Good for a family!!

[crenn]

My wife currently drives a 2010 Venza, problem is we just had a baby, and we are now finding that there isnt a whole bunch of room in it. With the stroller in the back, theres barely enough room to put a couple bags of groceries in the back. Long trips with the family are going to be a bit of a pain when our luggage and all of our stuff is crammed beside the baby, and the stoller and a bottle of water is in the back.

I was out for a walk the other night and walked past a house that had a 2011 4 runner in the driveway. Our question to current 4 runner owners is that is it big enough for a small family to carry at least the stroller and possibly one more passenger other then the three of us.

I would appreciate the feedback. The local dealership here, has a 4 runner coming in next week, and they will call me to come check it out. But I thought i would come on here to see what everyone else thinks.

PS...My wife is 5 foot 4ish, i have read on the net that its hard for shorties and kids to get in and out. is this true? pretty sure we would get a set of side bars installed....

[homeyclaus]

Out 2011 Trail Edition works fine for the three of us, and we could pack another two people in if we wanted, with gear, and still go places most vehicles can't. It most definitely has more space to carry stuff than a Venza.

This being said, we have a stroller that folds up smaller than most, and we had no problems with that and an extra passenger and a couple of grocery bags in our 2004 Matrix either. It was tight, no question, but not miserable.

I give you fair warning: it's a truck. It's got a frame, drives like a truck, brakes like a truck, feels like a truck, because it is a truck. Some people like that, and some people don't. A Highlander has much better driving dynamics and creature comforts, but a fraction of the toughness, because it's a car (ahem, a "crossover"). If all you're looking for is a bigger vehicle, I'd make sure you compare the two.

[Batang.Gapo]

I hear your pain, we had our second child last year and our Honda Accord's trunk was not enough for baby stuff and groceries.

I went for 2011 SR5 Canadian Upgrade and could not be more happier. I have the space I needed, 4x4 for Canadian winter, 7 seats, all safety features (2 front knee air bags), bluetooth, etc...

My wife stands at 5 feet and so is my 11 year old son, they don't have an issue getting in and out of the truck. It's a relief also not to bend over whenever I put our baby in and out of the truck .

We recently drove to Florida and the truck was very comfortable. The extra seat was handy as I have two extra passengers. Both my son and 19 year old nephew sat at the back with no issue except the seat does not have enough cushion and A/C bent. It gets hot at the back especially during afternoon drive.

Most of the time, it's just four of us and the space is more than adequate.

Good luck...

[84Cressida]

Do you do any towing or go off-road? I love the 4Runner, but a Highlander might be a better choice and will be easier for your wife to get in, as well.

[katekebo]

Originally Posted by 84Cressida

Do you do any towing or go off-road? I love the 4Runner, but a Highlander might be a better choice and will be easier for your wife to get in, as well.

x2. If you don't need off-road capabilities, Highlander is a more sensible choice - more comfortable and has more space. V6 Highlander can tow 5000 lb, same as 4Runner. You can get 4WD version which is good for snow. My wife has a 4WD V6 Highlander and loves it. I have an FJ Cruiser which shares the platform with the 4Runner. While I love the FJ because it can go places few other vehicles would even dream about, my wife complaints about how uncomfortable it is - difficult to get into because of the height, rough ride (compared to the HIghlander).

Highlander drives like a car (Venza). 4Runner drives like a truck.