Thanks guys. I need something with a bit of ground clearance and a decent skip plate package.
I kind of think of the Mazda and Highlander as a crossover as much as an suv.

Subaru Outback an option?

Either the prior 3.6 H6 or the new XT 2.4T H4 if you want the extra power?

If the 4Runner is the yardstick you're using for comparison purposes, then there is no competition. Very little left out there with body on frame construction and true 4x4 focus (hence the reason you find so many of them in the backcountry). However, it might be huge overkill just to slog through snow, mud, dirt and gravel. Before you pull the trigger on anything, go drive a 2020 Kia Telluride or a Hyundai Palisade (essentially the same vehicle). They will handle snow, dirt, mud, and gravel, and offer far more room and creature comforts, as well as daily usability, than the 4Runner. They are no competitor for the 4Runner offroad in the backcountry, but that really doesn't sound like what you're looking to accomplish with your new vehicle. Kia and Hyundai also offer fantastic warranties, and for about the same money as you'd shell out for the 4Runner, you can get a very nicely equipped Telluride (my favorite) or Pallisade.



Could it hurt to go look at and drive one (or bost) of these???

Thanks Bigdeal, those are nice rigs. I consider them in the Explorer and G. Cherokee class.

Having a true 4wd (transfer case) and diff lock are a big plus on the 4R. And yes the off road capabilities are a necessity.

Wrangler is the only other I can think of, but again, Jeep.

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:

quote:

Originally posted by BB61:
I think the 4 Runner is really the best mid-size SUV made bar none.

Yes. Nothing comes close.

Agreed. My 2019 TRD Offroad 4-Runner is awesome.

I like that it is somewhat old-school.
Simple 4.0 V-6 with 5-speed automatic.
It also has a transfer case, crawl-control and decent ground clearance so it is quite capable offroad.

Thx mod29. That is a beauty. Glad you are satisfied.

Their is not much to compare the 4Runner too.

We looked at the Pilot and Highlander. They are nice, have a lot of creature comforts, drive well, and are reliable, but they are in a different class.

My wife liked the Highlander but then she started comparing resale values and decided on the 4Runner. After 1.5 years, she is very happy with her decision.

It drives and rides more like a truck than the car-like ride of the Pilot, Highlander, Pathfinder, Explorer, Grand Cherokee... The reason for that is it is a truck.

On the drive home from the gun range yesterday she commented that is is going to keep her 4Runner a long time.

Previously, she had a Ford Aerostar, Ford Expedition, Toyota Sienna, and a Honda CRV. She drove each for 6 years and all were good and served their purpose at different stances in our family’s life.

Our oldest daughter is still driving the CRV.

My wife likes the 4Runner the most but it is just the 2 of us now and occasional passengers. Would not have worked when our 3 children were living with us.

Do you want a truck or something true-like?

We got the Pilot last year and very happy with it. Thought about the Passport which was new but got a beter deal on the Pilot. Also with the 3rd row seating felt it would be better for resale down the road. I did look at the 4 Runner and while it is very nice I thought it gave up alittle as a highway driver. I have my Silverado for the bad weather here.

The new explorer is one hell of a nice SUV and along the lines of a 4runner in size.

I have a 2011 4Runner SR5, no regrets at all. 20 mpg on the road and just under that in town. It has plenty of suspension, power, and brakes to handle my new Boston Whaler weighing in at 4000 lbs with its trailer. Trust that the boat trailer combo are matched well and in perfect shape.
However, even on the level ground we have here in the southeast it gets pushed around by the boat/trailer combo. Wind gusts push you all over the road too. Unless you are just towing across town I would not suggest a 4Runner to tow a 2 ton load.

The new Explorer does look interesting, going back to rear wheel drive.

The 4Runner has more ground clearance. It will be interesting to see what the redesigned 4Runner will be.

quote:

Originally posted by SW_Sig:


My wife likes the 4Runner the most but it is just the 2 of us now and occasional passengers. Would not have worked when our 3 children were living with us.

Do you want a truck or something true-like?

The newer 4R has a 3rd row seat option, though I'm sure it's more suited to small kids than adults.

I cannot say enough about my 03 4Runner with the V8. Since I cannot get a Tacoma or 4Runner with a V8 I’m just gonna keep this until I can’t. With 275k+ miles it still has a lot of life left.
My daughter has an 05 Pilot my in laws gave her and they purchased new. Now it have over 240k miles with no issues.

My FIL is looking at the Telluride (my favorite as well) and Palisade. I think he’s gonna pull the trigger on the Palisade. He said he can get a higher trim package at a better price.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
Not feeling like there is something else in the 4Runner category. I know they are heavy, lack power, interior is old skool and plasticky interior. 5 spd. tranny. The power train is 20 yo technology.
got all that and for us, that is fine.

Will have good resale value in 5-8 years.

Those sound like reasons not to get it. If it's 20 years old and extremely outdated already, it's just going to be exponentially worse in 5-8 years.

It's what turned me away from them and ended up with a Highlander.

Who the hell uses a 5 speed trans these days?

Thanks guys. All really good info. I hear you on towing at 4000lbs. Also about the truck vs a highway rig. Trucks have always been in our family and will continue to be. So the 4R being more of a truck is actually a plus vs a negative any why it has been at the top of our list.

While the Highlander is/seems to be a great rig. Being built on the Carolla chassis makes it a no go for me. Just not robust enough for our needs.

I would at least look at the Ford Explorer if it was not a first year in a re-design That automatically makes it a no go for me.

On the tranny. I have made it known that my feeling on the 8,10,12 spd trannys and all the problems and their developments to keep rpms down so they can lighten rig to increase gas mileage is not the end all do all. They have had tons of problems.

So while the tranny might be old tech. My gen 1 Tundra Produces good power across the spectrum and is not constantly shifting or searching for gears.

Could probably get a good deal on a leftover prior year Explorer & not have to worry about 1st year issues.

quote:

Originally posted by old rugged cross:
So we are looking at a new vehicle this spring.
Been 20+years since we bought new.

Thinking 4Runner at around $40k.
Looked at the Honda Pilot and Passport.
Expedition is out of the budget and am not wild about a 3.5 motor either.
Just cannot phantom a Jeep due to quality and reliability issues.

Just wondering if I am missing Anything?. Not feeling like there is something else in the 4Runner category. I know they are heavy, lack power, interior is old skool and plasticky interior. 5 spd. tranny. The power train is 20 yo technology.
got all that and for us, that is fine.

I am "not" buying a rig to define who I am.
I need something that will last. Will have good resale value in 5-8 years. Will be rugged, handle, gravel, dirt some mud and snow. Will haul four and some gear.

Cross overs do not interest me. I need something that can handle an E rated all terrain tire. Can trailer 4000lbs

Just wondering if their is a rig/maker I have left out.

This sounds like a 4Runner to me. My wife got a 2017 certified Pre-owned in June...loves it.

We have been very pleased with it, and for sure, it will hold its value better than most if not all competitors.

Good luck with your search.

Also, do not think Subaru or VW have anything in the price range of the 4R

quote:

Being built on the Carolla chassis

I think it's based on a Camry chassis, which I'm sure would still be a no go.

You haven't missed anything if you want a new, reliable body on frame mid-sized SUV with skid plates. Get the 4runner.