Anonymous wrote:I am thinking of a four runner too. I had a Toyota Sequoia so cannot imagine any worse gas mileage.

I went with an Audi Q7 to replace the sequoia and it is a nice family car for trips. But as I look to replace my other old murano I need a real suv. Still will miss the size of the sequoia for Home Depot and Costco runs.
I believe the Tacoma is the frame of the four runner, like the tundra for for sequoia.

That is not correct. The 4Runner shares a platform (frame, etc.) with the Toyota Hilux truck that is sold overseas. The 4Runner is referred to as the Hilux Surf outside of the US and Canada.

Both the Tacoma and 4Runner are BOF, but they use different engines because of the major differences in their frames. The 4Runner is related to the Lexus GX

I am thinking of a four runner too. I had a Toyota Sequoia so cannot imagine any worse gas mileage.

I went with an Audi Q7 to replace the sequoia and it is a nice family car for trips. But as I look to replace my other old murano I need a real suv. Still will miss the size of the sequoia for Home Depot and Costco runs.
I believe the Tacoma is the frame of the four runner, like the tundra for for sequoia.

Unless you are seriously planning to take it off road frequently get the Highlander. Much more comfortable for every day driving, much better mpg.

We've had 2. I miss having a 4Runner - I love that you can roll down the back window - but I don not miss the awful gas mileage.

I love mine, but I trailer a small boat so BOF is really good for that. There are some downsides:

Bad fuel economy
Less comfortable ride than a unibody SUV
Toyota has phoned it in for years on the interior and tech

But, the 4.0 is bulletproof and I fully expect this to last 15 years/250,000 miles. Sometimes simple is good.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Are they still body on frame or unibody?

Body on frame. If you want unibody, Highlander is the equivalent sized Toyota

I want BOF!

Anonymous wrote:Are they still body on frame or unibody?

Body on frame. If you want unibody, Highlander is the equivalent sized Toyota

Are they still body on frame or unibody?

DH has a 4Runner that he bought after graduating college in 1995. They are indestructible. You buy one now and you have a pal for life.

I still have my 2007 and I love it. Want to keep it going long as I can!

Great response above. Thank you.

Anonymous wrote:I think I’m late to the party, I see a lot of 4Runners around now and they look good. Do you love yours? What are the ins and outs?

DH and I have had two 4Runners. Here are the pros and cons:

Pros:
Extremely reliable
Extremely durable (uses proven, but older technology. No garbage CVT transmissions here)
Service at Toyota dealers is reasonable (IMO)
Fairly comfortable interior
Depending on the trim level, seats can be had in fabric, SofTex (fake leather) and real leather
Roll down tailgate window is great
Enough power to keep up with traffic (and then some)
Great when going off road, also fantastic in poor weather.
Outstanding resale value
Uses regular unleaded fuel
One of a handful of Toyota products still made in Japan (fit, finish, and assembly quality were flawless in ours)

Cons:
Only one engine option ( a 4.0l V6)
Automatic transmission only
Interior may feel a bit smaller than expected
Infotainment is a bit dated (I believe Toyota did step it up a bit for the 2020 models. Now they have Android Auto and CarPlay)
Fuel economy is awful. Even with a decent size tank (23 gal) your range for road tripping is going to be sort of limited. I’ve never broken 20 mpg on the highway
Towing capacity (per Toyota) is only 5,000 lb (this may/may not be important to you)


The 4Runner is a vehicle that will last a very long time. Aside from the Jeep Wrangler, it is the only reasonably priced SUV out there that can handle serious off reading. Fuel economy leaves a lot to be desired, but the 4Runner is worth it. Few other vehicles available now are as durable, rugged, reliable and easy to operate as a 4Runner

I think I’m late to the party, I see a lot of 4Runners around now and they look good. Do you love yours? What are the ins and outs?