I don't like it! A three-time 4Runner owner rant

yes the hood only got open to get an oil change on the sedan. The 4R hood gets opened every time I air up.
Even if it lasts 10 years I’d be happy. I figured the more you use it the faster it goes bad but maybe you’re right, not using it makes it go bad faster?

 

It’s quite a bit cheaper too. $45K for the Rock Creek vs $55K for an Offroad Premium.

 

Why do they need to last that long? Should they give us a broom handle instead of struts for the rear hatch too?

 

I know it doesn't make sense. But, some things seem to get shitty when they don't get used regularly. Like how seals can go bad on an engine if it sits for too long.

 

A lot of people could get by with a decent AWD crossover with decent ground clearance. Heck, I've seen Subarus on some trails doing shit I was afraid to do in the 4Runner at first.

 

Personal preference. I had a hood stick on my TJ and it never failed me. I’d rather not have hood struts fail on me when I’m on a week long camping/off roading trip to Moab or Colorado. Not the end of the world but if I can replace it by something that never fails and without being of any hindrance that’s what I’d choose.
On the limited or platinum trim then I get the hood struts. But for an off-roading trim, when the hood gets open/close a lot more often (assuming it wears out faster but maybe it’s the opposite) and doesn’t need to be fancy, I’d choose practicality.
Now do I agree with Toyota putting cheaper parts and higher price tag? Absolutely not.

 

Our 2008 Highlander did not have hood struts either - just a prop rod. I like having the struts on such a large hood. I open the hood on all my cars each time they are washed to dry/clean the jambs.

 

Honestly, if I hadn't latched onto my 5G when I did, I'd have probably ended up buying an Outback.
I had three of those as loaners while my VW was waiting for parts (15 months... long story) and really liked them.

 

i just saw a 3rd v8 4runner limited with all four "oh shti handles" at each door... how come we only have for the passenger???

 

Most likely:

 

3rd gen? Those never came with a V8.

 

Sorry I am not keen on the generational differences, except it was definitely an older style.

Would that perhaps make it 4th gen? In any case.. I wish our runners had em

 

Sorry, I didn't intend for that to sound snotty if it did.

4th gen, yes. The 5th gen was around for so long that the 4th gen probably feels like it's three generations ago, lol. The 4th gen was the only one to offer a V8.

 

Had a deposit for 6th gen last year and when i put it in they said they were many Customers infront of me, 9-12 month waitlist and maybe at end of 2025 id be next in line to get one. The dealership has called me twice in past few weeks saying they have some on lot to buy if im interested lol. They only got released last month lol. I told them im keeping my 2024 and stop calling me

 

Well you are right. Just like men, trucks too became soft. Doesnt matter what ads, so called "experts" say, the 4.0 V6 was last good engine, same as Tundra V8 and 4k lbs trucks NEED those big fat engines.

Turbo will make power yea, but i mean who cares about 0-60 ? these are trucks not honda civics. Besides yea, they cost a lot. You are paying more for less.

 

I hope they will have better luck moving 6th gen 4Rs than with the LC250 after the initial rush. In my area dealers are having trouble moving the LC 1958 edition with 3-5k discounts, a number of them have been there since late Dec 2024 and aren't moving at 52-53k.

 

I have a hunch that getting the same basic SUV as an LC250 that’s built in the same factory but at much lower price points will be well-received. Even more so when dealers start offering discounts, which, we now fully expect up front before driving off the lot.

Probably one reason why the LC’s are heritage paperweights on dealer lots right now.

 

I looked at a 6th gen yesterday, it's pretty much what I expected, that's why I purchased my 5th gen. I have zero interest in the new 4runner.

 

Here’s something interesting about the new Toyota trucks. TFL just did a couple mpg tests on the new Tundra and 4Runner. Both the Tundra with the V6 and the 4Runner with the 4 cylinder got 22 mpg. They should have put the V6 in the 4Runner too.

 

The T24A is tuned for low end torque, not high end horsepower. Reliability aside (which is unknown at this point anyway), on paper it's a better truck engine than the 4.0 was.

This is also funny because one of the biggest criticisms coming from the anti turbo crowd has been that the 0-60 times are too slow. At least we agree here. I don't care about the 0-60, as much as pulling power. The turbo 4 will be an improvement over the V6 in this regard.

Edit: also; how are we paying more for less? Are you referring to features? Or the drivetrain?

 

In the tuning thread vendor posted OEM dyno results for this turbo 4. It peaks at 2750 rpm but then drops off the cliff by the redline. That is one undersized turbo, and no it does not make that peak power as you floor it and sit at high rpm.

I am convinced this is compliance engine, designed to do well on emission test and nowhere else.

 

Or, maybe they used a smaller turbo so it would spool faster and create more low end torque.

So, more usable power is not good?

I know that we're all aware of the main reasons for switching to smaller displacement turbo engines. But, that doesn't mean it won't perform well otherwise. Go on Tacomaworld and read about towing with it. It's the best engine the Taco has ever had for towing.

 

I doubt it, for the following reasons:

1. Dyno results are at the WOT (wide open throttle), you do not tow with WOT and you will not see these dyno numbers because of that.
2. Low RPM high load is about the worst case scenario for a turbo engine, this is how you get detonations. You will get less boost and pulled timing, so you will not see these dyno numbers even if you tow with WOT.
3. Stressed turbo is going to be very sensitive to heat and heat soak, don't expect to see these numbers on a hot summer day.

 

OK.

I guess all of those guys over on Tacomaworld who actually own 4th gen Tacos and have towed with them are just lying then.

 

You are trying to re-frame my position to absurd "turbo 4 can't tow". This is not what I am saying. The question we are discussing is how good is that turbo engine at towing and if it is better than NA V6. Does it allow you to pass easily? Can it handle high inclines with a full load without slowing down or downshifting 2 gears? What kind of gas mileage does it get while towing? Can it do that for many years without expensive repairs?

Most people are not going to be objective when it involves admitting they spent a lot of money for inferior product. You will see a lot of this happening with 6th Gen 4Runners. As such, yes, they are likely greatly overstating how good 4th Gen Tacos are at towing.

Personally, I never driven either gen of Tacos. I do have multiple neighbors with 3d Gens and none of them traded in for 4th.

 

After reading all the comments , I am so happy with my 2010 SR5. I doubt that I will ever let it go.

 

Just like people raved about how great the 3rd gen Tacoma was at towing when it first came out... Oh, wait.

And, no. I never implied that the discussion was about turbo VS N/A engines ability to tow. Reread my posts. I said that it will be an improvement over the V6. Also note that I said "reliability aside", so the question about longevity is irrelevant.

 

Why would you set reliability aside when discussing towing? Otherwise we can conclude that Top Fuel dragster would be good at towing as it does have torque.

 

I'm definitely hanging on to my '19 for awhile. Maybe in a few years I'll change my mind, if the turbo 4 turns out to be solid.

 

I said that it's an unknown, so we can't judge it on that yet. So, judging by specs, and user experience (based on TW members' comments), it's a better truck engine than the V6.

Edit: I don't disagree with your concerns about turbos. I'm just going by specs and what people are saying so far.