What 4Runner model / options to buy…

Hi Everyone, I am new here and am interested in a 2022 4Runner (to replace an aging 2013 Mazda CX-9). I am trying to educate myself on all of the different models.

I am not a huge off road person, but I like the fact that I have the option to do that if I wanted. I love the look of the TDR 4Runners… but here are the things I definitely would like:

-Blind Spot monitoring system
-Blackout package with black wheels, all terrain aggressive looking tires
-Leather / Softex seats
-I prefer Lunar Rock color, but I hear this is a rare color and hard to find, so I am open to other colors such as the metallic gray, etc.

I have been texting with a Toyota dealer sales guy throughout the day, and based on the above he said I would want to go with the TRD off road premium or the Sr5 premium and get the blackout package. With the Sr5 premium being a little cheaper, is that the way to go? Or am I going to be missing out on not getting a TRD version? Again, I don’t really envision myself doin a ton of off-roading, it would be more of an every day car, and I don’t really drive all that much (about 7k miles per year). Also, I am trying to keep the out the door price including TTL and everything, to 50k or just under if possible.

Thank you all in advance as I learn more about 4runners and all of the options, best way to go, etc.

 

SR5. Lots of threads on this subject too. Good luck on your search.

 

I would go SR5. Them main advantage to the TRD trims is the rear locker. You'll only need it if you get into some more difficult off-road use. An SR5 is pretty damn capable stock. And, lockers can be added if you want one later.

 

BTW, welcome to the forum!

 

SR5 Premium. Easy peasy.

 

Welcome to the forum! Good luck on your search, and I too recommend going with the SR5, premium package if you want the softex.

Though you say you don't want to go off-roading, just know that even the SR5 is very capable.

Edit: I just wanted to add, if you haven't driven one yet, it's going to drive very differently from your Mazda. So I would suggest taking a long extensive test drive, including getting on and off the highway, hills, and rough roads. All of that will give you a good sense of how the vehicle drives and handles.

 

Maybe a Highlander would suit you better coming from a CX-9?

 

I will go google this right now, but what is a rear locker?

Edit: never mind. I read up on it, i see where it locks both wheels so they both get the same power, better traction.

 

Check out both. The SR5 Premium's softex is two-tone black/graphite or beige with interior sliver accents. The TRD ORP has solid black seats with red stitching and a blacked out interior. The SR5 is available with a third row seat - the TRD is not.

 

Limited? Nice and comfy but can handle some off road

 

I want something cooler and more fun to drive. I have been researching Wranglers, Broncos, and 4Runners and 4Runners seem the best.

 

What will be the biggest differences in how it drives? Thanks!

 

Yup! It has only been necessary in a few situations.

 

It drives like a 4WD vehicle on a truck frame VS a FWD/AWD vehicle on a unibody chassis.

 

For your price point you wanna stay at the SR5 premium seems to be the winner.
Will have the options your looking for . Unless you can get a TRD off road premium at MSRP then jump on that one.

 

I actually don't really find my 4Runner "fun" to drive. To me it's a utility vehicle, more of a tool. I like the interior space, I like that it's rugged and reliable, and I like having the off-road capability, though I don't take advantage of it nearly enough.

If your version of fun includes wind in your hair, it's hard to beat the top off, doors off, fun of a Wrangler. If your version of fun consists of speedy acceleration and corner carving, none of these SUVs will be for you, haha.

 

Haha thanks. Interesting take. I guess the 4runner just looks cool to me, there’s so many accessories and customization you can do. Thought it would be a cool vehicle to own, but your description doesn’t sound all that fun / great lol.

 

They certainly look cool, you're 100% correct on that. Just drive one for yourself, you may like the old school feel to the way it drives. I know I did when I first drove it. It's funny, when I first got it, a co-worker asked me how it drove. I thought about it for a second and said terrible, but I really like that about it.

I'll partially take back what I said about fun, it actually is fun to drive in the snow. We had a couple good snowfalls this winter, and I did have a lot of fun messing around in some unplowed snow. Definitely gives you a sense of confidence in bad weather that you can go anywhere. It's also great if you have terrible roads in your town, you can basically just aim for the potholes and they don't even phase this thing.

Here's the aftermath of my fun in the snow, haha.. (That's the skid plate just below the front bumper)

 

Here is my predicament. I must have blind spot monitoring but I CANNOT have a moonroof. I am too tall and my hair / head hits the ceiling. I test drove one this morning and a moonroof will definitely not work.

I also want leather, blackout package, lunar rock, silver metallic, but I’m open to other colors too.

Does this configuration exist? Seems hard to basically find one WITH the blind spot monitoring and WITHOUT a moonroof.

If any of y’all know of any options here across any 4Runner model, please let me know. Thanks!

 

Welcome and greetings from Minnesota. You can’t go wrong with silver metallic. That is one of the easiest colors to keep clean.

 

You might actually be better off having a dealer help you find one with the options you want. Or, look online. Toyota tends to package options together. I seem to recall people having a hard time finding 4runners with leather but no moon roof. Mine does, but it seems to be a rare combo.

I'm not sure about the blackout package. You can buy aftermarket blackouts for the emblems if all else fails.

 

You may be able to order exactly what you want, not sure if the 2022 orders are still being accepted. Keep in mind that that will probably take you months to get it, these are still made in Japan.

I don't think that the moonroof is standard equipment on most models, even if you select the premium package, so it's just a matter of finding the right one on the dealer's lot.

I wouldn't worry too much about the blackout package, by the way, you can easily replicate that yourself after the fact. Same thing with any type of aftermarket wheel option that you would want to purchase.

Also, the leather isn't really leather, it's actually pleather.

Just curious, other than your head hitting the ceiling, what did you think of the test drive?

 

Maybe look for a TRD Sport.....Softex seating NO moonroof (it's not even an option), Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), I believe is an option. You can do your own blackout package - it's just black overlay even from the factory. The TRD Sport is a mix of an SR5 Premium with the Limited wheels and suspension.

My 4Runners in the following colors:

- TRD OR in Black - beautiful color with the blue flake... when clean...shows all the swirls and needs lots of love and care - had mine professionally ceramic coated
- TRD ORP in Super White - I like super white over the Blizzard Pearl White...with everything blacked out and black wheels this truck has a rugged look
- Limited in Silver - I think this is the classiest color and the color that "hides the dirt" the best I put the "silver/gray" TRD wheels on my Limited and think it looks pretty good. I saw a Silver Limited with a Rosewood interior and thought it really looked fantastic...almost like a Lexus color combo.
- Limited in Blizzard Pearl White - nice color, I put OR wheels on it, which gave it a different look over a Limited with the stock 20" wheels. Maybe a little more sporty..

 

Greetings. Another factor to consider is Kdss on the Trd Off Road. It's beefier sway bars make for better road manners (body roll) yet still lends wheel articulation if you go off road. Is also more reliable than Xreas suspension. As mentioned big change from a Mazda.

 

Did you have to switch out brakes/calipers? My Toyota dealership told me 17” wheels won’t fit my 15 limited which comes with 20” that comes with bigger brakes and calipers. Thanks!

 

Your dealership is full of shit. Every 5th gen 4Runner uses the same brakes.

 

^^^ he's right, All 4runner share the same brakes.

 

Nope the 17" TRD wheels fit just fine on my Limited.

 

No sunroof, that’s a tough one, usually bundled with the premium package. How about this, TRD Off-Road (not premium) with KDSS, no sunroof, Lunar Rock, no multi-terrain monitor, that should get you close to the magical $50K number. Toyota sells the black out covers and TRD Pro Matt black wheels, go to Bam Wholesale for prices. This way you get the 4Runner in the upper trim with KDSS and can upgrade to the TRD wheels/tires as you save money. Sell you stock wheels/tires and roll that money into the exterior upgrades.

 

Welcome!

I highly recommend you buy during Toyotathon this holiday season - starts in November? (If you buy new.) 2023 SR5 non premium base model means no blindspot, no sunrooof, no diff locker & no heated seats. Do not pay for a Black Out Package! Way cheaper and fun to do on your own. Do you wanted heated seats? If you want Blind Spot and No sunroof, you may have to buy used