Topic: 2010 Toyota 4Runner SR5; Day 1

[ktm525]

I think the reviewer nailed it. This is a body-on-frame SUV with low range and designed to handle rough stuff. Without a fancy air susopension then you will pay the price on the pavement to some degree. That is why the Lexus twins have air springs (and bigger brakes). Anyone looking for a rough and ready trail machine would probably be better served by going down to the USA and buying a used Land Cruiser. Unfortunately Toyota turned the LC into a giant whale in 2008. 2007 got more HP so that is where the the smart LC money goes.

[Daniel]

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.

No car is perfect right?  And yes, the 4Runner also has a rear differential lock as well.  My current model has it.  I also like the Land Rover LR3 as well.  It's a great SUV, but reliability plays a big role in it as well.

[ktm525]

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.

No car is perfect right?  And yes, the 4Runner also has a rear differential lock as well.  My current model has it.  I also like the Land Rover LR3 as well.  It's a great SUV, but reliability plays a big role in it as well.

The biggest failing of this four runner is the option packages. No off road package (incl locking rear diff) and the third row seat. The tires on the Limited give it an awkward stance. The tires are too tall and narrow. The Trail edition looks good, just needs the third jumper seat. Just another reason to buy a used Runner from the sates I guess.

[aknutson]

I think the reviewer nailed it. This is a body-on-frame SUV with low range and designed to handle rough stuff. Without a fancy air susopension then you will pay the price on the pavement to some degree. That is why the Lexus twins have air springs (and bigger brakes). Anyone looking for a rough and ready trail machine would probably be better served by going down to the USA and buying a used Land Cruiser. Unfortunately Toyota turned the LC into a giant whale in 2008. 2007 got more HP so that is where the the smart LC money goes.

lol, got a kick out of the 'giant whale' comment, so true! 

[articsteve]

Just another reason to buy a used Runner from the sates I guess.
 
Same goes for the FJ.
 

[mrthompson]

Well, the decision is made: I do not really have a place to test the off-road capabilities of the 4Runner this week, so unfortunately this will be a strictly on-road test.

Are there no unassumed/unmaintained roads nearby to at least get it dirty? 

[ktm525]

I walked by a new limited yesterday and the thing that doesn't look right is the skinny tires. It looks all wrong. I bet that in order to slap a set of 20s on the 4Runner that the engineers had to keep the width down in order for the tires to fit and/or have a decent turning circle. The tires are too tall and skinny, looks like a O-lineman with tiny feet.

The rear 3/4 angle is awful too. Seems awkward.