So we had a 2015 Toyota Highlander that was roomy, comfortable and powerful and traded it for a new 2019 Forerunner SR5. We test drive the Forerunner twice but didn’t drive it far enough as on the way home from the dealership we found the front and rear seats weren’t as comfy. The seating position is odd too which doesn’t help, it feels like your sitting on the floor with your legs straight forward !
The engine is OK, but feels labored the whole time, especially when starting off from scratch or when driving up a steeper hill.
The Highlander has an electric rear hatch closing button, the Forerunner doesn’t have that and we really miss it as the rear hatch is heavy and well strutted.
It’s hard to say this as it sounds stupid but the Highlander has more room for the front and rear seat passengers. Admittedly the rear storage area is bigger on the Forerunner but it’s just not comfortable to drive or ride in over longer distances. It also seems the 4 doors crowd sideways into your seating area, sit in one and you will see what I mean.
Fuel economy isn’t great either.
I’m sure it’s off-road capabilities are good but it’s ride is harsh on rough blacktop roads, especially at speed and the steering takes some getting used to as the vehicle feels twitchy.
I was helping my daughter shop for a new Toyota 4 Runner. She knew exactly what she wanted, but hates dealing and haggling. I researched the car, looked for what she wanted, shopped the internet for best pricing with NO trade. A bit of looking but found the perfect matching car, called to see if it was in stock, it was and off to the races. She looked, drove and it was the car, so Papa starts the deal maker. She was happy, (me too) made the deal, and of course I helped with the down payment and off to enjoy her new ride. Thanks for the input and help "EDMUNDS", A LITTLE KNOWLEDGE GOES A LONG WAY.
Saw a 2019 TRD pro in voodoo blue on the dealers off road set up and had to have it. Replaced a 2017 Honda Pilot elite. There were many things I did not like about the pilot, auto-stop, lane keeping assist, lane departure, the ride was too soft, etc... the list goes on. The 4 runner is exactly what I was after. The engine stays on at stop lights, I do all the changing of lanes, I decide when to brake etc... No crossover here! Back to basics in true truck fashion in a gorgeous package. "the wife isn't crazy about the blue". It is a blast to drive. Yes - gas mileage is not good. I knew that going in to it. If you want great gas mileage - buy a Prius. And as for reliability - as the saying goes "If you want to go out to the outback, buy a landrover. If you want to get home from the outback - buy a Toyota"
I've had a 4Runner for 15 years and I really wanted to buy another but it's really difficult when you compare it to other options.
Ride was not terribly smooth but that's to be expected because it's a truck.
Infotainment screen is small compared to it's competitors.
Virtually no safety features like you find in our comparable vehicles.
Fuel mileage is the worst.
