XREAS question 1bizzillion by now

[CarbonCycles]

Hey folks:

I would like some honest feedback if you guys think the X-REAS is really worth it. I have the opportunity to pick up an 06 limited w/out the X-REAS, and I would like to hear from you guys with it. To order a limited w/ X-REAS seems like a hurculean feat for these guys down south.

Thanks in advance...R

 

[BenSD]

It helps to level the ride while cornering onroad. I think it makes a difference, but if I had to wait a month to get a runner with it, I would probably be tempted just to get a limited without it. Also, if you plan on lifting your 4runner, you have many more options if you do not have Xreas. With Xreas, you can only use spacers in the suspension.

 

[cruzmissile]

Oh yeah!

I suppose you would have to drive both to see for yourself.

I feel that they are most definitely worth it. Driving the truck hard around country roads is where I notice it the most though I have also taken it on the sand (Hatteras Island) and it feels WAY better compared to my Tundra with the upgraded Bilstein HD shocks.

You may not notice a difference if you're not an aggressive driver or take it off-road or drive in PA (roads suck).

Good luck.

 

[CarbonCycles]

Re: Re: XREAS question 1bizzillion by now

It helps to level the ride while cornering onroad. I think it makes a difference, but if I had to wait a month to get a runner with it, I would probably be tempted just to get a limited without it. Also, if you plan on lifting your 4runner, you have many more options if you do not have Xreas. With Xreas, you can only use spacers in the suspension.

Yea that is where I stand right now. I cant find many limiteds with the xreas. I personally don't drive too aggressive and I want something that is capable to get me to the camp trails and lodge for ski season. I may end up towing a car occasionally but not on a frequent basis.

 

[smokingun]

I've test-driven both but do not yet own a 4R.

There is a definite difference when cornering with XREAS. The truck remains almost completely upright during the turn (with little noticeable dip) and in that moment feels like a much stiffer suspension that would normally give a rough ride to due tension.

The beauty of the XREAS is there is no rough ride out of the corner as the suspension only "kicks in" during a corner (or a similar challenge).

I personally am not going to buy a 4R without XREAS. I think it's safer and dramatically more comfortable when swerving around traffic, cornering, etc.

That said, if you don't buy it, you won't really know what you're missing, as the stock suspension does a fine job and the truck handles well across the board.

I'm leaning toward a Sport, as it comes with XREAS already and the only thing that really defines a Limited is the Nav system. With technology changing so quickly, I don't want to be married to a NAV system that will be outgunned in a couple years, and that Toyota might not support as long as I plan on owning the truck.

Garmin just brought out the GPSMAP 396, which has land, marine, aviation modes, and includes an XM satellite radio, whose signal also gives it a REAL TIME WEATHER RADAR display! For $2500, that's a MUCH better buy than paying $4000 more for the wood panelling in a Limited.

If the price is right on your Limited, though, it might make a difference. Also, you should note the only way to get Leather on the Sport may now be aftermarket.

Dave.

 

[sharp4runr]

not to be a jerk but do a search on the topic. its been beaten to death already.

One of the things to consider is if you plan to do a considerable amount of lift, buy a truck WITHOUT XREAS as you'll have to remove it.

 

[snap315]

X-REAS is Worth every penny & the wait!

I ordered a Limited with X-REAS and waited almost 3 months to get it.

During that time I questioned the wisdom of waiting that long just to get X-REAS since it was the only option I couldn't find at any local dealer.

I can tell you that IMHO it was worth the wait and the added cost!

I do drive somewhat aggressively and can feel the difference everyday. The 4Runner feels "glued" to the ground and is nimble and sure footed.

I suggest what others have said... drive both back-to-back and decide for yourself. You should also use the Search function to research what has been posted here.

 

[boston_kevin]

Drive both, XREAS first then without. I did that and with my driving style, I could not honestly feel any significant difference. I still take the clover leaf exit ramps off the highway rated for 35mph at 50 mph without any problem. The danger of XREAS is that you forget you are driving a truck with a higher center of gravity, and although XREAS can offset that somewhat, you will not get around it. That being said, this is not a race car and driving at 85 mph and whipping in between cars is just not smart. for any vehicle, especially one with a high center of gravity. As far as ride comfort, no difference whatsoever (although after time XREAS may be less compliant than the stock suspension - just a guess though...) If you ever decide to lift it, XREAS will be in the way of the suspension upgrades and you will have to use spacers, and if it ever fails... it is pricey to repair/replace.

 

[Koz]

The XREAS makes a big difference and is well worth the extra money/wait. SUVs/trucks have a higher center of gravity, which naturally causes the vehicle to plow/lean into turns. This leaning also causes weight to shift and therefore affects the handling and stability of the vehicle. The XREAS shocks do an amazing job (almost no plowing at all) of keeping the vehicle from leaning which makes a more stable and safer vehicle.

As far as "the only thing that really defines a Limited is the Nav system" is inaccurate. Nav Is only available on the Limited, along with auto leveling rear air suspension. Which are both worth every penny.

Here are some other things that define the Limited;

Auto on/off headlamps
Dual zone automatic climate control
Rear-seat audio system with remote control and wireless headphone
Leather-trimmed interior with 8-way power-adjustable driver

 

[smokingun]

You're right that the NAV is not the only thing that defines the Limited. I didn't mean that to sound elitist.

I'm single, no kids and really don't need all the bells and whistles like auto-on headlights and rear seat audio/air, etc. A lot of what the Limited offers you can easily get aftermarket, and some I will.

I really like the inverter but it's only good for 85 watts. I'd prefer to put my own in that's good for 400w in case I ever have to power the house with it.

I also like the scoop!

It's to each his own, I just didn't see the justification for the increase in price for me personally.

 

[Koz]

I really like the inverter but it's only good for 85 watts. I also like the scoop!

I think it's 100 watts, but is still not enough for anyting with a motor.

I also liked the scoop, so I added it.

You can get the Limited without the nav, it is optional (only) for the Limited. When you start adding the options after purchasing you will find that it will get pretty expensive.

Koz

 

[abin]

I could not wait for a LTD to have XREAS, which is not available in my area during that time. So, I took the SE instead.

Since I am not doing lift, so it is fine with me. As many XREAS owners, I surely see the difference between with and w/o. You need to feel it by yourself.

 

[stiles_s]

I wonder if Toyota was looking at Audi when they designed the new T4r. A couple similarities:
- Torsen center diff for the AWD (Audi has been using this for years)
- XREAS is the same (at least in function and design) to the heavily touted "DRC" suspension Audi uses on their RS6 (top 'o the line 450hp monster sedan) http://fourtitude.rely.net/cgi-bin/artman/exec/view.cgi/5/829

 

[Solice]

The XREAS makes a big difference and is well worth the extra money/wait. SUVs/trucks have a higher center of gravity, which naturally causes the vehicle to plow/lean into turns. This leaning also causes weight to shift and therefore affects the handling and stability of the vehicle. The XREAS shocks do an amazing job (almost no plowing at all) of keeping the vehicle from leaning which makes a more stable and safer vehicle.

As far as "the only thing that really defines a Limited is the Nav system" is inaccurate. Nav Is only available on the Limited, along with auto leveling rear air suspension. Which are both worth every penny.

Here are some other things that define the Limited;

Auto on/off headlamps
Dual zone automatic climate control
Rear-seat audio system with remote control and wireless headphone
Leather-trimmed interior with 8-way power-adjustable driver

 

[trd2001]

Some of the things you mentioned aren't only offered on the Limited. I have the SE and also have:

Rear-seat audio system with remote control and wireless headphone

Double-decker cargo system with net

Driver and front passenger sliding sun visors with illuminated vanity mirror

Anti-theft alarm system with engine immobilizer


Unless you mean just for the 06's, in that case I don't know.

Also Homelink. I have that on my SE.

 

[abin]

Also Homelink. I have that on my SE.

My SE has Hood Scoup.

 

[Koz]

Some of the things you mentioned aren't only offered on the Limited. I have the SE and also have:

Rear-seat audio system with remote control and wireless headphone

Double-decker cargo system with net

Driver and front passenger sliding sun visors with illuminated vanity mirror

Anti-theft alarm system with engine immobilizer


Unless you mean just for the 06's, in that case I don't know.

You are right about the illuminated mirrors, but the rest are options not standard equipment, including HomeLink. The Sport comes standard with the engine immobilizer not the anti-theft alarm system. I'm not sure about the rear audio system.

Koz

 

[abin]

Rear Audio System is standard in SE since I didn't spend extra money on my SE at the time I bought it.

Things SE has and LTD does not,

1. Hood Scoupe
2. XREAS
3. Anything else?

 

[Koz]

Rear Audio System is standard in SE since I didn't spend extra money on my SE at the time I bought it.

Things SE has and LTD does not,

1. Hood Scoupe
2. XREAS
3. Anything else?

I've never used the rear audio, but the XREAS and rear air suspension are well worth every penny. I set the rear air susp. on low to load and wash the vehicle and high for off-roading and my wife has to go through flooded areas every time it rains hard (she uses the 4Runner to go to work). I also have used the auto leveling setting for towing and when passing low driveways it's set on high, works great. Also I think the air bags give an overall smoother (rebound and compression) ride then springs.

PS - The hood scoop is "BADASS"!

Koz

 

[abin]

PS - The hood scoop is "BADASS"!

Koz

-----------------------------------------------

A bad feature is still a feature.

My coworkers like my sport scoop. They think it is COOL since they don't have it.