Looking for insight from those who left a v8 and came to the 4Runner

Have been searching and working on getting a new 4Runner for a couple months and plan to continue being patient. But as time goes by I find myself second guessing myself in fear of regretting the decision long term. Last vehicle was a 2017 Yukon Denali. Supercharged 6.2L. I obviously know the difference in power here but wanted to get some insight from those of you that might have moved away from the big power V8’s in lieu of some better reliability. Fighting the urge to switch course and buy a new AT4 Yukon. Just know the GM DFM is a gamble on quality. Long story short here, looking for any feedback that you guys may have to offer.

 

My two vehicles prior to the current 2019 T4R were a Tundra and a 4th Gen T4R, both with the 4.7L V8.

So in my case there was no reliability compromise but without hesitation I will tell you I miss the 2UZ-FE,

The 4.0 V6 has its charms, but usable power and torque the way it's paired to the old 5AT isn't a strength and it just doesn't hold a candle to the old 4.7 V8.

It really depends a lot on you, how you use your vehicle and what your expectations are.

 

I sold my 21 tundra Pro LunaRock after having it 2 and half years. Knowing from after 2 other 4runner Pro’s I gave the tundra a try. Loved the V8 power and sound. But don’t need that full size truck. I don’t miss it. I like the size of the 4runner and the power is fine. I have never had an issue with the power with it or I would not have bought another. I wanted the last year but the 23 will do. All depends on your needs. To me driving that big truck was more a hassle to me especially finding parking and other things. No way I’m knocking a full size truck with the V8. Good luck on your decision.

 

Hello, my name is Technologic80 and I come from a modded/tuned Saab 9-7x 5.3l that has been my garage baby for many many years ... suffice to say, instead of selling my 9-7x right away, methinks I will hold onto it until Spring lol. Its definitely a learning curve w/the Toyota, esp. pulling out in traffic. I mean the 4Runner moves ok , but I can squak the tires in my saab all day long at 1/3 throttle. The only way I can see leaving any rubber behind on the Toyota is going around a curve too fast

 

I can relate. Traded a ‘22 Sequoia TRD Pro in Lunar Rock for a ‘23 4Runner TRD Pro in Solar Octane. I knew going in that the V6 wouldn’t be the same.

I absolutely do miss the V8 power and the 5.7L is known to be a solid engine so it’s not like I gained anything in reliability. The V6 is adequate in the 4R. I don’t drive it like a racecar nor do I expect it to perform like one.

The 5.7L V8 on the other hand never felt underpowered. But like RusPro stated, the truck was massive and became a handful in some situations. The 4R feels more agile and nimble despite the smaller engine.

 

Personally, I would still clear of current GM products. Family member has a couple of late model GMC’s, truck and SUV and they have had multiple expensive problems. Transmission and Engine.

 

Thats exactly what lead me to the Toyota Store; a salesguy at the GM Dealer talked me out of a Yukon, said there were 3 of them in the shop waiting on engines (Lifter/camshaft turned into grenades), all with less than 5,000 miles on the odometers and that people are not happy. Lots of engine issues. Said the issues have not been corrected so a few people have had their engines blow twice now.

 

Really appreciate the honest feedback here. Only 4runner I have owned was a 2000 SR5. Long time ago. Lol. Since then it was a string of Tahoes (4) and then lastly the Yukon. Just have the deep down feeling I am going to miss the power available with the v8. The Magnuson was and is in the table but it seems to get varied reviews from those who have done it. Sometimes it helps to think these things through out-loud. Lol.

 

This is exactly what I have been reading as well and makes it almost impossible to pull the trigger on a new one. Especially at 80k. The Sequoia seems huge as well and not being able to drive one before buying is just something I’m not willing to do. I need to search one out on a used lot I guess and maybe give it a tr. That’s still a new departure for Toyota so I imagine there will be some growing pains. I hate to say it but I am really considering an X5 as well just because of the v6 motors BMW turns out. But hell even they have their own oddities with getting rid of all the buttons in the car and committing to the giant iPad.

 

Lmao. I've owned a couple I6's but the 5.3's are more fun and the look of the 97x is much classier. But enough of me trying to justify my love for the GMT360's, fair enough... touche' lol

 

I had a 2003 V8 4Runner for 12 years, and I definitely miss the torque at times. If you keep your expectations reasonable, you'll be fine. But, if you really want power, you'll be disappointed. They're also fine for towing, but I'd look elsewhere if heavy towing was a top priority.

 

Haha I know, I was jesting too. On a funny note, my 08 Saab (Trollblazer) has auto headlights, headlamp washers, v8, and load leveling suspension... that was all standard features in 08.

 

I just traded my '22 Jeep 392 Wrangler for a '22 "Runner this past Monday. 470 hp, 4 sec to 60. I will miss it, but it was a needed change. "Runner is a slug compared to the Jeep. Ugg.

 

To add to this; I work for a company that uses GM/Chevy trucks as fleet vehicles. The power and fuel economy of the newer V8's is excellent!

But, we've had several trucks needing lifters replaced, and in some cases the lifter failure led to other issues. These Silverados with under 50K miles having these issues, which is just ridiculous, IMO.

It's really unfortunate, because they're excellent trucks otherwise. Well, except that the tailgates are ridiculously flimsy, and the cupholders suck.

 

Before I bought my 23 Limited in February, I drove a 2009 Yukon SLT 4WD 6.2L V8 as a daily driver for 14 years. I put almost 160K on it from new. The adjustment to the 4.0L V6 of the 4Runner (as well as the smaller size) was huge for me and it took me a good couple of months to really feel at home in the driver’s seat. I do miss the merging power and hill climbing power of the Yukon’s V8 but I don’t feel unsafe with what the 4Runner can do when I need to push it. The interior comfort is very different from the large seats of the Yukon and I joked with my husband that sitting in the 4Runner driver’s seat was like being in a tight race car seat after 14 years in the soft leather BarcaLounger-size Yukon seat. Compared to the Yukon, I am loving my new Runner’s gas mileage - in the Yukon I was lucky to get 13/16. I am getting a solid 17/22 in the Runner and figure I’m saving about $100-$120 a month on gas. I did consider (briefly) looking at a ‘23 Yukon when I was ready to buy my new ride but the pricing and the size (larger than the ‘09) were just too ridiculous. In the end, I went for smaller with better gas mileage in a package that is tried and true. Best wishes with your decision!


(photo is me with my old Beast on “trade in” day.)

 

Came from a 5.7 hemi V8 JGC (that my wife still drives). I miss it and it's tons of fun to drive... when it's working correctly.

I bought the 4runner for its legendary durability and reliability and I've gotten used to it being a slug - especially since I slapped a ton of extra weight on it and made it even slower.

Still love it and wouldn't trade it for all the V8's in the world... unless toyota ever slaps another into the 4runner which seems 99.9% improbable

 

Now thats one jeep I would own! Did it give you any issues? Or is the v8 problem free

 

Very fair. I really don’t have a specific need so that’s why I am all over the map honestly. This will be my daily driver but will get very few miles honestly. Want the height of some form of SUV as my other vehicles are a C6 corvette and an 02 SS Camaro. They also get very few miles. Long story short is a fun vehicle but the one I would drive most. No towing at all and no off-road driving honestly.

 

I really enjoy my 4Runner, I wish it had some more power but the reliability factor holds a much higher priority for me.

With that being said, have you considered a 23 GX460? Last year of the 4.6 before they go TT. I’m reading very good deals are being had, up to 7k off msrp

If another 10-15k were in my budget this along with the 4Runner would be my top 2 choices.

 

That’s what happened to my brothers truck, valve train broke. Fortunately it was right before the powertrain warranty expired.

 

Came from a 5.7Lt V8 in the LC200.
There is no comparison. The 4R is tuned for more sedated driving. It feels underpowered and lethargic.
Understand the character of the V6 and you will not be disappointed with day to day commuting. 80 MPH is where it's comfortable on the highway. The gearing is also tuned to extract best mileage and it likes holding onto gears.
In short, the engine is reliable, maintenance free and you will keep pace with fast moving traffic . Demanding anything else will lead to disappointment.

 

My opinion on these such issues are if you are going to lease a vehicle get whatever you want. If you are purchasing a vehicle and plan on keeping it long term purchase the reliable vehicle.

The 4 runner is a slug in the power department but it’s adequate, reliable and does nearly everything I need in a vehicle.

My wife was looking at vehicles recently and some of the brands she was interested in purchasing are known to be less than reliable. I offered her the same advice .

 

I came from a Ford F-150 5.0. That thing would absolutely scream. I was very hesitant about the change but it didn’t take me long to forget all about that and start to love this thing. I did put a Pedal Commander on it and it made a lot of difference for me.

 

I just picked up my 5th gen last week but have had an ‘01 3rd gen for a few years as a winter “beater”. Being honest, it doesn’t feel any slower than the new one, maybe even a tad quicker off the line lol so expect similar day to day power from the new one. Obviously the 5th gen feels way more solid though.

I knew what I was getting into and don’t need a powerful truck for what I’m gonna use this for. Given the potential discounts on the Lexus, for pretty similar money to my Pro, I could have gotten a new last model year GX460. Arguably a better truck with a better V8 engine, smoother 6spd trans, nicer interior, etc. In fact, if I wasn’t a child in an adult’s body who loved my pumpkin orange, fake hood scoop, mean looking 4Runner, I would have bought a Nori green black line edition GX460 in a heartbeat.

With my super short commute to work, cars aren’t really “need” purchases for me, just emotional wants lol and I find the 4Runner to be a cooler experience. But if I needed something super smooth for longer commutes, I would have chosen the GX460. If in doubt, you won’t be disappointed going that route, will just basically lose the slide down rear window, hatch that opens up, slightly better resale value of the 4R (for some reason), get full time AWD, and some slightly added complexity (ex. rear air suspension, not a big maintenance deal).

BUT, if budget allows and you don’t mind slightly used, I’d check out the later model year 200 Series Land Cruisers. The later facelifted ones are big bucks now, especially the heritage editions, but amazing V8 trucks. Next tier up from the GX let alone the 4Runner, best quality truck money can buy.

Whatever you do, for the love of God, don’t buy a new chromed up overpriced GM unless you plan to dump it when the warranty is up. But there are plenty of nice leasemobile options now, the Lexus/Toyota stuff is for long term paid off ownership imo.

 

I’m pretty sure a you tuber mentioned this in his one video because he has the Calvary blue. But testing the SO he mentioned he thought the 4runner was much quicker than his. I noticed the same from my 2020 AG Pro then going to a tundra Pro but back to the runner I think my SO seems much quicker than my 20.

 

Some do have issues, most don't, mine was fine.

 

Speaking of later model LC Heritage editions, my local dealer still has this on the lot if you don’t mind the price tag of nearly $96K
https://www.lancastertoyota.com/inv...-edition-4wd-sport-utility-jtmcy7aj9m4102739/

 

I am in the market for a 4Runner and will be making the transition from a 2020 F150 with a 5.0. I don't worry much about the power, but I'm really going to miss the sound. Truth be told, I don't need a pickup. My bed only has a mat in it and all of the paint looks brand new after three years. I may miss the cab room and ride quality, but I'm ready to be back in a Toyota and I believe 4Runner fits the bill. I once owned a 99 4Runner and an 02 Sequoia at the same time. Loved them both and wish I would have never parted with the Sequoia. It was my best vehicle ever. Good luck with the switch!

 

Ya, it’s insane lol even for the LX version its alot of money. But people are dropping that kind of money on escalades, big fully loaded trucks, etc nowadays. At least the LC isn’t a shitbox and will last forever.

Then again, anyone who can comfortably tie up $100K in their daily driven truck probably doesn’t prioritize reliability and longevity. Hence the range rovers.

 

Truth be told I had my sights on an 04 Sequoia with 125k mikes that was immaculate. Sold before I was able to get to it early this week. Has made my mind up to go that route and gave another paid for toy but I missed out.