Bought a 4Runner Trail Edition over a 3rd Gen

I think the 4 Runner is by far the best looking SUV out there, but I wouldn't buy one until it gets an update. The engine/ tranny is a matter of preference, and yes it has power seats. But it also lacks nearly all of the updated tech the 3rd gen Tacoma has. The Limited has push button start but all the other trims use a regular key I believe. And the safety tech like RCTA and BSM are not available on any T4R trim. Yet the price is still right there with the 3rd gen Taco? Those things might not mean much to some, but I feel like if you're buying a new vehicle in 2017 and you plan to keep it for a few years, those are features one might want included at that price. I'll take a manual seat + all that tech over a power seat without it any day. But even if you decide those things don't matter to you, the 4Runner is still the best SUV if that's what you are looking for.

 

4Runner power? I had a 2015 Trail with KDSS and power was not something I was impressed with in comparison to my 3rd gen Tacoma.

 

IDK but from my experience having an 06' AC 4x4 then a 12' DCLB 4x4, my 4R crushes those two in engine power despite it being heavier than them. Maybe it's that nice looking but heavy armor on yours

 

just remember, jan or feb of 2018 is when they will probably release the 6th gen info on the 4runner.

2009 is when this gen was release so its about due for the next gen. that would put it at about 7-8 yrs for this gen time span.

I am itching for the next gen to come out so I can replace my 2014 LE with a new updated LE.

 

Interesting you say that as most people agree the 3rd gen is rather gutless. Maybe your 4R was tuned down by mistake on the assembly line

 

Nice observation Iven. The KDSS demo video definitely shows how they work together like that. Kind of impossible to do the suspension installation and film it simultaneously! I'll leave that for pros like you and Jeff at MORC

 

Its a frontrunner rack on OEM slots

Thanks! they aren't TRD, They are @SCSPerformance

I had it before the armor as well. Always been fairly gutless. Going to regear soon. Having more power on your 4runner than the 06 tacoma doesn't make any sense. It is the same power plant. 4.0L V6. I understand the 3rd gen being weak because 3.5L. If the Runner still had the V8 I would be so happy.

 

I've driven a 3rd gen and my 5th gen runner, both feel fairly similar actually. They never should have taken the 4.0L out of the tacoma.

 

Very good choice. Much rather have a 4Runner than a 3rd Gen.

 

The 4R and FJ have a beefier version of the 4.0 (dual VVT-I). Evidently, the 3rd gen has more HP but less torque than both engines with it reaching peak HP at 6K RPM which answers why people say you have to "floor" it to get it up to speed. All good. I'm not bashing anyones rig or choice but more my personal experience and preference.

 

When are these two beauties getting lifted

 

Huh, Today I learned. Just have had the opposite experience. Must be some modification the prior owner did. I still really dig my Runner, it just need a little help getting around.

 

I did the exact same thing. White '16 trail premium. The Tacoma falls short on interior comfort/quality when compared to the 4Runner. The 3.5 was a large reason I went 4Runner, that and rear seat room. I have a 2nd gen Tacoma and the seating position is weird, I accept it's short comings as I paid 6k for it, not 50k like my 4Runner

I find my 4Runner a little lethargic, and the 3rd gen Tacoma felt like a car engine that had little useable torque. But I did trade in my 2012 ram hemi and always had v8's so this may be a personal issue as I grew accustomed to that extra power. I know a few diesel truck owners that can't stand towing with a gas v8, so it's all relative to what you're use to.

 

Main difference is that the single VVT-i doesn't want to make you punch a Toyota Engineer in the face when you change oil filter.

 

Haha that's funny. I haven't reached my first oil change yet, but the forum sticky and youtube video looks Ridiculous

 

Haha so true!

 

I just did the 1st 5k oil change and yes it's quite a bit more tasking. What's interesting is the dealership said 10k for 1st oil change but I didn't concur and did it on my own.

 

The plastic air dam underneath has a little window which is great if you have a traditional oil filter. Toyota then decided a canister type filter is best so when you take it apart, you get oil all over.

 

10K since it's now to run on synthetic only.

 

I did use Toyota synthetic oil with the change but still feel 10k is way too long of an interval especially with how bad stop/go traffic is here