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Possible new 4Runner owner here

Discussion in 'General 4Runner Talk' started by Aqualung, Mar 14, 2021.

  1. Mar 14, 2021 at 12:05 PM
    #1
    Aqualung

    Aqualung [OP] New Member

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    New member here. So our lease on our current car is coming to an end. We decided to buy our next vehicle instead of leasing. We are looking at the 4Runner nightshade/Limited and the Highlander. I know the Highlander is more family friendly but my wife and I really dig the look of the 4Runner. Do the 4runners make good family cars. We have 2 small kids. We will occasionally need the 3rd row when family is in town but most of the time they will be folded down. I plan on purchasing a roof box for road trips. The only thing that bothers me is the lack of a power lift gate and the sub-par gas mileage. Any input would be appreciated.
     
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  2. Mar 14, 2021 at 1:09 PM
    #2
    PhantomTweak

    PhantomTweak New Member

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    None. Bone Stock. EXCEPT: Brushguard, tow hitch, both welded to the frame. It's good to have friends and a fully equipped garage!
    Well, I used an 87 4Runner raising my 5 children in Arizona, and it served me quite well. Yeah, when they started getting older, one or two would sit all the way in the back, but they loved boonie-hopping in it.

    Heck, I even taught one of my daughters how to work on vehicles, and how to drive a manual transmission. She used it when stationed at Camp Pendleton, California. Now, after 30 years, she wants me to sell it to her so she can teach HER 3 sons to drive a manual tranny. She knows that if you can drive a manual, you can drive either version, MT OR AT, but if you only know AT, that's all you can drive.
    Heck, I've had people looking in my trucks ask me what that 3rd pedal is for, another brake pedal, or something?

    Enjoy your Runner. I sure have.
    Pat☺
     
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  3. Mar 14, 2021 at 1:15 PM
    #3
    4runner95123

    4runner95123 New Member

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    My wife and I both have 18’ 4runners and we have two kids and a dog. We love them! The kids can get in and out (with the help of side steps) the kids love the ride. We both have the 3rd row and use it on occasion and it does the trick. We got a Thule cargo box for the top for the trips to Tahoe, etc. we have loved very minute of both 4runners.
     
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  4. Mar 14, 2021 at 1:17 PM
    #4
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

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    Welcome to the forum.
     
  5. Mar 14, 2021 at 1:36 PM
    #5
    VTrunner

    VTrunner New Member

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    You can't go wrong with either if you know what you are buying. Having had a Highlander there are pavement days that I miss it.

    If you get the Highlander, you will have a crossover AWD that is extremely comfortable on long trips, stylish, and very family-friendly with all the updated electronics, cup holders, places to put stuff, and latest safety tech. But you will always be checking out the 4runners.

    4Runners are tried and true, capable trucks, that drive like trucks, have gas milage like trucks. Might not have the latest tech. But definitely more grins per mile than the Highlander.

    Just my pair of pennies.
     
  6. Mar 14, 2021 at 1:50 PM
    #6
    Aqualung

    Aqualung [OP] New Member

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    I agree. I am always checking out the 4runners. The Highlander does have some impressive technology with the new screen and cameras but those things just scream $$ if they ever break after warranty.
     
  7. Mar 14, 2021 at 1:51 PM
    #7
    Singleminded

    Singleminded New Member

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    I think this is going to be a tough call for you and the answer really depends on your priorities. But here are some thoughts FWIW:

    1. The 4Runner has no problem doing family duty. It can also fit 7 and has a bit more total cargo room than the Highlander. But both have a lot. Also in both cases, the third row is really only suitable for kids or very short adults. But the Highlander's might be a bit better -- and, while you'll need to confirm this, I think it may have a bit more cargo space behind the third row when it's in use. The 4Runner has very little in that situation.

    2. If bad MPG is going to bother you, you could end up regretting the 4Runner. I've averaged 18.6 in my 7000 miles, which is fine with me, but that's mostly from long road trips with a lot of time on the highway. If you just drive it around town you could average only 13-14. In short, the EPA estimate of 19 highway seems fair, even a tad pessimistic. But the EPA city estimate of 16 is optimistic.

    3. In theory, the 4Runner has the edge on reliability and durability. It's really hard to match it, at any price point, in both of those metrics combined. The $80K Land Rover is about the only thing out there that's clearly a step up in this regard. But the Highlander has an excellent history in those aspects as well. That said, if this is a big priority for you and you choose the Highlander, I'd steer clear of the hybrid version. I'd feel a lot more confident with its standard and proven V6 and no extra complexity.

    4. In much more than theory, the 4Runner has the edge for utility. It's got a lot more ground clearance. It's much better suited to off road work and abuse, and can easily be modified into an off road beast. It has a much better 4WD system.

    5. A power lift gate is nice but the 4Runner has a power window in the hatch, so you can access things, eg put in and retrieve groceries etc., by lowering the window with just the push of a button. But if you also want a low lift-over height, then, yes, you'd have to raise the hatch itself.

    6. I agree the 4Runner looks way better. The Highlander has a major "soccer mom" vibe to it. But, you know, that's a superficial concern.

    7. IMO the Limited is a pretty easy drive, not harsh or too truck like in character. But it IS a truck. If road manners are especially important to you, the Highlander gets the nod there. If you prefer the ride and handling character of a sedan, the Highlander is certainly a lot closer to that.

    To me, add those things up and the Highlander gets the nod for typical family duty, while the 4Runner would get the nod for something that has no problem combining family duty with some off road and/or snow-belt use thrown in.

    Having said all this, if I'd decided that MPG and better road manners and interior comfort were really important to me, instead of the ruggedness and added utility of the 4Runner, then I'd have gotten the Telluride instead of the Highlander. It looks waaay cooler, has a much nicer interior, better packaging for seating 7, and a 10-year 100K powertrain warranty. Some people may still turn up their noses at the Korean makes, but Hyundai and Kia have proven they can make really great cars.

    Best of luck with your decision -- and please let us know how it goes.
     
    Last edited: Mar 14, 2021
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  8. Mar 14, 2021 at 2:36 PM
    #8
    Ironguy

    Ironguy Kind of New

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    Welcome! Have fun deciding.
     
  9. Mar 14, 2021 at 2:41 PM
    #9
    Aqualung

    Aqualung [OP] New Member

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    Awesome. Thanks for all the input. We looked at the Telluride and it is a nice truck. The 2 things that bother me about it is that there is no proven long term reliabilty with the telluride and right now they are not negotiating at all. I read a few dealerships near me are charging a special “fee” to purchase.
     
  10. Mar 14, 2021 at 4:36 PM
    #10
    Singleminded

    Singleminded New Member

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    You're right on both counts. Personally, I wouldn't be put off by the lack of track record for the Telluride, since it seems so thoughtfully engineered and KIA has been making some very well reviewed cars. And because of that warranty.

    But yes, the dealers have been crazy about the stickers on them, often trying to charge above MSRP. Those MSRPs are quite low compared to the competition so I guess the dealers can get away with it. But the prices even out, or are better, on the competitors when you compare actual prices at the dealer. For example, my local Toyota dealer has a ton of Highlanders advertised at 4000-4100 off XLEs and XSEs, and like 4500 and 4600 off Limited and Platinums. And I know from experience that those are real prices -- they rather not negotiate but are happy to sell at the prices they quote.
     
  11. Mar 14, 2021 at 6:24 PM
    #11
    POWERPLANTHOMER

    POWERPLANTHOMER New Member

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    KIA has some engine reliability issues. Look up the problems they have with excessive metal floating around the engine causing failure.
     
  12. Mar 14, 2021 at 6:38 PM
    #12
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    The Highlander is safer and more practical. If I weren't into off-roading, I might be in a Highlander. Don't get me wrong, I absolutely love the 4runner. But, for 90+% of what I do, the Highlander would be better.

    I recommend taking each for a thorough test drive. Buy whichever one you like driving better. Either one will be a fine family vehicle, and it doesn't make sense to spend a bunch of money on a vehicle you don't like.

    Good luck with your decision! And, post pictures of whatever you buy! We like pictures here. :)
     
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  13. Mar 14, 2021 at 6:39 PM
    #13
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

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    Are these recent problems? Or was this from before Hyundai bought them?
     
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  14. Mar 14, 2021 at 9:58 PM
    #14
    Cowboy59

    Cowboy59 Enjoy the Adventure

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  15. Mar 15, 2021 at 2:42 AM
    #15
    Toy4X4

    Toy4X4 New Member

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  16. Mar 19, 2021 at 8:47 PM
    #16
    Trail Runnah

    Trail Runnah New Member

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    If you don't have any need for offroad capability, the Highlander will be better than the 4R in literally every way. That said, I do like the newer offerings from Hyundai and Kia, they offer really good value and the best warranty in the biz, though long term resale value may not be there.

    I live in RI, there's no offroading here. Now that I'm back to driving 60 miles a day going back and forth to the office (2 weeks in and I'm back to hating life), more and more I'm thinking I'd have been better off in a Highlander. The 4R isn't especially comfortable or fun to drive. I started driving my beater 07 Volvo with 225k miles on it a few days a week to keep miles off the 4R, and it drives SO much nicer.
     
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  17. Mar 20, 2021 at 6:16 AM
    #17
    Tidepride

    Tidepride New Member

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    Another option, Get a Highlander for your wife and a 4 Runner for you and have all bases covered.
     
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  18. Mar 20, 2021 at 10:37 AM
    #18
    bomaizey

    bomaizey New Member

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    Completely agree with this! If MPG is an issue for you you may want to look elsewhere. Most of my driving is city / stop and go and I'm lucky to get 15 - 15.5 MPG. I knew that when I signed up but still, its pretty bad.
     
  19. Mar 20, 2021 at 11:06 AM
    #19
    kmeeg

    kmeeg New Member

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    I had same requirement when I was shopping. I was down to Highlander, 4runner Limited, Lexus GX.
    On Highlander I only looked at Limited and Platinum because it has the newest AWD system (Torque Vectoring AWD) vs other trims has old AWD system.

    Lexus was a good option but the v8 with relatively small gas tank was not to my taste.

    I ended up buy a 4runner Limited with 7seats and Automatic running boards.

    I also financed it vs lease because I want to modify it to my taste. I don't like the stance and small tires. I did a minor lift with 285/70r17 tires with TRD Off-road 17in wheels.
     
  20. Mar 23, 2021 at 5:08 PM
    #20
    Aqualung

    Aqualung [OP] New Member

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    Do you have kids? I am really torn between the highlander and 4Runner. On one hand the highlander seems to have some green family features and loaded with the latest tech but it just looks too much like “soccer mom” to me. I love the look of the 4Runner but I know it’s not very family friendly (no electronic lift gate, blind spot monitoring, 2nd row captain chairs and storage behind 3rd row when in use. I plan on keeping the car for a long time which is why I am looking primarily at Toyota. I am looking at the 4Runner limited/Highlander platinum AWD since those have the most options. If I go with the 4Runner then I think a roof box is a must if we do a road trip. Just really hung up on what’s best for a family of 4.
     
  21. Mar 23, 2021 at 8:12 PM
    #21
    kmeeg

    kmeeg New Member

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    We are family of 3.
    3 row is only when my parents visit.
     
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