Wisdom from former full size truck owners

Brain Trust:

I'm looking to trade my 2017 Ford F150 for a 4Runner or Sequoia (2nd Gen). I've done as much desktop research as possible and will be visiting dealers this weekend.

In advance of my limited test drive opportunity - seeking advice from those of you who have transitioned from a full size truck to a 4 runner.

My primary concerns are:

- performance: my bro in law's tacoma (same engine) feels really anemic and
- size/comfort: have you found it small/cramped over time in the driver's seat?

Anything else I should consider?

 

Where in Texas are you located at?

 

One observation - the Tacoma has a different engine. Either the 3rd gen, or 2nd gen (which is the same engine family, but different in other ways)

I had a 2013 Tacoma, and now a 2019 4R - no comparison. I will say it will not be anything like your F-150 was, though.

 

I'm in the Dallas Area - flower mound, specifically.

Thanks for the heads up on the Tacoma engine.

 

Coming from a V8 to V6 4runner was an adjustment. I liked the mpg and size on 4Runner better than Sequoia and it's a bullet proof proven platform. Just had to accept it's not a V8. The V6 is fine and gets the job done.

 

Or buy a GX460 if the V8 is a must.

 

This is true and an option I considered also. The Toyota/Lexus V8 is an amazing motor. For me the 4runner with V6 made the most sense.

 

Thanks for the quick responses gang. The GX was/is on my research list...but:
- it's actually "smaller" than the 4Runner - 2.5'' less shoulder room. Also - it doesn't have independent rear suspension like the Sequoia...so, if I'm going to suck up the gas mileage penalty....seems like the Sequoia will give me a more comfortable experience.

btw - I looked at the Lexus LX - which seems very different. The 3rd row doesn't fold flat....I can't figure out why I'd want an LX over a sequoia.

 

Went from Tundra to 4R and I'm back in a Tundra.

4Runner is good not great. I needed a bed more than I thought when I got the 4R. Power of course is night a day not in the same class anyways to compare.

Would I go back to a 4R? Not a chance in hell unless I bought one for fun and I'd still have a full size.

 

Don’t buy a runner until you get to test drive, there will be a power difference and folks complain about its lack of get up and go. I actually like it, and if you get your foot into it, it will go, but you can tell it’s working hard.

Do you use the Truck for Truck things? I miss my taco, because I don’t have a truck bed, but if I really need to, I just hook up the trailer.

 

Yeah even try to find a used 4R for sale somwhere with the 4.0 V6 and test drive it first just so you have some idea. Its a great truck but far different than a F-150

 

Not sure what the used/new car market is like now. When I bought in 21 only option on test drive was used. No new models on lot they were sold before they were unloaded from truck. What was crazy is the used I test drove was more expensive than new. I was happy to pay MSRP for new when they found what I wanted.

 

No transition for me...I've owned an F150 with the 3.5 Ecoboost, and a Dodge dually with the Cummins engine for several years now. Just added the 4Runner to the fleet.

The 4Runner is much smoother on rough dirt roads. At 5'10" I find the seats and ergonomics of the 4Runner interior quite comfortable. I just wish it had that 3.5 Ecoboost engine in it - that would have made it ideal because I'm not used to a vehicle having to shift down every time it gets to a hill.

 

Around here new 4Rs are more difficult to find but used ones show up on dealer lots. So I was I trying to say better to drive a used one to see what it’s like if available if considering trying to order or get an allocation

 

I don't feel the 4Runner is slow on flat roads or hills. Trying to pass at 80mph uphill eastbound towards the Eisenhower Tunnel is a different story haha.

I do find it cramped at times. Specifically, there aren't a lot of places to put things that the driver can reach. The door pockets seem a bit small and aside from the cup holders, there is hardly anywhere to place things in the cockpit. The center console is fine, not very large, but not small.

 

We have a Tundra and 4Runner. Two different animals.
Tundra = Moose
4Runner = Deer, just maybe not as quick!
Both great vehicles. Can’t go wrong with either.

 

Just a quick thank you for all the responses.

I got out today and had the chance to drive the Tundra and a 2020 4Runner SR5 Premium.

The good news:

I feel like I fit just fine in the 4runner and I enjoyed the ride. It was smoother than I expected and the power felt like I expected. I can see why people get so excited about the pedal commander. The throttle mapping feels a bit on the "eco" side for me.


The tundra was nice - but, not nice enough to spend a bunch of money on and basically have the same thing I have now.

A couple more questions if you'll tolerate me (and, thanks again so far).

- the JBL premium. Is this worth it or should I just plan on getting an aftermarket head unit/speakers? (I saw a Sony 9500??? that seemed really cool. I *think* (and, where I need help) - the door cards are going to be different on the JBL package as there are more speakers? Is this correct?

- I will not use the "tricky" 4wd stuff. I may use the 4wd occasionally in "easy" conditions...but, mostly I"m getting it to make sure I can handle ice/snow both here in Dallas and in CO where my son lives. I'm sure the SR5 is "fine". Is it worth getting the TRD options for resale?

I'm not super budget conscious....but, I am value conscious. It really pains me to overpay (like I did with the F150, and the Harley and.....) Anyway - trying to quit that!

So - as it relates to the TRD options - I would only be buying for resale vs. personal use. Even the SR5 premium I could live without the softex and the sunroof.....I do like the keyless entry though. I can (and, probably will) buy aftermarket wheels and tires. (unless I get TRD)

Thoughts on the value if I'm honest with myself on "use" of the TRD stuff?

Many thanks for taking the time - appreciate it very much.

 

In my opinion, never spend extra on the audio from manufacturers, unless you are not willing to alter the vehicle.
4runners and Tacomas have a history of holding their value well, to buy the TRD for resale, just means you will pay more now to lose almost the same amount later, so I say get the sr5, maybe even the premium.

all that being said, we ended up on the ORP because I wanted the shift lever for 4x4, and wife wanted heated seats installed from the factory. I didn’t want the sunroof, but couldn’t find one in our color options.

 

What a thread.

 

Not sure what you mean with “tricky” 4wd stuff. The SR5 and TRD packages are all part time 4wd. If you mean you’d rather not fiddle with it, consider the limited, which is full-time

 

I'm guessing he's referring to crawl control & multi-terrain select.

 

The 4Runner is underpowered and lacks interior storage space. There is simply no extra space. There is barely room to stow a cell phone. The gas pedal and brake pedal are too close together. The center armrest is very lacking. Along with that fairly smooth SR5 ride comes a shocking amount of nose dive when braking sharply.
It is definitely not an F150.
The power in Texas might okay but the elevation in Colorado reduces power to barely enough. It is gutless on the long mountain passes. I was just getting along at a reasonable rpm in third gear as I watched a Ram diesel towing a big horse trailer approach behind. He clearly considered passing me. My lightly loaded SUV probably couldn’t keep up with that truck and trailer that weighed 5-6 times as much.
I just edited this to consider that if six 4runners where attached together to equal a weight similar to that truck climbing that grade, the combined horsepower of all 36 cylinders still couldn’t keep with that truck.

 

Do you own a 4R? And if so, why?

 

If they do, they should sell it quick, well as fast as the runner will go.

 

I have for three years. It’s okay. It’s has a frame. It gets the job done except during the rare trip to higher elevations. I knew about most of the limitations going in. Cubbyholes are something minor, the serious nose is easy to fix with shocks. This being my second toyota V6 I wasn’t surprised about the lack low and mid-range power. I like the vehicle and have no plan to part with it unless Jeep pulls their head out their ass offers a small V8 for an average persons means rather than a limited specialty. Besides switching from my 4Runner to my Duramax makes my big Chevy feel like racecar.

 

I guess a major part of chosing a 4runner was the history of long term durability. Since the F150 was mentioned, my experience with that truck is that it does everything a 4runner will, and probably better, until after 100k. A cascade of issues started about then and issues with the behavior of the transmission made me lose confidence it it.

 

wait. The pro has a different gear ratio?

 

All 5th gen 4Rs have a 3.73 final drive.

 

RE: F150.

It is indeed reliability that has prompted my switch. My 2017 F150 (60k) miles has been in the shop for nearly 10 days now. The APIM (which controls the Sync system) has gone bad for the 2nd time in 5 years. My sunroof also won't open. The door locks aren't working as designed (though they suspect that is APIM related) and the quote for the sunroof and APIM is $4900.

I have always enjoyed large cars/trucks; however, I am not using my truck for truck stuff very often. Based on my (admittedly desktop) research, the 4Runner is perhaps the most bulletproof platform available. It also seems appropriate for a guy to be driving it.

I mean, Mazda makes FANTASTIC cars...but, they all look feminine.

The 4Runner also has admirable depreciation - so, any money invested is relatively "safe" vs. comparable options.

As an aside: I grew up in Orange County, CA where as a kid in the 1970s we would have "smog days" - which meant..."no recess". Instead we played board games or something else indoors and without exertion. I recall having my lungs burn.

I don't want to go back to that....but I also am not a huge fan of EPA efficiencies driving reliability concerns everywhere. Not too mention "cost". The more complex these engines get, the more likely something will go wrong.

My F150 is an ecoboost (2nd Gen) - the powerplant has actually been good and the 10speed transmission has been really smooth.

I'm hearing the next gen 4Runner will have a 4 pot turbo - which makes sense given the EPA stuff. I wonder how all of you will feel about that option.

Presumably, it will have more torque and HP along with better fuel economy....but, also carry with it the reliability scars we see in the Tundra platform today (though, that engine seems to have been tested in Lexus for several years prior.....so - not sure why the ding on the reviews).

I have always chased "the best" / "fastest" whatever. I guess I've matured (finally) and think "good enough" is acceptable.

I suppose if I get too itchy, Magnuson makes a supercharger.

 

The reason I bought my 4Runner now is precisely because of the upcoming engine change. For me and where I live, dependability is #1 priority. I don't want to be a beta tester for such an expensive purchase. The turbo engine in the new Tundra has been having teething problems and I foresee the same with the 4 cyl turbo. It is 175 miles to the nearest Toyota dealer for me and I don't want to have to drive that distance even if it is for something covered under warranty. By the time my current 4Runner is worn out the new engine/tranny combination should be all sorted out and then I'll consider buying one.

I also have an F150 with the 3.5 Ecoboost with 70,000 miles on it. It has been flawless - all I've ever had to do is change oil/filters and rotate the tires and I hope to keep driving this one for many more years. Only reason I bought the 4Runner is that I was putting so many miles on the F150 so fast. I'll use the 4Runner for a great portion of the trips I've been doing with the F150.