I still love my 2008 4Runner, it looks and drives like new with only basic servicing after 10.5 years. Unlike other SUV's it doesn't faint at the first sign of dirt. I like the power rear window, comfortable seats and reliability.
Great review. For anyone who has owned a 4runner before, we get it. It is simply one of the best made vehicles on the road. Had a 2003 that we drove for 12 years, I am looking at one of these for my next car.
Great review. After watching 6-7 4Runner reviews stating similar things and doing some test drives, we decided on the 19' TRD Pro. Coming from Jeep land before this, I'm actually disappointed in myself I hadn't made the switch sooner. Looking forward to the hundreds of thousands of adventure miles in this thing!
That’s awesome, the quality of chrysler’s in jeeps are going down because they’re owned by fiat but the 4runner will last u forever. Coming from a 4runner owner with 120k miles running like new
You also made a pretty smart investment seeing you got yourself a TRD pro trim. Finding a buyer won't be hard and you can easily make back 70-80% of your money if you decide to sell it a few years later down the road. That's a worthy investment in my eyes when it comes to buying/selling cars.
@@richieewinns I think so. Been taking great care of it, all maintenence on time. Only thing that would compleicte a resale is some of the mods though thery're not at all exetensive.
Nice review. I own a 2018 nightshade. I noticed my JBL sub in back looks different?? Mine has power running boards which is great for the family. Ours came with black door guards/toyota clear bra. The middle row seats also slide forward and back (missed that feature). Some of them like ours have 3rd row seat which helps support the void in rear. We had a 2016 TRD Pro 4Runner before the nightshade. The nightshade is so much better than the pro for at least a dozen reasons i.e. the seats are way better in nightshade. The TRD brake pads and rotors in our old 4Runner pro were stiffer/better but my wife likes the soft brakes in nightshade. You can upgrade the nightshade to TRD pads and rotors which is nice to know not stuck with one brake option if you don't like the OEM brakes. I will say the nightshade brakes are nice once use to them but sensitive when new. Gas mileage on both of our 4runners was and is awful. The "eco mode" is meaningless. Your range is only about 280-290miles city or 320-340 miles highway (not much in a 19-20gal tank V6...those are old V8 mpg figures). But we love the looks, reliability, rugged engine and transmission. We love the simple and only necessary cabin/dash controls. No engine auto start/stop. Not electric motors. No hybrid. No turbo. Just good stuff that will last a lifetime. Fyi-even has fuel leak detection system and the swoosh sound you hear when turning it off is the engine clearing carbon emissions before off. Most cars today are very confusing whereas this car is all business and that's why people still love it. Lets see what happens when the new 2020 4runner debuts next year. I just hope its not like all the other SUV. Regardless, the nightshade is the official 35th anniversary 4Runner and only year made in 5th gen body style so its rare and collectible beyond just being a Limited 4Runner. Most 4Runners hold great value, we sold our Pro after 3 years for nearly what we paid before tax (insane)! The nightshade will hold value just as good as the pro if not better since fewer on the road. We shall see. The oldschool nav in our nightshade works way better than the new nav on other Toyota models. The ride feel Is very commanding and overall stability is night/day difference vs our TRD Pro. The cooled seats work great!! Our pro only had heated seats. You can set cooled seats to high and hear a wind tunnel blowing your back and butt--but the control knobs are "unique". The gauge cluster is dated but the actual analog RPM and MPH dials look/work like a swiss clock. It also has footwell lighting vs our pro did not. A safe, reliable, fantastic looking, and great driving vehicle. It only needs more pep in its step and better mpg to be the best of the best. Ps-If you really want to improve the driving experience in your 4Runner and protect it from theft...buy a Sprint Booster Version 3 and swap your OEM air filter for a TRD air filter. You won't regret adding these two basic and easy to install accessoried nor does SBV3 increase horsepower or void warranty. Your mpg and especially throttle response will greatly improve!! I think every Toyota should have SBV3. Contact me if interested in learning more about SBV3.
Thanks for sharing! Power running boards is awesome and I believe a lot of people will need them to be able to get in. Nightshade 4runner is a badass SUV.
NT Automo Really like your comments about the 4 runner, have always loved the burly look and nature of it. Would really love to own one some day, awesome vehicle.
Nice review, however you keep putting it in a class with crossover SUVs. It's midsize body on frame suv. A crossover is defined by it's unibody car like frame, which a 4runner isn't. It's confusing when you use terms like "like other crossover's" when comparing vehicles with a 4runner. Keep up the good work
Someone else made that comment and I can see how it can be confused. Yea I know the 4runner is body on frame which is something I should have made more clear.
I had the choice to pick up a White Nightshade, ultimately went with the standard Blizzard White Limited. I think the White Nightshade will be one of those colors in 5 years where you are questioning what were you thinking. The Black and Grey Nightshades are perfectly matched though.
I disagree with this statement…the gloss black wheels look sharp against the blizzard Pearl body…I’ve compared mine to the regular blizzard Pearl limited, and I think the nightshade is way better…it’s different..
Just FYI, 4Runners are not crossovers. They are actually full 4 wheel drive body on frame. Not to bust your chops, because it was a good review. But crossovers are not intended for real off roading.
Drivers Only no problem, as I said not busting your chops, just see so many reviewers that don’t understand the difference. As I said it was a good review. Love the 4Runners!
Seems like Toyota has been killing it the last 10 years but one thing I have noticed that they are just now seeming to update. The 2015-2019 like yours have these tiny infotainment screens in the center dash. My 2014 Infiniti has a bigger nav screen. I'm not saying it needs to be huge but you look at what Tesla is doing and its just good lord!
George, I follow your crypto channel and may be in the market for a 4runner and came across your video. Not buying it with btc though! Keep up the good work. Thanks for the videos.
If you plan to buy a 4runner I'd say you need to focus on a few thing while trying it out. First, try a hard brake test. The nose dive so much that it might scares some of you. Try to double another car, this thing is so slow that you might not like it (and I'M a minivan owner). The front view is not really good (worst then a GM pick-up truck). Also you don't have much space in in the front cabin to throw your pocket stuff. Its not that bad but its below anything else this size. It is really a great vehicle, I've liked it on the country road I do live but I have just hated it personally on the normal roads. The Toyota tundra crew cab drives even better then the 4runner when your on pavement. The MPG is alow worst then what you would get on any FULL SIZE suv.
I've been looking at trucks before but then I started looking at SUVS and my parents (I may get my learners in 2020) and so far this 4 runner I see myself driving this in the night shade ngl I need more facts about this so I may go to me dealership and get them to answer my questions but this has my pick I was gonna go with a Chevy Tahoe but this seems better
I doesn't look like a sissy car! I like that. It can take a punch and smile at the tough terrain that delivered it. I like that too. How does the CD player sound?
Great review. I test drove one and decided against buying it. Looks great but do some in town driving and brake hard. Nose dive is the worst of any vehicle including trucks I have experienced. This is a off reading vehicle and nothing better. Even Wrangle rides and drives better in town.
HI, I am flip flopping between the 4Runner Limited and Honda Ridgeline RTL-E. I know you have / had the Ridgeline. How does the driving experience compare between the two. Road wind noise, comfort, audio quality. Any other points that you can offer up would be great. Not interested in off road stuff as that is obvious.
Ridgeline is quieter and more comfortable. It is also very spacious although the 4runner has a larger 2nd row. Newer Ridgelines also have more standard safety features. But as for resale value, 4runners cant be beat. Hope this helps.
Call me crazy, however, when reviewing a vehicle (especially when discussing the seats, head and legroom, and if laying in the cargo area to demonstrate the space), the reviewer should state their height, just so that the viewers have a frame of reference. For example, if the reviewer was 6'2" and says, "See, I can fully lie down in the cargo area...…...woo, woo." If the viewer is 5'10", then they know that they are more than good. Not a fan at all of where Toyota decided to put the power window controls. They're potentially exposed to the elements and awkward for my driving position. Would love to know their thought process/engineering reason for that. I have yet to see the 4Runner review that discusses whether the driver's seat can be raised, and by how much? The 4Runner SEEMS like it is more suited for taller drivers.
I agree! That was an old video when I still pretty new. I do that in all of my videos now. Check out this 2020 4runner trd pro I reviewed recently. ua-cam.com/video/cQ1BqGtOn30/v-deo.html
The whole thing is out dated and needs a refresh and I’m a Toyota fan and own a Tacoma that also needs an update! Toyota seems to be very slow on updates the old if it’s not broken don’t change it is not working! Get with it Toyota!
@@DriversOnly Well probably be very little off road but still need solid testosterone type vehicle to handle harsh winters and trips to beach. Thought Durango and Tahoe might be just as desirable Thoughts ??
Tahoe is much bigger. Durangos are very nice with more modern tech but they depreciate fast. 4Runners will last forever and hold their value amazingly well.
@William Vagabond thanks I really appreciate your detailed answer. It checks with everything I've researched and this will greatly narrow down my choices 👍🏼👍🏼
I have a feeling Toyota is trying to give the Limited a softroader /civilized look to further enhance the impact on the observer when it actually does perform well offroad. Basically what the Range Rover did a decade ago.
@@ChuddleBuggy The sheer weight of it combined with the Limited road tires would be detrimental to off-road driving. This model is strictly a soccer practice/grocery getter.
Shame on you for comparing a 4Runner to a telluride. My 2007 4Runner has 155k miles and has never had an issue. Even though it’s 12 years old I can still get $10k off of it all day. See if your Kia lives up to that.
Heard rumors the 6th gen 4 runner is on field test yet to show some spy pics so wait for it it’s coming .check out trd john in UA-cam he got some info 👍🏻
Check out the newest Drivers Only Rankings to see how this 4Runner ranks vs the competition: driversonlyrankings.com/
I still love my 2008 4Runner, it looks and drives like new with only basic servicing after 10.5 years. Unlike other SUV's it doesn't faint at the first sign of dirt. I like the power rear window, comfortable seats and reliability.
I've had one before. They are nice and last forever which is why you still see plenty of them on the road today.
same I have an 08 limited Why upgrade ? with the V8
@@shadowstrangler1 I have a 2008 Sports Edition and it’s a tank! Did I mention I have 243,000 miles going strong?
@@shadowstrangler1 it's now 2023, do you still have it?
@Pat Mac yes I do. It's at 215k git it at 170k. The only thing that I fixed was the power steering hoe, which was like 3$ minor leak.
Just bought this exact car today…except it has nitto ridge grapplers on it. LOVE IT is an understatement
Great review. For anyone who has owned a 4runner before, we get it. It is simply one of the best made vehicles on the road. Had a 2003 that we drove for 12 years, I am looking at one of these for my next car.
Thanks Rob!
4 years ago today! Trying to buy one dude.
Great review.
After watching 6-7 4Runner reviews stating similar things and doing some test drives, we decided on the 19' TRD Pro.
Coming from Jeep land before this, I'm actually disappointed in myself I hadn't made the switch sooner.
Looking forward to the hundreds of thousands of adventure miles in this thing!
Congrats, your going to be enjoying your 4runner for a long time.
That’s awesome, the quality of chrysler’s in jeeps are going down because they’re owned by fiat but the 4runner will last u forever. Coming from a 4runner owner with 120k miles running like new
You also made a pretty smart investment seeing you got yourself a TRD pro trim. Finding a buyer won't be hard and you can easily make back 70-80% of your money if you decide to sell it a few years later down the road. That's a worthy investment in my eyes when it comes to buying/selling cars.
@@richieewinns I think so. Been taking great care of it, all maintenence on time. Only thing that would compleicte a resale is some of the mods though thery're not at all exetensive.
Nice review. I own a 2018 nightshade. I noticed my JBL sub in back looks different?? Mine has power running boards which is great for the family. Ours came with black door guards/toyota clear bra. The middle row seats also slide forward and back (missed that feature). Some of them like ours have 3rd row seat which helps support the void in rear. We had a 2016 TRD Pro 4Runner before the nightshade. The nightshade is so much better than the pro for at least a dozen reasons i.e. the seats are way better in nightshade. The TRD brake pads and rotors in our old 4Runner pro were stiffer/better but my wife likes the soft brakes in nightshade. You can upgrade the nightshade to TRD pads and rotors which is nice to know not stuck with one brake option if you don't like the OEM brakes. I will say the nightshade brakes are nice once use to them but sensitive when new. Gas mileage on both of our 4runners was and is awful. The "eco mode" is meaningless. Your range is only about 280-290miles city or 320-340 miles highway (not much in a 19-20gal tank V6...those are old V8 mpg figures). But we love the looks, reliability, rugged engine and transmission. We love the simple and only necessary cabin/dash controls. No engine auto start/stop. Not electric motors. No hybrid. No turbo. Just good stuff that will last a lifetime. Fyi-even has fuel leak detection system and the swoosh sound you hear when turning it off is the engine clearing carbon emissions before off. Most cars today are very confusing whereas this car is all business and that's why people still love it. Lets see what happens when the new 2020 4runner debuts next year. I just hope its not like all the other SUV. Regardless, the nightshade is the official 35th anniversary 4Runner and only year made in 5th gen body style so its rare and collectible beyond just being a Limited 4Runner. Most 4Runners hold great value, we sold our Pro after 3 years for nearly what we paid before tax (insane)! The nightshade will hold value just as good as the pro if not better since fewer on the road. We shall see. The oldschool nav in our nightshade works way better than the new nav on other Toyota models. The ride feel Is very commanding and overall stability is night/day difference vs our TRD Pro. The cooled seats work great!! Our pro only had heated seats. You can set cooled seats to high and hear a wind tunnel blowing your back and butt--but the control knobs are "unique". The gauge cluster is dated but the actual analog RPM and MPH dials look/work like a swiss clock. It also has footwell lighting vs our pro did not. A safe, reliable, fantastic looking, and great driving vehicle. It only needs more pep in its step and better mpg to be the best of the best. Ps-If you really want to improve the driving experience in your 4Runner and protect it from theft...buy a Sprint Booster Version 3 and swap your OEM air filter for a TRD air filter. You won't regret adding these two basic and easy to install accessoried nor does SBV3 increase horsepower or void warranty. Your mpg and especially throttle response will greatly improve!! I think every Toyota should have SBV3. Contact me if interested in learning more about SBV3.
Thanks for sharing! Power running boards is awesome and I believe a lot of people will need them to be able to get in. Nightshade 4runner is a badass SUV.
NT Automo Really like your comments about the 4 runner, have always loved the burly look and nature of it. Would really love to own one some day, awesome vehicle.
@@DriversOnly I love them
You own a 2018 nightshade yet they didn't come out until 2019? I have the 2019 blizzard pearl. First year nightshades were made
Nice review, however you keep putting it in a class with crossover SUVs. It's midsize body on frame suv. A crossover is defined by it's unibody car like frame, which a 4runner isn't. It's confusing when you use terms like "like other crossover's" when comparing vehicles with a 4runner. Keep up the good work
Someone else made that comment and I can see how it can be confused. Yea I know the 4runner is body on frame which is something I should have made more clear.
Your vehicle reviews are pretty good
I had the choice to pick up a White Nightshade, ultimately went with the standard Blizzard White Limited. I think the White Nightshade will be one of those colors in 5 years where you are questioning what were you thinking. The Black and Grey Nightshades are perfectly matched though.
Limited in Blizzard Pearl is gorgeous!
I disagree with this statement…the gloss black wheels look sharp against the blizzard Pearl body…I’ve compared mine to the regular blizzard Pearl limited, and I think the nightshade is way better…it’s different..
@@jessicalmcdaniel9878 we all have amazing 4Runners 😄🫶🏾
Good review. I own a 2017 limited with a 3rd row and the whole family loves it.
Amazing SUV! I was truly impressed by it.
Do you think its better then gx460? Is it quit inside?
Do you drive on 4x4 all the time?
@@claudiacanales2662 Limiteds are full-time 4-wheel-drive so that’s a yes 🙂
Just FYI, 4Runners are not crossovers. They are actually full 4 wheel drive body on frame. Not to bust your chops, because it was a good review. But crossovers are not intended for real off roading.
Thanks but I'm aware of that. I was merely making the comment about crossovers all looking similar. Thanks for the feedback though!
Drivers Only no problem, as I said not busting your chops, just see so many reviewers that don’t understand the difference. As I said it was a good review. Love the 4Runners!
@@DriversOnly No, correction You absolutely called It a Crossover. Own it! Its recorded. You can see and hear it over and over. No denying it bro!!!
the 4runner is NO crossover, that's an insult! It is a true truck with limitless off road adventure.
Seems like Toyota has been killing it the last 10 years but one thing I have noticed that they are just now seeming to update. The 2015-2019 like yours have these tiny infotainment screens in the center dash. My 2014 Infiniti has a bigger nav screen. I'm not saying it needs to be huge but you look at what Tesla is doing and its just good lord!
George, I follow your crypto channel and may be in the market for a 4runner and came across your video. Not buying it with btc though! Keep up the good work. Thanks for the videos.
:)
Is NOT a crossover! It’s a truck !
Didn't mean to imply it was a crossover. Just saying it looks different from all of the crossovers on the road.
Crossover is more like a car
If you plan to buy a 4runner I'd say you need to focus on a few thing while trying it out. First, try a hard brake test. The nose dive so much that it might scares some of you. Try to double another car, this thing is so slow that you might not like it (and I'M a minivan owner). The front view is not really good (worst then a GM pick-up truck). Also you don't have much space in in the front cabin to throw your pocket stuff. Its not that bad but its below anything else this size. It is really a great vehicle, I've liked it on the country road I do live but I have just hated it personally on the normal roads. The Toyota tundra crew cab drives even better then the 4runner when your on pavement. The MPG is alow worst then what you would get on any FULL SIZE suv.
I've been looking at trucks before but then I started looking at SUVS and my parents (I may get my learners in 2020) and so far this 4 runner I see myself driving this in the night shade ngl I need more facts about this so I may go to me dealership and get them to answer my questions but this has my pick I was gonna go with a Chevy Tahoe but this seems better
One of the best cars on the road, but in dire need of a re--design inside and out.
I doesn't look like a sissy car! I like that. It can take a punch and smile at the tough terrain that delivered it. I like that too. How does the CD player sound?
I love your toyota 4runner limited 👍🧡💓
Do the front driver and passenger seat have the same power functions?
Great review. I test drove one and decided against buying it. Looks great but do some in town driving and brake hard. Nose dive is the worst of any vehicle including trucks I have experienced. This is a off reading vehicle and nothing better. Even Wrangle rides and drives better in town.
Great review bro! Subscribed
Thanks!
Very good review Chairman Kim.
Muy buen video amigo
Really good video, spot on with everything
Thanks.
Excellent review, Good job.
Will the 2020 4RUNNER have start stop tech?
HI, I am flip flopping between the 4Runner Limited and Honda Ridgeline RTL-E. I know you have / had the Ridgeline. How does the driving experience compare between the two. Road wind noise, comfort, audio quality. Any other points that you can offer up would be great. Not interested in off road stuff as that is obvious.
Ridgeline is quieter and more comfortable. It is also very spacious although the 4runner has a larger 2nd row. Newer Ridgelines also have more standard safety features. But as for resale value, 4runners cant be beat. Hope this helps.
@@DriversOnly It does, did you get a chance to compare the audio? I am looking at a '19 RTL-E
@@sedona1234566 Didn't test the audio sorry
@@DriversOnly Well, I ended up getting a lightly used 2018 4Runner Limited, really like it.
Call me crazy, however, when reviewing a vehicle (especially when discussing the seats, head and legroom, and if laying in the cargo area to demonstrate the space), the reviewer should state their height, just so that the viewers have a frame of reference. For example, if the reviewer was 6'2" and says, "See, I can fully lie down in the cargo area...…...woo, woo." If the viewer is 5'10", then they know that they are more than good.
Not a fan at all of where Toyota decided to put the power window controls. They're potentially exposed to the elements and awkward for my driving position. Would love to know their thought process/engineering reason for that.
I have yet to see the 4Runner review that discusses whether the driver's seat can be raised, and by how much? The 4Runner SEEMS like it is more suited for taller drivers.
I agree! That was an old video when I still pretty new. I do that in all of my videos now. Check out this 2020 4runner trd pro I reviewed recently. ua-cam.com/video/cQ1BqGtOn30/v-deo.html
The whole thing is out dated and needs a refresh and I’m a Toyota fan and own a Tacoma that also needs an update! Toyota seems to be very slow on updates the old if it’s not broken don’t change it is not working! Get with it Toyota!
Nice review!
Thanks!
The radio is so small 😂
Excellent review
Appreciate it!
It’s a beautiful turtle suv. Put a 6 speed transmission for better mpg.
Toyota doesn't do much to the 4runner because it's so solid. But I agree, at least put in a 6 speed from the tacoma in.
Look up diesel toys, it’s unreal what you’ll find
Put an 8 speed put a 10 speed...
Eddie Hoang?
Nope?
Haha first thing I thought “he’s doing car reviews now?”
🤣🤣🤣🤣. Me too 🤣🤣🤣🤣
Eddie Huang?
Eddie Wong?
Wrong Eddie.
Damn he fell off. Doing car reviews now. lol
Great job!
Still needs a small V8 in it. 4.7 would be perfect.
Yea like the good old days.
@@DriversOnly I would literally go buy one tomorrow with the 4.7.
4.6 from the GX
How's powertrain compared to the Ridgeline? Enough power?
Felt similar but a bit slower when you gun it. But in my opinion plenty of power, you aren't going to have any problems passing people.
The best SUV buy is
I like the 4 runner but is there a better SUV for under 60k as I'm definitely in market??
Depends on what you're looking for. If your looking for something that you can go offroad with and live daily, 4runner is hard to beat.
@@DriversOnly
Well probably be very little off road but still need solid testosterone type vehicle to handle harsh winters and trips to beach. Thought Durango and Tahoe might be just as desirable
Thoughts ??
Tahoe is much bigger. Durangos are very nice with more modern tech but they depreciate fast. 4Runners will last forever and hold their value amazingly well.
@@DriversOnly ok tx. Then how about Nissan Armada Platinum or SL. seems like great value there as well. Thoughts ??
@William Vagabond thanks I really appreciate your detailed answer. It checks with everything I've researched and this will greatly narrow down my choices 👍🏼👍🏼
Very utilitarian!
I don't think it worth an additional cost, you can plsatidip the limited anyway you want...
HID head lights? Did the dealer put them on? Mine didn't come with shit but halogen
Which edition did you get?
Drivers Only 2019 limited
should not be HID.
Is this truck better then GX460?
No
Does this have CarPlay?
Dwight R It has ToyotaEntune,works the same way as CarPlay
If you buy a limited edition 4runner, you’re basically a karen.
Smaller wheels and bigger tires are far more appropriate for an suv, limited versions don't look good.
I agree to some extent. I've seen smaller 17" TRD wheels with huge sidewall tires that look better in my opinion. More rugged.
I have a feeling Toyota is trying to give the Limited a softroader /civilized look to further enhance the impact on the observer when it actually does perform well offroad. Basically what the Range Rover did a decade ago.
True, limited models look like trash compared to the other models. Trd off road is the way to go.
Agreed, hence why I got the TRD Pro over a base model or Limited. It's a great ride!
@@ChuddleBuggy The sheer weight of it combined with the Limited road tires would be detrimental to off-road driving. This model is strictly a soccer practice/grocery getter.
It's different from all the other crossovers....because its not a freaking crossover. Please stop comparing in your presentation to crossovers
Clam down. I was merely comparing the looks.
After checking Kia's Telluride, 4Runner is way too outdated. Shame on you Toyota
Kia? Really? Not on the same planet!
Cmon man.
lol a kia? that shit wont last 50k
4runner all the way!
Shame on you for comparing a 4Runner to a telluride.
My 2007 4Runner has 155k miles and has never had an issue. Even though it’s 12 years old I can still get $10k off of it all day. See if your Kia lives up to that.
2020 is the last year for 4 runner and Avalon being discontinued
Wow, did not think toyota would ever cancel the 4runner.
Don’t spread lies
Heard rumors the 6th gen 4 runner is on field test yet to show some spy pics so wait for it it’s coming .check out trd john in UA-cam he got some info 👍🏻
Fake news!
@@DriversOnly Me Either