It's not often I subscribe to channels, but this guy definitely earned it. You can tell he is very authentic which is the most important thing to me. No fluff or cheese, great camera work and solid overall reviews. I am definitely a fan. As to the Forerunner, I love them. Their biggest selling point is they are extremely reliable, rock solid, tough vehicles that look fantastic. (If you are into tough masculine looking trucks instead of glorified minivans). That said, it's definitely time for some modern upgrades.
If I want a street focused 4Runner, I go with limited. That’s likely the last 4Runner with 4wd auto so definitely still worth buying. Would wait for redesign for other models
Right. Same as the one on current Sequoia but they removed it from 2023 sequoia. Expect the same for redesigned 4Runner. Seems like Toyota will add either lsd or rear locker for this new platform but not both, at least not for North America
If i want a street focused 4runner I'm buying a jeep grand Cherokee, a bmw X3..literally anything else. ford bronco sport. why would you want a body on frame vehicle that can't tow shit for the road alone?
I just got a 2022 Limited. Always wanted one and I didn’t like what I heard about the upcoming model. I’ve been driving 40 years and I’m used to body on frame SUVs and cars. This is very nice for a body on frame SUV. Better than my 94 Mazda Navajo. (Loved that vehicle). It will fulfill my light off-roading use and is quite nice on the road. Is it a unibody SUV? No. That engine and five speed transmission is buttery smooth. When I I want good gas mileage, I will hop in to my Mazda Miata. I bought the 4Runner for the long haul. I’m older and could care less about technology. (Yes, I’ve turned into my father) Ryan’s videos sealed the deal for my purchase.
For the average buyer, the SR5 Premium is the sweet spot. It is what I opted for and I have no regrets. Very capable, especially with the smaller rims than this Sport. Plus the premium comes with more features, like heated seats and a sunroof for less money. I'm shocked this model didn't have that.
hahaha, for me a women, 1 the only available one within 2 month, 2 nicer looking for me than ltd(such an old papa look, no offense, just for me personally, 3 in Canada they provide heated seat i don't know why, 4. I don't mind a bit extra money on the frog light and bigger wheel, Ām i the designated costumer?virtualhug
I think the '23 4Runners aren't going to be much different than the '10 model that began Gen5. '24 is starting to look like the more appropriate timetable for updates to drivetrains and a fresh external model. That said unless you want an Army Green or Lunar Rock 4 Runner way below the OFP. Buy the SR5 P as many have suggested below. Nice video Ryan, thanks
7:57 - Android Auto and Apple CarPlay support was added for the 2020 model year (not 2021), for the record. 2020 had LED headlights only. 2021 added LED foglights. 2022 added LED hi-beams, as you mentioned. Your previous review was one of the reasons I ended up buying a 2021 TRD Off-Road Premium!
I feel like they've sliced and diced the 4Runner line into way more submodels than they need. The only reason someone would go for this, as opposed to the SR5 Premium for a lot less money, is the styling (if they prefer the front bumper and 20s). I doubt most buyers really care about the XREAS, and without the full time Auto 4WD system, I don't see the appeal for the price.
I feel those systems (KDSS, XREAS, AHC) are really good for the average owner. Provides better on road dynamics without limiting offroad capability. If I were getting a 4R, it would definitely have one of those.
@@ALMX5DP To some, perhaps. I drove a 4Runner with KDSS before I bought mine and it was nice, but for me, not $1700 nice. The number of average owners I see with SR5s in my area (75% of 4Runners I see) tells me most people have decided the cost wasn't justified for them.
@@RightYouAreKen01 to be fair it’s not available as an option on the SR5 right? I suspect the average customer doesn’t know what these systems are or can appreciate them on a simple test drive. Yeah may not be worth the cost to some, but I really feel it’s a fantastic system for getting a more well rounded vehicle.
Love my Canadian TRD ORP. It comes with all the options that the U.S. versions may or may not come with depending on state. Moon roof, dual climate control, KDSS, Auto Headlamps, Auto High Beams, Soft-Tex seats, MTM 360 camera, ATRAC, MTS select, PCT Heater, front wiper deicer.
I’m enjoying my TRD sport in midnight black. Love the 20 inch wheels and sitting way up high. I upgraded my speakers and added amp. I prefer the look over limited rich looks like an old man’s car with all that chrome.
This was a great review! I'm still driving a beautiful 2004 Limited V8 that I will never get rid of, but a new TRD Pro could happen along with it. Just awesome vehicles in my opinion and I know I'm not alone on that. Thanks!
I really wish this would've been made available/standard with the Torsen diff based system from the Limited. I feel that would've made more sense for the mission of this vehicle than the part time system.
My dad bought a brand new Barcelona Red TRD-Off Road 4Runner in 2019. He paid $36,000 brand new... and it is still worth that $36,000 3 years/30,000 miles later. I can't believe they've gone up in price almost $10,000 in the last few years with little change, love the 4runner but man are they expensive
No time to watch right now but my general impression with all these "special addition" 4Runners that have come out in the past couple years is that they began as trim levels that weren't moving off the lots particularly quickly so Toyota added some bling or a cooler lol and badged them as a "special edition" to increase perceived desirability. Every 4Runner is a nice truck but people really gravitated towards the premium packages in the show rooms.
Really glad you addressed the primary reason i have been avoiding a new 4 runner. Gas mileage. 17 combined is rediculous. The deck can be replaced and not really an issue. But even the Sequoia/Tundra hybrid gas isn't a big improvement, as Toyota focused on power, not efficiency.... Also not sure why soccer moms who never will go off road or tow anything would buy these.. Bad gas mileage and not spectacular for on road experience
My 08 Tundra with the 5.7L V8 would get around 15mpg city and 19mpg highway, occasionally I'd see 21mpg highway on longer trips...but when you can get better or the same fuel economy in a truck with a V8, the 4Runner is a joke in all ways you look at them, they're terrible on fuel economy, they have a terrible ride quality, and they're gutless. Lots of other options out there than a over-rated 4Runner that went out of style in the 90's.
@@myytchannel6632 LOL, they're not as reliable as you think they are...Toyota's reputation for reliability went out the window 20 years ago. People think they're reliable because they don't keep them long enough to find out the truth.
@@wildbill23c You own a Tundra. If your Tundra is not one or the 2 top reliable cars you have ever owned, then you bought the only bad one in the batch.
The 4Runner limited get such a bad rep from folks simple because it doesn’t have a locking rear diff and it doesn’t say TRD anything on it. You should do a review of that one with the full time 4x4 and locking center diff. It would be great to get your take off-road.
I like mine…but don’t understand the headlights. Can you explain it? Which is low beam for night use? When do one use the fog lights? Do one turn it off during the day? Also the air-conditioning…how to turn it on?
TRD marketing has been an goldmine for the American market. Remember the Scion days? Toyota was forever trying to reach the "young cool" market. They failed with Scion, but hit the mark with TRD. We considered a TRD offroad 4runner... but when you look at the specs and compare it to the GX, LX, LC you see what it's missing for people who actually LIVE off road. Not saying the 4runner isn't awesome, it is. Im.saying TRD is the new Scion branding.. it sells to the young people who used to think Toyotas were boring.
TRD is nothing more than fancy badging and a worse ride than normal. Making matters worse they're not putting TRD/Offroad stickers on a Rav4...a street hatchback car, and people are stupid enough to buy them based on badges rather than actual capability.
@@wildbill23c Yep. But since the marketing works then so does the equation. TRD stickers = increased sales in America. It's a business afterall.... if TRD stickies make the people have good feelz, then hey... everyone's happy
@@wildbill23c not completely true. I have a TRD OR Tacoma and it receives many upgrades the other trims don't receive. It's a much softer ride and I prefer that over the sport which is stiffer. Granted the sports shouldn't be called "TRD" for what's essentially an appearance package, but many manufacturers do the same thing. AMG & M badges come to mind.
You never mentioned the ride quality....How smooth is it? How quiet is it? How soft is it? Road noise. Engine noise. Wind noise. Tire noise. Cabin noise. Are the chair comphy on long trips? How tired are you after 3 hour drive? I had a 2007 Nissan Pathfinder SE and I used to hate the ride. After 80K miles, I got Michelin tires and the ride quality improved so much that I thought I was in a Lexus SUV. The tires no longer felt like it was dragging on the road. Road noise practically disappeared and it was a pleasure to drive. I know its a lot to ask, but maybe you can test these cars with different tires and give us a report on the differences. I am looking for long range highway comfort with off road capability like beach driving at the Outer Banks or going on "off road" trails. What do you recommend? 2022 Pathfinder, 4runner TRD Off Road with KDSS, 2022 Highlander, 2022 Telluride, or its cousin?
Ryan, You hit the bullseye in the 4Runner lineup when you chose the TRD Off-Road. The X-REAS suspension on the TRD Sport and Limited can become the X-Rated suspension at higher mileage when repairs are due. We have entered the period known as 'The Long Good Bye' for the current 4Runner. 4Runner fans with funds (4RFF) should stock up NOW if the thought of a turbo or Hybrid 4Runner fills them with fear. 😁
X-REAS can always just be replaced with a normal shock set up once it fails. It's only more expensive if you choose to keep the factory set up. Just worth mentioning because that is always an option for people.
Is there suppose to be a dash light saying "A-TRAC" in my new 4runner? It doesn't seem to turn on and no one can give me a straight answer? I'm in 4L while stopped when activating it like the manual says
I’ve been having the same debate on whether to wait for the new Tacoma or buy a 2022. I just decided to reserve a 2022. Even with Toyotas reputation for reliability I have to wonder how much of that comes from running 10 year old designs that have the kinks all worked out.
I've always assumed that a lot of the reliability comes from running old gear with kinks worked out. Toyota has leaned into that instead of constant updates..
@@ALMX5DP yes 3rd row is an option for 4Runner. Been just 5' 5" I love the 3rd row on my SR5 and Limited. I know taller reviews talk bad about 3rd row. (I have a video about the 3rd row but I don't think its nice to share the link on someone elses channel)
@@LionRunner holy cow I had no idea that was a thing!! How long have they been offering it. Even if small, nice to have the option for people who may find it useful.
IF you want MORE terrain to choose from, Belfair(Tahuya) is close to the starting point of where Ryan works out of. There are WAY too many places to list in Western WA. Most of which are South of Seattle. 1 great place to do 4x4ing w/out concern of trail damage is Moses Lake in Eastern WA.(if you don't mind the extra drive time/miles)
Love the 4Runner but this trim is a head scratcher for me. Has none of the Limited features I’d want and many of the features that would keep me from choosing the Limited trim (xreas, front end styling, 20” wheels in particular)
So...A street orientated 4runner with the optional TRD/off road package? Yeah...That makes perfect sense! These supplychain issues have really ducked up the current crops of "new" vehicles!
It is plainly stupid to have the name "TRD" anything on this, MUCH the less, have the 20s and limited cladding without the FT TORSEN/4WD.. Either than that, Great review, as always Ryan..
Here's my take based off this review. IF one wants a capable on road civil Toyota 4R, just buy the limited. Or IF you don't have that much $, the SR5 is more than adequate. BUT, even though I love my TRD OR, IF I never intended to hit the trails, I would NOT buy a 4R at this point. I agree 100% that if you can wait to see what they do with the make over, just wait. If not, buy something else completely. Lexus products are excellent, civilized and relatively better in manners on road. Not sure about better MPG, but I imagine so. In short, I would not buy the TRD Sport.
This trim was specifically made for people who want the looks of a limited and some off-road capability. I would personally but this specific trim if it had heated seats and a heated steering wheel.
I see this as a street vehicle but you live in a rural area or you got to drive a dirt road to get to your house on 5 acres. Not bad, wish the rav4 had a bit more go, maybe the hybrid one.........maybe.
All rumors at this point are pointing to Toyota not releasing the new 4Runner till ‘24. I have been watching closely as we are on a list waiting for a ‘22 SR5 Premium 3 row right now wanting to get a 5th gen before they change it. I don’t blame them, they are selling everyone they can build right now. I have no desire for a hybrid or turbo 4 4runner.
Few things I see with 4runner for 23: 6 cyl hybrid, no rear roll down glass, made in USA, not Japan. 2 of those 3 are deal breakers for me. The only positive would be improved fuel economy but the other two are really important to 4runner.
If you look at the new sequoia, it’s a harbinger of what’s to come for the 4runner. Only good news, is that they won’t come out with the new model until m/y 2024 I believe.
4Runners are always awesome and reliable vehicles. having owned 1-4th gen models, I can say, without a doubt. One of the BEST vehicles on the planet. For the everyday folk.
The next Gen 4Runner is delayed to 2024, and also the earliest they’ll bring in is, mid Summer of 2023. And they will continue the 5th Gen for one more year. And also they would offer both pure gas and hybrid for the next gen 4Runner.
my 4runner is faster than my old stock 2000 honda accord. Putting it in Smode with high revs and shifting is quick enough. Its no performance car but considering its a heavy V6 brick is quick enough. 😅
It should be standard across the 4Runner range if we're being honest. Even my 2002 SR5 4Runner had an AWD mode that could be used on dry/wet pavement. It was so much nicer to drive in mixed conditions because of it compared to my 2020 TRDORP.
@@RightYouAreKen01 EXACTLY!!! I also had a 3rd gen Limited with the AWD (FT 4WD) option.. ANNND get this, the rear Diff Lock as well... Stupid for getting rid of it..
@@ALMX5DP Don't get me wrong, Ryan knows I've been watching/following his work since the early 2000s. Today is no exception. But people will not want to see(yes, People, as in Plural) These two, you are referring to just for the heck of it. When everyone knows the outcome. RU-vid algorithms are not designed that way.
It will be an AWD based system, and most likely a crossover platform. Hopefully they'll at least replace that terrible gutless engine they're using with a hybrid setup.
@@wildbill23c There is absolutely no way that Toyota is going to change the next 4Runner into a crossover. They already have a slew of midsize crossovers to market to crowd that wants one.
@@jessebutler9352 Don't get your hopes up LOL. You seen what happened with the Chevy "Blazer", its coming, and everyone pretending it ain't is in for a very large surprise. The days of driving your bloated body on frame gas guzzling truck around are coming to an end sadly. Not going to be surprised when the Jeep Wrangler becomes a crossover in the near future as well.
Waiting for the 4Runner update! So far, I'm out of luck. 2023 Tundra.. very nice but I'm not a truck person. 2023 LX600.. very nice but too expensive. 2023 Sequoia.. very nice but not full time 4wd.
The TRD Sport has the same 4Runner soul. I like the look but I'd rather get a 2022 Off Road Premium. The 2023 turbo hybrid doesn't interest me. My only problem is paying the dealer markup, or the "market adjusted price", but I will have no choice.
That’s the issue I ran into recently in looking into 4Runner options. TRD OR had a mark-up of at least $5-7K over the TRD Sport. Ended up making due with the TRD Sport and using the money saved to upgrade accessories (wheels, rack, rock guard). The 4Runner “soul” is what I cared about most!
I too wasn't sure why 4Runner TRD Sport exists. For on road flavor I love my Limited with full-time 4wd and 3rd row is best suited. For value for money I love my SR5 with 3rd row. For offroad nothing is better than TRD Offroad & TRD Pro to me.
Hi @@SonTran-px4vf, just realizing how expensive the 4Runners are now. My SR5 with 3rd row was 36,085 and with all added options it was 38K where those days we were able to bargain and atleast go down to 36K price tag. I bet you would love the XREAS as its really comfy on road. If you don't like 20in wheels you can get stock 17in wheels. I got TRD Offroad 17in wheels for my Limited as my wife has no sympathy driving and loading her garden needs, main reason I got her a 4Runner. So 17in wheels and tires work best for her.
Too many valid points about how dated the 4Runner has become. I get that's what people used to look for but something's gotta give now. Looking forward to the 2023 changes.
I really don’t understand why people bash the 4Runner infotainment screen. It’s nothing fancy to be sure but whenever a reviewer says ‘it’s fine, just fine’, they make it sound like you can’t read it. I own one and I’ve been in plenty of cars with better screens and it just doesn’t matter. The back up camera is nice to see better but it isn’t making me run into anyone, and if you can’t see the icons on the screen in apple car play on this screen, then your blind, and no amount of better resolution will help. You need glasses, bad!
they are only for DRLs. LEDs are inside the projector housing for both low beam and highbeam. That DRL bulb gave me opportunity to have 2nd high beam. Just used a wire harness and now I have 2 sets of highbeams..😃😃
I was very disappointed with the 2017 4runner limited I recently test drove. It both handled and rode worse than my 2004 Hummer H2 that's been in two car accidents (without being repaired) and has about 100k more miles on it. I'm gonna test drive a GX460 to see if it's any better, it's definitely got more power but hopefully the ride and handling are better. Head to head comparison videos of a GX vs 4Runner, LX vs Land Cruiser, or even Aviator vs Explorer would be really cool in the future.
I feel like Toyota has no idea what to do with the 4Runner grills. All their newer vehicles have a somewhat stylish, defined looks. The 4Runner just looks like a weird mashup of their older Toyotas.
