Knocks on 4runner

Any thoughts about why there are some many knocks on the runner? Consumers have good things to say, but "experts" do not. This thing is rock solid. I know a new gen is due, but I like the runner. I have never heard anyone who owned one say they didn't like it. So, why the negativity?

 

What are the knocks and where do you see them?

 

Not a very accurate assessment. Most reviews I've read are positive, and if there are "knocks" they tend to be simple observations that 4runners aren't as cutting edge as their competitors, but this is actually part of the appeal of the 4runner to most buyers. Simple proven tech that works.

 

You have to realize most people (reviewers) buy SUVs to get from point A to point B in comfort, with feature rich infotainment systems and interiors. The 4Runner is lagging pretty far behind as far as technology goes. I drove a brand new Ford Edge last week and it was great to drive. It had a ton of creature comforts that made the ride really enjoyable. Having said that, its a tall car, like most modern SUVs. The 4Runner is basically the last midsize body on frame SUV that can keep up with Jeeps and the like offroad. Thats the draw for customers.

 

It doesn't have the latest and greatest tech needed to check fakebook behind the wheel or text and drive but...who cares, it can do this.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9L1y0S0gcKo

 

Great vid.

 

He is beating the crap out of that thing.

 

Kinda funny to me-- everything that's noted as a negative in all the press about the 4runner is generally all the things that to me are positives.

Example: Big knobs? I can use them with gloves in the dark.

I LOVE the simplicity of the T4R. In 2028 is anyone gonna be ooh-ing and ahh-ing about the 2018 Honda Pilot or Ford Explorer or Nissan Murano?

Nope. But they'll pay top dollar for a 2013 T4R, a 15 year old vehicle.

 

Exactly! No push button start- perfect! No safety sense bs- Awesome! No automatic headlights- I'm not lazy?? etc, etc...

 

Agreed 100%

 

Cracks me up in reviews when they say the 4runner interior has "a lot of plastic". I see/hear it all the time (so often that it's weird) and I scratch my head.

It's no different than any other vehicle on the market. Hard to quantify "a lot of plastic", but... is there more plastic in the T4R than the Ford Explorer? Or Honda Pilot? Or any other vehicle? Such a weird observation.

 

Autos now average over 100 million lines of code. People do not use logic. I bought my 4Runner knowing it worked. Like birds attracted to shiny objects, humans flock to poorly designed technology.

 

The things it usually gets knocked for are the exact reasons I bought mine.

 

The first publication that comes to mind when thinking of this thread is Consumer Reports. But I guess more has to do with Toyota trucks in general. I remember before I purchased my 2nd gen Tacoma I did a lot of research on the Tacoma and Tundra. I have owned many Toyota’s prior and knew there was a several shortcomings but overall they offer some of the best vehicles on the market. After watching their videos CR left me with the impression that it was hands down the worst choice in midsize and full size pickups. In the Tacoma video the reviewer complained it rode like a truck...what!?!?. Honestly the 4Runner is almost in a class of its own because now all the so-called midsize SUVs are just cars with lift kits. The competition will ride better on the road because they abandoned their SUV DNA...frames/2 speed transfer cases/solid rear axles/etc etc. But most reviewers don’t care or understand why certain consumers purchase what they purchased. OP, you wanna see some 4Runner hate, just go over to the “other forum” and tell them you own a SR5 that you take Offroad! LOL!

 

Only knocks I ever hear about, are what it lacks, not what is has...

 

I appreciate all the comments and agree with essentially all of them. I do like the Forester, and I think Subaru is an excellent brand. It is just hard to ignore the history all of us in the family with Toyota, they are really reliable and I am comfortable with and trust my local dealer. It may well be I will buy a Subaru one day, but not today. I am happy with my 4runner, even though I will not be using it off-road.

 

I saw that one before too. That was awesome. He was determined.

 

That was really cool! Can't believe that thing came out with as little damage as it did. He beat the shit out of it.

Toyota should have this video on a loop at each one of their dealerships.

 

Two guys review the 2019 TRD Pro 4Runner and love it! It's a pretty good review.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MnOH_QZoZm4&t=169s

 

Wow, watching a video that compares a lesbian cruiser to the 4Runner is painful. Especially when the guy behind the wheel is bragging it up. I agree my Nightshade Limited is outdated as hell when it comes to updated safety tech and overall technology but hey, I have strong resale value and don't need to check my sexuality when I step into the car....

 

The reason why it gets no coverage in new publications is because it's the same dinosaur Toyota has been making for nearly a decade.

That's why it's called "news" and not "olds".

 

I know two lesbians that drive a 4Runner and an FJ. Why would you need your car to project your sexuality for you?

 

Take a read... it’s all about facts...https://www.theatlantic.com/busines...-came-to-be-seen-as-cars-for-lesbians/488042/

 

Ha I wouldn't mind having both a 4runner AND a Subaru. One for shorter road trips and one for long ones. Subaru's are great cars. We've had 3 in the family over the years. Thinking about another. As far as practicality goes, the outback is up there at the top of the pack imo. Like the 4runner, it's a good value compared to similarly priced vehicles.

 

Yes, I'm aware of the targeted advertisement that Subaru pioneered a while back. But driving a crossover won't affect your masculinity unless it's very fragile. Besides, dudes that drive HD diesel pickups probably think that we're all lesbians in our 4Runners anyway.

 

Things I would like to see would be blind spot monitoring, back up assist (or whatever that feature is backing up out of parking lots), wireless phone charger, keyless entry and push button start for the TRD OR. Was nice never touching my keys for the Tacoma. Just walk up and open the door. Luxury features and not necessary, but would be a nice option.

However, I have no real knocks on it.

 

The 4Runner does come with push button start and auto headlights.

 

Yes in the limited. Me no have a limited

 

Correct, I’m just stating they do in fact have some of those things.