Purchasing 5th gen

We are getting rid of our Highlander as soon as I get it from the shop (been in there for almost 4 months due to transmission failure). Thankfully it is covered under warranty. We are looking at the 4Runners since we don’t need the 3rd row and want something that we can drive on the beach here.

the only problem I’m having is finding a model with a front camera (wife needs it to park in garage and tight spots). I’m not crazy about the limited 4wd which is more like AWD. Would prefer a TRD but cannot find any with a front camera. How hard is it to install the anytime front camera and does it cause issues with the stock head unit? Am I better off with a limited (need it to be able to go through thick beach sand)

 

2022, 23 and 24 4Runners have a front camera from the factory. I'd guess the new 6th generation does too.

 

Is that only on the limited models or all models? From pictures online it does not look like the models other than limited have this.

 

The Anytime mod is kind of easy to do if you're a good DIY'er and/or electrically inclined. If you aren't, you could get a local stereo shop to install it for you for a nominal fee. You're better off going that route because the camera quality is far superior than the OEM cameras.

Also, you can turn them on while driving. You can't do that with OEM!

 

Only the multterrain monitor equipped Runner have a front cam. It was barely added in like 22 and the cameras are pretty terrible.

 

Yea I may be leaning towards the limited. How does it handle deep sand and how is the ground clearance compared to a TRD?

 

Cameras are easy to put in. My front camera is a universal camera.

 

The lower profile tires on the limited will be a bigger issue in the sand than the 4WD system. You won’t get as much of a bulge in the tire when aired down and get less flotation. What beaches do you drive on?

 

We are in St. Augustine now so we go to A street, matanzas, ocean trace and porpoise point.

 

I second this. Trail Grid Pro had a great option. Not a difficult install if you’re comfortable with DIY. Watch their install video, which is spot on.

 

I've wanted to do this mod on my SloRunner for awhile now. The only thing stopping me is in the video they take off the entire front bumper to install the front cam. I'm kind of lazy and don't want to commit to all that work just to install it. Maybe I'll pay a local shop to do it for me, as long as the price is right.

 

Any idea of a decent shop around here?

My buddy suggested Crank if Up over on Rufe Snow, they did a lift and camera and audio on his F-250

And Freeman toyota has them do all their lifts and other builds,

But I didn't like them, they acted like they were doing me a favor to take my money...wanted prepayment before even scheduling an appointment

 

I've had work done here a few times. They installed my steel bumper on my 2021 Tacoma (with light bar). They did the window tint on my Sonata and they were going to install some Morimoto's on my current 4Runner, but I decided not to spend an ass load of money on lights.

https://www.truckaomansfield.com/

 

I have 2nd hand experience with highlander transmission issues. My friend got lucky as Toyota bought it back under lemon law.
Not sure if 6th gen 4runners would have the same problem but better stay away if long term reliability is a need.

Limiteds have parking sensors and they are more practical than front camera where you have to press the camera button every time.

For my 2021 TRD Pro I have a cheap Amazon wireless camera. Easy install not the way I setup is not usable for parking. It's setup to see dwn on trails.

My TRD ORP have aftermarket front camera integrated to headunit. It was little involved but to too bad if you are little good at wiring. Have a video if needed.

My wife doesn't like to drive the TRD as its hard to shift between 2H and 4H with manual transfercase. Limited she doesn't have to think about it.

 

The Limited doesn't have a forward view camera (looking forward from bumper level) like the Multi-terrain Monitor does - but it does have Panoramic View Monitor and you can use it to see what is in front of you/behind you when parking. Its not as good for off-roading, but works great for parking. It also has Intuitive Parking Assist that lets you know how close you are getting to something if pulling/backing into a parking space. It uses sensors on the front and rear bumper - and the system can be turned off if you have a bike rack, or something that blocks the sensors, on your vehicle.