Test drove 2023 limited, did not purchase.

We test drove the 2023 limited, just off the delivery wagon..
Great ride, no steering shake/wobble at any speeds including freeway speeds.
We did not purchase due to a few things.

:The info system did not link well with Android. Does anyone have insight to having unit compatible, no expert techs at dealership. Our 2015 F-150 platinum links up immediately with Android, very user friendly.

Reasons for us not purchasing the vehicle at this time, mostly added cost to already what I consider an expensive vehicle.

: Front seats are not air conditioned as sales person led us to believe, only ventilated from interior temp of cabin which I could not feel at all wearing pants.
: Heated steering wheel was very mild at best.
: Did not want the $1399 3rd row seat.
: No auto running boards.
: $2100 market adjustment.
:$600 tint add on, among other added items marked up.

These are just my feelings as I really like the reliable, long lasting 4runner. We liked what was there but decided to wait for the 6th Gen version with updates and info screen with promises of well working Android compatibility.
If 6th Gen has 4 cylinder turbo we will shop for 5th Gen at that time.

 

You over here looking for a luxurious vehicle. 4runner isn’t it. Look at Lexus

 

This is a good point.

The limited is certainly the nicest trim. But, if you're looking for a luxury 4Runner, check out the GX, if it is an option. It's the same platform, same badass 4wd capability, and it has a powerful V8 and I'm assuming a more comfortable interior.

Otherwise, just keep looking for a Limited with the options you want.

 

Hello Jynarik, I know. Appreciate the comment. The 4runner would be huge upgrade from our Tacoma. Just expected what sales person stated, had filled us up with expectations. That's reason for joining this group, to get more information and good feedback from other members. If another 4runner shows up without market adjustment and no 3rd row seating I would be very interested and purchase due to what I'm hearing about the 6th Gen engine change.

 

Hello Thatbassguy! We just looked at the outside and through windows of the used GX-460 I believe. I really want to stay with 4runner, love the 4.0 engine, 5 speed auto and roll down rear window.

 

I would definitely miss the rear window if I ever switched to a GX, so I can't blame you there!

 

Just bought a 2023 4R: (1) android auto works fine for me (2) heated steering wheel is just OK and it seems to warm up primarily around 3pm and 9pm.
As you will hear from new Tundra and Sequoia owners, the typical toyota quality can be lacking on those first-year models.
if interested in the 6th gen 4R, likely should wait a couple years for that bulletproof reliability. Otw, get a 2023 now!!

 

I can’t believe dealers are still charging dealer markups and adding garbage accessories. $2100 market adjustment is a hard no right from the start. $600 for the cheapest tint that they can put on only the 2 front windows is also a hard no. If you put in the legwork, you can easily find a MSRP dealer with the options that you want. If you work harder, you’ll find under msrp.

 

Here's my experience / Comments -

The info system did not link well with Android -

Never faced any issues with my old Samsung Note 10+ 5G. I have Android Auto version 9.4.631* if that matters
I use it pretty much daily for music using USB Audio Pro / YouTube. No complaints on Google Maps too. Toyota app for Remote start and other features work well. Pretty much no complaints including phone calls. Need to think of a way to make a video to show call quality. May be ask my wife to call and keep it near home theater and see how the quality is received? Not sure, haven't planned yet.​

Front seats are not air conditioned as sales person led us to believe, only ventilated from interior temp of cabin -

That's what I think too, only ventilated by inside air but I have no complaints and don't know exact technical details how they work. Do other vehicles have an air condition unit for the seats? Not just fans? That's pretty cool.
Here's a quick video of mine, if that has any value to anyone interested -
https://youtu.be/Qf9L-UHBhbw

​

Heated steering wheel was very mild at best -

Sorry no idea about heated steering as I don't have.​

Did not want the $1399 3rd row seat -

This was a big item for me​

No auto running boards -

I love the automatic running boards as the Limited rocker panels are thicker I don't like to add low hanging running boards.​

$2100 market adjustment -

May be look for Dealerships who do not have markups.​

$600 tint add on, among other added items marked up -

Top of the line 3M Crystalline tint cost me about $500 just for 2 front glasses and windshield.
I'm not sure what all is included in that $600. I guess front glass tint, hood and mirror cap paint protection and few other stuff? Not sure, worth or not depends on what stuff you get for $600.

​

If 5th Gen has 4 cylinder turbo we will shop for 5th Gen at that time -

I assume you mean 6th gen. By looking at Sequoia 3.4TT engine design I have up the idea. It looks very closer to a BMW vs a Toyota. Again, its a personal choice. I like the way the X5 drives the time I had it but not my confidence to abuse it / use it hard like I use my 4Runner.
Current 4Runner 1GR-FE used on many other Toyotas from smaller FJ to Land Cruiser 300 even on Lexus GX outside of USA I have lot of confidence on it.

​

You over here looking for a luxurious vehicle. 4runner isn’t it. Look at Lexus -

I think its relative. 2023 4Runners have good luxury features compared to previous ones. To me 4Runner Limited won over the GX460 for 4Runner Limited having significant better ground clearance to start with, better fuel range with V6 engine and 23gal tank combo, standard skids including full fuel tank skid, more parts and accessories availability (simple as I now use 17in 4Runner wheels, and few more things won the ticket for 4Runner.

​

 

My dealership charged me $100 to tint the front side windows when I bought it new in 18’. I thought that was fair and it looks great. $600 for two side windows sounds excessive.

 

Toyota does not condone market adjustments. Go to a different dealer. The other add ons are way overpriced.

 

I have a 22 Limited (and a 21 Venture) and we love the Limited but we know this about it - it's a 4Runner first. So, it - by it's nature - has minimal amenities compared to other vehicles in its class. We did look at the GX and still felt that all-in-all the 4Runner was a better vehicle overall - even though the GX was more "equipped" and not that much more money. We've never looked back. We have zero issues when we use Android Auto - so not sure what was happening on the one you looked at. Maybe needed an update?

Good luck with your quest!

 

When I purchased my Tacoma new in 2010, the salesman didn't know what 4wd was. Basically you have to do your own research on vehicles. I had to buy the predator steps and PPF on my Tacoma. It was like an extra $1100.

My friend just purchased a new Limited for $55K before tax. Included is a mandatory $1500 ceramic coating but at least it has a warranty on it.

As mentioned, the Runner is not a Lexus. Also you shouldn't purchase the 1st year of a new model because there are always bugs to work out.

 

We also went through this with our Venza..........."the Venza Limited has xxxxxx" .........."for only a few grand more, we can have twice as much on the Lexus it's imitating"

and screw stealerships that put mark ups.

 

Well the 6th gen wont be like what we have now, more junk to break. Personally I would buy a pre 2020 model and do any upgrades my self. It really doesn't sound like you want a 4Runner if those minor thinks killed the sale, a Lexus sounds like a better fit.

 

But that Lexus grille.......................

 

so true.........!!

 

We would have sealed the deal if no third row $1399 plus the market adjustment of $2100. Other than that it was unexpected things but doable, had no idea of those items adding to cost until we arrived. Now I know what to ask dealer before I leave the house..

 

Thank you all for spending the time to reply! I had my wife read all the comments too. Definitely time to do more research and locate another dealership. I'm leaning towards the 5th Gen since being reminded of engine issues with Toyotas new models of Tundra/Sequoia. Once again I thank you all!!

 

Hello kmeeg, great video. Thank you for in-depth coverage, much appreciated!

 

Couple of points seeing your wanted list.

White Blizzard Perl -

There was a paint service bulletin for Toyota and Lexus. Vehicles made in Japan Tahara factory like 4runner and GX was in the list for paint issues. I think now they have a good clear coating for white paint. May be why Toyota and Lexus add 450-500 extra for white paint. But me personally would try to skip white to be on the safe side.
I'm happy Toyota has extended the warranty to fix it vs many other manufacturers ignore it and people have FB groups to fight for this problem. One example Honda . ​

Redwood interior-

I have a kid and its not easy to keep anything other than black. But I agree that Redwood interior add a classy look, but something to think about if you can keep it clean. ​

Automatic running boards and No 3rd row-

This would be hard to find as I think its the most expensive package that dealerships lile add when they place orders. If you go to Toyota.com and go to build you can find these packages. You can request quotes from dealerships near you at the end of the build flow too.​

 

https://www.cars.com/vehicledetail/9bbb4566-3887-458a-83ff-1380e1510dd0/

 

If you want reliable vehicle why buy first MY? 2024 (or whenever it’s released) is going to have some problems initially - even for a Toyota. You may want to wait longer until others have had a chance to be the beta testers.
With Toyotas it’s not as bad, but still I’d recommend not buying first MY.

 

Avoid first year models is a neat idea except you're forgetting the 4runner has had the same issues for over a decade and has gone uncorrected by toyota.

 

Some of the best cars I ever purchased were first year models. The legendary 2004 Acura TL, 2014 Mazda 3 were very reliable and really great cars.

 

i miss my 3rd gen TL and regret selling it. it really is a great car.

 

my 2003 4Runner was flawless, but I sold it at around 90k after only 3 years so it didn’t have enough time for the dash to melt and exhaust manifold to fail.

 

Can you elaborate what those issues are?
I am talking about catastrophic failures; engine or transmission issues like last generation Honda Pilot had, or almost every other american OEM has.

 

Heated steering wheel will sure come in handy in Arizona
I have used mine in Canada and it is sufficient. My wife's heated steering wheel in her Grand Cherokee gets way too hot.

 

Depends on the tint type (and obvious quality). I had the dealer offered stuff installed at $180 for front two, but my arm still got uncomfortably hot when the window was up and sun on it. Paid twice that for my wife’s car a month ago and being in her car feels like it’s the sun in the middle of winter. I had mine removed and added the ceramic tint with high infrared filtering, what a huge difference. Did my windshield and rest of windows as well (not tint, just clear film) and much cooler middle day sun in the driveway to the point I stopped using the windshield reflector. The green circle is after I got the new tint done. Remember cooler even without using windshield reflector.