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A little disapointed.. Test Drive

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Tundralag, Jun 17, 2019.

  1. Jun 17, 2019 at 8:43 AM
    #1
    Tundralag

    Tundralag [OP] New Member

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    I was all hyped up about getting a 2020 Runner that I decided to go test drive a new 2019. I haven't driven one since I sold my last one in Germany in 95..

    2019 Limited (nightshade money for nothing package) Took it out for two hours.. drove nice and smooth, was getting around 19-21 mpg, Two major things that sort of messed me up.
    1. You had to stomp your foot to the floor to get it to go, If I was in 5th gear going 45mph and I needed to switch lanes and speed up to do it.. it was unsettling on how much foot was required to get it moving.. was almost like a lawn mower engine trying to push a full size truck..

    2. The interior seems like they could not figure out if they wanted an manly truck or a refined truck.. Just looked odd to me.. it was like Toyota was all over the place on the design..

    Not sure if this will get fixed soon but... for a 46-49k vehicle it just doesn't cut the mustard.

    Please no arrows.. I am sure there are plenty of guys that love them... Hell I might still get one.. going to test drive the Tundra and Tacoma tonight..

    I am getting a Toyota.. just not sure what one..
     
  2. Jun 17, 2019 at 8:49 AM
    #2
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    I went from a 2018 Tacoma to a 2018 4runner. If you think the 4runner trans sucks, wait until you drive the Tacoma.

    If you want more passing power in the runner, bump it into S4 and it'll get up and go.

    I'm not a fan of the night shade, myself.
     
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  3. Jun 17, 2019 at 8:50 AM
    #3
    2016Pro

    2016Pro Why all of the Pro hate?

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    Don't get a Tacoma the engine and transmission are garbage
     
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  4. Jun 17, 2019 at 9:12 AM
    #4
    jester243

    jester243 rabble rabble rabble

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    I changed some lights, tires and tinted windows...mind blowing huh

    they're not for everyone :notsure:
     
  5. Jun 17, 2019 at 10:22 AM
    #5
    mikeymtbs

    mikeymtbs New Member

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    The Sprint Booster completely solves issue #1. Find someone near you that has one and test drive their truck. Completely different driving experience.
     
  6. Jun 17, 2019 at 11:06 AM
    #6
    MeefZah

    MeefZah ---

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    I mean, to accelerate quickly you need to downshift, and to downshift forcefully you need to plant your foot. This isn't anything unique to the 4R.

    I always think it has pretty decent acceleration, but I'm sure it is all proportionate.
     
    brad, Strandskov, thirdyota and 4 others like this.
  7. Jun 17, 2019 at 11:29 AM
    #7
    Jagamov

    Jagamov New Member

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    Correct.

    I like the interior, I love my Nightshade (no fan of chrome), and coming from a Tundra, have no issue with the power delivery.

    Personally, I like everything about it more than my Tundra.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  8. Jun 17, 2019 at 12:04 PM
    #8
    PVT Pablo

    PVT Pablo

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    I think it's best to manage expectations. There seems to be a lot of people who are new to the 4Runner expecting something more. It's not the most luxurious SUV, it's not the fastest, or best on gas milage. What it is though, is the most reliable family hauler than can hang offroad. If you want something more as in fancy interiors, look to Lexus. If you want a faster SUV, try the Grand Cherokee SRT. The 4Runner is rad as hell, but far from perfect.
     
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  9. Jun 17, 2019 at 12:28 PM
    #9
    akkording

    akkording New Member

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    Yeah pedal command and an aftermarket Y pipe will solved that problem. Low end to high end unleashed goodness
     
    SonofBert likes this.
  10. Jun 17, 2019 at 12:30 PM
    #10
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    Low-grade fuel???
     
  11. Jun 17, 2019 at 12:30 PM
    #11
    Toffees

    Toffees Stuff and things

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    what do you currently drive?
     
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  12. Jun 17, 2019 at 12:56 PM
    #12
    Tundralag

    Tundralag [OP] New Member

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    Ok to answer a few of you..
    1. I currently have a 2018 grand Cherokee 4x4 with V6
    2. I have no idea what fuel type or grade was in my test drive vehicle.. but it had a half tank and only had 12 miles on the clock.
    3. I managed my expectations fine.. I have lived all over the world and have owned damn near every piece of shit produced.. To include some nice ones as well, BMW, MERC Volvo etc. all have there own unique problems.. So I am not reaching for the stars here on the runner..

    Believe me I am not cutting up the 4 runner as I fell in love with it the second I saw it.. I am fully aware of what it can do off road.. I am looking for that last vehicle to buy before I retire (again) I will be moving from Hellpaso back to my home in Northern PA.(six toed hillbilly country). Lots of driving down through the fields deer hunting, mud, snow etc. no rock crawling or crazy shit.. I am just looking for a "One last Vehicle" before the good lord takes me..

    Sorry for any confusion.. Not knocking the T4R on your forum..

    T.
     
  13. Jun 17, 2019 at 1:01 PM
    #13
    nimby

    nimby in the drink

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    You could always buy an SR5 Premium. That would knock $10,000-$15,000 off the price you posted. Would it be worth it then?
     
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  14. Jun 17, 2019 at 1:28 PM
    #14
    Tundralag

    Tundralag [OP] New Member

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    I live in Potter county Pa, small town of Coudersport.. Born and raised.. Until uncle Sam took me away back in 1981
     
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  15. Jun 17, 2019 at 1:34 PM
    #15
    WallyT4R

    WallyT4R New Member

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    Welcome! :thumbsup:

    Enjoy your new Tundra! It will last you a long time.
     
    nimby likes this.
  16. Jun 17, 2019 at 1:36 PM
    #16
    SonofBert

    SonofBert New Member

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    BOSS lift and airbags
    Yep, builtin throttle lag stock with the drive by wire system.
     
  17. Jun 17, 2019 at 1:40 PM
    #17
    ForRun

    ForRun 4Runner

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    Maybe you had a lemon, 1st one I test drove was similar with poor performance. Went for another and Bam, all is good. Compared what I came from it's still a dog but you can add a magnason and let er rip!
     
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  18. Jun 17, 2019 at 3:49 PM
    #18
    Dillusion

    Dillusion New Member

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    Its just the 4R need to press the pedal harder than most. You get used to it.
     
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  19. Jun 17, 2019 at 4:34 PM
    #19
    Charlievee

    Charlievee New Member

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    I find my TuRD fast enough for what it is. Need to go faster, press the go peddle, it will stop at the floor board. Granted if I had the coin I would supercharge it (why no Kenny bell?). At the end of the day it's just an over priced station wagon with a transfer case. Ultimate in soccer mom transport.
     
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  20. Jun 17, 2019 at 6:43 PM
    #20
    gunsnob

    gunsnob New Member

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    LOL!! It will stop at the floor board...

    Yes, I like the ability to actually get up and go compared to my Mazda3.
     
  21. Jun 18, 2019 at 1:18 AM
    #21
    toy33

    toy33 New Member

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    Indeed. I had a 2014 Platinum Tundra and really like the 4Runner's size much better. Not too cramped like the Taco and not too long/bulky like the Tundra. Yeah the 5.7 power is awesome but too thirsty and just gets tiring after awhile if that makes sense. This 4.0 engine is proven reliable with the 5sp trans and can still be had with an actual key.

    Scary how people keep dying by forgetting to use the push button to shut off their car/truck.

    https://www.msn.com/en-us/autos/new...-could-save-others/ar-AAD0hC5?ocid=spartanntp
     
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  22. Jun 18, 2019 at 5:43 AM
    #22
    Jagamov

    Jagamov New Member

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    Totally makes sense. I've used that description before and feel it's hard to convey.
     
    toy33[QUOTED] likes this.
  23. Jun 18, 2019 at 8:50 AM
    #23
    PaulB-2006 T4R

    PaulB-2006 T4R New Member

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    Falken Wildpeak AT3W. Matte Black TRD Wheels. Leveled with 2" spacer. All LED interior. Mud flaps deleted. TRD Air Filter. TRD Oil Cap. Heated Front Seats. FJC Shifter. Subaru Kicker tweeters.
    I think I read Toyota is reprogramming the transmission's shift points which should make it respond better will maintaining MPGs.
     
  24. Jun 18, 2019 at 11:45 AM
    #24
    4runningMan

    4runningMan New Member

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    Yeah they've made a couple different ECU updates in the last two years. Issued as "TSB"s for those having problems. But you must meet certain criteria to get the updates. And it's not issued for all trims.

    I think the problem is that they can't change the mapping much without changing the mpg numbers of the truck. They're sorta locked into milking every last drop of fuel outta the gas tank.
     
  25. Jun 18, 2019 at 12:22 PM
    #25
    jdevtac

    jdevtac New Member

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    My 2013 Tacoma feels better, get up and go wise compared to the 5th gen t4Rs I’ve driven. But the 4th gen v8 feels better than both of these. I wish Toyota kept the v8 in the 5th gens.

    One thing tho is the 5th gens have about the same get up and go as how the 3.4L felt in 3rd gens. The HP/tq to body weight felt proportionally the same. Sort of takes a good push of the pedal and a slight lag and then your off.

    That being said I’d buy a 5th gen in a heartbeat, but I’d specifically look for the MY with the manual transfer case shifter.
     
  26. Jun 18, 2019 at 12:44 PM
    #26
    jester243

    jester243 rabble rabble rabble

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    I changed some lights, tires and tinted windows...mind blowing huh
    What is the weight difference? I think my 4runner is around 4800 and my Tacoma was 4100~ pounds
     
  27. Jun 18, 2019 at 12:46 PM
    #27
    jdevtac

    jdevtac New Member

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    Not sure I’d have to look it up. Definitely a bit less, but the V6 also has less horses compared to the 4Runner’s V6.
     
  28. Jun 18, 2019 at 3:49 PM
    #28
    jester243

    jester243 rabble rabble rabble

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    I changed some lights, tires and tinted windows...mind blowing huh
    double cab Tacoma 4200 pounds 236 HP (17 pounds/1 HP)

    5th gen 4runner 4800 pounds 270 HP (17.7 pounds/1 HP)

    I think a big part of it is just the additional 600 pounds when starting off is noticeable

    I had a chance to drive my kids 3rd gen limited this weekend, I kept hitting the pedal like I normally do in mine and kept taking off harder than I intended, I was really surprised how well his went, and the ride was firmer than I expected too. For a 2002 it was exceptional, I totally see why people love them so much.
     
  29. Jun 18, 2019 at 3:55 PM
    #29
    Tama1968

    Tama1968 New Member

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    I was impressed with the acceleration of the '19 SR5. Then again, my last SUV was an '06 Chevy Trailblazer that I just passed down to my son, so I'm an easy date.
     
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  30. Jun 18, 2019 at 4:11 PM
    #30
    jdevtac

    jdevtac New Member

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    I agree probably more a weight issue.

    Yeah I had a 2002 in high school and ended up buying it from my parents and drove it for a few more years. All around a fantastic vehicle. Like driving a speedy little dune buggy around. They lag if you go to essentially floor it like all the 3.4l V6’s but it’s a great motor paired to a light vehicle.
     
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