turns at a much higher speed than with the SR5 and still feel like all 4 wheels were staying on the ground. This was actually the deciding factor in purchasing the Sport model over the SR5 for me.

You sound just like me. I went in wanting the SR5 and ready to buy. The salesmen had me drive both the Sport and the SR5, because he thought for the extra money it was well worth the upgrade (because of the XREAS). I personally did not like the hoodscoop on the Sport. Well after driving both for about 30-45 minutes each, by myself, it was obvious to me that the better handling Sport was the way to go even though it had that ugly hood scoop. JMHO

PS if I wouldn't of driven the Sport I would of been happy with the SR5, it rode real, real nice.

 

[sharp4runr]

Or... you guys with XREAS just really, really, REALLY want there to be a huge difference in drive quality! :

See we really weren't! :

Maybe it's because the Limited weighed in a little more? I'm sure the leather and all that other stuff plays a factor somehow. Care to find out what the curb weight is?

I looked on Toyota's site and it says the Limited actually weighs less than the Sport. Lets say I don't believe that...

 

[ginkang]

Does 2004 4runner Limited with 3rd row seat comes with XREAS?
Just can't remember..

Thanx

 

[Weedo]

ugly hood scoop. JMHO

PITBULL
What color is your T4R? I have a buddy with a Silver SR5 with the plane jane hood and he would LOVE to have one with a hood scoop. He's in AZ and it's silver...

 

[fjc32]

SR5 w/ 16 vs 17 wheel

I have SR5 v8. There is a lot of difference btwn riding on 17 ltd wheel vs 16 wheel. I would say there is a 20-25% difference in handling when I was using the 17 sets. My 4runner is much more resposive. Are you guys comparing SR5 w/ 17 wheel vs the sports model?

 

[Kanab]

PITBULL
What color is your T4R? I have a buddy with a Silver SR5 with the plane jane hood and he would LOVE to have one with a hood scoop. He's in AZ and it's silver...

I'm in SW Missouri

 

[Weedo]

I'm in SW Missouri

I'm sure he'd pay the shipping for that hood but it's probalby more of a hassle than it would be worth...

 

[raider]

Soaking up the bumps

Bluewolf, was interested in your opinion of the X-REAS system in the Sport soaking up the bumps equally as well as the SR5. Could you elaborate on your experience.

Also, could someone explain how the X-REAS system can make the suspension seem firmer and stiffer as Bluewolf said, but yet be able to soak up the bumps just as well as an SR5.

I am certain that I want to buy a 4-runner (presently own a
Ford Explorer Sport with 157,000 miles), and am seriously considering a Sport edition because of the X-REAS.

Thanks.

 

[bluewolf]

Re: Soaking up the bumps

Bluewolf, was interested in your opinion of the X-REAS system in the Sport soaking up the bumps equally as well as the SR5. Could you elaborate on your experience.

The XREAS is well worth the money. The problem is, you can't get it on an SR5. We didn't want the Sport Edition and didn't need any of the stuff that the limited comes with, but I would really have liked to have the XREAS.

You have to really put the test to both systems to truely appreciate the difference, though. The SR5, in it's own right, handles far better than any other mid-sized SUV on the market. You will truely be amazed if you compare the non-XREAS T4R next to a Jeep Grand or Ford Explorer... no contest... it will be obvious. The XREAS, though, is even better!!

In my opinion, there is not much difference between the two systems for general sway, plow, etc. Each corners extremely well. Each sucks up bumps and holes, washboard roads, etc like they aren't even there. XREAS, however, does not "counter-sway". THAT is the big difference. In a corner it will lean, but coming out of the turn it immediately levels back out (instead of "rocking"). You will appreciate this most on snaking curves, XREAS handles like a sedan!

That's my two cents. Try 'em both and DON'T take the salesman with you. You have to be able to give each system an "uninhibited" test.

 

[raider]

Thank you Bluewolf

Thanks so much Bluewolf for your opinions. I am going to do a test drive today so I may report back what I notice.

 

[raider]

Bluewolf, you are right on target

Bluewolf, when you mentioned the difference between the handling of a Ford Explorer and 4-Runner, you were right on target. I presently own a 1998 Explorer Sport with 157,000 miles and I could definitely tell a difference druing the four test drives I took yesterday. I test drove both an SR5 and Sport at each of the two dealerships I went to yesterday. The salesman did have to go with me during each test drive. However, I did try to really test out the handling as best I could.

During the test drive with a Sport edition from the second dealership, the salesman asked me if I normally drove like this and mentioned that one guy test driving a vehicle like I was had nearly wrecked. Oh well.

I believe that I could tell a difference in the handling of the Sport edition and the SR5. I expect to buy a Sport edition.

I still don't understand how the X-REAS can do the variety of tasks it does so well, doing all of them equal to and in a numbers of cases better than the suspension system in the SR5.

 

[bluewolf]

Re: Bluewolf, you are right on target

During the test drive with a Sport edition from the second dealership, the salesman asked me if I normally drove like this and mentioned that one guy test driving a vehicle like I was had nearly wrecked. Oh well.

If you were not doing anything dangerous, politely remind the salesperson that he is not the one about to spend $30,000. If he gets snippy, politely ask him to remain quiet while you are testing out the vehicle. If he persists further, ask him to introduce you to a different salesperson as soon as you get back to the dealership.

I like to have fun with salespeople, after all, you have 100% of the control. Just smile and be extremely polite.

Also, insist that you take the vehicle for a test drive alone or you will go elsewhere. They'll want a copy of your driver's licence and maybe proof of insurance, but I've never had a dealership refuse this... ever. Many will even let you take a vehicle overnight.

 

[lildevil23]

DAMN IT ..I should have been taking ur advise 2 months ago...around the time when I settled for the SE V6...nevertheless..am very happy about the truck
I test drove the vehicle for a meagre 15 mintues..signed the papers and got the truck home!!....couldnt test the functionality of the XREAS systems..but was able to use the down-hill assist system and its counterpart(uphill braking??)...
in hindsight..i would have gone the V8 SE..just to have a world class reputable engine..but again..am pleasently surprised with the truck as a whole!!

 

[raider]

Thanks for the additional advice, Bluewolf

Both the dealerships that I test drove a vehicle at were nearly an hour and a half from my home. However, based upon yoru advice, when I test drive a vehicle from my local dealership, I will ask to take it home overnite.