Would you recommend the 4Runner for me?

I am going to be in the market for a bigger vehicle in the future to complement my other two cars and am interested in the 4Runner Off-Road Premium.
I've done some research but I have absolutely no experience with vehicles of this category so I thought some feedback from owners would be good.

Compared to other SUVs, I am drawn to the 4Runner for a few reasons; reliability, great aftermarket support (important to me), and I just think it looks awesome.
I also have plans to do some relatively heavy mods for my other two cars which is where the dependability of the 4Runner may come in.

As for my use cases with the 4Runner. I've never gone off roading before so I am not sure if I want to go on trails just yet. Definitely no rock climbing, but I definitely would go driving on beaches.

As a driver, I've never really liked driving big cars and always prioritized handling over straight line speed. But now that I own a house, got a pup, etc., I feel the need for something bigger.

One of my main concerns is with handling and body roll.
One of my cars is on coilovers and sway bars and the other is also going to be on coils once winter is over here.
Of course I don't expect this to be like a sports car and I do understand this is subjective, but how well does the 4Runner handle with a nice set of coils (no lift planned just stock height) along with KDSS?

Second is regarding AT tires and snow. I see that some AT tires are severe snow rated.
As someone that lives in Massachusetts, winters are kind of on and off. About 3 weeks ago we got like 2-3 feet of snow and the following weeks after we've had days that were like 50-60 degrees.
For my past Subaru sedans, and currently my STi, I have always done the summer tire and winter tire combo. I was wondering if snow rated AT tires are good enough to leave year round when winters here have potential to be bad? Or are the AT tires more in the same vein as all season tires in regards to snow and it would be better to switch?

Though I stated I wanted the 4Runner for its reliability, the modder in me has to ask.
Is there a general consensus on the overall reliability of the 4Runner with a supercharger?
I know boosting reduces reliability but I had to ask haha.

Lastly, sometime in the future when I have more time on my hands, I wanted to start tracking my other car which is a Miata RF. My Miata currently sits around 2400 lbs. With a tow rating of 5000lb, is the 4Runner enough to do this maybe a few times a year with a trailer? I'm not particularly worried about this as I have a truck I can borrow.

Sorry for the lengthy first post but wanted to be in depth to hopefully get the information I am looking for. If you don't think the 4Runner is a good match for me, any other suggestions?

Really appreciate it.

 

Shit handling, shit acceleration, shit braking, lots of body roll.

 

It's true.

When I first got my 4Runner, a coworker asked me how it drove. I thought about it for a second, and said objectively, like crap. But I love it, I like a trucklike feeling vehicle.

I live in Rhode Island, and lived through that snowstorm you're talking about. I have General Grabber ATX all-terrains on mine, I leave them on all year. They're winter rated with the 3peak snowflake. I think they're terrific in the snow, I had no problems at all with them. I actually ventured into some unplowed snow the day after that big blizzard, and made it through bumper deep snow with no problem. Keep in mind though, I've never had a second set of winter tires for any of my vehicles, and when I was a kid I actually daily drove a Trans Am through several snowstorms, lol.

If you're only towing the Miata a few times a year, the runner will probably be fine. I definitely wouldn't buy one with its main purpose being a tow vehicle, but for a few times a year occasion that's under 5K lbs it'll probably be adequate. Worse comes to worst just go to home Depot and rent a pickup for a day.

And if you're used to all wheel drive sedans, you may want to look at the Limited model. Some people like the look, some people don't. The nice thing about the Limited is that it's full-time 4WD, so you never have to worry about figuring out when to shift back and forth between 4wd and 2wx. All the other models have a part-time transfer case, which means when the road gets dry, you could actually damage it by having it in 4WD. Limited, you just get it and go. Or you send your wife off in it, and you don't have to teach her how to use the four-wheel drive lever or knob.

I would definitely go drive one. Judging from what you value in a car, I really don't think you'll like it, but you could go the other way and think that it's so bad it's charming.

One other vehicle that pops to mind is the Jeep Grand Cherokee. There's a new generation out, supposed to be really good, it's got independent rear suspension so it'll ride and handle better than the 4Runner, and you can still get the Hemi in it, so it'll scoot. Of course with that, there's the question of reliability, and also price. That'll probably be more expensive than the 4Runner.

 

Honestly everything you posted doesn't describe much of what you are looking for.

What features/technology do you want?

Pretty much gathered you to sort of go off roading, drive in snow and tow something light.


Even though its rated for 5k its a slug. My boat and trailer is about 3500 loaded and power sucked. It can do it but not to my liking.

 

Can’t forget the crappy gas mileage. But it’ll crank over and get you down the road 99% of the time

 

Go drive one! Seriously, take a nice long test drive.

Mine handles "decent" with KDSS and coilovers. But, this is compared to previous 4runners. Good aftermarket shocks will make it feel much better. But, it will still feel like a bus compared to your other vehicles

Acceleration is fine, but they have granny gears and a 5 speed auto, so they downshift a lot on the freeway.

The brakes are fine in mine.

It will tow your Miata fine. Just don't expect to be passing people, and keep it under 65 MPH.

As far as tires, I've gotten through many winters on 3PMSF all terrains. But, they're not as good as a true winter tire. I wouldn't count on them if you'll be regularly driving on unmaintained roads in the winter (packed snow and ice).

 

I would point out that handling is not terrible if you’re used to driving other Toyota SUVs.

OP sounds like he wants to be a performance car.

 

Yeah, it's going to suck compared to a sports car.

 

Technology I'm really not looking for much. All I really want is Android Auto, which I see the 4Runner's do have now, KDSS, and heated seats cause my girl "needs that".

Want to turbo my Miata eventually and planning on going COBB Stage 3 with my STi this year so 4Runner reliability is nice in case they blow up.

It would get to join my STi in the ancient engine department with terrible gas mileage! At least the 4Runner is reliable.

Definitely not looking for it to be a performance car. I was really more just wondering how much "better" compared to stock it would be with some coils. Just want to reduce the lean.
While not an SUV, I have lots of miles driving my parents Sienna as that is the car we always take on long trips. Usually up to Canada and I am always the driver. I was always fine with it.

Thanks for all the other responses as well.

I know I definitely should go test drive one but I have a habit of getting sort of deep into research before I decide to make a move.

 

Let me put it this way, any modifications that you make to try to make it handle better are going to severely affected ride quality, and I guarantee you you don’t wanna do that.

 

If I took a jello mold of my ass and put wheels on it, that hellborn monstrosity would have better handling characteristics than a 4R.

Someone above suggested a long test drive. Couldn't agree more. A very, very long test drive. Like you have to fill up with gas at least once (so maybe after 25 miles). Be honest with yourself and what you plan to use it for and how often. It does nothing great, either on or off-road. Does most things well enough to get by, with one exception. Every time I get out of mine I turn around to look at it and smile. If not for that and the reputation for reliability, I'd have something else.

 

Brakes are not that bad in my opinion.

I’ve always liked small sporty cars, but also have liked the 4runner for a long time. I was surprised at how much I enjoy simply driving it. There are a lot of small details that add up to an very enjoyable whole. Hard to explain. And just so Im clear, my impression of the stock ride (Off-Road trim, non-kdss) was that it rode like a nice crown vic or lincoln sedan. The ride was amazingly pleasant, not truck-like, or at least not how I expected it would ride.

Of course, that means that it inspired no confidence in handling, nor frankly, any desire to test it’s limits. I was happy with the ride, and what it was.

At 14,000 miles I swapped for a dobinsons IMS suspension with about 2 inches of lift (for off-road use reasons and cool factor, not because I was dissatisfied). Let me tell you, the suspension TOTALLY changed the character of the vehicle. It feels much more like a modern road capable sedan on the road taut and very well-damped. And more truck-like at the same time. It’s still not a sports car though.

Engine power? It’s fine. The most powerful vehicle Ive previously owned was a 2006 Sienna. I’m easily impressed.

Regarding reliability, it may be reliable, but keep in mind it’s an old school 4x4, so it should get more maintanance than most cars. Biggies are oil changes for 2 diffs and a transfer case, and greasing the driveline zerks regularly. Of course, some mods will impose their own maintanance requirements.

You might enjoy it, test drive it. Dont doubt any annoyances you feel, it probably wont get better with time. But if it just feels right to you, it might be fun getting one. It might compliment your stable, and with the right mods has some definite cool factor.

It’s a low risk proposition if you can get one for near msrp, as you’d get most of your money back if you decide to sell it down the line.

 

Get a dolly for towing the Miata unless you can find a super lightweight trailer that will haul a 2500 lb car. 5500 lb “MAX”towing capacity is just that…max. There are some obvious implications there that are commonly ignored. There are plenty of towing threads with those discussions. 5000 is a lot of strain on the truck, even doing it a couple times a year, and unless you are on flat ground you are not going to be happy with your choice the first time you encounter an incline.

 

Sounds like you value the Japanese car experience. If that's the case, you'll like the 4runner. I grew up in Civics, IS300, CT9A Evo.... and just feel at home in the 4R.

Driving dynamics aren't all that bad for what it is. But you need to be in the right zone to drive it. It just trudges along. IMHO it compliments a sports car really well. My other car right now is an f80 M3. I find having both ends of the driving spectrum to be refreshing.

Yes, you can get away with 3 peak rated AT tires, but they are NOT snows. More akin to an all season. The part time 4x4 ORP will be decent in light snow and shine in the deep shit. Otherwise I'd rather have that STi on snows all day long. AWD and snows is superior in most conditions.

The suggestion above to look at a Limited is a good one. You get AWD and can lock the center diff (but no rear locker).

No experience towing with this, but you'd be edgy with a Miata + trailer + tools/ tires/etc.

 

I agree with the others... that you should take a long test drive in one. It will never handle well as you are used to with your other cars.... KDSS, "coilovers", doesn't matter. It will not be the SUV version of your Miata or STI. Enjoy those for what they are, and enjoy the 4R for what it is. That's what I do; 1200+ horsepower sitting in the driveway and the 4R gets driven the most. It's character, looks, and utility are undeniable. Not to mention, you basically need to aim a rocket launcher at it to make it die. I think you would really like it.

PS - from my research, the Magneson (as far as I know, the only manufacturer) supercharger is not available for 2019 or 2020 and later due to software "issues". If you want to supercharge it, you'll need to buy used just FYI.

 

If you’re not going to drive off-road, there are probably better options.

 

Pre-Covid, Pre-Chip Shortage, certain Toyota dealers would rent out vehicles for basically week long test drives. Now days, that isn't possible.

That said, go test drive a couple. I test drove a bunch of different vehicles before buying my 4Runner.

I had planned to buy a Toyota Tacoma Off Road with a 6 speed manual when I bought my non-KDSS non-Premium 4Runner Off Road. I had spent the last 2 years driving a 2014 Toyota Hilux Diesel 4x4 w/ 5 speed manual in Africa. Loved that truck. It was stripped inside but had a locking rear.

I also still own a 2006 King Cab Nissan Frontier 4x4 pickup.

I found the then 2019 - current Tacoma OR's to be cramped inside. I test drove a JKU Wrangler Rubicon, 3 F150's, a Silverado, a Nissan Frontier Pro4X, and a pair of 4Runners. I liked the 4Runner best of all of them. Roomy and comfortable.

BUT - the around the block, through suburbia, test drive didn't reveal the HORRIBLE handling characteristics of the 4Runner. Driving my 2019 non-KDSS TRD OR home from the dealer on the hills and curves here in the Ozarks, I was like HOLY SHAT, I bought the wrong vehicle!

If you have heard of the Tail of Dragon road, that's like Highway 160 and Highway 125 here in southwest Missouri. I drive on Highway 160 all the time and avoid Highway 125 as much as possible because it has even more hills and curves. Both 2 lane highways are frequented by motorcycle clubs and car clubs because of how curvy they have.

The Body Sway and Nosedive on Braking of my non-KDSS 4Runner were absolutely horrible. My shitbox Nissan Frontier handled the curves better than my stock 4Runner. I contemplated, driving the 4Runner back to the dealer and getting rid of it.

Then I did some more research and learned that basically any complete suspension lift would improve the handling of the non-kdss 4Runner. After spending hours reading about different ones, I ordered an Eibach Pro Truck Lift which is comprised of 4 Eibach Shocks and 4 Eibach Springs. 100% handling improvement on road. It eliminated the body sway and reduced the nosedive in normal braking situations. It still nosedives under emergency braking.

Adding more weight with armor and big tires, the handling has decreased a little but - I'm used to it.