Trailhunter-40 hours into ownership-need input!

[theprankster3]

Like others here, I researched and over-researched 6th Gen models since last year. Was between the Trailhunter (that Everest color with those rims, wow) and Pro, then the snorkel reviews scared me off. Had a deposit down on a white Pro with red interior but had misgivings (does that really "go" with my lifestyle and the purpose of this vehicle?). Then a white Trailhunter came in and lasted a week untouched at local dealer. Drove it Monday and actually didn't mind the snorkel noise. It's somehow appealing. I dunno. However, I am ending up feeling torn still (and I'm within the 7 days of return/exchange window). My dealer also has a Off-Road Premium in Everest on site.....

I've only driven a 4Runner for 2 weeks previously on a PNW hiking trip, so I have FAR less experience than probably 90% of you guys.

How does everyone feel about driving their 6th Gen vs 5th Gen? I was thoroughly impressed with the ride in both 6th Gen's I tried out, as compared to what I have test driven/rented previously. Some observations: I can't believe how much window space they've taken away all around - it *looks* sporty but kind of takes away from the whole outdoorsy feel. The 14 in screen honestly annoys me. It's almost too much. Same with all the digital options - they can feel a bit overwhelming. I assume most of you who've driven 4Runners for years can agree with simplicity being attractive? And YES, I KNOW all of this was known before I purchased. Just would like to hear from longtime loyalists.

Did your Trailhunters and/or Pro's come with very minimal off road mats in the back seat, which didn't extend over the middle?

Also, who has driven both iForce engines (hybrid vs non), and what were your thoughts? Any comparisons between the Off Road Premium vs the TH/Pro?

Lastly - how do you all feel about the coverage of the wipers on front and rear windows? Also surprising.

I know I probably sound nitpicky, but after suffering through a Pathfinder for 2 and a half years, I have a little PTSD, ha! Thanks for any input!

I just traded in my 5th gen, 2020 SR5 premium, for the 6th gen TRD Pro. I've had it just a little over a week and I am loving it. I was apprehensive about the engine, like most previous 4Runner owners. However, after so many videos and reviews I felt good going into it. The one thing that is taking me some getting used to is the hybrid with the engine switching. However, I don't regret it and I am absolutely loving my new 4Runner, just taking getting used to that difference.

I agree the 14 inch screen was a bit crazy. But using it with the map and the cameras, I'm getting used to it and liking it. As far as the other digital options, it's nice, fun, and a huge upgrade from my 5th gen. I love that they have ventilated seats, that always bugged me with last 4Runner. I love the automatic rear cargo door. The customizable options on the dash.

My 4Runner did come with crappy coverage with the floor mats. I didn't even get the cargo space floor mat. I ended up purchasing the LasFit floor mats. Waiting for them to come in, but I'm excited about adding them. Haven't messed with my back wiper, but haven't had issues with the front. Overall, I am super happy with my decision and I am loving my new 4Runner. Not sounding nitpicky, it's your new car, I get it!

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[4RunnerJay]

I did over 60k in a 2018 Pro 4Runner.

The 6th Gen is superior in every measurable way. The drivetrain is so much smoother that you can't even describe it. I also live in the PNW (north of Seattle) and drive over I90 and US2 often. The 5G required a ton of revs to make power and was often turning 4-5k while climbing, and the old 5sp transmission was always shifting up and down, so much that I would manually deactivate the overdrive feature so it wouldn't do that. The new drivetrain just climbs climbs climbs. No drama, no revs, just tons of torque down low. It is so much more relaxed, and quieter. But of course, it is, the 5g was rolled out in 2009!

Anyone who ever owned a 5g 4R will tell you how sketchy they were during a panic stop. If you ever had to slam on the brakes, say from a speed of 40mph or higher, hold on to your mocha. The truck would stink bug, and the rear end was all over the place. The new truck stays firm and planted.

A common gripe from the luddites is that the turbo 4 won't go 200/300k (I just saw someone say 500k). Who cares? Nobody is driving a car that much anymore. Who can afford to? If you're that guy who wants to wrench their own stuff, perhaps it's not the truck for you. For the rest of us, we have warranties.

I have driven the non-hybrid 2.4 turbo engine, but not in the 4R. I think it would be fine unless you were going to haul or tow, then I think it would be underpowered.

The great thing about Toyotas, and especially 4Runners, is that they hold their value. I drove my 2018 for 62k miles and 6.5 years and traded it on a new Land Cruiser (RIP) and got 80% of what I paid for it back.

This was my old truck, Roadrunner.

Hello @Mudbath this is off topic, but may I ask why you got rid of the Land Cruiser? Been looking at them.

 

[megsytakesahike]

I just traded in my 5th gen, 2020 SR5 premium, for the 6th gen TRD Pro. I've had it just a little over a week and I am loving it. I was apprehensive about the engine, like most previous 4Runner owners. However, after so many videos and reviews I felt good going into it. The one thing that is taking me some getting used to is the hybrid with the engine switching. However, I don't regret it and I am absolutely loving my new 4Runner, just taking getting used to that difference.

I agree the 14 inch screen was a bit crazy. But using it with the map and the cameras, I'm getting used to it and liking it. As far as the other digital options, it's nice, fun, and a huge upgrade from my 5th gen. I love that they have ventilated seats, that always bugged me with last 4Runner. I love the automatic rear cargo door. The customizable options on the dash.

My 4Runner did come with crappy coverage with the floor mats. I didn't even get the cargo space floor mat. I ended up purchasing the LasFit floor mats. Waiting for them to come in, but I'm excited about adding them. Haven't messed with my back wiper, but haven't had issues with the front. Overall, I am super happy with my decision and I am loving my new 4Runner. Not sounding nitpicky, it's your new car, I get it!

Thanks for the reply and info and for saying I'm not being nitpicky, ha! My old Pathfinder forums were full of Nissan apologists who would downright attack us for discussing legit complaints, so again, I'm gunshy about being able to have healthy discussions.

I did get the dealer to take off an additional $2500 off the final price, 8 days after purchasing it, so that helped me feel a little better. Bottom line, no markup and back to right at MSRP. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the interior color, but I LOVE it. Not too light, completely feels appropriate for being outdoorsy (of course, with it being new, I'm in there picking off every miniscule hair and dust fleck and am so scared to get it dirty on my hikes and offroading, lol! That'll change soon, I'm sure.

Yeah, the mats - the one thing the pathfinder did at $30k less was COVER every inch with ample mats (yes, yes, I KNOW that vehicle lacked a TON and wasn't even a true 4WD...just an observation). Even the front mats in this leave so much carpet exposed. I got the dealer to give a floor mat for the cargo area too, but I still need one to cover the back of the seats, plus, as you mentioned, more expansive mats overall. Sad to lose the TH emblems, but I think it's necessary.

There are some design idiosyncrasies I'll share with Toyota for fun, cause I'd hope future adjustments could be made in some minor areas.

Getting used to the hybrid and the switching, love the quietness of the engine, and hey, I won't be getting any more tickets while I'm driving like a granny trying to achieve the gas mileage estimates, lol.

I do LOVE the drive and so do my passengers, front and back. Usually I have much more time of alone driving and learning, but I still have yet to even have an hour to go through all the digital options and learn the vehicle. Heck, I haven't even figured out how to get the vehicle to lock automatically when I walk away! I did try to find that on the customization screen, to no avail. I have been traveling almost every weekend for 6 weeks, so I'm just trying to survive. Killing me to have put on 1600 miles in the first 8 days already!

 

[4RunnerJay]

Thanks for the reply and info and for saying I'm not being nitpicky, ha! My old Pathfinder forums were full of Nissan apologists who would downright attack us for discussing legit complaints, so again, I'm gunshy about being able to have healthy discussions.

I did get the dealer to take off an additional $2500 off the final price, 8 days after purchasing it, so that helped me feel a little better. Bottom line, no markup and back to right at MSRP. I wasn't sure how I'd feel about the interior color, but I LOVE it. Not too light, completely feels appropriate for being outdoorsy (of course, with it being new, I'm in there picking off every miniscule hair and dust fleck and am so scared to get it dirty on my hikes and offroading, lol! That'll change soon, I'm sure.

Yeah, the mats - the one thing the pathfinder did at $30k less was COVER every inch with ample mats (yes, yes, I KNOW that vehicle lacked a TON and wasn't even a true 4WD...just an observation). Even the front mats in this leave so much carpet exposed. I got the dealer to give a floor mat for the cargo area too, but I still need one to cover the back of the seats, plus, as you mentioned, more expansive mats overall. Sad to lose the TH emblems, but I think it's necessary.

There are some design idiosyncrasies I'll share with Toyota for fun, cause I'd hope future adjustments could be made in some minor areas.

Getting used to the hybrid and the switching, love the quietness of the engine, and hey, I won't be getting any more tickets while I'm driving like a granny trying to achieve the gas mileage estimates, lol.

I do LOVE the drive and so do my passengers, front and back. Usually I have much more time of alone driving and learning, but I still have yet to even have an hour to go through all the digital options and learn the vehicle. Heck, I haven't even figured out how to get the vehicle to lock automatically when I walk away! I did try to find that on the customization screen, to no avail. I have been traveling almost every weekend for 6 weeks, so I'm just trying to survive. Killing me to have put on 1600 miles in the first 8 days already!

Is there an option to have it lock when you walk away? I know the Hondas do, but I didn’t know Toyota had that option.

 

[megsytakesahike]

Is there an option to have it lock when you walk away? I know the Hondas do, but I didn’t know Toyota had that option.

Oh wow - honestly I didn't even consider that wasn't an option! My old nissan, daughter's honda, and spouse's GMC, as well as even my old Kia (I think) had it.

 

[EROtero]

the only thing off the top of my head is nfab rkr rock rails, but you have to purchase the addon steps additionally

true rock sliders are usually welded to the frame and negate the use of steps most of the time since the mount so close to the body. they usually do this since its welded to the frame and dont flex like bolted rock sliders

Does not fit my TH rock sliders.

 

[HVLA]

Hello @Mudbath this is off topic, but may I ask why you got rid of the Land Cruiser? Been looking at them.

Pretty sure it was totalled in a wreck. I could be wrong.

 

[4RunnerJay]

Pretty sure it was totalled in a wreck. I could be wrong.

Oh! Got it.

 

[kvee89]

Bummer about the mats. We pick up our trailhunter tomorrow, and trading in our 2020 trd pro, which had good/sturdy mats, I assumed it would be the same for this.

 

[Nodak]

there is no walk away and auto lock. never has been and if i remember correctly, there is NOT one toyota model that has this.

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