2018 Toyota 4Runner Pros and Cons: What To Know When Weighing Your Decision
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The 4Runner is a classic vehicle that’s served many individuals well over the years, and the 2018 Toyota 4Runner is a popular, more recent iteration. The machine resembles a classic commuter car - with tons of hidden benefits. If you’re looking into this car, it’s a good idea to first consider the 2018 Toyota 4Runner pros and cons.
There are pros and cons to every vehicle, including something with an excellent history of popularity, like the Toyota 4Runner. Looking at the best and worst of the car will help determine if it’s the right choice for you. Read on to learn more about the top aspects of the vehicle and some areas where it struggles to keep up with the others.
What We Love: 2018 Toyota 4Runner Pros
First, the best of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner pros and cons. This section includes items like the versatile design of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner, and the sleek cargo hold of the machine.
Versatile Design
First, the 2018 Toyota 4Runner offers tons of versatility for owners. You can purchase it with the intent of off-roading, for its appearance, or for its ability to work as an excellent commuter car - it will function well in all of these circumstances. The design availability of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner is a serious win.
You’ll find six trim levels in the 2018 4Runner, which only adds to its customizability. They can all handle up to 5000 pounds and offer a solid standard powertrain. Also, higher trims like the Limited offer configurations like two or three rows of seating for your benefit.
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Excellent Off-Roading
One of the top reasons people invest in the Toyota 4Runner is its off-roading ability, and the same goes for the 2018 version. Several factors make it a top contender in off-roading and one of the best in its class.
You’ll find a high ground clearance in the 2018 Toyota 4Runner, ensuring it doesn’t slam against rocks and other items on the ground during its drive. It also has a locking rear differential and low range gearing to provide a solid performance. If you want, an optional KDSS system is available for the ultimate traction and stability.
Smooth Handling and Steering
It might seem like handling and steering wouldn’t work alongside a vehicle with excellent off-roading capabilities, but that isn’t true for the 2018 Toyota 4Runner. You’ll find that the car receives solid marks in this area.
Steering in this area is predictable and easy to use. Though feedback might be a little slower to the driver, this SUV can handle tight turns and will respond in good time to any movements. In handling, you’ll feel in control - especially with the KDSS upgrade.
THE TOYOTA 4RUNNER YEARS TO AVOID
Like with all vehicles in production for many generations, there will always be a few model years that have their share of problems. Here are the Toyota 4Runner years to avoid.
Sleek Cargo Design
Finally, we appreciate the sleek cargo design in the rear of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner. It offers plenty of room, but there are also unique design choices from Toyota that offer even more room than one might expect.
For instance, there are unique curves and storage cubbies scattered to make the most of the area for cargo storage. Also, the seats fold flat and offer room for an adult to lie down - meaning you can even take your 4Runner camping and use it as a tent if you want to.
What We Dislike: 2018 Toyota 4Runner Cons
Next, the worst of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner pros and cons. Components like its poor ride quality pull the 2018 4Runner down in several areas.
Limited Driver Aids
Unfortunately, there are limited driver aids in the 2018 Toyota 4Runner system. The modern car world demands that standard features come equipped on base models - the 2018 4Runner is behind in this area, and it shows.
The Safety Connect suite is Toyota’s masterpiece when considering safety features - and you will only find it on the higher trims. That means you won’t get items like front and rear parking sensors, which can be a pain if you expect the bare minimum in driver aids in your vehicle.
Poor Ride Quality
Also, the ride quality doesn’t feel as nice as one might hope in a car with an excellent off-roading ability. Instead of feeling like you’re in an SUV, it might feel like you’re inside a bouncing truck as you’re rocked back and forth on the road.
Shaking, rolling, and rattling are just a few words that are accurate to describe the ride in the 2018 4Runner. You will feel every bump you drive over in this machine.
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Lacking V6 Fuel Economy
Those who decide to use the V6 powertrain in their 2018 Toyota 4Runner will find a less-than-ideal fuel economy. Cars in this group don’t have ideal fuel economy, but the 2018 4Runner’s is far worse than many competitors.
In this car, expect to get about 18 miles per gallon combined. If you’re on a road trip or use this vehicle as a commuter car, you might want to increase your gas budget.
Hard to Get In and Out
Finally, it can be tricky to climb in and out of the 2018 Toyota 4Runner. It has a high ground clearance, which is great for off-roading but a pain for those at a point where leaping into a car isn’t the best choice.
Side steps are optional for the 2018 4Runner. We would have appreciated it if they had been standard thanks to the step required, thanks to the ground clearance.
Final Thoughts
Overall, there are many 2018 Toyota 4Runner pros and cons to consider. The car has features like a versatile design, excellent off-roading, smooth handling and steering, and a sleek cargo design. Unfortunately, it also has limited driver aids, poor ride quality, a lacking V6 fuel economy, and it’s tricky to climb into and get out of.
We hope this information was helpful! It’s always a good idea to look at all aspects of a machine before buying, even something as seemingly solid as the 2018 Toyota 4Runner. This vehicle might be excellent for some - but a terrible selection for others.
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