Looking to own 1st 4Runner

Hello all, I am considering purchasing my first 4runner. Probably higher end model w/ all safety & techy goodies. Please share with me your pros and cons, we are not huge into the outdoors but love to go out on family vacations. Honestly never went four-wheel driving in my life but open to the idea as well as if we find ourselves in another state where that is a necessity, i.e. rural and/or snow or mountainous terrain.

All tips/advice welcome!

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! If you want "high end" there is the TRD Pro, they have all the stuff you're talking about. We have a TRD Offroad Premium, it has all the same goodies you're talking about except the suspension, at a several thousand dollar savings. If you never went off roading you won't need the suspension that's offered on the Pro anyhow. If you are planning on the off road thing the Fox shocks might be beneficial. Getting out to a terrain other than concrete or asphalt is LIVING, you don't have to go fast, just slowly find places to go that offer the off road experience, maybe it's just a old "fire lane" with a gravel road or a back road that leads to a old sand pit. Be careful in your adventures, don't try to drive through what looks like shallow water, things like that. Start slow and enjoy! P.S.- We live in a rural setting (the same house I grew up in as a kid) and with the exception of being stationed in the "concrete jungles", I can't imagine being anywhere else. Good luck on your endeavor!

 

Welcome from Florida

 

Welcome!

 

If your not a big 4-wheeler have you considered a Highlander? Lots more availability and their very comfortable and well appointed inside too. Just a thought. No I wouldn't exactly bring it across the outback but it sounds like you don't care about that anyway.

 

Welcome.

 

https://trail4runner.com/2020/08/24/toyota-4runner-buyers-guide-2021-models/

 

I just bought a Pro in January and have been driving the heck out of it.
Pros: 1) The ride is exceptional on and off road. 2) I like the premium audio 3) great cargo capacity
Cons: 1) Living in the desert leads to a lot of interior cleaning of tan dust off a black interior 2) The exhaust rumble can get annoying at times
The console safe is a great option if you carry pistols.
My neighbor just sold his 4runner and had no maintenance issues other than replacing tires and batteries over his 10 year ownership. You can't beat the reliability.

 

I like my pro but I would probably buy a offroad premium since they almost have the same specs. Fox suspension is great but you could probably get the kings if you get an offroad premium. They are also cheaper by like 6k so save where you can.

 

If you don't need rugged offroad capability, this is the answer. When you take the offroad capability out of the equation, the Highlander is better than the 4R in literally every way.

The 4R is slow, thirsty, and doesn't ride or handle particularly well. It also lacks some modern tech and safety features. Some people like this, or simply put up with it because of offroad capability (or simply the appearance of it).

Yes, they are reliable and have incredible resale value, however you pay for that on initial purchase.

I would drive both then carefully and honestly evaluate your needs vs wants, and decide based on that. I did that when I bought mine, and if I had went with my "wants" I'd be driving a Wrangler, haha.

 

Welcome to the forum!

I agree with the others about checking out a Highlander if off-road capability isn't a big priority. A Highlander will be more fuel efficient and comfortable for everyday driving.

If you just really want a 4Runner, I would look at a Limited based on your use. It has the most creature comforts, and is full time 4WD which is ideal for snow driving.