Author Topic: 2010 Toyota 4Runner SR5; Day 1 (Read 3543 times)

Autos_Editor · « **on:** June 02, 2010, 08:25:01 am »

The 2010 Toyota 4Runner does not drive like anything James has tested in recent memory. Keep reading this week to see whether that's a good thing.
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ktm525 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 02, 2010, 10:59:23 am »

Yippee 20" wheels, chrome door handles and no V8. I was eagerly anticipating the new 4Runner and delayed a purchase until I could see one in the flesh. The Limited looks awkward, the 20" tires are too tall and skinny. The SR5 looks better with the wider rubber buit it is still clumsy looking. I wasn't all that impressed with the interior either. I think my fav. Runner was 2 generations ago.

Daniel · « **Reply #2 on:** June 02, 2010, 11:27:59 am »

Two generations ago was the classic look for Toyota trucks and model lasted the second and third generations from 1990 to 2002. It's a great SUV and I've owned the second prior and currently own a the third generation. I like the fact that Toyota is continuing the roots of the 4Runner and keeping it in a truck frame construction for off road use. There aren't too many real off road SUVs anymore and it's great to see that the 4Runner is still going strong.

The 4Runner is my SUV of choice and would buy this over other more expensive SUVs as they just can't perform like this one does.

ktm525 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 02, 2010, 11:36:27 am »

Quote from: Daniel on June 02, 2010, 11:27:59 am

Two generations ago was the classic look for Toyota trucks and model lasted the second and third generations from 1990 to 2002. It's a great SUV and I've owned the second prior and currently own a the third generation. I like the fact that Toyota is continuing the roots of the 4Runner and keeping it in a truck frame construction for off road use. There aren't too many real off road SUVs anymore and it's great to see that the 4Runner is still going strong.

The 4Runner is my SUV of choice and would buy this over other more expensive SUVs as they just can't perform like this one does.

My 06 Land Rover LR3 with locking rear differential would like to say otherwise...

In Canada the only way to get the third row seat is to buy a Limited.. Bad move.

ovr50 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 02, 2010, 02:43:04 pm »

As the owner of a 2000MY Runner from '00 to '02, I will be interested to read James' comments on this new one.

ktm525 · « **Reply #5 on:** June 02, 2010, 02:51:05 pm »

Quote from: ovr50 on June 02, 2010, 02:43:04 pm

As the owner of a 2000MY Runner from '00 to '02, I will be interested to read James' comments on this new one.

That was the good one.

PlanB · « **Reply #6 on:** June 02, 2010, 03:40:46 pm »

Quote from: ktm525 on June 02, 2010, 11:36:27 am

Quote from: Daniel on June 02, 2010, 11:27:59 am
Two generations ago was the classic look for Toyota trucks and model lasted the second and third generations from 1990 to 2002. It's a great SUV and I've owned the second prior and currently own a the third generation. I like the fact that Toyota is continuing the roots of the 4Runner and keeping it in a truck frame construction for off road use. There aren't too many real off road SUVs anymore and it's great to see that the 4Runner is still going strong.

The 4Runner is my SUV of choice and would buy this over other more expensive SUVs as they just can't perform like this one does.

My 06 Land Rover LR3 with locking rear differential would like to say otherwise...

In Canada the only way to get the third row seat is to buy a Limited.. Bad move.

I know not every specific unit falls under the same blanket statement, but don't think that LR reliability ratings can even compare to those of Toyota (even considering the recent number of recalls from Toyota).

In its class (and it's a small class considering the aforementioned fact that the 4Runner is essentially a truck first then an SUV second) I'd take the 4Runner over the competition any day myself.

ktm525 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 02, 2010, 03:41:51 pm »

OP said perform, not break.

Winterpeg · « **Reply #8 on:** June 02, 2010, 05:08:53 pm »

I rather like the looks of this latest version, in particular the "TRAIL" option. Happy motoring Wing.

aknutson · « **Reply #9 on:** June 03, 2010, 09:10:02 am »

Quote from: Winterpeg on June 02, 2010, 05:08:53 pm

I rather like the looks of this latest version, in particular the "TRAIL" option. Happy motoring Wing.

Me too - same model, the trail edition looks good. It's a nice balance of looking aggressive and actually being able to back it up with some serious off-road capability.

dragonflyjack · « **Reply #10 on:** June 03, 2010, 09:11:25 am »

Assuming this is the small truck chassis from Toyota, does one sit on the floor with feet extended , as in a Corolla, like the pickup? 42 grand for the lesser model?
It's got that generic bulbous SUV look from Toyota of late...I'm glad to hear it's on a truck chassis, so the 98 percent of the buyers can pretend they might someday use it for that purpose...Blah....dragonfly

SJP · « **Reply #11 on:** June 03, 2010, 09:52:40 am »

I know the local Toyota dealer doesn't move many of these, but of the ones they sell, not too bloody many ever see the dirt. Ten years down the road, they might make good used off road vehicles for those who really drive in the mud. For those who might take their $40 000 truck into the woods, I think this is the exact type of vehicle that should have a diesel option.

The reason unibody "trucks" sell so well, is both for fashion and sensibility, they actually do what people need them to

ktm525 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 03, 2010, 11:11:46 am »

Quote from: dragonflyjack on June 03, 2010, 09:11:25 am

Assuming this is the small truck chassis from Toyota, does one sit on the floor with feet extended , as in a Corolla, like the pickup? 42 grand for the lesser model?
It's got that generic bulbous SUV look from Toyota of late...I'm glad to hear it's on a truck chassis, so the 98 percent of the buyers can pretend they might someday use it for that purpose...Blah....dragonfly

The seating position is better than it is on the Tacoma. The floor is still high but that is life for a frame SUV with decent ground clearance. To get proper SUV seating position requires a very tall greenhouse which is why the Lexus GX and the Land Rover LR3/LR4 are so tall.

DKaz · « **Reply #13 on:** June 03, 2010, 11:25:52 am »

I was disappointed that the new 4Runner didn't mark the return of the manual transmission. I would buy one in a heartbeat, but at least the Tacoma double cab is available with manual.

Spec5 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 03, 2010, 01:05:14 pm »

Once again, +1 on a diesel option. Why you would build a body on frame SUV that is basically targetting people who need to haul big stuff and not put a diesel option in there? This isn't a jab at just Toyota but all car manufacturer's and their lack of desire to bring diesel's to NA.

aknutson · « **Reply #15 on:** June 04, 2010, 08:46:34 am »

Quote from: Spec5 on June 03, 2010, 01:05:14 pm

Once again, +1 on a diesel option. Why you would build a body on frame SUV that is basically targetting people who need to haul big stuff and not put a diesel option in there? This isn't a jab at just Toyota but all car manufacturer's and their lack of desire to bring diesel's to NA.

From what I understand it's difficult to emissions certify diesels for North America - VW/Audi/Mercedes and more recently BMW are the only ones that seem to be doing it - restrictions are less stringent in Europe where diesels are everywhere. That's why they didn't sell the TDI Jetta here for 2008 while they were getting the 'clean diesel' ready, and most of the diesels they do sell here have the AdBlue cleaner stuff.

That being said, I'm sure Toyota could do it - they are just relying on the fact that gas is cheap enough that someone buying a $45K truck isn't really that concerned. It's a shame, because I know a few people who would be over-the-moon with a trail edition with manual transmission, 4x4 and diesel. Go-anywhere capacity, comfort, versatility, and 30 mpg - yes please!

airbalancer · « **Reply #16 on:** June 04, 2010, 08:52:27 am »

In the US, diesel was selling at about $3.25 and gas was at $2.70 a gallon( depending on the State)
So if there is that much difference, would you spend much money developing a diesel engine

ovr50 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 04, 2010, 10:34:17 am »

IMO, diesel is still a hard sell, particularly in the US, due I think to:
1. the crappy diesel engines GM made in the 80s or early 90s,
2. the poor quality of diesel fuel itself, and
3. price differential to gas often not enough to justify, and
4. there are far fewer diesel pumps than gas pumps, and finally,
5. the old image of diesel being dirty and smellly.

It will change over time.

PlanB · « **Reply #18 on:** June 04, 2010, 11:21:02 am »

Quote from: aknutson on June 04, 2010, 08:46:34 am

Quote from: Spec5 on June 03, 2010, 01:05:14 pm
Once again, +1 on a diesel option. Why you would build a body on frame SUV that is basically targetting people who need to haul big stuff and not put a diesel option in there? This isn't a jab at just Toyota but all car manufacturer's and their lack of desire to bring diesel's to NA.

From what I understand it's difficult to emissions certify diesels for North America - VW/Audi/Mercedes and more recently BMW are the only ones that seem to be doing it - restrictions are less stringent in Europe where diesels are everywhere. That's why they didn't sell the TDI Jetta here for 2008 while they were getting the 'clean diesel' ready, and most of the diesels they do sell here have the AdBlue cleaner stuff.

That being said, I'm sure Toyota could do it - they are just relying on the fact that gas is cheap enough that someone buying a $45K truck isn't really that concerned. It's a shame, because I know a few people who would be over-the-moon with a trail edition with manual transmission, 4x4 and diesel. Go-anywhere capacity, comfort, versatility, and 30 mpg - yes please!

I know there are different restrictions to meet for automobiles and light trucks vs. heavy-duty trucks and larger vehicles, but if the 3 domestics can, and have met these restrictions for their trucks for decades (they have all had diesel trucks in their model line-ups for many, many years.), then surely Toyota has the resources to brings its diesel technology to NA.

SJP · « **Reply #19 on:** June 04, 2010, 01:50:35 pm »

I may be partially or entirely wrong about this, but I believe on reason diesel enjoys a price advantage in much of Europe is because it is taxed at a lower rate than petrol. I think this is true for the UK, not sure about elsewhere, but the large price advantage doesn't seem to follow suit on this side of the Atlantic. I still think the benefits of diesel for this type of vehicle go beyond just money saved. It actually makes less sense in a smaller class of vehicle class can attain 40+ mpg on gas, and not have to do any towing.