Impressions - First Road Trip with our ORP

[mtbtone]

The wife and I just took our first trip with the 4runner up to Granby, CO. Here are our impressions:

1. After owning a Camry, Sienna, Tacoma, and now a RAV4/4Runner, I can say with confidence the driving experience of the 4runner is the best yet. We have the gas model, & while in some circumstances the power lagged just a touch, it's not often, and power is plentiful. Kept her in sport mode for all driving. Shifting was silky smooth and we had zero issues passing with ease. Uphill travel was effortless. We noticed that after a few hrs driving that we weren't as itchy to get out and stretch as with past road trips in other vehicles. Relaxing ride...quite pleased.

1a. Side story. I actually initially purchased a hybrid OR, but traded it in due to a loud, high-pitched electronic interference sound coming from underneath the center console storage area. I think there's an inverter placed under there. The sound wasn't specific to that car either...heard it in a Tacoma iForce Max and another 4Runner max. Anyone else hear that?? Or do I just have Superman hearing? Anyway...onward.

2. Really impressed at how much space is in the rear. Had no problems loading all our gear. 2 sets of golf clubs, paddle board, suitcases, cooler, camera gear etc. Fit everything with room to spare. Used net for shoe storage...that worked well.

3. Fuel economy was great IMO. Didn't calculate exact numbers, but when we left home the lifetime avg was 21.2, and when we arrived home it was 21.9. Granted, I'm a conservative driver, and drop it in neutral when cruising downhill. Driving was a mix of manual and cruise. My eye did catch one trip avg--24mpg over 85 miles.

4. Didn't do any real off-roading on this trip, but did take her onto Schubarth trail here in Colorado Springs which is rated moderate. She ate it up with ease. Used a lot of 4LO, and locker once. Stock...no mods (yet ). Super fun on the trails, and very capable.

5. I did hear the brakes squeak when backing up a couple times...been tracking that issue on other threads. It's not super loud, but annoying.

6. Cruise control works great. Even used the auto-steering when needing a break. Only thing I noticed is that auto-steering seemed to get too close to the vehicle next to me when moving through a strong curve. I felt myself wanting to create more distance between me and the car next to me. No issues other than that. I really appreciated the slower acceleration/braking operation of the cruise control...not as harsh as my '18 Tacoma.

7. Temperature control was on point. A/C is strong, and we were always able to find a comfy setting. Heated seats/steering wheel is FAST. Cooled seat function is...meh. Definitely keeps the sweat off bare legs tho.

8. Rear window is super cool...but we won't be rolling it down while driving on dirt roads anymore...sucks dirt/dust into the car pretty bad.

9. Getting in/out. It's a little weird. When I step onto the running board, I feel like I'm up too high, but getting in without the step isn't great either. I plan on installing rock sliders in the future, which makes me want to have a handle on the driver's side. Think they missed the mark there.

10. Ok. that's all I got! Thanks for reading...just wanted to share our impressions for our first trip in the new ride. Overall we are really pleased. Price tag hurt my heart, but after this first experience, I know for sure this truck is gonna be with us for the long haul. Hope y'all are enjoying yours as much as we are ours!!

Cheers!

Tony & Veronica

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[2222CareBearStare]

Nice write up. Ditto on #9. Took my running boards off because of the awkward ingress/egress but miss the look of them.

 

[outdoorCO]

In topic 1a, was the sound all the time or just when you had 120v power turned on?
Anyone else noticing this in hybrids?

 

[Crankpin]

Good to hear, Tony. I feel the same way, this is my 7th new 4R since 2008.
More room in back, better handling, surprised at the 4 cylinder power.
I don't see how anyone can complain about the ride, its a truck, or say, a Tacoma with a back end enclosed. Gas mileage, 4334 on the odo, 21.3.

Vince

 

[Marty60]

What octane are you using? I've been using 93, and up in the "mountains" of Maine, on rough logging roads and paved areas, I was getting 30.2. Back on the flat 22-25. SR5 here

 

[ah4rsr5]

No need to put it in neutral when cruising or going downhill. That actually uses more gas than if you were to just coast in gear. Coasting in gear, with your foot off the accelerator, generally does not use gas in modern fuel-injected cars due to fuel cut-off systems. When the engine is turning due to the wheels turning (coasting) and the accelerator is not engaged, these systems cut fuel to the injectors, effectively stopping fuel consumption. Coasting in neutral, on the other hand, requires the engine to maintain idle speed, which does consume fuel

 

[Crankpin]

 

[mtbtone]

In topic 1a, was the sound all the time or just when you had 120v power turned on?
Anyone else noticing this in hybrids?

Nope, it seems this noise was present anytime the batteries were supplying power to the hybrid motor. From what I understand it's a dc to dc inverter...not for the ac outlet. The only time it went away was when the car came to a complete stop and appeared to cut off power to the hybrid motor.

Here are some threads that mention it...

https://www.tacoma4g.com/forum/threads/trailhunter-hybrid-high-pitched-noise.8128/

https://www.landcruiserforum.com/threads/constant-high-pitched-ringing-noise.4271/page-2

 

[mtbtone]

What octane are you using? I've been using 93, and up in the "mountains" of Maine, on rough logging roads and paved areas, I was getting 30.2. Back on the flat 22-25. SR5 here

I'm using 87 and am living at around 6800ft elevation. I'll have to do some tests with higher octane...

 

[mtbtone]

No need to put it in neutral when cruising or going downhill. That actually uses more gas than if you were to just coast in gear. Coasting in gear, with your foot off the accelerator, generally does not use gas in modern fuel-injected cars due to fuel cut-off systems. When the engine is turning due to the wheels turning (coasting) and the accelerator is not engaged, these systems cut fuel to the injectors, effectively stopping fuel consumption. Coasting in neutral, on the other hand, requires the engine to maintain idle speed, which does consume fuel

Hmmm...didn't know this. Can anyone confirm?

 

[bakutheleo]

Putting in neutral: Yes, I have heard (although I would not say from a definitive source) that modern engines cut off fuel flow in these cases. It makes a lot of sense to me though--fuel delivery is now electronically controlled, so no reason not to do that.

I have ORP hybird, and I have not noticed any unusual noise--very quiet.

I like the cooled seats--it is somewhat subtle, but that is good--enough to keep sweat at bay. I have not tried heated seats yet, as it is no nearly cold enough here in Southern CA (and rarely is...I am from CT, so I know what cold is--and it ain't in So. CA, no matter how much the natives here say they are freezing!).

I have not noticed any issue with the height of the running board/entry. I do not find the need for a grab handle, as the steering wheel works perfectly in that regard. I do wish, at least on the passenger side, the handle above the door were designed to hold weigh so it could be used to help yourself in--the pillar handle is good, but not as good of a position, at least for my wife.

I have not heard any brake squealing.

Back window should never be opened while driving anyway, engine fumes can get in that way (that is mentioned in the manual, and yes, I did read my manual--in fact, mostly before I even got the vehicle).

I have been averaging 22-23 MPG highway, actually better in rush hour traffic thanks to the hybrid system. Not a big improvement over non-hybrid, but a bit (I comment more on this on another post here).

But generally I agree with what you said--great car, fun to drive (I leave it in ECO, and so far have seen no reason to "step that up" even on the one (so far) mild off-road run I have done).

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