4Runner decision

My wife has decided upon a 2021 4Runner (well, if we can find one lol) and I wanted to run my readings past you on her choice.
-she definitely wants Toyota
-she wants a large SUV (Highlander/RAV4 is too small)
-the Sequoia/Landcruisers are too big.

Of the 2021 4Runners,
-it looks like all the TRDs and Venture & Trail models have off-road capability, ie high clearance/tall/roof racks/HD suspension/off road tires/skid plates/CRAWL/MTS and I don't think she needs those things with her highway and town driving; I think she will have a better ride, not in a TRD.
-the Nightshade seems to only have some esthetic differences.
-the SR5 is a bit too basic; the SR5 Premium is better, but;
-the LTD has some amenities she'd like (dual A/C, heat/cool seats, leather, AWD)

So, does my info on this sound correct?
Any other guidance you'd like to offer?
Any downsides to the LTD she should know about?
Any other places I should be asking this?

Thanks

 

Yes the limited and nightshade has the most options I believe. It has full time 4WD which makes it simpler to drive (for my gf). Rides really nice. And she really liked the way it looks so that’s what we got lol she doesn’t off-road and if you don’t and don’t need a locker then go for it (also in my opinion i think for creature comforts she should’ve got a Lexus but she didn’t want one)

 

I just went thru this exact exercise. Picked up our new Venture Edition yesterday. We looked seriously at the limited but I didn’t like the front end compared to all the other models and I didn’t want to go thru the hassle of switching it out. Either way you’re gonna love it! Also, if you have already started looking you know how hard it is to find a 4Runner right now. Not sure where you live but I would look at dealerships outside of metro areas. I had to travel a few hours round trip for mine. In talking with the salesman he was turning over two more vehicles after us to people that were driving from other parts of the state.

edit: i see you’re in west TX. I even looked in Lubbock (my wife is from there and heading back for the mont( of June) to no avail. Gene Messer doesn’t think they will see another 4R til the end of summer. Maybe MidlNd/Odessa?

 

Highlander is basically the same body size as a 4R, but the 4R sits taller. The interior of the Highlander is bigger than the 4R.

I bought my wife her 4R Pro about 1.5 years ago because she wanted a SUV. 4R are super cool rigs, and I always wanted one, so it was my choice……….. and I made a less than ideal choice for her needs.

Her 4R has an interior that reminds me of all my Tundras and Tacoma’s in its very Spartan and basic feel. Interior is boxy with good room, but sure suffers from a ton of wind / road noise. Visibility is good, and I like the more truck’ish seating position. Motor / trans are typical Toyota reliable while being a bit underpowered (pedal commander helped immensely). Gets about 18mpg combined. Is a beast in snow / ice / dirt / mud / etc.

Highlander has much more features, is much more comfortable interior, drives better, has more power, has better economy, etc.

The wife loves her 4R Pro because of how cool it is. But besides the cool factor and being better off road, the Highlander would have been a better rig for her.

 

Given demand vs supply, better times exist for new car purchases. Congrats on your purchase.

 

Yeah I’d wait a year and hope that chip shortages and demand slow a bit, or at least until winter when demand goes down a bit regardless. Spring is the absolute worst time to buy a car

 

are we taking cosmetics; bumper/grill or mechanical; struts/axles etc??

 

i am going to have to google that!

 

No downsides to the 4R LTD to report here?

Maybe I’ll get lucky and they won’t have changed from a spin-on oil filter to that crazy new system that my Tundra has

 

Cosmetics. I don’t think there is anything mechanically different unless they have the KDSS or X-Reas suspension systems. I do not have either.

 

It was the first thing we added. It’s a game changer

 

Best $300 I’ve ever spent in terms of daily driving improvement. Have one on my Tundra as well. Can’t recommend them enough.

 

You should also go drive a GX before you make a decision. It is a better 4Runner after all. Same frame, better motor.

 

That is a Lexus, yes?

 

Second the idea to look at the GX before purchase. Definitely a big step up on fit/finish, great reliability, and similar core components.

 

Correct. Generally they are slightly more reliable than the Toyota counterpart. Lexus QC.

 

GX would be my choice as well. I have an older LX470, and my wife has an RX350. The fit and finish on the Lexus models is nice, and they are bomber reliable. Plus you can find them in fantastic shape used, if you want to go that route. Lots of them never see dirt and are generally very well maintained due to the typical new buyer for them.