Good timing!
After 5 Tacomas in a row since college followed by a Tundra,, I just traded my Tundra for a new 2018 5th gen 4Runner SR5. It is the first time in my adult life I don't own a truck. (We'll see how that goes). After 1 month, here is my impression:
The reasons I went from a Tundra to a 4Runner:
1) I wanted something more nimble, with a shorter wheel base
2) I wanted something more off-road capable (see above)
3) I was time to upgrade to some better technology (backup camera, traction and 4WD improvements, cell phone integration, integrated 100v AC inverter, etc, etc, etc)
4) I wanted a place to put the family golden-doodle inside the cab, but not on a passenger seat
Since the purchase:
-- Immediately upgraded to BFG KO2 275/70R17's (Stock is 265/70R17). Stance is much higher than my Tundra, gas mileage is 3-4 MPG better. I do not plan up lifting for now. 1-3" of lift is the most common for the T4R but honestly plenty of people get after it just fine on stock lift with 275's. A 2" level kit up front might be fine, but anything 3" and up and you really should consider a diff drop. Someday if my stock suspension starts to sag I might level the front and add airbags to the rear (for hauling/towing).
--
RSG Angled Sliders will be picked up this week. These are some of the best sliders on the market, mount right to the frame (bolt on) and also help prevent the truck from rocks that kick up, parking lot door dings, etc. Most T4R offroad guys run real sliders like this, bolted to the FRAME, versus soccer mom steps, bolted to the running boards. If you bottom out on a big rock, you will want your armor bolted to the frame....
--Roof rack to be installed this week
--Holding off on aftermarket front bumper and winch for now, until I gauge weight and responsiveness with the upcoming set-up.
My thoughts:
The pro's:
This is EASILY be the best off-road vehicle I have ever owned, and a few of my Tacoma's were set up for some serious terrain. Toyota has really nailed some of the 4WD settings. Everything from push-button A-TRAC in 4-Low, to downhill assist, to no nanny gadget diff lock, and everything in-between. I've only had it off-road twice but it easily kicks my Tundra's ass offroad, and my Tundra was a pretty capable vehicle. Especially once the sliders are on, this thing is going to crawl ALL OVER Colorado. Angle of approach, angle of exit, suspension travel, etc, even stock, is awesome.
The ride, even with E-rated BFG's is way better than the Tundra.
Better overall technology than my Tundra had.
Slightly better mileage.
Stow-away 3rd row seating is a plus.
I can car camp in the back.
Con's:
The V6, while perfectly capable, is an adjustment from Tundra 5.8L V8. It's fine, but I will not be passing a semi-truck, uphill, while towing. Conversely, I always knew that if I mashed the pedal down on my Tundra, I was off to the races, like, NOW. The 4Runner power curve kicks in around 3000 RPM and up, so while it's a bit sluggish off the line, it gets up and goes OK once you get up to speed.
Towing will be fine for most average uses - 5500 lb rated. My Tundra was rated for 10,500. My Tundra towed a mid-80's beast of a travel trailer, and I never knew it was back there - haul/tow setting, oversized brakes, V8.... The Tundra could have pulled ANYTHING. The 4Runner, well.... Average towing of a ski boat, or a newer, lighter camper will probably be fine, maybe even great with aux brakes. But the 4Runner is not a work truck or a dually. But if you are looking for a 4Runner, you knew that. Look, towing a family camper with a weight distributing hitch is going to be fine. But not a front end loader.
No bed for hauling loads. (But I have a 5x8 utility trailer, which mitigates this issue for me)
Overall, I am liking my purchase. I am LOVING the additional off-road capability, nicer ride, and technology. I am MISSING the power, and will probably miss the ease of truck-bed hauling at some point, even though I have the utility trailer.
I don't heavy tow anymore so that is a wash for me.
Hope that helps,