To address some common comments/questions: 1) Yes, I have driven a manual. No, I didn't explain myself very well. My first 5 vehicles were manuals, and my wife has owned 4 manual vehicles. I bought my first automatic at 27. When shifting from 1st to 2nd, you pull the stick completely towards yourself. When shifting from 2nd to 3rd, you follow a dogleg pattern. Yes, I know the dogleg pattern is away, but it's not a single movement away. In addition to that strange reasoning, most sequential shifters found in racing/rally cars also shift up by pulling back. 2) "It's not a manual shifter it's a..." Everyone who has made this point has called it something different. Either way, it limits the top gear, rather than selecting exactly which gear you're in. Whatever you call it, it has the same effect when used as described in the video. 3) I'm from England. That's why I talk funny. I moved to Kentucky ten years ago. 4) I guess I am shaped weird. 99% of people love the 4Runner seats. I will admit that they're growing on me, but they're still really hard. I recently sat in a new TRD Pro, and while the seats were the same shape, they were a LOT softer! 5) Mine is a 2010 Trail Edition. There really isn't a big difference between it and the newer models - slightly different front bumper and headlights, newer radio, and softer seats are all you really get with the newer ones.

Rob, this was one of the most Honest Long Term Reviews Ive seen on youtube. It lacked bias, and touched on almost everything. The 4 Runner is IMHO the best all around SUV on the market. It isnt the best at anything, but great at everything. For me, Crawl control has been a life saver in Deep sand (Lots to find here in FL). My biggest complaints are the gearing (The MPG sux) and the lack of Modern Tech (We take them offroad, but they get way more time on pavement during commutes)..

I totally agree. The most important thing is you can drive back from remote places, and along the way tow the Jeep for your friend

Im a 58 year old solo female and just bought my first ever 4runner for over landing (which I’ve also never done before, lol) so your channel is really helping me get to know more about my truck before I take it out. Thank you!! Super excited!

I really appreciate this detailed video. My husband & I have been considering purchasing a 4 Runner for some time now. We need a family vehicle with the option of going off roading whenever time permits. We are ready to move forward with this purchase coming up real soon. Thank You!

Had my first 4Runner for 19 years, on my second one and loving it.

This review was extremely refreshing but what was most impressive was how you showed how capable this vehicle was in mostly stock form. Bravo on the great review.

You’re a perfect reviewer! And hit every nail on the head

I was gonna buy a Wrangler but I'm 97% on paved road, a utilitarian homeowner who needs a more spacious cargo & off road capable transporter. And of course, the 4Runner is indeed a lot more reliable... 😉🙃

Solid review. Back in the day I was a tank officer in the Canadian Army, and I do a lot of ATVing, so I feel I know a lot about offroading. I am on my 4th 4Runner, a 2018 TRD Offroad, which is also my daily drive. Enough said.

I grew up with my parents driving me around in a 1997 4Runner. When I turned 17 (2007) I used the 4Runner to get my drivers license. Now it’s 2021 still running strong, and I now drive my 4 year old around with it.

Excellent and honest review. I personally love the seats. I used to have a Jetta, and I make a trip from Ohio to Texas every year. The Jetta destroyed my neck and back. I’ve had no issues making that trip the past 2 years in my 4Runner. It is sluggish. But I installed a Pedal Commander and the throttle response is fantastic now. At this point I can’t imagine that I will ever want anything other than a 4Runner.

Great review... thanks. I've owned my 4RT (KDSS) for 10 years, have taken it in some harsh terrain including pulling my A/T Chaser and it never fails; never any problems, just routine dealer maintenance. Now at 108,000 miles. I too did aftermarket leather and a slight lift. I considered a LC, but, the 4RT had more cargo room for a slightly smaller package and it'll go anywhere a LC can go. Of course more power in the LC, but, is it really needed in 99% of situations. My son had 320,000 miles on his 4R before he sold it and it was in great condition; just routine maintenance.

Great video!!! I am looking to buy a new 4runner, your video is a great help. Thanks! Best honest review I have seen!

Great info, I currently have a 2009 Jeep Wrangler and looking for something more comfortable and with more storage space. This is one of the best reviews I’ve ever seen. Thanks ✌🏼

Crawl Control is absolutely all it is advertised to be. I re-created the test that Toyota did illustrating the CC in the sand(stock street tires) and it does just what it showed. Granted, the idea is to NOT get stuck in the 1st place and experienced off-road drivers have been NOT getting stuck since long before CC was created. However, as the saying goes, it is better to have the tool and not need it than to have a need and not have the tool. ;) All the whistles and bells on the TRD(Trail) editions are fantastic tools. Put the proper tires on for the terrain you are going on and you are golden.

Nice truck! Good review. I'm planning for a 2020 4Runner Limited next year.

There isn’t a better,more reliable,or affordable vehicle in this class on the planet.👍

Great review and discussion!

Excellent unbiased review of the 4runner. Like Brandon Weaver mentioned, I do miss seeing your WK videos. That is what actually attracted me to them, but your honesty and nonToyota bias has kept me following you. I own a 3rd gen 4runner with triple the miles of my JK. I still want to buy a Grand Cherokee mainly for the extra hp as my wife and I want to purchase a small trailer for traveling in.

I had a 2015 4 door wrangler. Which was an animal over here in canada. But traded it in for a 2022 4runner this year and just wow. Night and day better in every way. You've stated a lot of the points but one thing that immediately stood out to me was how overall amazing the quality of life upgrade was. You're basically gaining a plush soft pillow instead of hard rock while still retaining everything that makes it tough. Lol it's hard to describe exactly but I've been a jeep owner all my life and now I know what I'd been missing.

Excellent and honest review Thank you !!!

The most authentic review I have ever seen on 4 runners, thanks @revere. As for me I am on my 4th 4Runner I love the unrefined organic trucky feel of the 4Runner. Adding a supercharger to 4Runner should solve the problem of sluggish engine however wish could have got it from Toyota as OEM equipment. Apart from that no complains.

I have the 2020 “Venture” edition. Fantastic vehicle and I came from a 2004 Pathfinder (old style) which was perfect for a daily driver and getting to my fishing holes - and it’s still running relatively strong today. But, my 4Runner has met and exceeded my expectations as a daily driver and off road. And my dog loves it too, if just for the rear window alone 😀

Excellent unbiased review

Very honest presentation.Just lain information no personal views.Top notch job.

The 4runner is quite a good platform for overlanding. Well sorted out drivetrain, more durable driveline and the aftermarket has provided all the items one would utilize for any specific applications! You made a wise decision.

great review and very honest...great work.

Great review!

The transmission doesn’t have a manual shift mode. It is a limiter, when you move it to “S” mode and place it in what ever gear you choose, the transmission won’t shift any higher then that, but it won’t force it into only that gear. It’s intent is for breaking and limiting the speed you go down declines

Love your review. Giving range and passing power as well as storage points of view makes me super excited to get delivery of my Rivian R1S. Similar range, way more storage, more power. I was a little worried I wouldn’t be able to overland with it, but that would be very comparable.

Very helpful and useful video. We have a 2015 Rav-4 AWD and are thinking about upgrading to something bigger and the 4Runner and Sequoya are at the top of our list. We don't do a lot of off overlanding but are planning on driving some of the Piute Trail System in Utah. We rented a side by side last time but I think a good 4WD is all you need for a lot of the trails.

Great honest review. I had a 14 Tacoma with the same power train and know what you mean the power is just adequate stock. After I added 32" tires,lift and arb bumper it was a slug add to that a new puppy and towing my tractor I ended up in a diesel ram.

America needs the 70 series LC

If you've ever driven farm/heavy equipment with "shuttle shift" type transmissions the forward upshift/rear downshift will seem natural. plus if you orient the shifter like a light switch, forward being "up" will correlate to "adding" a gear... at least that's how my brain interprets it. Great review.

I've been watching your videos for awhile now, one of the only channels based close to where I live. I have not been able to get on the DBBB yet but your videos give a good indication of what it is like. Have a Tacoma now but I had a 2016 4Runner trail in past and I am with you on the transmission. I don't think the engine is truly underpowered but the transmission shift mapping is weird. There were lots of times where I wanted to accelerate, gave it some more throttle and it would shift up a gear instead of shifting down or staying in the same gear. You really have to mash the throttle to get it to move. Other than that it was a great vehicle and the roll down rear window is very cool.

Great unbiased review! I agree, its all about the best comprimise. My 4runner has been great at towing my wrangler friends after they run out of fuel. Lol

Great dependability usable space and dementions. This comes from a F150 owner.

Thanks for that review!

Great review! I have a Silver 2010 Trail and love it but FINALLY someone else that thinks the seats aren’t that comfortable on long hauls! It’s probably one of our top 3 complaints. Otherwise I’m 4Runner through and through and the OG Trail 👌🏻

Great review on a great vehicle! Thanks...

Totally agree, thanks for your thoughts!

Nice review/video !

Fellow Kentuckian here, considering living in a 4Runner to drive cross country. :) thanks for your video!

I currently own a 2004 4runner, previously had a 2000 4runner, and have also owned a 2013 JKU Wrangler, and will soon be in the market for either a 5th gen 4runner, or JLU Wrangler. Everything you have said is spot on. I like both vehicles for different things, but a 4runner will beat a Jeep as a daily driver. But there are definite benefits to owning a Wrangler, as they are just a super fun vehicle to own. The ability to take the top and doors off is such a fun and amazing feature. Also the aftermarket as you mentioned for the Wrangler is much better supported. You simply have a ton of options to customize and add to your Jeep anything you want from seats, to bumpers. I'm going to test drive the JLU and see how I like it and depending on that it will be a really tough decision on what to get next.

Good video, Thanks for sharing ✌

I, for one, especially appreciate your CANDOR ... also, in your introduction to overlanding video. For instance, I really saw the Truth in your introductory statement, "the best overland vehicle for you is the one you already have." THANKS ...

I have a 2010 SR5 bought new. I appreciate your and everyone's reviews of the 5th gen. I have a few comments, (the first of which I've never seen in print), good and bad. The truncated tow hitch is not deep enough. It has been shortened to allow the spare to rest against it. If you find yourself running out of gas and can force yourself to drive 45-50 on level ground, you can get (I am not making this up) 26mpg. On the highway at 60 I get 22.4 though in mixed driving I get 16. I have cloth seats but have always used custom sheepskin covers. I hope the 6th gen is relatively unchanged but has some of the crash avoidance and camera features of 21st century cars. Half the time I remove the right hand 60% of the back seat bottom, and keep the 14mm wrench in the car for that purpose. This allows the passenger to recline while having extra flat space. I have a dual lens dashcam in the right rear window. I plug in my cooler and this to the 12V outlet at that location. This records almost everything that's around me, but especially the guy that hits me in the rear. I'm more interested in that footage than proof that I screwed up, but I really like that the ugly camera is not in my face. I understand that Toyotas charge at a lower voltage than other cars, making them unsuited for certain battery types, but I love the fact that bulbs never burn out at this low voltage. We have yearly inspections in Virginia and other brands commonly fail because of a single bulb being out. Finally, if you lose something in your 4Runner, look in that mystery cubbyhole at the bottom of the dash.

Great Video!

awesome video and rig- your accent is a total trip; love it!

Great vid!! Just found your channel It's funny. I switched from a Wrangler to a TRD offroad 4R. The Jeep was great but was in the shop with issues after 15k miles. I have had both in Moab and now question the Jeep was better offroad. But I still did it and just had to use great spotters

Shifting from 2nd to 3rd is forward but I get what you are saying, downshifting on race cars with sequential gearboxes is forward towards the front of the car, upshifting is pulling towards the rear of the car. Thank for the pros and cons. I dig your videos.

My wife is on her 4th 4Runner. A 2017. We love them! I do love Jeeps as well.

I sold Toyotas for a couple years and own a 2005 SR5 4Runner. A customer who bought one once said there was a saying in Australia, if you want to go out in the outback you take a Land Rover or Range Rover, if you want to make it back you take a land cruiser.

Great review! My 1996 4Runner has 332K miles on it and has no signs of slowing down. Just gotta keep up on the maintenance which for something with this many miles on it, it's minimal. My friend's Jeep always needs to be worked on after every trip and he has half the miles and it's much newer. My 4Runner can go several weekend long trips with no issues. Yes I need to replace things more often because it's off road. I go through a steering rack every 2-3 years but that's the only issue with my 4Runner being a dedicated off-road vehicle.

Love the seats

Great review! I’ve been looking for one for a month and I recently started looking at JGCs bc they are cheaper and smother on the highway but I am in the market for a ten plus year older one so I’ll stick with the 4Runner search now. There are a few high mileage gen 4s my way for 8-10k. Jeeps are 6-8k.

I liked your review, you covered a lot of the basics and it was a good evaluation of the 4Runner; I just recently purchased a 2019 Off Road Premium. I have had lots of other 4x4s and a major reason that I bought the 4Runner was exactly for the reason that you stated in your review. I sold my Hummer H3; which I feel was a more capable off road vehicle , but the reliability was bad and the roof leaked (which is a common problem with H3s). Nothing worse than being in the middle of no where and your vehicle won't start. I loved my H3 but the mechanical problems were too much for me. Thank you for sharing and I am looking forward lots of off road miles in my 4Runner!

I agree with everything I would only add regarding the transmission...just like the older jeep I once owned, OD on these vehicles is a torque converter lockout for mileage and so when your faced with any steep grade it’s best to keep the transmission lever in S which keeps the converter out of the equation till you crest the hill...it’s easier on the transmission. My jeep behaved exactly the same way in the hills regarding overdrive.

This is the second video I have seen that knocks the cruise control on the 4runner. I just got me a 2018 and drove it from New Jersey to Utah 2196 miles and most of them using cruise control and my vehicle didn't miss a beat, I had no issues.

Nicely done! Proud owner of a 2018 SR5 premium here. I find the seats pretty comfortable and i like every bit of the truck but I do wish it had a V8 for a truck this size.

Great Review thank you 👍🇺🇸 The Vermonter

Love my 2007 4th gen V8 Limited 4Runner!

An english man that moved to Kentucky and loves to go 4x4 packing? What in Thunder is going on here? My wife is eyeing a 4Runner for her next vehicle. I already got my FJ and its her turn. And this would be her 4th 4Runner if she pulls the trigger. She keeps remembering our 1st 1992 4Runner when we use to tow the kids and dog on and off road just for fun. Our 1992 4Runner was a beast and occasionally see it on the road. Hey thanks for putting this up. Loved your take on your beautiful vehicle. .

I improved the engine performance by installing a TRD CAI and the TRD performance exhaust and it significantly improved response even with 285/70/17

Also, thanks for doing this review! I'm stuck between a 4runner and a Rubicon but as much as the heart wants the Rubicon, I just know it's not going to be reliable.

I agree with you, great review as a 4Runner...I am getting a 2020 limited

You are a honest man and best review. Toyota is the most reliable SUV. My 1996 is still running almost 300 thousands miles.

I loved the seats on my 2014 trail version that was the same color as yours. Think it's slate. I ended up going back to my FJ cruiser because I found that being a big old boy 6'4 300 the fj had more leg and arm room. But overall I agree with you on a lot of your points. Try adding a good exhaust system it helped some with my FJ feel like I have better low end torque.

bought my 2005 sport with the 4.7. its 2wd and im perfectly fine with it since im in Texas and i owned a 2012 Taco for almost 5 years without an issue with all terrains. my other car is a 2018 wrx so 4wd aint a problem!

Amazing!!!!!

Good Video! Thx Bro!

I friend of mine has a 4Runner and it looks like a GREAT rig! I have a Jeep Wrangler and simply love it because of one feature it has that I have seen in no other 4x4 at the moment: removable top. I have the Bestop Sunrider top and when my wife and I are out exploring, that top is OPEN and the visibility is simply amazing. There is no sunroof that can do justice to what we have with the Jeep's top off. I just love it! Now if Toyota would do something like Ford did with the Bronco and come out with a FJ or something with a removable top, then who knows!

I recommend getting a Sprint Booster module to wake up your 4runner for a quicker acceleration. And for remote start, Accessorides system is your best solution. You'll love it! Both are plug-n-play and easy to install. (Took me about 30 min for both) Btw, great content. Keep it up!

great video I definitely agree when you said the only vehicle you would trade your 4runner for is a newer 4runner,,I have a 2012 and have had zero issues with it ,I gave it to my wife only cause I have a tacoma Trd offroad to and the 4runner is better for her with the kids and her job

Couldn’t agree more. No, it’s not going to be as good of a rock crawler as a Jeep is. But the 4Runner is a better overlanding vehicle if you’re mainly doing moderate difficulty trails. A Trac does give you maybe 80% of a locker. Crawl control doesn’t interest me much. Descent assist sometimes comes in handy, but I prefer putting it in 1st in low range and just letting gravity do the work. If anybody is looking at buying one, mechanically an early 5th gen is basically the same as a new one at half the price.

very true review, a Prado owner from asia.

I love 4Runners. I think they’re great vehicles. But it was really nice to hear someone talk about them realistically for once. No car or truck is perfect. Things will break. Did make me happy finding out the fuel economy was better than jeeps though lol. I’ve always been a little embarrassed about how bad my gas mileage is compared to my friends cars

I started overlanding with a brand new FJ Cruiser my parents bought for me when i was 16 and am almost 29 now. I went from my FJ Cruiser to a 4Runner, and have tried a few others in between, but keep returning to 4Runner, buying a new 2019 TRD Off Road Premium in late 2018 which is my forever rig! I bought a Land Rover Defender when they came out, and didn't even keep it for a year lol, returning to my 4Runner. I recently bought a Sasquatch'd Bronco Wildtrak from my boss and, and it was fun for trail fun, but I ultimately just let my husband use it as a trade it towards a Bronco Raptor. That is a trail toy.. Not an overlander lol The moral to this story is the 5th gen 4Runner is my forever rig! I'm Japanese, now living in British Columbia, Canada and did a 2 year scholarship in Australia, so I have driven MANY 4x4s, and can honestly say the 5th gen 4Runner is definitely the best a 4x4 in the North American market! Japanese built Toyota's are the best vehicles in the world!

I've never used the crawl control as an "off-road cruise control". I've only used it when stuck or when climbing and A-trac isn't cutting it. Let the crawl control work for a few minutes and it does an amazing job at get out of SOME situations.

I absolutely love my 4runner .....the Ford bronco will be interesting to see what it does to the jeep line up

I bought the 2019 TRD off road premium. Love it so far. I am adding a Gobi rack and ladder in the next few weeks. I wanted to know what lift you have on your 4runner. I have KDSS so I think it complicates things. Also how did you snake your extra power wires to the rear, running internally or externally. Would like to know how you did it.

hEY Rob. Excellent review video. I may have missed it but, could you tell me what year and model your 4 runner is? Many thanks. Mary

Buy and install the pedal commander. It helps with perfomance.

3rd and 5th (and 7th in my car) gear are ‘away from yourself’ while shifting up in a manual. But I get it. It’s just one of those thing about brains. Some people just naturally want controls inverted... but that feels totally backwards to others.

Love my 2017 TRD Off Road

Reliability...one of the reasons I bought a 4Runner (2016) and ditched my Jeep. Have owned several Toyota's before but never a 4Runner. I agree with you it's not perfect, but when it comes to reliability I'd rather have my 4Runner in my garage, than my Jeep always in the dealership garage...always had problems with my Jeep.

Honest review Rob. Question if you did another 4 Runner what would you do differently this time? Also I assume your was running 33” tires, did you regear and if you did would you do that again? Thanks

I plan to go with a Subaru Forester myself, but I don't plan on going rock climbing either. I like the mileage of the Subaru too and the fact that's it all wheel drive all the time. I dont have to worry about engaging anything. It's a smaller vehicle and doesn't compete with your Toyota in that class. Then again I would be alone other then my dog most of the time. Two notes though. 1. I dont plan on buying new because of the CVT. 2. I do plan on adding a lift kit start with a 1 inch lift and decide if I need to go up to a two inch lift. Like you said though one size doesn't fit all.

I got the 2020 4Runner TRD PRO!!! In white!!! I am loving it!!!!

I've got a 2006 4R 4.7 V-8 and I get great gas mileage. I get 20 in the city and up to 28 on the highway if I go 60 mph. Turnpike speeds will knock it down to 22 at 75-80 mph. Of course, senior citizen and not going off the road. 122,000 miles. Love my 4R

An honest review. I have had two 4Runners, and totally agree.

It can never be as good as a Jeep because the Jeep has a solid front axle and the Toyota has IFS. The Humvee has both independent front and rear suspension not solid axles and would kick both the Jeep and 4Runner over-landing. I’ve ridden and driven in all three and as the best all around would choose the 4Runner every time. I own a 4Runner Trail and wouldn’t trade it. It’s no Baja vehicle but it sparks the best performance balance; though I wouldn’t mind an update to the engine and/or transmission. A 6 or 8 speed along with a turbo or better displacement to weight engine would make a good vehicle great.

I own a 2010 Trail model love it 19 mpg

Crawl control is incredible in the sand. Its been of great use if you know how to make use of it. Without lockers its one of the best systems to use in low range just being gentle on the gas. If it has to be a case of driving hard or spinning the tires, crawl control would obviously not be able to help. That's not the kind of wheeling I do so it makes no difference to me. Reliability wise I can say my GX has been bulletproof. I am very cautious though and I don't beat on my vehicle. 200k miles with literally no issues. The issues I have had were down to how old the truck was. Airbags going out was expected at 180k when they're OEM. Fluids get old and need to be changed. Had one boot rip on a CV. Besides that maintenance was it.

I've loved my 4runners. I do wish they made a manual version.

Great videos! Can you tell us a little bit about why you left the WK? I see so many WK & WK2’s for sale at a good price...

Great review, some recommendations I have read the 4.0 L does perform better with an intake and exhaust upgrade. I have owned 99 4runner for 14 years, considering your model possibly soon.

Hi! Great video! Where in IL are you? A Rockfordian here!

Great video. Fyi my stock 2020 SR5 4runner can go almost 400 miles on a tank of gas. It's amazing