Started By
Message

re: Would you drive this? 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road

Posted on 2/22/21 at 9:51 am to
Posted by DevilDagNS
Member since Dec 2017
2701 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 9:51 am to
quote:

Yes. I've had two 4runners on n my life and loved both of them. Kinda glad they haven't radically altered the style of it lately like so many other makers have.



Exactly. If it isn't broke, don't fix it. Toyota has continued to make refinements over the years without sacrificing an ounce of utility. One of the best and last body on frame RWD SUVs.

If I had to come up with a complaint, it would be the MPG.
Posted by shallowminded
Member since Nov 2012
2744 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 9:52 am to
You sure that’s not cement?
Posted by Ed Osteen
Member since Oct 2007
57576 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 9:52 am to
I own one. I miss the interior size of my Tahoe though. No complaints and the resell on toyotas is nice for when I want something bigger down the road

Posted by BeachDude022
Premium Elite Platinum TD Member
Member since Dec 2006
34987 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 9:52 am to
I drive a 4Runner. Love it. Handled the snow and ice like a beast
Posted by Epic Cajun
Lafayette, LA
Member since Feb 2013
32986 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 9:54 am to
I would consider it if they updated the interior. I looked at a Limited when we were purchasing a new vehicle and the interior just felt really dated. Ended up getting an Aviator.

I'll be in the market again in the next few years, and I'm currently leaning toward a Bronco, but will consider the 4Runner if they update it.
Posted by jrodLSUke
Premium
Member since Jan 2011
22375 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 9:54 am to
It’s a cheap Toyota made with the same parts and tech used 10 years ago. Nothing brilliant but should be reliable.
Posted by LSUBoo
Knoxville, TN
Member since Mar 2006
101940 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 9:55 am to
I already have a 4Runner... my next one will likely be the TRD... so yes, absolutely.

I'm hoping for some engine improvements between now and then, but that might be asking too much considering how reliable they are now.
Posted by goofball
Member since Mar 2015
16928 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 9:56 am to
quote:

What are your personal thoughts on the motor, and drivetrain?



There are better engines out there. The 3.5L Chrysler V6 is actually an amazing engine that people dismiss because of the manufacturer. The 3.6L V6 that GM makes is excellent now that they worked out the timing issues, but they put a terrible 8 speed auto behind most of them in the GM mid sized trucks. The new Nissan 3.8L V6 is probably the best all around for a truck.

IMO the 4.0L is ancient and unimpressive from a performance or efficiency standpoint. It's still a far superior as a truck motor than the 3.5L they are using in the Tacoma. The 5 speed auto really makes it feel like a dog with anything in tow. The appeal is in it's bulletproof reliability and longevity.

Also - they use chains on the 4.0L, not belts. The old 4.7L V8 they used in 4Runners in the past used belts. It should be very good on maintenance even as it ages. But you have to be okay with below-average gas mileage and unimpressive acceleration.

I think Toyota dropped the V8 from the 4runner because the 4.7L wasn't particularly efficient or reliable (by Toyota standards), and it wasn't very good at moving the full sized trucks around. They stopped making the motor and opted for the 5.7L for the Tundras about 10 years ago, but they are too large for the engine bay in the 4Runner or Tacoma. So they get the 4.0L V6.
Posted by goofball
Member since Mar 2015
16928 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 9:58 am to
quote:

I'm hoping for some engine improvements between now and then, but that might be asking too much considering how reliable they are now.



3.5L V6 hybrid likely coming for 2022. IMO that's a downgrade.

The appeal of the 4Runner is that it will survive the apocalypse. Toyota still sells a lot of them despite having this old tech under the hood. I hope they keep it simple.
Posted by kywildcatfanone
Wildcat Country!
Member since Oct 2012
120065 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 9:58 am to
No, no one would drive one of the best made vehicles today.
Posted by Spelt it rong
Louisiana
Member since Oct 2012
10059 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 9:59 am to
You should know the 4stunna is the preferred SUV of the OT.
Posted by goofball
Member since Mar 2015
16928 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 9:59 am to
quote:

I own one. I miss the interior size of my Tahoe though. No complaints and the resell on toyotas is nice for when I want something bigger down the road



I love the size of the 4Runner.

But I'm not a fan of the TRD Pro. It looks too "bro-dozer" to me. The regular TRD is a better buy IMO.
Posted by Ric Flair
Charlotte
Member since Oct 2005
13712 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 10:00 am to
quote:

I think Toyota dropped the V8 from the 4runner because the 4.7L wasn't particularly efficient or reliable


The 4.7 was bulletproof. The “million mile tundra” had it.

Posted by Swagga
504
Member since Dec 2009
16293 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 10:01 am to
My dad has that white with the black rims. It looks really good and it’s a 4Runner so will run forever.
Posted by goofball
Member since Mar 2015
16928 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 10:01 am to
quote:

No, no one would drive one of the best made vehicles today.



Depends on your needs.

Not everyone needs a real SUV. There are better cars out there if you want a hard core off roader (Wrangler for instance...likely the new Bronco). There are better cars if you drive on the road most of the time (Pilot, Highlander, etc.). There are better cars if you need to tow heavy trailers (Suburban, Tahoe, Sequioa). And if you need to haul a family around, minivans like the Odessey or Sienna are far superior than the 4Runner.

But the 4Runner does everything competently, with a particular emphasis on off roading and reliability. IMO this is the most reliable vehicle Toyota makes right now. And it's ideal for households where a pickup truck isn't needed, but they still need something that can go off road or tow a boat.

The TRD model is a particularly good basis to build an overlanding rig if you have the budget and patience.
This post was edited on 2/22/21 at 10:03 am
Posted by LSUBoo
Knoxville, TN
Member since Mar 2006
101940 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 10:02 am to
quote:

3.5L V6 hybrid likely coming for 2022. IMO that's a downgrade.


Sounds like an upgrade in mpg efficiency and a bit of a downgrade in performance. Reliability could make it a net plus or a net minus overall.

I have a 2013 without the new dash display, and the phone connectivity tech leaves a lot to be desired, but that might have been ironed out in more recent years.
Posted by LeClerc
USVI
Member since Oct 2012
2776 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 10:03 am to
quote:

No, no one would drive one of the best made vehicles today.


Yeah, this is a kind of fishing for compliments thread.
Posted by goofball
Member since Mar 2015
16928 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 10:04 am to
quote:

I have a 2013 without the new dash display, and the phone connectivity tech leaves a lot to be desired, but that might have been ironed out in more recent years.



Apple Carplay is standard in 2021. They improved a lot for the 2020 MY.

IMO it's the whole package now. Old school mechanical reliability with modern safety and convenience tech.
Posted by CptRusty
Basket of Deplorables
Member since Aug 2011
11740 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 10:06 am to
I drove a 2017 for 4 years, and had a 2003 for 2 years prior to that. It seriously lacks power and it isn't nearly as comfortable/luxurious as the truck I traded it in on (21 GMC Sierra AT4), but it's definitely a great vehicle.
Posted by dewster
Chicago
Member since Aug 2006
25447 posts
Posted on 2/22/21 at 10:12 am to
quote:

The 4.7 was bulletproof. The “million mile tundra” had it.


90% sure it had the 5.7, which is definitely a sturdy motor. The problems that motor has/had were known and worked out years ago.

There even more million milers out there from GM. The million mile Chevys and GMC’s that aren’t diesel powered usually feature the 350 ci V8. Also a 5.7 displacement.

I know it’s a completely unrelated engine. Just thought it was an interesting coincidence.
This post was edited on 2/22/21 at 10:12 am
first pageprev pagePage 2 of 7Next pagelast page

Back to top
logoFollow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News
Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get the latest updates on LSU Football and Recruiting.

FacebookTwitterInstagram