Best street ride?

Hello,

When I bought my 2013 Prerunner V6, I was looking for a great truck that would pull my toys, but also have a good ride for the street (mostly highway). Mission accomplished with that purchase. Rides great and pulls the trailer and toys nicely.

Living in north Texas, I would only NEED 4x4 on rare occasions. It's nice to have for the snow fall we get a week each year, slick boat ramps, beach driving, or a little offroad. In other words, hardly a necessity. 4x2 has been fine.

My primary need is a good ride on the highway.

Which 3rd gen model fulfills that?

My 2013 Prerunner is based on the SR5 suspension of that year (as I understand it). At the time I didn't think I wanted the stiffness of the TRD Sport.

Which 2017 would be the best choice? I want a moonroof so that rules out the SR5 and GST varients (TSS, Texas Edition). That leaves the Limited, TRD Sport, and TRD Offroad. Is the offroad suspension a better choice because it is softer than the Sport? Is the Limited suspension the same as the Sport or OR?

I had planned on the Sport with the Tech and tow package. MSRP is $34,700. The extra grand for a 4x4 isn't a deal breaker so would it be smarter to get the OR 4x4?

Mostly interested in feedback on highway ride. Thanks!

 

4x4 option is more than a grand

 

It was really a figure of speech. I know it's more like three grand.

Price is really off topic any way. I can afford the Limited. But that doesn't answer the question and I have not driven all three.

 

I wouldn't call the offroad suspension softer than the sport. I'd say buying for the suspension "upgrades" on the TRD Sport/Offroad is probably not the best idea as really the truck shines when you pull it off and replace with higher-quality coilovers/more appropriate leaf springs.

Here's a question: what didn't you like about your SR5 that you're trying to fix? It sounds like you don't really know what you want.

 

The SR5 would be fine. If I could order a moonroof.

 

Comfortable street ride and moonroof? Can I direct you to an SUV?

 

If I were you I would test drive them all Limited, Sport, and OR. Sounds like to me the Limited would fulfill your needs. However, you can get a moonroof with the Sport and OR DBL Cabs as well. I test drove the OR and Limited and both were very smooth rides on city streets and highway. I would like to get the dealer to let me do some minor off roading with the OR.

 

I'm not sure I understand your want/need for a new 2017 model. You speak highly of your 2013 and nothing in your post suggests it is lacking in a certain area which makes you need a new one $$$. You even mentioned 4x4 is not a necessity.

 

Are you set on a pickup? If not the 4runner is worth test driving!

 

Let me re-phrase the question(s)

1. Are the shocks and suspension different on the Limited, Sport, and OR?
2. Focusing purely on the suspension and ride (not creature comforts), which is best for highway crusing?

 

1. The Limited has the same suspension as the SR5 and SR. The Sport has Hitachi shocks and the OR has Bilstein shocks.
2. Your choice based on the test drive. The Sport is the most street oriented. Maybe the Limited and its simple suspension is good enough.

I would personally just spend $600 on all new Fox/Bilstein/KYB shocks on that 2013 that you have. My 2 cents.

 

1.) yes the limited is different than the sport and the sport is different than the OR.
2.) Personally I have no complaints and love the way my LTD 4X4 handles on the road (8000 miles, so suspension is definitely broken in).
A couple of notes:
a) when crossing a long bridge with the metal braces to allow for expanding and contracting, at hwy speeds, the truck tends to bounce, not really lose its grip, just something you can feel.
b) the truck also does a fantastic job of absorbing jolts from pot holes, but its not a cadillac, it won't glide over them like they aren't there. you will know you hit one, it just won't shoot the force into your back from doing so. hopefully that helps or that i explained it right


End the end it's still a truck

 

I would get the Limited or TRD Sport if highway manners are most important. If for nothing else, the front air dam that is good for 2-3 mpg at highway speeds

 

Plus, imo a 2wd TRD Offroad doesn't make a lot of sense to me

 

I'm used to driving a lexus and the ride on my Tacoma sport 4x4 is nothing to complain about, actually nice change from the feel no bumps kinda ride.
Let's face it, it's a truck.