New 4Runner not the best with dogs

[bakutheleo]

I have this:

https://twistep.com/

Works very well, dogs generally like it better than a ramp--at least all my very large dogs; they have a hard time with grip with ramps I have tried as they are too steep and not rough enough--and they take to hopping up/down to a stable platform quickly. As with anything, a little training is required, but mostly just getting them to realize it is safe.

Note: Their support is not good, but their product is. Also, do not buy their lock (unless they include it for free) for the 4Runner, as they did not make it long enough to reach on the 4R hitch. It does not use a standard hitch pin to hold it in place, but instead a heavy bolt. It is great in that it makes it extremely stable (no rocking or wobbling at all) but also you cannot use standard anything (such as locks) to secure it.

I found these as well on someone's site, they look excellent and I may try them at some point:

https://www.petloader.com/

They are expensive, but are obviously much better made that most of the Amazon stuff. Most of the latter will not old my dogs (too low of a weight rating). These look very strong and made in the USA. I have no direct experience with them yet though.

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[NotApplicable]

I should have gone with my gut feeling and went with the Passport

Based on reviews the Passport is definitely the way to go if you don’t need or value the incremental capability increase and features of the 4Runner over the passport. The crossover form factor will always win on interior space and driving characteristics on-road.

 

[Gumpus]

Based on reviews the Passport is definitely the way to go if you don’t need or value the incremental capability increase and features of the 4Runner over the passport. The crossover form factor will always win on interior space and driving characteristics on-road.

Yes...based on reviews. I was ready to buy a Passport Trailsport until I drove one. I hated the dynamics and it felt underpowered. No one complains about power (including towing) in new 4R. Plus the 4R has a personality. Passport is the logical choice...a nicely styled AWD minivan with massive space. The reviews often give unearned reliability credit to the new Honda V6 when the Passport and Pilot forums have plenty of concerns.

I have to comment that the reviews seem to be written by folks who have never towed anything and have never driven on a dirt road in their lives...they simply fail to fully characterize 4Runners (they fail to illustrate ways that normal people could have additional types of fun).

 

[get.outside.75]

https://a.co/d/0coldRVE

I use this step for the rear cargo area for my senior dogs to get in my hybrid. They have no problem hopping up and one has hip dysplasia. It's light, non-slip, and easy to store. Only downside is the price.

slip

 

[djw4run]

My dogs are getting use to getting in the 4 Runner. I got them to jump right in and help them out so they don’t get hurt. It’s working. I really do like the 4 Runner.

I was seriously going to trade my 5th gen for the 6th and then I drove the 2026 Passport and fell in love with it. Rides and handles extremely well and even has real leather seats. The spaciousnous, especially the backseat and cargo area is so much better than the 4Runner. Our GSD has no issues hopping in either from the cargo hatch or side door and I no longer need a vehicle for offroading so I am loving this! Oh, and did I mention it cost about $10k less!

 

[Nodak]

I was seriously going to trade my 5th gen for the 6th and then I drove the 2026 Passport and fell in love with it. Rides and handles extremely well and even has real leather seats. The spaciousnous, especially the backseat and cargo area is so much better than the 4Runner. Our GSD has no issues hopping in either from the cargo hatch or side door and I no longer need a vehicle for offroading so I am loving this! Oh, and did I mention it cost about $10k less!

well thats not really and apple to apple comparison. you are trying to say a uni-body vehicle made for a different market is going to compete vs a bof vehicle that is gear more for off roading.

different requirements for a uni-body family oriented vehicle vs a bof off roading oriented vehicle.

if i didnt need the 4R capabilities, i would have gone with a grand highlander for better creature comforts, people hauling and storage capacity that way out shines/outstrips the 4runner by leaps and bounds.

my 1st choice was the new sequoia, but the rear storage shelf jury rigging to make it work was a deal breaker. almost broke down and ordered a grand highlander platinum but then they announced the 6th gen 4R so i waited.

 

[djw4run]

You are correct in saying that it's not an apples to apples comparison. Having said that I no longer require a body on frame arrangement. Towing with the 2026 Passport should not be a problem for most people. It has a naturally aspirated 285 hp V6 that I prefer over the 4Runner turbo 4 banger. The interior is way more luxurious with a higher end feel and soft (not hard) plastics. It has a great beefy visual stance and yes clearance is not as good as the 4 runner but Honda now makes a 1.5 inch lift kit if you really want that. It's almost 4 inches wider than the 4runner and you actually feel like you have a lot of room between the driver and passenger. Of course it doesn't have the usual goodies my 5th gen Trail had like 4wd low, and rear locker but seriously I think I used them 3 times over 5 years mostly to see if they still worked. The Passport is very capable for light offroading and has one of the best AWD systems available. Oh, and did I say it is extremely dog friendly?
This is a Youtube video of what you can expect if you need to tow with the Passport. I think you will be impressed.

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