I was looking into the 05 and up 4runner.
Are there any significant changes in the chassis for the 05 model. I noticed they upped the HP in the V8 and the towing rating went up as well.
Also are there any problems i should know about when shopping for an 05-06 model V8.
I also noticed that the GX470 people talked about an advance sporting package KDS or something, could someone enlighten me on if that type of thing also applies to the 4runner. I also remeber seeing somewhere about some X-reas?? sport pack.What year, and models featured this as option or standard?
Anywhere i can get more info ?
Thanks

 

You'll find a lot of what your looking for in t4r.org

kdss is only on the gx.

x-reas is standard in sport edition 4runners and an option on limited models. some people like it, some people don't and get rid of it.

i have an 04 sport 4wd with the v6 and love it!

 

Nothing wrong if you DO want a 4Runner, but if you don't go off-road or tow much, you really don't need its rugged truck-like capabilities. You can get more car-like steering, handling, ride, and economy in the Camry-based Highlander, one of the most well-rounded and comfortable mid-sized SUV's on the market....and a hybrid version is available. The Honda Pilot is also an excellent choice.

 

Thanks. You are right i probably will not take it off road, but i am looking into a replacement for my dads f250, and i was looking at a reliable suv which can put up with towing, hence the V8 model, 7000lb towing not to bad.

 

My parents looked at highlander and a 4runner and settled on the runner.

So much more nicer and had a v8

 

What do you tow? A 4Runner is no F250!

 

The situation is we have a truck just sitting there. When we use the truck it is to tow the trailer, probably once in 2 months. We have a 20' open box trailer which we use to carry around just about anything, it can get quite heavy. We thought it would be a good idea to just get rid of the truck and get a towing SUV, then we have an everyday car to replace my car, and the truck which we can use to tow the trailer. What cant a suv w/ trailer do that a pickup can?
Do you think a 2.5 ton load will be a bit of a strain for a 4runner?
Thanks

 

Towing capacity is a tricky thing. I don't know if it takes HILLS into consideration for example.

Our F-150 supercab 4x4 w/ 5.4L V8 has a towing capacity of 9300lbs I believe.

If we tow our horse trailer (about 1500lbs) plus horse (about 1200lbs) plus 'stuff' (about 500lbs) that's a tow pull of say around 3000lbs, or less than 1/3rd of max. towing capacity. On flat ground I don't even notice we're towing anything, but on hills I can (and FL doesn't have many hills!). I don't think I'd ever want to tow anything close to the 9300lb limit.