4Runner Owner: 1958 Test Drive Impressions

[ultane]

In my case, I used a credit card. I got another 2% discount in the form of cash back .

I tried to do that.. the dealership wouldn’t let me.

 

[chrisw2069]

Why is it when they “compare “ a new 4Runner they use a TRD Pro or Highest trim level to compare to a base Land Cruiser … pointing out no features, etc… use Apples and Apples to compare… I watched this video the other day and I wanted to comment but there were no feature for that

 

[chrisw2069]

I made an Ikea run with my 4Runner and had to stick these wood beams out the back, 2 hour drive on the highway to home. Don't think I could get away with the LC doing what I did with the 4runner. But yes, around town, you could leave the back open, I just wouldn't go over 35-40 mph.

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Hello… my back window opens too

 

[chrisw2069]

I made an Ikea run with my 4Runner and had to stick these wood beams out the back, 2 hour drive on the highway to home. Don't think I could get away with the LC doing what I did with the 4runner. But yes, around town, you could leave the back open, I just wouldn't go over 35-40 mph.

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Also, I bought a small utility trailer for stuff like that…. Otherwise buy a truck

 

[chrisw2069]

In my market FE is the only way to get 18" wheels. So my least expensive path is to buy the FE, or fly to Denver where mid spec LC that do not have the 20 "upgrade" wheels. I assume it would be $4K ish to replace the 20" with 18.

My premium came with 18’s standard

 

[b407driver]

In my market FE is the only way to get 18" wheels. So my least expensive path is to buy the FE, or fly to Denver where mid spec LC that do not have the 20 "upgrade" wheels. I assume it would be $4K ish to replace the 20" with 18.

Here in Denver the LCP often had 20" wheels up until about 6 weeks ago, now it appears most allocations are arriving with 18". You can certainly sell the 20" wheels for something, though nowhere near the ridiculous $1.4k list price. You should be able to replace for ~$2.5k depending on whether you upsize the tire, and you should be able to get back ~$1k for the 20" wheels tires?

I replaced the stock 18" wheels for about $1k ('24 Tacoma TRD wheel, +45 offset), tires were another $ matter, but I would always immediately replace an OEM tire anyway, as most of them are junk despite the aftermarket-looking name often on the side. I'm still far under the cost of the FE I was initially offered, which I would have taken if it were $4k off list (thus paying the ~$1k for FE branding).

 

[DJW]

I'm in Canada. I have an LC Land Cruiser trim but not the premium. Mine came stock with 18's and the premium "upgrade" comes with 20's

 

[ChrisMA1B]

I am on day 10 of the 1958. Agree with most of your comments. Compared to my old FJ Cruiser, the power train and the ride quality are way better. I would say my main complaint as of day 10 is the engine noise - the combination of the electric system and 4 cylinder is not a pleasant auditory experience. Might have to keep the radio up! Speaking of the radio, the speakers themselves are solid for a base model but with only 6 speakers, it is lacking that surround sound experience. Overall, I love it and happy with the trim I chose. From a straight value perspective, I agree the mid-trim without premium is the best value, but for me those headlights are a deal killer - looks like something from my wife's Highlander. I was also looking for a basic interior so I would yell at my kids and dog a little less due to the inevitable spills/mud/trash. Would be cool if the 1958 came without carpet on the floors for a super basic rubberized look that you could wash out.

My 1958 came with rubber floor mats and "leather" seats. Slight upcharge for the extras

 

[Nuke]

My 1958 came with rubber floor mats and "leather" seats. Slight upcharge for the extras

For sure, "leather" is not what it used to be. I believe some sort of a lamination. Have ridden in some vintage Lexus vehicles, and that was LEATHER!

 

[ChrisMA1B]

I have had Ford vehicles which had actual leather, and they felt similar to the LC - time will tell if it lasts as long. My 2015 4Runner had cloth and after 10 years of hard use, it definitely showed the hard use!

 

[TakaraLC]

For sure, "leather" is not what it used to be. I believe some sort of a lamination. Have ridden in some vintage Lexus vehicles, and that was LEATHER!

I believe the premium package have real leather. Non-premium ones are vinyl (softex).

The difference between old and new leather likely comes from the intense sealing they now do on leather to make it “maintenance free”.

 

[qberg]

I have had Ford vehicles which had actual leather, and they felt similar to the LC - time will tell if it lasts as long. My 2015 4Runner had cloth and after 10 years of hard use, it definitely showed the hard use!

My '16 4Runner with softex looked perfect when I sold it 2 years ago. I was really impressed at how well that vehicle presented at 7 years old.

 

[Jewels]

I posted this on a LC Facebook group, but wanted to share it here with you guys:

Pros
+The hybrid system is quick, and nothing like the 4Runner, completely different acceleration, breaking, and feel, I loved it. SO MUCH TORQUE!

+Steering: also completely different from the 4Runner, night and day difference, felt like a premium sedan or something (not a bad thing in my book), little effort to turn the wheel, no shakes at all even at high speeds or gravel roads.

+Build quality was excellent, matching my 4Runner, I played around with every button, pulled off every panel I could, and knocked around with everything from the front to back, solid stuff. Made in Japan for ya.

+The look. Wow does it look good in person. Every angle.

+Space, I just came back from car camping in the 4Runner, I had to lay diagonally to sleep, not a problem inside the LC w/ seats down, I was impressed.

+That battery step up in the cargo space is smaller in person than it looks in photos or on camera, wasn’t an issue

+Interior height, wow was it tall inside, much more than the 4Runner

+Driving position was absolutely perfect, could see everything around me with minimal blind spots

+Quality materials: aside from the excess interior plastic on the 1958, the buttons, steering wheel, and shifter felt great and super sturdy, I can see this lasting a long time

+A/C: it was 90 degrees and the 3 climate zone is fantastic, the rear head vents are a game changer as a 4Runner owner (& proud Golden Retriever owner)

+Quiet interior even at 75mph on I-95, minimal wind noise and no hood flapping like the GX 550 has

+No joke, the cloth seats felt better and more comfortable than my softex 4Runner seats (yes I don’t believe it either), material was nice even for cloth.

+Easy to close the back tailgate, way less heavy than the 4Runner, upper trims this is automatic, manual on the 1958

+Minimal body roll on turns, it’s there, but way less than the 4Runner

Cons
-Unless your 6ft or taller (I’m 5’ 10), you’ll have a hard time getting in and out of the LC, it needs some type of running board or rock rail to step on getting in. Your significant other ain’t gonna be happy if she’s short haha (or kids will have issues as well)

-On the 1958 there is a bunch of hard plastic everywhere including the door handles themselves on the inside, it didn’t feel bad but for 56k I expected a little more cushion

-The design around the smaller 8 inch screen in the 1958 isn’t bad but still looks cheap and obvious that a bigger screen should’ve been there

-Pop out glass doesn’t seem that practical, no way to partially open it for say a surf board or for lumber to stick out, good for quick drop ins, that’s about it.

Conclusion
I will be purchasing a Land Cruiser shortly. I was already 95% the way there thinking this was the right vehicle for me, and now I’m 100% convinced. It was literally everything I wanted & more. The design both interior and exterior is amazing. The drive is truly impressive for a body on frame suv. It does feel like an upgrade from the 4Runner. If you have the money, it feels worth it. That being said, the amount of plastic inside on the door panels was enough to convince me that the mid-tier trim is the way to go, better materials and lot of other nice creature comforts. These haters saying we need a V6 or V8 engine haven’t drove this new hybrid system, I see why now Toyota is putting it in the new Tacoma, 4Runner, and Land Cruiser.

My Advice
Skip the 1958 & First Edition: If you’re not in a rush to get an LC soon, I think the Mid-Tier trim without the premium package is the sweet spot at 62k, I think it’s worth the upgrade cost, you get a lot of nice amenties and access to the full pallet of exterior colors. I’d stay away from First Editon or any LC over 75k, it’s not worth it once it gets to that high of a price. I would consider the 1958 if you can get it for 53k or below (knock off 2-3K)… and so far these are not selling (very fast)… so come the end of Summer, I won’t be surprised to see people getting good deals on the 1958. The most in-demand spec is the mid-tier, so don’t expect discounts anytime soon.

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Make sure to factor in the 91 octane fuel that’s a must. Adds to the price of running these.