JBL system 2020 4runner

Hey,

I’ve been back and forth on getting a 2020 4runner nightshade and wanted to see if anyone had input.

I currently drive a 2012 Acura MDX with the tech package. I’ve always liked the look of the 4runner, but worry that the speaker quality will run me off. My MDX currently has the ELS system- I know it’s not the best, but compared to other systems I’ve listened to, such as Harman Kardon, etc, it does a pretty good job. It’s been my favorite thing about this car, so when I get another, I want to make sure that the audio system is at least comparable. I figured the limited 4Runners would be fine, as they supposedly have 15 speakers, which is more than the 9 I currently have, however, I recently rode in a 2023 Lexus GX premium and hated the sound system. This one only had 9 speakers, but the sound quality is awful. I was completely dumbfounded. I’m now worried that the 4Runner’s JBL system won’t perform well enough- does anyone have an opinion on it and if it’s comparable to the ELS system or better than what they are putting in the GX? Any thoughts are appreciated. I’ve test driven the 4runner, but it’s hard to tell how well the audio system works during a 15 minute drive with a car salesman breathing down your neck lol.

 

The Limited has the same JBL system as the Nightshade. Suggestion - find a used late-model Limited on a lot somewhere and go preview the audio. FWIW, I had the ELS system in an Acura TL (also a 2012). Agreed, it's not world-class, but it's a good system for a factory system. The JBL system in the 4Runner is better than my ELS was - but different - not as bass-oriented, sounds great overall. Audio is SO subjective and the only way to truly know if it's pleasing to your ears is to preview it. So, again, even if you have to drive a ways - you'd probably be happier if you actually experienced the JBL audio before purchase. Play with the faders, EQ and Sub to see if you can get a mix you like.

FWIW, very few 4Runner buyers are in these vehicles for audio or tech. Gen 5 4Runners tend to be generation behind everything else. That said, what you DO get is worth way-more IMHO. Bulletproof drive train that'll outlast almost anything out there, world-class reliability, resale value that is top level too. I think - generally speaking - that most of us in Gen 5 4Runners kinda look at the audio system as "good enough" and if we want to upgrade the audio - we go aftermarket.

 

The wife drives a 2020 Nightshade. We are big time music lovers. Her JBL with 15 speakers is bad ass. Bass, highs, volume, etc. is all above average in my opinion.
I drive a 2021 Tacoma TRD with JBL (9 speakers). It was horrible. So I upgraded it to the OEM Audio Plus Evolution Series with upgraded speakers, amps and sub. Still doesn't touch the wifes system. Her volume at 15-20 is mine at 45+.
In fact, I have a 2023 4R Pro on order as we speak. One of the deciding factors was because of the JBL 15 speaker system. I love it.

 

I recently experienced the JBL system in an acquaintances' 4runner. For a factory system, it is definitely above average. Highs, mids and bass, there is some semblance of separation.
Having said that,upgrading the JBL system is not quite straightforward as compared to the non JBL one.
You best bet would be to audition it.

 

‘23 Limited here with 15 speaker JBL, I like it.
Classic rock fan, grew up in 60’s.
My PIA son in law recently kept increasing the volume to extreme levels on a road trip.
(I kept turning the vol down with the steering control)
It didn't distort to my great surprise, highs, bass and mids clear.
As good as my 911’s Bose.
Sold the 911 to get the 4runner, couldn’t get in and out easily after 15 yrs.
It was the right decision, (compromise?) with prosthetic knee.
71 yrs old now, sucks to get feeble.

 

I give the JBL an ok. My Taco had it and it definitely sounded better than the plain system but it has limits and upgrading with it is more difficult.

 

I've always perceived the top-end sound system packages in most vehicles as a 'mid' answer to people who want decent sound without having to build/install a whole new system (aka guys like me - older, and lazier). I have the JBL system and it's ok but it's not as big and bright as the component systems I used to build and install when I was younger. It's a good option at the price point but if sound quality is really what matters for you, go OEM-cheap and build something that suites your taste.

 

I went from 2012 Acura TL with the ELS to 2021 Limited with JBL and hate to say it but the JBL is not even comparable. I am already consuming all the treads on here to see how to improve the sound.
Having said that I did few things in the Acura over the years to improve a bit. Dynamat on all 4 doors, trunk, and trunk lid. Eventually also added a 12" sub, then few years back send the head unit to a guy in USA that would open it up and replace the various capacitors and other internal things with better quality ones.

Game plan for the 4 Runner is to at bare minimum get the doors and trunk lined with dynamat and see if it helps a it. (It should).