Camp Vehicle Search, Part the First

"LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com" (limitedtimeonly)
10/11/2019 at 21:58 • Filed to: I want to be an Overlander but let's get real, Toyota 4Runner, 4runner

So tonight the wife agreed that we should at least try to test drive one vehicle !!!error: Indecipherable SUB-paragraph formatting!!! this evening and not try to do all of them tomorrow.

We ended up driving a 2020 Toyota 4Runner Limited. My wife rather enjoyed the ride, so that was good, and there were several aspects of it that she liked including the overall look.

However, we both agreed that it lacked power - it didn’t accelerate well, for sure. It was fine, but we are used to sub-8 second 0-60 times now.

I also verified that the length of the cargo area with the back seats down is only 68 inches. Removing a bottom cushion (taking out 2 bolts) would provide an additional 4 inches, for a total of 72 inches, but reducing seating capacity.

Before we left, the salesman found a 2020 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium recently delivered to the lot, so I was able to verify that it does have the keyless entry and push button start. But we didn’t get to drive it, because we were hungry and it was late. Maybe tomorrow, although it lacks the KDSS option, which I would want and would affect handling.

I also measured the cargo area of a neighbor’s Jeep Grand Cherokee this afternoon to find that it has 71 or 72 inches (depending on where one measures) with the seats down . . . without flipping up or removing the bottom seat cushions. So it is on the list now, to my wife’s disappointment.

Key moment was that as we had dinner, my wife proclaimed that she didn’t want to prevent me from getting what I want, and that we should treat both cars (my GTI and whatever we replace her car with) as both my cars, and it would be my choice what to get, although with some input from her. That was quite cool of her.

Yet, while I like the potential of the 4Runner, it is running up against the realities of how it is not well equipped for it’s cost, slowish and thirsty. But we could get to any campsite! Anywhere! (Not really, of course.)

To be continued.

!!! UNKNOWN CONTENT TYPE !!!

DISCUSSION (15)

CB > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com
10/11/2019 at 22:27

In Canada, I hate how the TRD Pro is almost as expensive as the Supra.

What criteria are you looking at? More of a soft roader than an off roader? Have you considered a Jeep Wrangler (not my cup of tea)?

Fuckkinja > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com
10/11/2019 at 22:28

F150 is the safest family plan. Plus truck.

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > CB
10/11/2019 at 22:53

Considered the Wrangler, but ruled it out due to price being higher, not wanting a convertible, and supposed road noise being quite loud. Plus my wife isn’t big on the looks.

The current use case is soft-roader, but I like the idea of being able to do harder stuff at some point . . . but it’s not certain that I would do it.

Nothing > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com
10/11/2019 at 23:04

I concur that it’s not the fastest thing it there. I drive my wife’s Grand Cherokee and feel like I’m in a sports car. Interesting about the seat removal method to get the extra length in the cargo area. I guess that’s one benefit of the third row (other than having a third row) is that the second row folds forward and fairly flat. Of course, you lose about 4” in deck height. I’m still annoyed at no third row in the Off Road or Pro.

My wife’s 2014 Overland is better equipped and probably a more comfortable vehicle overall. I briefly debated a Durango as a third row vehicle for me, too.

Shift24 > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2019 at 00:45

Could look into zr2 or Taco trd.

Passport is an idea as it weighs up to 500 lbs less and 10hp more but idk if it really has offroad capability. Also very easy to get that J35 to make more hp

Edit: looking back at HammerheadFistpunch post on your previous post... the P assport has earned my respect. That was some impressive stuff, the VTM4 is no gimmick.

Wrangler is always an option but kind of overplayed and FCA quality.

RPM esq. > Shift24
10/12/2019 at 00:55

A Wrangler is easily $10k more than a similarly equipped 4Runner, somehow, and despite, as you say, FCA quality.

RPM esq. > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2019 at 01:01

I have a 2016 4Runner Trail (same as the Off-Road now). It’s definitely not fast but it’s a comfortable cruiser at highway speeds. Beyond that level of road trip capability , if you’re looking at old-school body-on-frame off road-capable SUVs, looking for 0-60 speed over, say, durability, seems crazy to me. If you’re not buying a G-wagen , almost any crossover will be quicker and more fuel efficient, and a lot of them are capable soft-roa ders.

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > Shift24
10/12/2019 at 07:11

I wouldn’t use the pickup bed, they have longer wheelbases with full rear doors (I’m over suicide doors after 10 years with a Ranger) , and I’d rather have enclosed space, so I’ve ruled out pickups this time around.

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > Nothing
10/12/2019 at 07:13

Which engine does her Grand Cherokee Overland have? After sleeping on it, I’m not feeling real sure about the 4Runner, and am more open to the Grand Cherokee. I’d probably consider the Trailhawk (because why not) but might want the V8 since it supposedly has the same fuel economy as the V6.

Any quality concerns with her Jeep so far? My neighbor’s is holding up fine, but he barely drives it anymore.

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > RPM esq.
10/12/2019 at 07:15

Yeah, I’m thinking I may be happier with a soft-roader given my preference for mashing the throttle. And both the Outback and Passport appear to be extremely capable.

I’ve wanted a 4Runner due to it’s capabilities, but now that I’ve met my hero, I’m coming down to earth and reconsidering.

Nothing > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2019 at 10:19

I don’t have any concerns with it. Although we have had a few warranty related issues (cracked thermostat housing, cracked radiator, bad wheel bearings). All of those were discovered in one visit when I brought it in for the wheel bearings. So overall, in 6 years, it’s been to the shop once. Granted we haven’t put any miles on it, just over 30k as of now.

We have the V6. It’s significantly peppier than the 4Runner. We average around 24MPG with it, vs 18 with the 4Runner. I only lost about .5 MPG with the lift and tires. Both is probably a 70/30 City/highway.

My preference would’ve been the V8, but it wasn’t my vehicle to decide on. I don’t feel I’m missing out, though, by having the 6. The main selling point for my wife was the panoramic sun roof.

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > Nothing
10/12/2019 at 11:31

That’s good to hear. The JGC has some unfortunate statistics for reliability, and may not be as off-road capable as the 4Runner, but might allow me to experiment with rock crawling while generally having better on-road performance. The reliability question has it on the bubble as to whether I want to check it out.

Moltenburn > LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com
10/12/2019 at 12:07

Just bought a 2019. Get a pedal commander and acceleration issues will be a thing of the past.

Kinja'd!!!

LimitedTimeOnly @ opposite-lock.com > Moltenburn
10/12/2019 at 12:18

But this doesn’t change engine response, just the amount of throttle, right? Believe me, I was flooring the 4Runner.

Shift24 > RPM esq.
10/12/2019 at 15:42

Didnt know it was 10k more. Damn funny how people still will pay that for a wrangler when their frames come off the assembly line tack welded.. .