i have a 2016 trail 4runner with KDSS, i've built this truck as my daily driver and my overland vehicle, everytime i get into it, it makes me feel good in driving it. it has had zero problems and still gets lots of compliments, once you drive one of these vehicles you can then apppreciate them for what they are. it's a 4runner thing, pluss there resale value is unbelievable. love my 4runner.
i bought the same color trd pro new 2 months ago for 63k out the door, i must say, it is quiet perfect for my wife and i along with our 3 dogs. i took the trd pro mudding a few days ago after reaching 1000 miles, it absolutely a beast of a truck! i also have the 2002 4runner limited 4x4 lifted. it is also a beast of a truck. but the 5th gen is much more comfortable for our family adventure. thank you for a great vid :)
I’ve been using the roof rack a lot more than I thought. For family camping trip or multiple week road trips, the roof rack is one of the most useful things on this vehicle. But again, I use the 4Runner for what it’s made for. Haven’t seen another 4Runner using its OEM roof rack 😅
Just got a black 2022 TRD Pro a little over a month ago after waiting for one since the end of last year. Your review is very accurate. It's not like other modern SUVs. Maybe we should call it a TUV for "Truck-like Utility Vehicle". It's roomy, it's comfortable, it has the basic tech you need, it'll go anywhere you want it to. I bought now to get a 5th gen. We know the engine, transmission, and transfer case are all very reliable. 6th gen will likely have a turbo-charged engine, new transmission, etc. So you'll probably get more power and better mileage, but it's an unknown in terms of reliability. They might even lose the rolldown rear window like the new Sequoia, which would be a kick in the gut for dog lovers.
I have a 2019 TRD PRO and I added the sprint booster throttle controller and it made all the difference. My PRO now has very good throttle response and feels plenty quick for what it is. I currently have an order in for a 2022 PRO at MSRP. Hopefully it actually shows up. Great review.
I think these SUVs are made in Japan? The workmanship there is probably the best compared to the other places Toyota uses. I heard the new 4Runner is going to be assembled in Mexico so if you want a Japanese made version, get this current generation now and keep it for as long as it’ll run which will be a long time. The resale prices on the 4Runners and Landcruiser trucks are nuts.
Bulletproof simplicity, capability and reliability is what this truck is all about. I’ve had a lots of turbo cars and i dont want the extra maintenance that comes with it. 5 speed is lacking but I hear the transmission is very reliable and long lasting so thats the trade off I guess. Im in the market for one and one reason not looking at the Bronco is questionable reliability and all that digital tech it comes with turns me off, especially for whats supposed to be a rugged off-roader.
What is truly amazing is more car companies don’t mimic 4-Runner. Give us simple tough midsize SUVs without multitude of screens and infotainments. Look at how Bronco is selling. Amazing that GM has not decided to play in this segment and amp is San has left too. So they sell and sell because there are few alternatives available. Personally when I drove it the nose dive in braking was bad but hey, take the bad with good.
GM messed their chance up with the blazer. Instead they turned that into a soccer mom crossover. You are right, surprisingly it’s just 3 in this off road segment. 4runner, wrangler, bronco. The rigs most of us actually see on the trails being put to their intended use are 4Runners, wranglers, fj cruisers, land cruisers, and tacomas. The newer land cruisers weren’t seen as much but now you are seeing more and more built up 100 and 200 land cruisers everywhere along with older land cruisers and new and old 4Runners and tacomas.
Great video and review!! I have a 2022 SR5 Premium w/ the Predator Package and absolutely love it. Yes, the gas mileage is something I had to get over but, to your point, I do not care because everything else about the 4Runner is perfect! It has enough power for what I need, the 5 speed transmission is fine and the amount of space inside is a huge plus.
I’ve never had a problem with the drivetrain. Of course I wish it had a few more gears but it just works and as long as you don’t think you are in a super car then it’s perfectly fine. Now if you add a rooftop tent, front and rear steel bumpers, sliders, full skids, winch, big aggressive tires, and the cargo packed with drawers and cans and cans of gas and everything else overlanders seem to feel they need then yeah it’s gonna be weighed down and the gearing will need to be changed and the engine will struggle to go up mountains and off road trails on inclines. I just think people go so overboard nowadays. Unless you are going on an overlanding trip for a month straight in remote areas then I understand but people bring SO MUCH unnecessary gear for just one night or a weekend trip. When you see those rigs on trails you can just see how weighed down and top heavy they are while trying to crawl over rocks. Keep it minimal as possible and overlanding and camping will be just as fun and could even be more enjoyable and memorable.
Right there with you, I do not know why I love this truck so much...but I absolutely do! I have the same *condition* with the GX470, probably because they're the same, just in a suit. ;-) I had one as a long-term rental and it makes you feel like no terrain is a challenge. I drive too fast to own one though and I like to be hunkered down in a sedan. Great review!
I’ve got a straight SR5 and I completely agree with you, this engine could handle at least 100 more HP. I owned the previous generation V6 and it was both lighter and had better acceleration than the current generation. I miss the power and acceleration of the prior generation but I really like everything else on the current generation. All that said, please Toyota, get us a Gen 6 4Runner ASAP. Please and Thank you!
Since a bolt on supercharger that adds some 80 hp is available from Magnuson, it can definitely handle a little more. Honestly it doesn't bother me though
I bought the same one on April, the only thing difference is mine with the sliding cargo tray. Love it, very satisfied it. But the price was too crazy ):
When grandpa reviews a truck you get all this whining, tooo loud, exhaust drones, 100 more hp, roof rack needs to go.....goodness dude get a limited trim, get a Lexus GX460. I mean 100 horse power more, sounds like someone in a Porsche, name one family car or hell a performance vehicle that went up a whole hundred hp with the model year. Name one warm blooded real car loving male that doesn't like exhaust noise. My exhaust doesn't drone to me, nor do I find the roof rack noisy. All these views are subjective and when a boring old dude does a review, you'll end up hearing complaints about most of the things that make the vehicle cool. Thank goodness someone like this isn't in charge at Toyota of designing this thing or else the 4Runner TRD Pro would just be a rebadged Limited trim in black or grey. This is my second TRD Pro and love every simple old thing about it including the exhaust which honestly seems quiet to me and the aggressive roof rack/basket which has a multitude of uses except one and that's a roof tent which I don't need.
Exactly, this guy sounds like he prefers to drive a "mid-life Chrysler" as Jeff Foxworthy would put it. This guy is just a softy. I know plenty of grandpas who would love the noise on the TRD PRO.
@@c1arkj the exhaust sounds cheap and lazy, but if that's the kind of image you want to cultivate with the vehicle you drive, go for it. "Oh, hey, look, it's Joe again..." "Did Joe get that muffler at Wal Mart?" "I dunno, but it sounds like he did."
Yeah, yeah, I’ve done the Rubicon Trail once and that was enough. Don’t need to do anything like that again, so I don’t need a noisy, useless roof rack.
As a 4Runner owner, most Pro owners that really wanna carry stuff sell the Pro roof rack (to someone who wants to make their non-pro look like a pro) and buy a real roof rack that’s meant for hauling more gear and more weight. Brian has ever right to complain about the rack, it’s mostly for looks.
@@lthemanl I had an FJ with the same exact rack and found it to be engineered quite well for everything short of an RTT. This includes expeditions such as the 150 mile Kokopelli Trail in Utah. Don’t act like you speak for “most pro owners.” You don’t.
@@lthemanl ALL of the TRD Pro owners I know have never used the roof rack, but Greg here is the gatekeeper for all 4Runner TRD Pro owners (but has never actually owned one).
More flawed than anything else. I owned one for over a decade, but would not buy another as the years go by, and Toyota refuses to invest anything serious into the platform.
couldn't have been that bad since you had it for ten years? with all the high tech gagets out there and all the problems that go with that, you'll learn to appreciate the 4runnner even more, I've had zero problems with mine and never regretted buying it. Love my 2016 4runner trail with kdss.
@@johnwebb2232 The flawed calipers that kept seizing and destroying the rotors with minimal mileage was unforgiveable. should have been a recall but never was. Could not go 2 years without an expensive brake job including replacing the front calipers each time. Can't say I miss it.
i have a 2016 trail 4runner with KDSS, i've built this truck as my daily driver and my overland vehicle, everytime i get into it, it makes me feel good in driving it. it has had zero problems and still gets lots of compliments, once you drive one of these vehicles you can then apppreciate them for what they are. it's a 4runner thing, pluss there resale value is unbelievable. love my 4runner.
Another great review brother.
Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it!
i bought the same color trd pro new 2 months ago for 63k out the door, i must say, it is quiet perfect for my wife and i along with our 3 dogs. i took the trd pro mudding a few days ago after reaching 1000 miles, it absolutely a beast of a truck! i also have the 2002 4runner limited 4x4 lifted. it is also a beast of a truck. but the 5th gen is much more comfortable for our family adventure. thank you for a great vid :)
Congrats! Great truck!
I’ve been using the roof rack a lot more than I thought. For family camping trip or multiple week road trips, the roof rack is one of the most useful things on this vehicle. But again, I use the 4Runner for what it’s made for. Haven’t seen another 4Runner using its OEM roof rack 😅
That's the thing, I wouldn't use it and about half my friends with them don't use the roof rack. Glad you're using it for its intended purpose!
Just got a black 2022 TRD Pro a little over a month ago after waiting for one since the end of last year. Your review is very accurate. It's not like other modern SUVs. Maybe we should call it a TUV for "Truck-like Utility Vehicle". It's roomy, it's comfortable, it has the basic tech you need, it'll go anywhere you want it to. I bought now to get a 5th gen. We know the engine, transmission, and transfer case are all very reliable. 6th gen will likely have a turbo-charged engine, new transmission, etc. So you'll probably get more power and better mileage, but it's an unknown in terms of reliability. They might even lose the rolldown rear window like the new Sequoia, which would be a kick in the gut for dog lovers.
I have a 2019 TRD PRO and I added the sprint booster throttle controller and it made all the difference. My PRO now has very good throttle response and feels plenty quick for what it is. I currently have an order in for a 2022 PRO at MSRP. Hopefully it actually shows up. Great review.
Got my TRD Pro in transit too. Cant wait to get behind the wheel since I'm coming from 99 4runner with 305K........
Yeah about 1 month ago. I paid $3k over sticker which is way better than another dealership selling a used 21 lunar rock for $25K over
Love your pacing in this review. And great opinion points
Thanks!
I think these SUVs are made in Japan? The workmanship there is probably the best compared to the other places Toyota uses. I heard the new 4Runner is going to be assembled in Mexico so if you want a Japanese made version, get this current generation now and keep it for as long as it’ll run which will be a long time. The resale prices on the 4Runners and Landcruiser trucks are nuts.
yes they are built in Japan, but the word is, they still could be built there instead of Mexico i'ts still up in the air wright now.
Bulletproof simplicity, capability and reliability is what this truck is all about. I’ve had a lots of turbo cars and i dont want the extra maintenance that comes with it. 5 speed is lacking but I hear the transmission is very reliable and long lasting so thats the trade off I guess. Im in the market for one and one reason not looking at the Bronco is questionable reliability and all that digital tech it comes with turns me off, especially for whats supposed to be a rugged off-roader.
Take a drink every time he says "4runner TRD PRO" and you won't make it passed 2 minutes
Amateur.
What is truly amazing is more car companies don’t mimic 4-Runner. Give us simple tough midsize SUVs without multitude of screens and infotainments. Look at how Bronco is selling. Amazing that GM has not decided to play in this segment and amp is San has left too. So they sell and sell because there are few alternatives available. Personally when I drove it the nose dive in braking was bad but hey, take the bad with good.
GM is on another program. Funny thing is that Toyota is selling more 4Runners than ever.
GM messed their chance up with the blazer. Instead they turned that into a soccer mom crossover. You are right, surprisingly it’s just 3 in this off road segment. 4runner, wrangler, bronco. The rigs most of us actually see on the trails being put to their intended use are 4Runners, wranglers, fj cruisers, land cruisers, and tacomas. The newer land cruisers weren’t seen as much but now you are seeing more and more built up 100 and 200 land cruisers everywhere along with older land cruisers and new and old 4Runners and tacomas.
How is driving this on the highway for long distances? Does the TRD Pro suspension make it a chore to drive?
No, it’s a beautiful drive. Soaks up all the imperfections on our crappy roads.
new 4runner will probably get a turbo 4... Toyota is so reliable... check out the GX460 for the Landcruiser Prado effect
Love that radioactive green. Kryptonite!
It’s bold!
Great video and review!! I have a 2022 SR5 Premium w/ the Predator Package and absolutely love it. Yes, the gas mileage is something I had to get over but, to your point, I do not care because everything else about the 4Runner is perfect! It has enough power for what I need, the 5 speed transmission is fine and the amount of space inside is a huge plus.
Couldn't agree more!
I’ve never had a problem with the drivetrain. Of course I wish it had a few more gears but it just works and as long as you don’t think you are in a super car then it’s perfectly fine. Now if you add a rooftop tent, front and rear steel bumpers, sliders, full skids, winch, big aggressive tires, and the cargo packed with drawers and cans and cans of gas and everything else overlanders seem to feel they need then yeah it’s gonna be weighed down and the gearing will need to be changed and the engine will struggle to go up mountains and off road trails on inclines. I just think people go so overboard nowadays. Unless you are going on an overlanding trip for a month straight in remote areas then I understand but people bring SO MUCH unnecessary gear for just one night or a weekend trip. When you see those rigs on trails you can just see how weighed down and top heavy they are while trying to crawl over rocks. Keep it minimal as possible and overlanding and camping will be just as fun and could even be more enjoyable and memorable.
Right there with you, I do not know why I love this truck so much...but I absolutely do! I have the same *condition* with the GX470, probably because they're the same, just in a suit. ;-) I had one as a long-term rental and it makes you feel like no terrain is a challenge. I drive too fast to own one though and I like to be hunkered down in a sedan. Great review!
I’ve got a straight SR5 and I completely agree with you, this engine could handle at least 100 more HP. I owned the previous generation V6 and it was both lighter and had better acceleration than the current generation. I miss the power and acceleration of the prior generation but I really like everything else on the current generation. All that said, please Toyota, get us a Gen 6 4Runner ASAP. Please and Thank you!
Since a bolt on supercharger that adds some 80 hp is available from Magnuson, it can definitely handle a little more. Honestly it doesn't bother me though
I bought the same one on April, the only thing difference is mine with the sliding cargo tray. Love it, very satisfied it. But the price was too crazy ):
The 4runners they have been around for a long time also I like the 2022 but they need to add a twin turbo & 5 more Automatic transmission
Yessir!
And a month at the dealer sitting next to the 22 Tundra waiting for the turbo to be replaced.
@@BrianMakse I also remember the V8 4Runner
When grandpa reviews a truck you get all this whining, tooo loud, exhaust drones, 100 more hp, roof rack needs to go.....goodness dude get a limited trim, get a Lexus GX460. I mean 100 horse power more, sounds like someone in a Porsche, name one family car or hell a performance vehicle that went up a whole hundred hp with the model year. Name one warm blooded real car loving male that doesn't like exhaust noise. My exhaust doesn't drone to me, nor do I find the roof rack noisy. All these views are subjective and when a boring old dude does a review, you'll end up hearing complaints about most of the things that make the vehicle cool. Thank goodness someone like this isn't in charge at Toyota of designing this thing or else the 4Runner TRD Pro would just be a rebadged Limited trim in black or grey.
This is my second TRD Pro and love every simple old thing about it including the exhaust which honestly seems quiet to me and the aggressive roof rack/basket which has a multitude of uses except one and that's a roof tent which I don't need.
You missed the point by being so angry with yourself.
Gotta love (despise, actually) people like you who rant on about people complaining. You need some school and a hobby.
Exactly, this guy sounds like he prefers to drive a "mid-life Chrysler" as Jeff Foxworthy would put it. This guy is just a softy. I know plenty of grandpas who would love the noise on the TRD PRO.
@@c1arkj the exhaust sounds cheap and lazy, but if that's the kind of image you want to cultivate with the vehicle you drive, go for it.
"Oh, hey, look, it's Joe again..."
"Did Joe get that muffler at Wal Mart?"
"I dunno, but it sounds like he did."
I waited for 24
The roof rack is functional. If you’ve ever had to carry extra fuel on a multi-day trail you would understand. Stop whining.
Yeah, yeah, I’ve done the Rubicon Trail once and that was enough. Don’t need to do anything like that again, so I don’t need a noisy, useless roof rack.
As a 4Runner owner, most Pro owners that really wanna carry stuff sell the Pro roof rack (to someone who wants to make their non-pro look like a pro) and buy a real roof rack that’s meant for hauling more gear and more weight. Brian has ever right to complain about the rack, it’s mostly for looks.
@@lthemanl I had an FJ with the same exact rack and found it to be engineered quite well for everything short of an RTT. This includes expeditions such as the 150 mile Kokopelli Trail in Utah. Don’t act like you speak for “most pro owners.” You don’t.
@@grisa12345 😂😂😂
@@lthemanl ALL of the TRD Pro owners I know have never used the roof rack, but Greg here is the gatekeeper for all 4Runner TRD Pro owners (but has never actually owned one).
as a owner I love this vehicle but come on Toyota upgrade the dang transmission and the electronics
Stop whining.
Lol can’t I’m a Canadian liberal
65k alot for a Toyota
Cheap for the best Toyota.
Toyota has never been cheap to buy... you pay more for reliability
They need to redesign it tbh you can’t even tell which are the new models unless you’re a big Toyota person
Who cares?
Jeep Gladiator is the real miss in the segment
Are you looking for the pickup truck least capable of doing pickup truck things?
More flawed than anything else. I owned one for over a decade, but would not buy another as the years go by, and Toyota refuses to invest anything serious into the platform.
couldn't have been that bad since you had it for ten years? with all the high tech gagets out there and all the problems that go with that, you'll learn to appreciate the 4runnner even more, I've had zero problems with mine and never regretted buying it. Love my 2016 4runner trail with kdss.
@@johnwebb2232 The flawed calipers that kept seizing and destroying the rotors with minimal mileage was unforgiveable. should have been a recall but never was. Could not go 2 years without an expensive brake job including replacing the front calipers each time. Can't say I miss it.