4Runner Trail Edition

SeattleMike

Observer
Two full weeks with an exceptional vehicle.

There are a few glaring issues that put the credibility of the "Trail Edition" into question, but fortunately, not a super big deal to fix by the consumer. The comprehensive review will be out soon.

You mean the "******?!?!?" stock tires and the lack of rock rails?

I look forward to the review.:coffeedrink:
 

Navman

Adventurer
So, when should we expect this review? Any day now with the latest OJ? Or not until the following issue?
 

Redline

Likes to Drive and Ride
Yes, I'm looking forward to hearing your take on the "few glaring issues". As with most modern vehicles, I'm sure there are some ‘issues'. I want to mentally compare them with the mall crawlin' 4th Gen 4Runners, a platform I have grow to respect through much hard use. :smiley_drive:


Two full weeks with an exceptional vehicle.

There are a few glaring issues that put the credibility of the "Trail Edition" into question, but fortunately, not a super big deal to fix by the consumer. The comprehensive review will be out soon.
 

MillerPKA

Observer
To each is own. The rims are a dark graphite (not black). I prefer the dark rims...I'm not a bling type of guy, but if you like spinners that's your thing. I'm building it to be practical not stylish. The rims are super easy to clean.

Why don't you hustle up and get one, then I can tell you how **** yours looks.

haha i just read this. i feel like there is a massive pandemic of a holes on the boards as of late, there needs to be a recall on the panties being worn because they are getting crammed way too far up people bungs.

looking forward to a review as i'm in the market next month
 

cnynrat

Expedition Leader
I've never driven a 4runner, FJ or Rubicon. Just looking at specs from a capability standpoint, the Rubicon wins with it's front and rear solid axles with locking diffs.

Again, I have no real world experience with any of these vehicles.

Except by that logic the new 4 Runner would be in the same position as the FJ Cruiser relative to the Rubicon as both Toyotas are IFS trucks.
 

ShottsCruisers

Explorer
Two full weeks with an exceptional vehicle.

There are a few glaring issues that put the credibility of the "Trail Edition" into question, but fortunately, not a super big deal to fix by the consumer. The comprehensive review will be out soon.

attachment.php

I know that spot on the Pipeline Trail! One of my fav's!

Do the OEM tires gotta go Scott?
 
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Overland Hadley

on a journey
There are a few glaring issues that put the credibility of the "Trail Edition" into question, but fortunately, not a super big deal to fix by the consumer.

I am sure the stock tires are one thing.

But from looking at the 4Runner I would guess another one of the "glaring issues" is the exceedingly soft rear end. It will need upgraded suspension to carry anything more than groceries.
 

DamonP

New member
Two full weeks with an exceptional vehicle.

There are a few glaring issues that put the credibility of the "Trail Edition" into question, but fortunately, not a super big deal to fix by the consumer. The comprehensive review will be out soon.

attachment.php

Hi Scott, Any chance that review's published somewhere? I don't recall seeing it...
Thanks for all you do for the overlanding community (and welcome back),
Damon
 

bcrez

Adventurer
Being a 'Jeep guy', (first car was a lifted TJ locked up front and rear, skids, Mickey thomsons etc.) for the last 10 years I think my perspective on the shift from old to new Jeep models is fairly level. Having just sold my Jeep JK Unlimited (2.5" OME Sportchargers, Airraid, Superships, Goodyear MT.... ) for a tacoma. I can confidently say I cannot stand the new jeeps. The JK is a flimsy POS. Under the real world overland travel the thing failed EVERY time. As a weekend warriors play thing it gets the job done, but for overland travel it requires more mods than is worth the time. I got an upclose look at the new cherokee and I dont see any deviation from chryslers debauchery of 4x4 performance. Besides independent front and rear suspension (a feature mostly found on minivans and crossovers, the wheel well lining resembles a plastic carpet (no joke). I dont care how many water holes they drive through in a commercial if given a choice of 10 stock vehicles to take on an overland trip the cherokee would be at the bottom. If you ask me Jeep is playing off its old reputation and people's ignorance to sell cars. I got 6 factory recalls in 6 months on my JK! Thats awfull! Then I spent two extended off-road trips in a couple of friends FJ's (because my jeep was in the shop) and I was instantly jealous. The lined wheel wells, the locking rear gate, the armrests, the fact that the car didnt toss itself to pieces or overheat etc. etc. etc. made me loose all confidence in chrysler engineers. Buy a toyota and dont look back. If a self destructive rig, and 0% confidence is a Jeep thing.... Keep it. OBVIOUSLY... this is one man's opinion and experience. Also keep in mind I have never owned a Rubicon, but recalls are recalls.
 
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WheelTired

Observer
new TE for the wife w/kdss paid 34K

hotter than hell, need A/C 24/7...went around a corner to fast according to toyota...thing starting locking up the brakes...freaked me out and almost sent me over the edge of a cliff.(shut off traction control ?? yes, user error..guilty)...tried out the Speed Control and Terrain Select...wife started yelling at me to shut it all down and bring it to the dealer for warranty...the noise the thing makes when using these controls is not for me, wife loves the truck like no other...that is all that matters. One TE that will never see the trail...

We did take a recent road trip in the TE, awesome highway cruiser, very comfortable (with a/c blasting) plenty of room and great gas millage for what it is...wife gets 22.7 average MPG with a yakima box on the roof. Great looks IMO and I am sure TOYOTA QUALITY !! 7.5K on the ODO

P5261210.jpg
 
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Being a 'Jeep guy', (first car was a lifted TJ locked up front and rear, skids, Mickey thomsons etc.) for the last 10 years I think my perspective on the shift from old to new Jeep models is fairly level. Having just sold my Jeep JK Unlimited (2.5" OME Sportchargers, Airraid, Superships, Goodyear MT.... ) for a tacoma. I can confidently say I cannot stand the new jeeps. The JK is a flimsy POS. Under the real world overland travel the thing failed EVERY time. As a weekend warriors play thing it gets the job done, but for overland travel it requires more mods than is worth the time. I got an upclose look at the new cherokee and I dont see any deviation from chryslers debauchery of 4x4 performance. Besides independent front and rear suspension (a feature mostly found on minivans and crossovers, the wheel well lining resembles a plastic carpet (no joke). I dont care how many water holes they drive through in a commercial if given a choice of 10 stock vehicles to take on an overland trip the cherokee would be at the bottom. If you ask me Jeep is playing off its old reputation and people's ignorance to sell cars. I got 6 factory recalls in 6 months on my JK! Thats awfull! Then I spent two extended off-road trips in a couple of friends FJ's (because my jeep was in the shop) and I was instantly jealous. The lined wheel wells, the locking rear gate, the armrests, the fact that the car didnt toss itself to pieces or overheat etc. etc. etc. made me loose all confidence in chrysler engineers. Buy a toyota and dont look back. If a self destructive rig, and 0% confidence is a Jeep thing.... Keep it. OBVIOUSLY... this is one man's opinion and experience. Also keep in mind I have never owned a Rubicon, but recalls are recalls.



Wow. Sorry to hear your mishaps. Just out of curiosity, what year was your JK? I also ran a TJ and an XJ for awhile, and I sold mine for an '03 DC Tacoma, but I'm already missing my solid axles. Yes, I did a lot of maintenance to my Jeep (Just Empty Every Pocket). If I had my druthers, I'd have bought a JK Rubicon. I think the Rubicon is an entirely different animal.

As far as this TE 5th gen 4Run is concerned, it might be a Wrangler competitor, but no way is this thing a Rubicon competitor. I don't see how you guys think this can compete with a Rubicon? There's no comparison when the Rubicon has solid axles front and rear, front and rear e-lockers, 32" BFG MT's stock, not to mention a lower price tag. How much would it cost you to put all that onto a TE 4Runner? They call this a "Trail Edition" and it comes with street tires? That's kind of a joke. If they want this truck taken seriously, they need to equip it that way. At least put some AT's on it! What are the other "offroad goodies" it comes with?
 

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