Looking to purchase 4runner

I am looking to purchase a 4runner. I have never owned a Toyota before. I am wanting it as a everyday drive and need something that pulls. What model should I be looking for?

 

Pulls what? A trailer? Pulls, as in fast? A 4Runner will not be a solution to either of those.

 

A boat to the river.

 

All 4Runners have the same towing/hauling limits regardless of the trim. 5k lbs is the max weight.

 

I will not be pulling all the time. What are the pros and cons on the different models?

 

Click on this link to read the differences in the trim levels:

https://www.toyota.com/4runner/2024/features/mpg_other_price/8642/8648/8674

 

I just pulled our jet skiis to Lake Havasu last week. Never even knew it was there. Although the combined weight of the skiis and trailer was approximately 1,500 lbs. I think that’s the sweet spot for pulling a trailer and just driving normally. If it’s a small boat and trailer with a combined weight of 2,500 to 3,000 lbs you should be fine. If you are at or above the 5,000 lb max rating it could get sketchy. At that point a Ram 1500 with the 5.7 Hemi would be a better choice, imho.

 

What size boat and what is the weight of the boat and trailer. It matters as a bass boat is easy while other boats are much heavier.

 

It is a Lowe aluminum boat. Trailer and boat is less than 1500 lbs.

 

Welcome. All of the 4Runners have the same powertrain and will tow the same amount of weight. @Borracho Loco gave you a good link to compare features between the trims.

 

Welcome. You can go to Toyota’s website and do comparisons. I just did that for my model (SR5 P) vs. a new one (TRD OR P). You’ll be surprised how much is equal. Almost nobody really needs the features of a Pro and the Limited is a different animal with more luxury and AWD. Spend some time here reading different perspectives and it won’t take long to zero in on what suits you.

 

Bones and powertrain are the same and have been for practically 15 years, think about what your price point is and what features you need/want.

The big differences to help narrow it down could be cloth/leatherette seats, moonroof, 2WD vs part-time 4WD vs full-time 4WD, extra off-road features, optional third-row, etc.

 

Are you looking new or used? Do you plan to take it off-road? Do you live in a place where they salt roads? Is gas mileage important to you?

 

I do not yet see advice about Rear Wheel Drive only compared to 4Wheel Drive. Have you owned 4Wheel Drive vehicles before this purchase? Does your intended boat launch ramps need 4wheel Drive for access and to safely launch and recover your boat? Are you doing multiday outings with off road camping or exploring that can benefit from 4 Wheel Drive?

 

I am looking to lease a 4Runner. When I am leasing can't I just total the amount I will be paying per month times the term plus fees and cap cost? This way I can see how much I will be paying over the life of the lease and compare that to other offers. I need help understanding why consider money factor if it is already built into the price?

 

No, you can't do that because at the end of the lease...you do not own the vehicle.
Be careful about leases,
some leases don't let you trade the vehicle in on another make
some leases don't even guarantee you the price to purchase the vehicle at the end of the term...they make you pay market price

I think of 'money factor' like an interest rate, but you also have to consider the residual value at the end of the term.
The lower a vehicle depreciates, the higher the residual value and the lower the lease payments...
manufacturers also subsidize leases by using a higher residual value

I have been leasing European cars for 20 ish year, but would not consider leasing a Toyota because I intend to keep my Toyotas indefinitely

I have been counselling clients on the 'buy vs lease' question for many years,
and the first question is
Why are you considering a lease vs buying?

 

I intend to tow another vehicle, so I am switching to the new GX.

 

You’ll barely know it’s behind you. In any model.

 

As mentioned, they will pull that no problem.

If you intent to just daily drive/commute in this and dont have any prior experience driving a part time 4 wheel drive vehicle, just buy a Limited and leave it in the H4F - that's basically a set it and forget it all wheel drive (like a Subaru) and will be more than enough for any road driving scenario including rain and snow. If it ever slips on a wet boat ramp switch to H4L or L4L just till you get up and off the ramp - then back to H4F.

 

Hello,
I just obtained a 2019 certified used 4 runner SR5 for my daughter's little family. She initally thought they looked too big. After much encouragement she drove my 2017 SR5 and was delighted with it. She is now promoting hers to a girl friend whose husband is disappointed with his pickup truck as too trucklike.
However , 4runners are a truck.
You should test drive several SUV's and the more car like CUV's.
Happy car hunting!