New competition? At least it’s not a 4 banger

X2. Almost like saying it’s unreliable because it needs gas. Also why you never get the pro bro.

My driver side lower bolster is worn but I’m a fat ass and it’s a 19 I bought new. Sure wish I bought seat covers though.

 

I realize that whenever "reliable" enters discussion about a car we gotta pin down if a person means it's cheap to own and won't leave you stranded, completely problem-free, won't have any unexpected service (as long as you change the water pump regularly), etc.

Despite probably the combination of the worst engine in recent history and theft/vandalism risk, the '12 Sonata, '13 Elantra and '16 Sorento in the family have technically been dependable (but not unplanned repair-free). Doesn't invalidate the nightmares others have dealt with though.

 

Front struts. I won’t deny I include nuisances with my personal opinions and ratings for overall quality. If it rattles it pisses me off. The bottom of one of the rear seats had a weird deformity and the seat covering was peeling off. Just bad QC.

I won’t deny the engine and tranny would have gone 300k. But I’m looking at the total package. Am I happy for what I spent or not?

Some folks here are taking my opinion way too personally and getting irrationally defensive.

Like I said. It is what it is. I still recommend the 5th gen to friends even though mine didn’t meet my expectations based on my 3rd gen experience. These defensive reactions are no different than the posts for the 6th gen where old school gate keepers just can’t help them selves from crapping on it incessantly about their perceived reliability of the turbo 4.

Do I want a turbo 4 in a 4Runner or Land Cruiser? No. Never. But that doesn’t mean the engine won’t be a reliable evolution.

I don’t know why some people can’t come to grips with the fact a QX70 is near bulletproof.

 

Yeah. It was low on gas. You nailed it.

 

Also- what makes that list seem unusual? I’m guessing most folks here have limited experience with some or most on that list, and wouldn’t know their reliability and quality well enough to present a qualified opinion in order to formulate a rebuttal?

Im just listing vehicles that have served me well and exceeded expectations.

 

No. Just pointing out that a lot of things you listed have nothing to do with reliability. Poor quality, fine. But, it also sounds like some of your issues have been uncommon.

It seems unusual because the 4Runner is usually regarded as one of the most reliable vehicles. So, for one person to have owned numerous other vehicles that have been more reliable seems highly unlikely. Especially when they list things that don't affect actual reliability as reasons for considering a vehicle unreliable.

 

Yeah, but when push comes to shove, totality trumps all. There are a lot of reliable vehicles out there. Too many people here put the 4Runner on a golden pedestal. It’s a great vehicle. But not every one is a gem. A $50k vehicle that creaks and pops and rattles doesn’t exude confidence.

And $2+k in repairs before 50k just soured my opinion even further.

 

I wish mine was as nice as yours. I would not have dumped it a year ago.

 

That’s why I said n = 1.

 

This would have pissed me off as well.

I'll agree that there are always going to be some who have bad experiences, even with good products.

I guess I really can't argue against your personal experience.

Maybe yours was built on a Monday.

 

Nah. Friday afternoon. lol. Cheers.

 

New competition is the 2026 subaru outback
Under 45k for a turbo friendly 8+ inches of lift standard with leather seats let's go

 

To overwhelming majority of people these are reliability issues, as reliability means more than "sometimes starts and maybe can mover under its own power".

 

LOL! Not in my driveway. Never happen.

 

Which of these prevents the vehicle from starting and moving under its own power?



Or, are you actually suggesting that the majority of people would consider these things reliability issues? I could maybe give you the needle bearing. But, crappy seats, squeaks and rattles have nothing to do with reliability.

 

I think if im able to get a different set of fender covers or whatever people shlip shlap on their fenders and install a very nice normal looking fender (like a godamn semi circle) instead of all the animal looking geometric fenders that have been rolled out lately.. this might be a win!!

The engine is the same they've been using for years.. the interior looks nice.. just gotta do something with that atrocious plastic on the exterior.

Granted I've only seen photos but if it isnt all plastic on the inside.. then a nice little tune for like 400hp and it'll be a nice little stealthy grocery getter

 

The fact is, you would still end up with a Subaru. Not in my driveway, EVER. If you gave it to me, I would give it away before it even transferred into my name. That's what I think about Subaru. I know that many people like them, and that's fine. But I don't.

 

True that man i ain't tryna sway you .. well maybe a little .. maybe im swaying myself??

 

Do you just not like them? Or, do you consider them crappy cars?

I know a few people with Subarus. I haven't heard of many issues, aside from those with the turbo Boxer engines. But, I'm not sure if they've been due to aftermarket parts/tuning or just bad design. I thought I had heard of some CVT transmission issues, but I might be thinking of a different manufacturer.

That said, I don't really consider any crossover to be a true competitor to the 4Runner. But, it's probably suitable for a lot of folks needs, if serious off-roading isn't a priority.

 

Going on 6 years with the front bearing noise. Well it didn’t do it from new but it has for s long time. Still no issues besides some noise when it’s cold out. After lifting it seems to have quieted down and of course I got the ECGS bushing and tools to swap it out.

 

My parents had a couple of Subarus. They also had a Volvo or two. They also had a mid 80s Jeep Cherokee. I developed a hatred for all of them. The particular Subarus and Volvos they had were gutless. I could run faster than those things would move. The Jeep? Well, it was just junk. Seemed like there was always something broken. I think the final straw for them was a second transmission needed while they owned it.

 

Mine did it pretty much from new, IIRC. It went away in warmer weather, so I forgot about it and ended up getting the diff replaced around 28K miles or so the second winter. New diff has been fine. 140+K miles now.

 

The standard Outback is pretty slow. I remember seeing the acceleration numbers in something I was reading and the 0-60 made the 4Runner look fast.

 

Is it because it would make your 4Runner look bad by being more comfortable, quicker, more fuel efficient and having better traction in snow and rain?

 

If I cared that much about fuel efficiency I wouldn't have my 2nd Gen Tacoma or the 4Runner. That you think a Subaru is more comfortable is subjective opinion. I doubt that it is quicker based on how many Subarus are always in my way. Better traction in snow or rain? Maybe. Maybe not - both are subjective based on factors that could be affected by tire selection. Nice try though.

 

I never went to the dealer for mine. Now I'm lifted and at over 90K miles but I have extended warranty.

 

They are all true.
You seem triggered.

 

Depends on the engine. The base Outback is slower than a 4Runner.

I really don't know why anyone would be cross shopping Subarus and the 4Runner, personally. If a fuel efficient crossover would fulfill my needs, I'd mostly likely be in a Highlander or RX.

 

The majority of 4Runners will never get taken offroad. Even more so now that there are more luxury and street trims, limited, sport and platinum.

 

If you can overlook the subpar approach angle you can go a lot of places in a Subaru (and many crossovers too), there’s an aftermarket, etc.

I test drove a ‘15 Outback with the base engine four years ago and it was alright, less space that I would have preferred for the footprint but that was absolutely expected since it was still wagon-y then. Skipped out on it since I didn’t care for that era of Subaru’s trend of oil consumption, electrical things, pulley CVT, etc.

The million dollar question is figuring out what trade off between fuel economy, capability, price, etc. you want. Base engine is rated for 32 MPG highway and that’s nothing to sneeze at for something that can tackle light trail duty better than some crossovers.

I will bellyache about Hyundai/Kia’s subpar engines, cost-cutting and an AWD system destined to break but I will acknowledge the third-gen Sorento was a solid package that punched above its weight off-pavement. (it just ended up not being enough for my use)

I noticed the Highlander’s exhaust loops around the lower control arm and seems to hang lower than the others so I think there’s a solid chance I would have squished it over those that has it better tucked away.