I kind of hate my 5th gen 4Runner. It's the return of Gramma Ray!

I liked it a lot at first. Then I wasn't sure. Then it grew on me. Now it's three and a half years later, and I'm growing tired of it. It's so big and heavy.

I hate how big it is. I got used to going from a Wrangler TJ to the second generation Liberty. I feel like the Liberty was as big as I can comfortably go. I could never get used to the 4Runner's massive girth.

It's way heavier, or at least it feels that way. I was driving through High Point State Park in New Jersey last month, and I had butthole pucker factor going less than the speed limit. I wished I had something smaller, lower, and not puckering. The ups and downs and (not so) high speed turns through those ups and downs were not making the 4Runner or my anus happy.

I absolutely hate parking the 4Runner. It sucks. It's fatter than my butt. It turns wider than my butt.

I don't dislike much else about the 4Runner, but it's just the most 'MURRICAN thing to come out of Japan since Metal Wolf Chaos. If it was smaller and lighter, I'd be a happy camper. So, a 3rd or maybe a 4th gen. Not whatever is going on these days... or since 2010.

Real SUVs aren't what they used to be. I feel like I've been sized out. I have absolutely no interest in the upcoming Land Cruiser. It's even more girthy crap for hoity toity people who like to pretend they're rugged. So, the Land Rover demographic. A foot wider than the 5th gen and an inch less ground clearance. What a joke.

I have no interest in a Rav 4 or whatever else. I'm definitely not going back to Chrysler. Plus, the current Cherokee is to the old Cherokee as the current Blazer is to the old Blazer. So, smaller but capable older SUVs that got replaced with crossovery crap.

I've come to find that I don't really care that much about the offroad capabilities of the 4Runner. I did it a couple times, and I've had enough. It's way more fun to take my RC offroaders out, and it's healthier for me. Plus, I don't have to drive hours away from New Jersey roads just to drive for hours on roads that are more New Jersey than New Jersey. If there's one thing that the 4X4iness is good for, it's getting me out of a flood, but I only had to do that once in my life, and I think I'd rather just let insurance deal with it next time if it means putting up with Ron Jeremy every other day of my life.

I haven't given up on my 4Runner yet, but I might end up with a Corolla, maybe a later previous generation Impreza. A later lobster claw Civic? Maybe. Since I've been sized out of the real SUV space, and I have no interest in the crossover space, I see no reason not to go with a car that's not the smallest, cheapest, and most reliable thing I can find and can fit into. I was actually watching a video about the Mitsubishi Mirage recently, and I was surprised by how much it appealed to me.

Yes, it's the return of Gramma Ray, as someone called me years ago when I made a post like this. I want to continue liking my 4Runner. This time of year, it's hard to argue with that rear window that rolls down, along with all of the other windows, and you get to enjoy the weather. But this Bad Dragon size, my gosh. I don't think I can handle it anymore.

PS - I saw someone make a post recently saying something to the effect of how he didn't think there was anyone looking at 4Runners that would be looking at something smaller. I think it was in one of the new Land Cruiser topics. Anyway, I thought about replying, but I'll comment on that post here now. To that, I say poppycock! I got my 4Runner in 2020, and I wanted a Suzuki Samurai or one of those smaller pickups like the old Rangers and Tacomas. I had no idea that sort of thing was long gone in every form in the US market since I was out of the market for like 11 years. The whole landscape changed, and I didn't realize it. I was indeed looking for something smaller to replace my Liberty with.

 

Sucks getting old and realizing that every single car, much less SUV, are all gargantuan.

I happened to see a late model kia forte on the interstate, right next to an early 80s Corolla 1.8 Wagon. It was comical how large the Kia was in comparison. Even land yacht 70s muscle cars are tiny compared to todays vehicles.

Everything’s huge nowadays. The 4runner is probably the smallest real SUV available. Actually, the only real SUV? Scratch that, there’s still the dodge whatever it’s called, and the G-wagen.

Anywho, nothing wrong with wanting a (relatively) small light car. The corolla wagon that came out is pretty cool. The hatchback with a manual feels pretty good on the road. I almost bought one before the 4runner.

I’d say subaru, but don’t they all have CVTs? I’d hate to wish that on my worst enemy.

The other option is seeing if your state allows importing old vehicles from japan. There are dealers that specialize in selling imports like this, and you might be able to find a decent small, fun, and cool vehicle.

edit: ford maverick…but I’m not sure if those burst into flames.

 

^If you don't plan to go off-road, and want something smaller, then RAV4 would be appropriate. It shares the same platform as the Camry, so it's low and handles well.

4th gen 4Runner is the same frame (and same track and wheelbase) as 5th gen. Going to a 3rd gen comes with old-car baggage, since the newest 3rd gen would be 21 years old.

 

I think you are almost ready for the Prius.

 

Life's too short not to love your car. Whatever you end up in, post pictures. And, keep hanging out here! Who's gonna tell everyone to lick their balls, otherwise?

 

Definitely trade it for a new Corolla LE hybrid. 24k, 50plus mpg, nice basic easy a to b transportation. Even comes in AWD if you need that.

 

I agree it seems bigger than the old Toyota stuff, but I’m coming from a Sequoia which dwarfs my 5th gen. Good luck.

 

Stout?

 

Let the air drop going to be ten degrees cooler tomorrow?

 

Used to drive a 84 Bronco on 35 swampers. 4Runner seems small and nimble compared to that. All about perspective. Looked similar to this:

 

Coming from Jeep TJs, & a couple of JKs, I feel your pain somewhat. I'd go back to a JK myself, as I feel that is the perfectly sized one-person SUV. I couldn't see a JL with all the electronic crap, i.e. stop/start etc. The two JKS I had were pretty reliable.

It's one reason I picked up a 1st gen Tacoma Prerunner. I find myself driving it more than the 4R, and it doesn't need 4wd.

 

Most comfortable, capable, economic, ergonomic, durable, well designed and curb appeal car I’ve ever driven………. 2000 Honda Odyssey! Dang thing even has an electric movable throttle pedal that positions the pedal perfectly! You get in and don’t realize you’re sitting in the driver’s seat it’s so effortless. Just could’t get over the grocery getter image. BTW, I HATE the “hearse” curve they added in the chrome under the rear windows. That hosed up the styling and made it a deal breaker. Two inches more ground clearance and 4wd…….look out!

 

Tesla?

 

I almost typed a reply but decided against it

 

I totally agree that vehicles have just gotten too big. I would love it if the 6th gen was smaller to put the 4R in a market segment to differentiate it from the new less expensive Land Cruiser.

I am curious to see what the new Stout will be all about. It is supposed to fill the smaller pickup segment basically where the Taco came from before it got huge.

a 2 door Wrangler is pretty nimble, but Jeep quality is not to be trusted. We sold the wife’s 2D after she experienced Death Wable.

 

So odd to hear that, I just bought one and I think its the best SUV to ever come out of Japan, I'm beyond impressed with it.

 

The "problem" with the 4Runner is that as a lifestyle vehicle for outdoor people, it's unsurpassed. Yeah it's big and old and gets shit mileage, but it can go anywhere and allow remote unsupported exploration and living quarters. You can't get that in a Civic or Mirage or ( insert economy car here ). When I go weeks on end just driving back and forth to work I find myself thinking about getting something else that's more urban appropriate - and then I'll spend a long weekend camping out of the 4Runner and realize there's nothing else that compares. I guess it's all what you want to do with it and being able to accept its inadequacies in some categories for its domination in others.

 

I was just driving on the logging roads of Maine yesterday, I had complete comfort and driving the roads that come to an end or turn ATV trail. I found that the Off Road Premium with wired down tires just sucks up most of the bumps when I am traveling at good speed, not so good when I am driving like gramps. Yes it’s bigger than my previous tacos, but all the gear for my wife and I to go into the woods, fits inside.


Link the for sale add, maybe someone on here will help you out and take your unloved 4Runner off your hands. As I posted yesterday about the navigation system, it’s crap time to get rid of the runner.

 

Good morning,
I empathize with trying to find simpatico with a new 5th gen. I had two 4th gens (which is what I'd recommend to Gamma Ray) and loved em. Drove a 2003 and then a 2008 for a total of 250 thousand miles (they were both used to me) so I essentially had the same vehicle for 15 years. Took me a while to understand my 21 SR5 Premium but I do! It tows better and my 4th gens, and yes it's big but it's as solid as a rock. Love it on back roads, comfortable as all get out, not filled with too many gadgets - still has an sweep hand on the speedo! Re: interstate driving - just drove to Boston - everyone going 80, at one point almost hit 90 it was so smooth.

Not for everything driving need but fits me fine. It's my 5th 4Runner - starting with an '88!

 

Agree that everything has been upsized. We had a 1999 F150 that is about the same width as the current 4Runner. Our other vehicle is a ‘16 Tundra, so it works for us. For you? Look at some of the newer wagons maybe? There’s no question that a smaller vehicle is easier to live with if you never need the bigger size.

 

4Runner is on the smaller side AFA today's SUVs go.
4Runner drives like a large SUV, due to its handling, suspension, low turning radius, BoF etc. For instance my honda pilot "felt" smaller than my 4Runner, even though it was wider, and possibly longer.
Don't discount new LC it might surprise you once you drive it.

 

I totally get it. Compared to the 4R, my daily driven '06 Taco (regular cab 4wd 5sp) feels downright nimble, despite the 4 banger. Less than an inch difference in wheelbase (109.8 in vs 109.4 in), but the 4R is ~1,600 lbs heavier (3,180 lbs vs 4,750 lbs)

IMHO, the biggest contributor to the feeling of driving a large vehicle is how the springs and shocks are targeted more at softness and comfort than handling. The nose/corner diving and rolling is reminiscent of the 1970-1980s land yachts. Great for highway driving, but on rural roads it's almost a chore to keep passengers from getting motion sickness.

 

I was just making these points, but you posted while I was typing . Sorry if it sounds like I'm repeating you.

 

Wouldn't put it past @Gamma Ray to be trying to mess with us, though...

 

Try going from the 4runner to a tundra 2nd Gen. That’s why I sold my 21 tundra pro and going back to 4runner Pro. I miss the size. I don’t need a full size truck to drive around and especially parking it it finding a parking spot that you can fit. Yeah don’t forget the parking garages too.

 

Hyundai Santa Cruz lol

 

Rav4 feels like driving a rally car after I drive the 4Runner.

Comes in a hybrid, too (that's arguably better than the gas model).

 

In my case, it's just me on the pavement. Opportunities to go off road are almost nil at this stage of my life, though I used to enjoy mild off-roading when I had my 1988 4Runner. This 4Runner is the most relaxing vehicle to drive that I've ever owned (my 1984 Supra might come close, though, for two people). Driving to and from work for about 45 minutes each way is kind of a break. I drive this vehicle more slowly, and don't get too assed up by idiot drivers. I have a 2006 Scion xA for a commuter, but dang it, I usually take the 4R.

 

I'm trying to imagine what roads induce pucker in that area. Within High Point itself, you can't get up enough speed to have an issue. I'm guessing it's those tight, steep curves on Hwy 23. I agree that the 4R is wide and ungainly for that kind of driving. I drive slower and more conservatively in my 4R on I-80 and 287 than I would in almost anything else, but I don't mind as long as the radio is there to entertain me. It does surprise me that some members seem to be in denial about on-road handling. Somebody countered one of my observations by asserting that the 4R is "nimble". It is, compared to a double-bottom tractor trailer, but not compared to most other vehicles. That's part of the tradeoff for its other capabilities. Anyway, I hope you find what works for you.

 

I drive my 4Runner slowly -- in fact I am usually the slowest vehicle on highway. I am not a slow driver, but I think 4Runner makes me slow down, and I think that is a good thing. I really enjoy highway driving with it.