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WHY do you love your 4Runner?

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by Slikplate54, Dec 23, 2021.

  1. Dec 23, 2021 at 6:35 PM
    #1
    Slikplate54

    Slikplate54 [OP] New Member

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    Last edited: Mar 8, 2022
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  2. Dec 23, 2021 at 6:44 PM
    #2
    peaceloveandtattoos

    peaceloveandtattoos New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2019
    Member:
    #9350
    Messages:
    203
    Gender:
    Female
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    ‘22 Army Green ORP
    Trd pro skid plate, roof rack, wheels, tires and lift, predator tubes
    I LOVE the agressive stance, they can look super beasty and as far as SUVs go, there aren’t many that can look so agressive stock. I LOVE the rear window rolling down and can’t remember how I drove around without it before haha. I love the reliability and the v6, while
    Not fast or racy, has plenty of power for my day to day needs. Love that they hold their value so strongly as well.
     
    Last edited: Dec 23, 2021
  3. Dec 23, 2021 at 6:49 PM
    #3
    Mtbpsych

    Mtbpsych New Member

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    Dec 3, 2018
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    Male
    Vehicle:
    2018 SR5
    Reliability over luxury and fuel economy.
    Others prefer shiny and all the bells and whistles, but then spend more time in the shop than on the road. Everyone has different wants and needs.
     
  4. Dec 23, 2021 at 7:06 PM
    #4
    Xero

    Xero New Member

    Joined:
    Dec 16, 2021
    Member:
    #24683
    Messages:
    74
    Vehicle:
    22 Toyota 4Runner Trail, 18 Tacoma TRD OR
    I like to think of it as perfected instead of dinosaurs. Just because it’s old doesn’t mean it’s bad. If it’s not broken, don’t fix it.

    I’m only a few weeks into owning a 4Runner though. I’ve had a Tacoma for years but we just traded my wife’s car in for the 4R.

    I like the reliability from a proven design. It looks great, it’s body on frame, it’s capable off roader, a lot of aftermarket support, very smooth ride for a 4x4 and resale value are the first things that come to mind.



    You buy a Toyota 4x4 for reliability, longevity and durability. You buy a BMW, Benz, or range Rover for the name, bells, whistles, and new tech
     
    Last edited: Dec 23, 2021
  5. Dec 23, 2021 at 7:14 PM
    #5
    Pavo

    Pavo New Member

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    Fully boxed body on frame, built in Japan. I don't rock crawl but camp remote af in the middle of nowhere so I need a vehicle that can reliably get me there and back and the 4runner fits the bill
     
  6. Dec 23, 2021 at 7:45 PM
    #6
    YetiMtnBkr

    YetiMtnBkr New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 3, 2021
    Member:
    #18893
    Messages:
    940
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jim
    Frederick, MD
    Vehicle:
    2021 LR Pro
    None
    Seven months and 12,000 miles! Reliability, looks good, drives well, very functional, and more comfortable than I expected. I find the power to be plenty adequate despite other's complaints. I wish the MPG's were better, but we all knew in advance what the MPG's expectations were. I am consistently averaging around 18 MPG's. Great platform to modify if desired. Happy with the Pro choice to primarily keep it stock in the short term. I am really pleased with this vehicle and hope to drive it for 12 years or more! No regrets!
     
    Thatbassguy and Xero like this.
  7. Dec 23, 2021 at 8:16 PM
    #7
    wsu_runner

    wsu_runner Just lurking...

    Joined:
    Dec 10, 2021
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    #24593
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    Trucks were the origins of the SUV and few/none carry that styling today. For me, I like the truck styling and body-on-frame construction, both of which are now uncommon in the SUV market. Additionally I had a '15 Tacoma, purchased intentionally before it was re-platformed. Mirrors my approach with the 5th gen 4Runner - I'd rather purchase an antiquated (mature, tested) platform than a new platform where the buyer could end up being the beta tester while the manufacturer is working out the kinks.
     
  8. Dec 23, 2021 at 8:20 PM
    #8
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,413
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Lots of good answers already!

    I think it's a really good compromise of things I wanted...

    -It's one of the most capable 4×4's on the market.
    -It's reasonably quiet and comfortable.
    -It has a reputation for reliability
    -plenty of cargo room for me
    -that back window!
    -I'm definitely forgetting some stuff. :D
     
  9. Dec 23, 2021 at 9:11 PM
    #9
    crashnburn

    crashnburn New Member

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    Kyx nerfbars, TRD roof rack.
    I went to buy the original 4runner a long time ago and couldn't afford it. I settled for a 4wd pickup. I then settled for a few 4wd pathfinders that were ok for light 4wheeling in the nj pine barrens or upstate NY. In 2013 I went to look for a new truck and picked a new pathfinder over a fj cruiser to save money instead of a 4runner. What a mistake. The pathfinder had a more car like ride and better gas mileage but that's where it's ok points stop. It can barely handle a beach drive with its crappy 4wd(awd). The quality is also crap. I got stuck at the beach last summer because the sand got a little deeper than usual so I started thinking about a new truck. I started looking just last month and jumped on an sr5 I saw incoming to a local dealer. I've already had it on the beach 2 or 3 times and used it to tow the jetski to the ramp by there. It kicks ass on the nissan which is now my wife's car.
     
    4Daughters and Thatbassguy like this.
  10. Dec 23, 2021 at 9:18 PM
    #10
    lunar_t4r

    lunar_t4r New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 18, 2021
    Member:
    #22416
    Messages:
    134
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2022 Lunar Rock ORP
    • styling
    • simplicity
    • capability
    • just enough tech while not being a computer on wheels
    • at the end of its generation, so most if not all kinks have been ironed out
    • reliable/durable
    • decent aftermarket support
    • decent passenger/cargo space
    • roll down back window
    • fits in my garage perfectly
    • built in japan
    • unbeatable resale value
    • the freaking color
    i'm okay with sacrificing mpgs. still getting 18mpg in mixed driving, so no complaints. most in the segment feel like minivans, though it's not a bad thing if you're looking for a comfortable people carrier. only jeep i was interested in was the 4xe, but that was out of my price bracket and the 4r is a better daily overall. bronco is too expensive and its reliability is unproven yet. pickups would not fit in my garage.

    on a side note, what constitutes a "dated" interior?
     
    Last edited: Dec 23, 2021
  11. Dec 23, 2021 at 9:51 PM
    #11
    Cowboy59

    Cowboy59 Enjoy the Adventure

    Joined:
    May 17, 2020
    Member:
    #14355
    Messages:
    913
    Gender:
    Male
    N. Florida
    Vehicle:
    2020 Off-Road Premium w/ Predator package & KDSS
    I echo ThatBassGuys reasons.
     
    Thatbassguy[QUOTED] likes this.
  12. Dec 24, 2021 at 1:08 AM
    #12
    JaSC

    JaSC New Member

    Joined:
    May 30, 2021
    Member:
    #21714
    Messages:
    288
    Gender:
    Male
    Anderson, SC
    Vehicle:
    Black 2018 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium, crawl control and MTS
    ToyTec Lift, Dual Batt Redarc. Rear safe drawer, console safe, Aux 2004 JGC fuse box, Warn bumper, 12,000lb winch
    Having a vehicle that will get you out of harms way. Live close to a Nuclear Power plant and prevailing winds? You might need a 4Runner. Hurricanes and evac routes? You might need a 4Runner, bolt cutters, saw. Stuck in traffic and someone decides to rage out by shooting? You might need a 4Runner with a steel bumper. Live in Tornado Ally? I think everyone gets it now.
    Sure there are other vehicles out there, but none I would want as a daily driver and none I feel confident enough in to get me and mine the h3ll out of Dodge.
    So if I have to use the word 'Love' then that's why.
     
  13. Dec 24, 2021 at 1:35 AM
    #13
    DallasTRDPro

    DallasTRDPro New Member

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    Feb 7, 2020
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    #13058
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    1,069
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    Male
    Dallas
    Vehicle:
    2021 Honda CRV...UGH!
    All these things, but mainly because its a simple vehicle. When I had a Subaru Outback it was like a spaceship. Very distracting vehicle to drive.
     
  14. Dec 24, 2021 at 6:39 AM
    #14
    Sandbuster

    Sandbuster Breaking Wind

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2021
    Member:
    #19157
    Messages:
    697
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Central Florida
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Offroad
    Power Commander, LED lights upgrade, Eibach Pro Truck Series suspension upgrade (front & rear), Airbags (rear), dash integrated trailer brake control, Body Armor front bumper, Smittybilt 10K winch
    My daughter forced me to buy it... :llama:
     
    MI-FL off roader and Thatbassguy like this.
  15. Dec 24, 2021 at 6:51 AM
    #15
    banjos-n-beer

    banjos-n-beer New Member

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    Oct 7, 2021
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    677
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    Male
    First Name:
    Steve
    Maine
    Vehicle:
    2018 Pro
    Clearly it’s svelte design, fantastic efficiency and technological prowess. Oh. And it’s skid pad numbers. Boom.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  16. Dec 24, 2021 at 6:53 AM
    #16
    GodOfDirt

    GodOfDirt New Member

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    65
    Gender:
    Male
    STL, MO
    Vehicle:
    2019 Magnetic Gray ORP
    GOBI Ranger & Ladder RSG Flat Rails WeBoost Cell Amp
    I was able to turn around in my driveway. After that, reliability sealed the deal.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  17. Dec 24, 2021 at 7:14 AM
    #17
    cuse93

    cuse93 New Member

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    It's function over form for me. I think it is butt ugly and painfully slow. But it fits in my garage, great in snow, great for the dogs, cavernous cargo space, bulletproof reliability, great resale value, and wonderfully low-tech. My wife drives a Silverado so I was able to reluctantly give up my Tundra for the 4Runner. Not having to go outside and clear ice and snow off my daily driver after a storm is priceless.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  18. Dec 24, 2021 at 7:19 AM
    #18
    4Daughters

    4Daughters It’s how I know God has a sense of humor

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    Ken
    Vehicle:
    2022 TRD ORP; Silver; too many port options...Ah well...
    TBD
    Dittos to ALL this (except silver...). I had a new Bronco Black Diamond on order for months, but woke up one day and saw the reality of that wonky multi-panel top and emerging new model issues. This is the oldest new truck you can buy; that appeals to me greatly.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  19. Dec 24, 2021 at 7:31 AM
    #19
    4R21

    4R21 New Member

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    AK
    Land of Cheese
    I was working on trying out all toyotas sold in usa !!

    ** (except silver...) :eek::rolleyes: Silver takes a good beating :confused:

    Its proven out true and true old style reliable TOYOTA made now.:hattip:
     
    Last edited: Dec 24, 2021
    Thatbassguy and 4Daughters like this.
  20. Dec 24, 2021 at 7:38 AM
    #20
    MI-FL off roader

    MI-FL off roader T4R Hobby/Addict

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    #878
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    First Name:
    Brett
    Merritt Island, FL
    Vehicle:
    03' SR5 Sport - 12' Limited
    Too many mods and too much money
  21. Dec 24, 2021 at 10:52 AM
    #21
    mac1usa

    mac1usa New Member

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    I had an old school 90s Explorer that I used for towing my 18ft aluminum fishing boat. I like the SUV full roof no need for a tonneau like a pickup, fits in garage very nicely.

    It was only True body on frame suv left in this size, reliability, resale, made in Japan, it I felt like if I did not like I would not lose much monetarily. So far I like it a lot, looks sweet, and I like the the old school engine/tranny reliability.

    You guys on this forum help convince me too it was the good decision. I only checked them out for two years lol before putting money down. Fortunately got it just before the chip shortage and price gouging started
     
    Thatbassguy and pathoffriendship like this.
  22. Dec 24, 2021 at 11:58 AM
    #22
    TrailGuy2016

    TrailGuy2016 New Member

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    Mar 11, 2021
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    312
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2016 Trail Premium, Silver
    Raptor lights, TRD front grille, RCI Metalworks skid plates
    Everything works, all the time. It has its limitations/foibles, but the pro's FAR outweigh the negatives.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  23. Dec 24, 2021 at 12:38 PM
    #23
    Sandbuster

    Sandbuster Breaking Wind

    Joined:
    Jan 16, 2021
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    #19157
    Messages:
    697
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Mike
    Central Florida
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD Offroad
    Power Commander, LED lights upgrade, Eibach Pro Truck Series suspension upgrade (front & rear), Airbags (rear), dash integrated trailer brake control, Body Armor front bumper, Smittybilt 10K winch
    I sorta agree with your sentiments. I'm old school (cause I'm an old guy..) meaning I liked the early style 4runners and especially the old 70s Landcruiser (had two of them - each Chevy powered). I gave up a really nice 5.0 F150 (4wd) for the 4runner but no regrets at all - my daughter is especially happy with my purchase as she is balls to the walls into the 4runner world.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  24. Dec 24, 2021 at 2:58 PM
    #24
    Rupp1

    Rupp1 New Member

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    Male
    NC
    Vehicle:
    2017 SR5 Premium RWD Starlight Black
    The older I get, the more I appreciate reliability. I’ve had 3 second gen Tacomas all 4WD. When I was looking for a 4Runner, I wanted the basics. The RWD SR5 Premium was exactly what I wanted. Good to go for a ton of miles.:thumbsup:
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  25. Dec 24, 2021 at 5:52 PM
    #25
    lunar_t4r

    lunar_t4r New Member

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    #22416
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    134
    Texas
    Vehicle:
    2022 Lunar Rock ORP
    they really dropped the ball on that hard top. i'm seeing more and more broncos running around in my area, and they look amazing. but it makes me wonder what kind of kinks may come up with an all new platform. i hope it holds up well so it forces toyota to be more competitive in the segment.

    as a lunar rock owner I personally like the classic silver. it was my #2 choice. they look amazing with a couple of mods since a lot of the mods available for our vehicles are black. but i do wish it was the silver offered on the tacoma/rav4 (sky silver metallic).
     
  26. Dec 24, 2021 at 6:10 PM
    #26
    SR5 Limited

    SR5 Limited New Member

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    12,089
    Vehicle:
    1996 SR5 Limited
    Because I’ve had it for over twenty years.
     
  27. Dec 24, 2021 at 6:38 PM
    #27
    peaceloveandtattoos

    peaceloveandtattoos New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 30, 2019
    Member:
    #9350
    Messages:
    203
    Gender:
    Female
    Arizona
    Vehicle:
    ‘22 Army Green ORP
    Trd pro skid plate, roof rack, wheels, tires and lift, predator tubes
    I considered a wrangler rubicon and a new bronco before deciding happily on my soon incoming ‘22 ORP. I love my Runner and have no real complaints.
     
    Thatbassguy and 4Daughters like this.
  28. Dec 24, 2021 at 6:38 PM
    #28
    ARB1977

    ARB1977 It’s a beaut Clark

    Joined:
    Dec 6, 2021
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    #24535
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    33
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    First Name:
    Anthony
    I’m holding out till the next generation comes out. My son will be driving in 3 years. Currently own a 15 Tacoma…love that truck. He’ll get that truck.
     
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  29. Dec 24, 2021 at 6:41 PM
    #29
    4Daughters

    4Daughters It’s how I know God has a sense of humor

    Joined:
    Oct 28, 2021
    Member:
    #24005
    Messages:
    118
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ken
    Vehicle:
    2022 TRD ORP; Silver; too many port options...Ah well...
    TBD
    I have to agree with the guys at TFL Off-Road. If you’re leasing, get the Bronco, have fun and turn it back in. But if you’re buying for the long term, hands-down get the 4Runner.
     
  30. Dec 24, 2021 at 7:33 PM
    #30
    Stoney Ranger

    Stoney Ranger New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 19, 2021
    Member:
    #20419
    Messages:
    790
    Gender:
    Male
    Driftless Area
    Vehicle:
    '18 SR5 Nauti Blue
    4x Rockers/Skids-Dobi-275's-Fr/R Bpr-Winch-Stickers-ALF
    I bought a 4R because I wasn't gonna pay the big $$ for a Suburban. The 4R will suffice, and I truly do like it.

    But I really wanted a 'burban.
     
    nicko524, Thatbassguy and TRD75 like this.

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