The 2010 4Runner is hands-down my favorite new Toyota in our line. I think the redesign is absolutely brilliant. The new aggressive look makes it stand out amongst every other SUV. I can honestly say I think it is the nicest looking SUV on the road. The sliding rear cargo deck is a brilliant idea, especially seeing as this 4Runner is a bit taller than previous models. With the cardo deck, you can pull cargo from the back of the trunk area right to you without having to strain yourself. There are three trim levels to the new 4Runner: SR5, Trail, and Limited. The SR5 is VERY well equipped and can be easily found with leather, sunroof, upgraded audio system, etc. The Trail is the quintessential offroad vehicle. It has a heavy duty composite black front fascia that can take abuse while not scratching any paint, and beefier offroad wheels and tires, just to name two exterior differences. It shares many of the rugged offroad features that are only found on the $75,000 Landcruiser. Some of these include the Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. I've tried them both out and I can tell you that they are certainly quite useful. The Limited is (in my opinion) nicer than almost any luxury SUV on the road. The list of options and accessories is almost endless. One of the big differences between the Limited and the other two is the transfer case operation. Both the SR5 and the Trail have manual shifter-style transfer case controls for a more hands-on offroad feel, whereas the Limited has a simpler dial-style transfer case control as seen in the previous 4Runner models.
You really can't go wrong with any of these options. They are all built for different drivers needs. You just need to figure out what kind of driver you are! Feel free to shoot me an e-mail if you have anymore questions!
The 2010 4Runner is hands-down my favorite new Toyota in our line. I think the redesign is absolutely brilliant. The new aggressive look makes it stand out amongst every other SUV. I can honestly say I think it is the nicest looking SUV on the road. The sliding rear cargo deck is a brilliant idea, especially seeing as this 4Runner is a bit taller than previous models. With the cardo deck, you can pull cargo from the back of the trunk area right to you without having to strain yourself. There are three trim levels to the new 4Runner: SR5, Trail, and Limited. The SR5 is VERY well equipped and can be easily found with leather, sunroof, upgraded audio system, etc. The Trail is the quintessential offroad vehicle. It has a heavy duty composite black front fascia that can take abuse while not scratching any paint, and beefier offroad wheels and tires, just to name two exterior differences. It shares many of the rugged offroad features that are only found on the $75,000 Landcruiser. Some of these include the Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select. I've tried them both out and I can tell you that they are certainly quite useful. The Limited is (in my opinion) nicer than almost any luxury SUV on the road. The list of options and accessories is almost endless. One of the big differences between the Limited and the other two is the transfer case operation. Both the SR5 and the Trail have manual shifter-style transfer case controls for a more hands-on offroad feel, whereas the Limited has a simpler dial-style transfer case control as seen in the previous 4Runner models.
You really can't go wrong with any of these options. They are all built for different drivers needs. You just need to figure out what kind of driver you are! Feel free to shoot me an e-mail if you have anymore questions!
--BL
Thank you for the information.
Since the new Lexus GX 460 and the 4 Runner on same chasis and the price for GX 460 fully loaded is about $66K and the LTD 4 Runner is around $42K. So i am thinking about how much different are the two SUVs.
Does the LTD 4Runner come with KDSS or is that option? i have read that it comes with X-Reas i am not to sure about that feature is it similar to KDSS?
I've seen the new GX. It's certainly a beautiful vehicle, however it looks almost identical to the older bodystyle 4Runner. So I'm still much more partial to the new bodystyle 4Runner over the GX. But that's just me.
KDSS (or Kinetic Dynamic Suspenstion System) is a specially designed suspension system that helps provide optimal offroad performance. This system was designed almost exclusively for the Landcruiser which is the quintessential offroad adventure/luxury vehicle. So the fact that it is now on the 4Runner as well is a pretty big indication of how capable the new 4Runner is in the offroad realm. KDSS frees the stabilizer bar so each wheel can react seperately to the particular terrain it's in contact with. It uses a pressure sensing valve which allows each wheel to move substantially with less restriction. The wheel on uneven ground can react while the other wheels remain relatively unaffected. It reduces body tilt when offroading and helps reduce body roll when taking turns on the highway. In simpler terms, it allows each wheel to move up and down and conform better to uneven surfaces without tilting the vehicle at a crazy angle. KDSS is only available (as an option) on the 4Runner Trail Edition. It is not available on SR5 or Limited.
X-REAS (or Diagonal-Linked Relative Absorber System) is standard on Limited and not available on SR5 or Trail Edition. X-REAS helps enhance ride comfort. This system automatically adjusts the suspension so it adapts to the surface it's riding on. It will adjust the damping force of the suspension depending on whether you are on a bumpy dirt road or a smooth paved highway. It also helps reduce body lean.
It seems like you are looking for a more luxury-based SUV as opposed to an offroad machine. I work for Toyota, so I know a relatively decent amount about Lexus vehicles but I am much more familiar with the Toyota line. That being said, I must admit that aside from the V6 in the 4Runner vs. the V8 in the GX, I really don't find too many significant differences in the GX vs. the Limited 4Runner. Especially in the luxury amenities department. Even if you purchase a 4Runner with every conceivable option, you will still be almost $20,000 less than the Lexus. However, that all depends on your preferences for your next vehicle.
It's ultimately up to you, but for what it's worth, my pick is the 4Runner.
I've seen the new GX. It's certainly a beautiful vehicle, however it looks almost identical to the older bodystyle 4Runner. So I'm still much more partial to the new bodystyle 4Runner over the GX. But that's just me.
KDSS (or Kinetic Dynamic Suspenstion System) is a specially designed suspension system that helps provide optimal offroad performance. This system was designed almost exclusively for the Landcruiser which is the quintessential offroad adventure/luxury vehicle. So the fact that it is now on the 4Runner as well is a pretty big indication of how capable the new 4Runner is in the offroad realm. KDSS frees the stabilizer bar so each wheel can react seperately to the particular terrain it's in contact with. It uses a pressure sensing valve which allows each wheel to move substantially with less restriction. The wheel on uneven ground can react while the other wheels remain relatively unaffected. It reduces body tilt when offroading and helps reduce body roll when taking turns on the highway. In simpler terms, it allows each wheel to move up and down and conform better to uneven surfaces without tilting the vehicle at a crazy angle. KDSS is only available (as an option) on the 4Runner Trail Edition. It is not available on SR5 or Limited.
X-REAS (or Diagonal-Linked Relative Absorber System) is standard on Limited and not available on SR5 or Trail Edition. X-REAS helps enhance ride comfort. This system automatically adjusts the suspension so it adapts to the surface it's riding on. It will adjust the damping force of the suspension depending on whether you are on a bumpy dirt road or a smooth paved highway. It also helps reduce body lean.
It seems like you are looking for a more luxury-based SUV as opposed to an offroad machine. I work for Toyota, so I know a relatively decent amount about Lexus vehicles but I am much more familiar with the Toyota line. That being said, I must admit that aside from the V6 in the 4Runner vs. the V8 in the GX, I really don't find too many significant differences in the GX vs. the Limited 4Runner. Especially in the luxury amenities department. Even if you purchase a 4Runner with every conceivable option, you will still be almost $20,000 less than the Lexus. However, that all depends on your preferences for your next vehicle.
It's ultimately up to you, but for what it's worth, my pick is the 4Runner.
Hope that was helpful!
Thank you for providing the detail information on the different suspension type.
in the last gen of GX i had a chance to test out the KDSS which was an option back then and driving in a snow covered parking lot showed KDSS system really work. even the sales man didn't know how did the KDSS worked when i test drove the SUV.
Well there are few option which i wish they would offer in 4Runner 1st option HID, 2nd rear seat entertainment system and power rear door.
Anyways do you know if there is rear A/C controls on LTD 4Runner?
Got to say I'm in love with the Trail trim line. Love everything about this 4Runner except the looks, but, hey, I wouldn't be buying it for that and instead it's off-road capabilities. If I didn't already have a new Highlander and the Samurai to supplement it in the off-road department, I'd buy this new 4Runner for sure. I like it.
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2008 Highlander Base 4WD
2002 Avalon XL
1987 Suzuki Samurai 4X4 - Treading where no Jeep can follow....
I test drove an SR5 a couple weeks back. I was truly very impressed with it... enough that I'm planning on ordering one next month. I've always been a fan of the 4Runners, but never really considered actually owning a new one. This one pushes all the right buttons. It has the gadgets, economy, and capability to handle any utility, family, or offroad needs. Plus, the new look is simply badass. I had been wavering about picking out our 3rd vehicle, but after the 4Runner test drive, there was no doubt which vehicle I wanted.
I poked around in the Limited for you yesterday and there are not rear seat A/C controls. So you are the sole operator of the climate control system! Yesterday was the first time I had seen a Limited in person and I can't begin to tell you how impressed I am. It's really a tremendous vehicle. What colors are you thinking about?
TrailDust,
The Trail Edition IS pretty awesome isn't it?? I tried it out on some beaten up backroads and rock formations near our dealership when we first got it. It's one of the most capable offroad vehicles I've ever driven.
quentinberh007,
You are right. It is 100% pure, unadulterated badass. The SR5 is certainly quite impressive. Enjoy, my friend.
i picked up a 10 trail edition last Saturday. i'm in love so far. the comfort and features are crazy in this thing. i would say if you get one, of any trim, you wont be disappointed.
The new 4Runner is really sweet! The features I love the most is the roll out tray in back, party mode speakers, and that they kept the roll down rear window. When I am in the market for my next Toyota, a Gen 5 4Runner will be at the top of my list!
Today i saw the LTD 4Runner and i like what I saw. the salesman wasn't the best he didn't know to much about the SUV I guess i knew more then him.
anyways i like few features in the SUV, onething i thought was cool was the cargo tray that comes out but i am not sure how it effects the 3rd row seating.
Today i saw the LTD 4Runner and i like what I saw. the salesman wasn't the best he didn't know to much about the SUV I guess i knew more then him.
anyways i like few features in the SUV, onething i thought was cool was the cargo tray that comes out but i am not sure how it effects the 3rd row seating.
You have 3 options for the "cargo area": 3rd row seating, pull out tray, or flat floor.
You get the most cargo room w/ nothing, but the 3rd row seating and pull out tray give you a completely flat load floor w/ all the seats down. With nothing back there, you have a slight ramp from the cargo area to the flat seatbacks when the 2nd row is laid down. This is a mild irritation. I'm sort of tempted to get the slide out tray so I can put mountain bike fork mounts on it without having to drill into the floor.
I have a 2010 Limited (with third row). Its my first "big" SUV and I absolutely love it. I was a total sports car guy before (Prelude Type SH to S2000 to STi). As soon as I drove the limited I was hooked and traded my beloved STi the next day.....it was THAT good.
So far, the only "quirks" that I dislike are:
- the JBL headunit iPod interface is a bit clumsy
- the accessory cargo net doesn't prevent stuff from falling out when you open the lift gate. Small items can still roll or slide underneath the net.
That said, two little quirks, that are complete overshadowed by the awesomeness of the rest of the truck.
We are now a Toyota family (my wife has a Venza touring AWD V6).
The X-REAS suspension is very slick. The opposite shock absorbers (left-front with right rear and right front with left rear) are linked by a central dampener....so when a shock is subject to a force, the oppositely link shock reacts accordingly via the link and central dampener. It makes road handling very precise and almost car like. Again, coming from an s2000 and STi, I was very impressed with the road handling of this vehicle.
I love the look of it. The front end is a mix between a FJ and a Tundra. From the side, it almost looks like a Range Rover....very elegant looking, especially with 20" rims.
The only thing I wish it had appearance wise was HID headlamps....especially on the Limited. Our Venza has them.
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Your 1st Impression on 2010 V6 4Runner Limited
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