Is it just me or is this thing pretty gutless

Hello all,

I'm new here and I have a question about the power of the 2018 SR5 model 4runner.

I've been driving a 2015 Camry for about 6 years now and purchased the 4runner a few months ago, I'm used to the power and responsiveness of the Camry, so I'm hoping to get a little insight into the power and mannerisms of the runner, ie. power, responsiveness, upshift and downshift, etc.

This thing is a total pig going uphill. Can't get it to go the speed limit uphill unless I shift to sport and put it in 3rd. Keeping it in drive is not an option. I'll end up going like 20 under the speed limit if I don't shift to sport. Not sure if this is normal behavior or if it's severely lacking power for some reason.

Another thing that I noticed dropping into Death Valley the other day... going downhill, I'd brake for a corner and it seemed to be around 45 or 40 mph, when it would shift to 3rd gear (car in D) and then wouldn't leave third. I'd have to stomp the accelerator on a straightaway to get it to shift to 4th and then maybe 5th if I was lucky, but then as soon as I'd brake, it was right back into 3rd. I understand engine braking and all, and saving the brakes, but is this normal behavior for the runner?

Just trying to get a better understanding of this thing and what's normal or possibly not normal.

Appreciate your help.

 

You purchased a heavy vehicle with a NA 6. You’re not going to drive like a small car or a truck/suv with a boosted 6 or 8 cylinder.

the 4runner isn’t a hog but it’s not going to win any speed contests.

if the speed and lack of power you’re describing which is normal bothers you, you may want to look into a different SUV.
The explorer with the eco boost may be what you’re looking for.


Also there’s a search function. There’s 2 or 3 posts similiar to this post in the last week or two. You may want to find those threads and read them.

 

They are just slow.

-Naturally aspirated
-Heavy
-5 Speed
-Aerodynamics of a sail

In the future your test drive should include driving up hill and similar activities if you enjoy doing that.

 

My lifted 4runner on E rated 33’s does just fine uphill. Usually hangs out in 4th gear when climbing and I never need it to drop into 3rd unless I’m passing. These threads are always interesting

 

Push hard on gas pedal

Go faster

Yeah, it downshifts on its own sometimes on decel going down a hill... normal

 

My sr5 goes just fine. Maybe you should get a Ford with a worthless turbo that will fail within 20k miles.

 

Welcome to the forum Vinny. My experience was impacted by coming out of an F-150 5.0 and while I don’t live where it’s hilly, I can certainly understand the first impression. For me, I love this vehicle so much more than any of the pickups I’ve ever owned so I’m learning to just slow down and chill. Give it some time and maybe you’ll feel the same.

 

yes. my motto is "0-60....at some point."
supposedly, a device called a Pedal Commander can improve throttle response but it's a couple c-notes. Not worth it to me..
great vehicle otherwise, my only gripes are the weak accel and I think the seats are horrible. but I like the looks and reliability rep this thing has.

 

Appreciate everyones response. For what it's worth, I love the vehicle. Just got back from a road trip though Utah and the runner did everything and more that I asked of it. Even found myself on some gnarlier than anticipated roads, and it handled them well. I was just curious about the acceleration and deceleration that I was experiencing, but that appears to be typical.

Thanks again.

 

My dude, I feel you! I'm not complaining, I knew going into the purchase that the 4Runner felt piggish going uphill. But I'm coming from a 300C SRT8 that was tuned and pushing a legit 500hp...I so miss the getty-up and go! Lol

 

If you purchased this vehicle for 0-60 without a test drive, the joke is on you.
The vehicle is fine. This is not a race car. A Camry will not pull 10.000lb. A 4Runner will not win any races. A Corolla will not do Moab. A Tundra will not be fuel efficient. Use the right tool for the job.

 

Spend some time with it off-road in 4L and you will be happy.

 

Try a Sprint Booster or Pedal Commander. Those who have complained about sluggish acceleration say it worked to their liking. The downshift is a downhill brake assist feature IIRC.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! While the 4Runner will probably only win a race against another 4Runner (depends who is quicker off the line) Wait till you put it through it's paces offroad. Look at the SUV's out there today, Toyota has the 4Runner to perform admirably offroad, onroad. It out performs most everything in it's category, just not in the speed dept. Give it some time, you'll like it!

 

Along with what everyone is saying, also think to yourself about your biggest complaint - acceleration. Then think about the biggest complaints you've heard from owners of other vehicles. Those can be ugly. As you said, your recent road trip highlighted just a few of the 4Runner's strengths. I've had plenty of 'slow' Toyotas over the decades that simply refused to break. I'll take slow acceleration all day - though in my view, my 2019 is plenty fast. Just accept the 4Runner for what it is, and enjoy the ride. You'll be happier with the vehicle.

 

Its just you.

 

This is literally what I told the salesman when I got back to the dealer from the test drive. It is really good at what it’s supposed to do. Because when I pulled out of the parking lot initially, I was like wow this is different. But when I pulled back in, I was like now that is a freaking rig! I’ll take one.

 

^this. Lots of naysayers but put the sprint booster in and your problem will go away. In fact set it red 10 right out of the box you’ll be amazed. Does it give hp? Nope. It improves throttle response. For those that say they can floor a 4Runner and do the same thing I will disagree. Is the best mod I’ve found to date.

 

Curious how that impacts fuel economy, since I like getting about 19-20 mpg out of the thing...

 

Curious how people get 19-20. Must be all highway at 60mph.

 

I regularly get 20-22 on my 2019 depending on gas blend (winter vs summer). Been that way since I bought it. A lot of highway driving due to a 40-mile commute to work.

 

^This as well. Added a pedal commander and it made a huge difference.

@Vinny, another thing to consider is that the 4Runner has and ECM that "learns" your driving habits over a period of time. If you bought the vehicle used, it has "learned" the previous owners driving habits and will shift based upon those habits in addition to how it is driven and the programmed shift points. You can reset this by disconnecting the battery for a few hours, or if you have a copy of tech stream you can go under the utility tab in the ECM/ECT system and reset learned values. This might help. Once you reset it, the vehicle will default to factory shifting but will relearn your driving style over some miles/drives. If you don't reset it this way, the vehicle will adapt to your driving style over time. Just drive it how you normally would.

 

I've never got above 16 around town and most tanks is 14 or below. Now I don't roll from a stop. I run a pedal commander and I have bigger tires. I can only get 19 in the mountains.

 

Mine is stock, original tires and all. Going bigger hurts mileage, that’s for sure.

 

Drive slow, be happy.

 

Driving slow in Dallas will get you shot.

 

Well there's your problem: living in Dallas.

 

There are way worse places to live.

 

I'm just hoping Biden doesn't make it too expensive to even drive a vehicle.

 

Absolutely. But if people shoot at me for driving the speed limit, that's pretty bad.