Death Valley Road Trip: 2021 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road

[@andyham6094]

Always liked his toyota truck reviews and so stoked that he actually bought a 4runner for himself. Shows that all the compliments he’s said about the 4Runner in all his past videos weren’t BS and he meant every single compliment he gave this beast of a truck. Wouldn’t trade my 2018 4runner for anything! I’ve never had one single tiny problem with mine and already have close to 110,000 miles, rides the exact same as the day I drove it off the lot.

[@EJPinter]

Just out of curiosity what was the small little problem? Been looking at a new one to trade my Gladiator in for. I don’t use the bed all that much and would prefer a nicer road driver.

[@05Elantra98GSGang]

Sucks I’ll never be able to buy one new man I just bought a 1998 Lexus GS300 I’ve always wanted on in February an it is one owner from fam friend an bought it for $1500 an have done a ton of work to make it a reliable daily with everything perfect mechanically an only have one more issue to fix it’ll bring total cost to $7600 for the car an I just drove over 160k miles an hour ago… I bought it with the idea of buying the next gen 4 Runner in 4 years or so after all the kinks are out of it but now that they’ve ruined it imo with the iforce hybrid 4 banger I’m upset bc I don’t want that garbage an if I knew this on Feb I would have bought a new 4 Runner for the last year before the new one came out… But I spent most of my down payment on this Lexus an while I can afford buying one it just doesn’t make sense to me now… So I’m just going to drive this Lexus for 10 years an buy a low mileage 4 Runner in like 6 years to keep the miles down I’ll daily my Lexus and use the 4 runner for road trips an overlanding… Just sucks bc I was expecting to get one in 3-4 years an wanted one brand new…

[@rightlanehog3151]

Ryan, Travel opportunities are rather limited for many of us these days so a big THANKS for talking us along for the trip.

[@BlackHornetTactical]

Only because you let yourself have rather limited travel opportunities.

[@bwma]

Took my TRD off road through the off road trail in Arches National Park in Moab Utah. Wash boards, potholes, steep sandy inclines and declines, jagged rock and petrified dunes. Handled it like a champ. Don't know of many vehicles that can take such beating and do it with the A/C on the entire time. Japan makes some of the finest things in the world. The 4runner is one of them. Edit: it also did Hells Revenge trail in the sand flats rec area as well.

[@Wild1995]

Incredible road trip. Will probably never make it to death valley so this was incredible. What a commercial for Toyota and the 4runner. Always amazed at your videos and the editing of fly over, and your 4runner driving by as if you have a 5 guy camera crew with you. I enjoyed this so much. I put it on my TV and its the best show on TV.

[@mthulhu]

Death Valley is my favorite national park. Huge diversity between dunes, canyons, salt flats, cliffs, off road trails, dispersed camping, cool wildlife, and Air Force activity. Descending into the valley is always so epic. Pure desolation.

[@jrlsports9490]

And a very nice resort (The Oasis at Death Valley).

[@bc_usa]

Yeah and don't forget why they call it Death Valley. It's only the hottest place on earth.

[@annegribben444]

Thks Ryan frm NEW ZEALAND... It was great to relax in the passenger seat and let you drive....! I'm hitting 70 now & drove near DEATH VALLEY just on the main roads at 25yrs of age....and JUST FELL IN LOVE WITH YOUR VAST OPEN SPACES. We have amazing places in our outdoors in NZ but not the long roads that stretch for 100s of miles then one corner or bend then again another long many miles of stretch ....your country has so much to FOREVER EXPLORE.....!! AND ITS AMAZINGLY BEAUTIFUL....THANKYOU FOR THE TRIP WILL DO SOME MORE WITH YOU...AROHA FRM NZ....TAKE CARE....

[@ronlivien]

We did that same road in mid-Spring this year. Went from the Racetrack Playa, down the Lippincott Trail, and connected to Saline Valley Road. Incredible views! If anyone ever plans on doing this road or others like it in a 4Runner, you really only need 2 things (apart from keeping a full-sized spare): a tire deflator and an air compressor to air back up. Air down to 20 psi to smooth things out and to decrease the risk of a sidewall puncture.

[@hengzhou5603]

I drove my Honda Pilot through the Lippincott Trail. I wouldn’t try it again.

[@prob1643]

Just did 4 days, 3 nights, and 200 miles in Death Valley. Magical. I would have definitely aired down if I were him.

[@hhvidz]

Ryan being from Seattle I love your drives, they’re an incentive to explore the great outdoors. Just bought a 4-wheeler and am looking through your back catalog to find interesting places to go. You should publish a list!

[@chriswebb3709]

I always think I'll open your video and watch for a couple minutes, and I find myself captivated, watching start to finish, and wishing there were more. Great production value, super fun conversation. I almost feel like I'm riding shotgun on your road trips. Super well done Ryan, I've got my eye on a 4Runner TRD Pro, the lunar rock - to help me get through the winters up here on Vancouver Island. Overkill perhaps, but what a great car!

[@iduimovic]

Great video on the Death Valley, next time carry with you a tire inflator so you can air down to 18 PSI and you wont rattle that much on the dirt road and lower your change of tire puncture.

[@rommelrivera1186]

I was fully anticipating the headline: "Enormous car pile-up on the Astoria-Megler bridge caused by driver's cerebral hypoxia." LOL. But fun times. This is what 4Runners were built for. I loved taking mine over a 4,300 mile road trip recently. I just didn't have to hold my breath. Thanks for sharing.

[@raymanaois]

Your channel is one of the more informative ones out there. And it’s entertaining to watch too. Keep it up! Liked and subscribed!👌🏼

[@desaljs]

Thanks for taking me along for the ride. Excellent footage! I'm looking at a 2021 4Runner!

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Wait, did you say Carson City?? That's like 30 minutes from me!!! Nice.. I am 2:43 into the video.. Will continue watching...(Will edit once I'm done lol) Edit: That was some crazy jouncing going on. Glad you made it alive, Ryan. "Driving Sports TV" lives to fight another day!! 😜👍 Honestly, a great roadtrip, and videography. Thanks for sharing.

[@drivingsports]

By time I got to the low-lands of Saline Valley road I was so done with those washboard roads. Lol. Thanks for watching.

[@bigd7481]

I hope you turn this into a series. I'm currently shopping around for a 2021 4Runner and your videos have been invaluable.

[@autonewstv86]

*It’s an old school SUV that you have to drive yourself... I like that as do many others.*

[@thebigempty_5792]

yep, just like my 99 Lexus Lx470 - 295K and still runs perfect - old school 4 speed transmission / no other brands keep it simple any more.

[@daltonv5206]

That's exactly why I bought mine. Reliable, old school, capable.

[@ladydi4runner]

Yep. 2001 4Runner here, 174K. She still runs like a champ. Like when I first drove her off the lot. 💪🏻😁👍She’s run all over up there, Emigrant, Desolation Wilderness, Yosemite AND OF COURSE, Lake Tahoe!!! Maintenance is the name of the Game. Safe Travels. Gorgeous Country. 💯🤩👍👏🏻😁

[@Echelonseven]

That my big issue with this SUV. Its old school and costs $45k. Way to much for something that hasn't changed over the past 10 years essentially.

[@steve-wu7jp]

@@Echelonseven I agree it's expensive but it's arguably worth it as a vehicle that will go anywhere and last a lifetime

[@WW-wf8tu]

This was informative on what it is like w/out the KDSS. ;) When I took ownership of mine with the KDSS, I went and hit fire roads and wash outs and was so impressed with how comfortable it was, no shaking me to death, I knew I made the right decision. This only re-affirms that KDSS was well worth the money if you want to glide over rough terrain all day and night. You said the Pro would be great at about 23 minutes in with the Fox shocks. I cannot speak to that, but I can tell you the KDSS on the OR smooths things out nicely. I have decades of experiences off roading in countless different vehicles and while some could give you a better ride, they would not last long doing so.(suspensions would fail) The 4R TRD OR with KDSS is the best 4WD I have ever owned. 24 hour days 365 days a year in it on that surface going 40-50 MPH no problem. It will do this kind of "torture" for decades with no issues to the vehicle or the occupants. :) It looked like and sounded like yours does just fine as well honestly.

[@gregcorker2193]

Great video. I have been thinking about a Highlander, but that drive you took really makes me think a 4 Runner is a more capable choice, even if not frequently driving in serious off-road conditions. I could imagine a weather change temporarily turning a number of places on that drive from a road into a real off-road situation.

[@BrownleeGnar]

I agree - DV got some goooooood burritos. Awesome video. Thanks for the safety reminders.

[@Feintgames]

More road trips! I just rented a 4Runner and drove it through Zion National Park in southern Utah. Insane drive through the park. My GF loved it while I white-knuckled it through the dark tunnels and hairpin turns.

[@diraltmcallister3523]

Being from Canada your idea of serious drifts are pretty funny honestly. Can just put er in 4h and put in the lockers and you'll be fine (with better tires than that). Having watched a bit further those tires are definitely highway tires, not anything I'd want to be taking into snow or mud. Enjoyed the video though, I've got a 2023 4runner TRD Offroad being built right now and I'm super excited.

[@SavvyTruth]

One of the best channels as far as car reviews and in depth looks at different scenarios and adventures. Always high quality and interesting. You deserve three times the amount of subscribers you have right now. Great stuff 👍🏼👍🏼

[@fkevintreme]

Forgive me, I'm stuck with the user ID I've had for years. 1) Give more love to highway 58. You definitely showed a lot of footage from it, after saying it was 97... 2) 395 is likely the most underrated highway on the west coast! 3) When washboard gets bad, everyone knows throwing the rig into 4wd reduces the bounce out of the rear, making the drive more pleasant. 4) Keep doing what you're doing. I love the videos.

[@pearsonescapes]

That was great. I’m glad you got the opportunity. You’ve really inspired my future interest in off roading. I’d love to see you do white rim trail!

[@totenfurwotan4478]

Took mine through some seriously rugged Idaho backcountry and it performed flawlessly. Super impressed with the 4 Runner

[@jediguy634]

This was great! Would love to see more "Historic" road trips like this. Enjoyed the little bit of history lesson tossed in there as well. Thanks for always providing top notch quality and entertainment!

[@CCC-AUSTX]

Ryan I am jealous of your 4 runner, and I've always wanted to go thru 'Death Valley', and have never made it! The picture from inside was incredibly stable. Enjoy the narration, and thnx for sharing the trip! CCC Austin, TX

[@Sheepisheep]

This was great, Ryan. Thank you for the ride along. I really look forward to your content. This was one beautiful trip.

[@solooverland3666]

4Runner 4Ever 💪🏼 I’ve put 61,000 miles on my 2018 TRD Off-Road Premium, entirely trouble-free, w lots of off-roading in UT, CO, AZ, NV. 390mi range… Love Death Valley!

[@scot_smith]

So fun! Thanks for having us along! Brings back memories of exploring Death Valley many years ago with a '93 Grand Cherokee and a 4x5 view camera. Since replacing the Jeep with a minivan I haven't been back. Looking to get an off road vehicle again and 4runner is still on the list, along with another GC, so I love your impressions of it.

[@trailrunnah8886]

The GC would probably be BETTER for this, with its 4 wheel independent suspension and optional air ride. Plus, available Hemi V8.

[@skylark5789]

@@trailrunnah8886 hate to say it, but I agree. Love my 4Runner...but still...they wobble around a bit. The Jeep ride is tighter.

[@1989kratoz]

Just traded my 2020 SR5 with 2021 TRD offroad and was searching for some off road trips on TRD and then this video has just amazed me.... what a great documentary and skill of filming... definitely going to do my off road trip for the year and I want to drive through death valley... nice work my man.. thank you for info.

[@jreuab1]

I live in Lassen County CA. The roads up here are definitely worth exploring. We bought a 2020 TRD PRO FOR THE Exploring.

[@andyking4701]

Just an Incredible road trip! Thx for taking us along!

[@Offshore1977]

Love love love your videos on your 4Runner. Honestly, probably my favorite video so far. You chose the perfect color and model. I’ve learned to air down on washboard roads to make the ride smoother.

[@alexsystems2001]

Excellent trip! I had a 2016 4Runner trail, best car I ever had, I thoroughly regret trading it in, I would love another one. Excellent build quality, excellent ride quality, fair MPG’s for the type of vehicle, just overall basic and reliable. They also have a surprisingly quiet smooth ride too!

[@MrAKhiker]

Last drove this in mid 70’s in an FJ-40 Land Cruiser. Still a great drive! The trick to washboard, visibility permitting, is to drive fast enough where the vehicle starts to “float” above the surface. Of course you can’t steer or brake...

[@rightlanehog3151]

Steering and braking are so overrated.

[@Abdul-e3m]

Great stuff. The picture in picture takes away from the scenic views though. Great 4Runner drive!

[@Freeridin07]

Suggestion...somewhere in Wyoming! You think Death Valley is wild...Wyoming is extremely wild and desolate....besides the hot weather. You my friend have one amazing job! 😁 wish I could do it without the camera part. Lol This is sooooo much better than TV. That dirt road is totally baja500 style

[@sunsetcycling7712]

I like all the additional details you add such as the actual COST of the SUV that you paid, and mileage, thanks!

[@claudiacanales2662]

Yeah super useful info.

[@mikewright2858]

"Can I hold my breath going over the bridge?" "Guess not!" :D

[@soemoethet2916]

Thanks for doing this video. I am a big fan of 4runner and really enjoyed watching. More videos like this!

[@Zhaopow3]

Thank god you picked a 4runner. These videos are gonna be great.

[@warikplaya]

I think he was thinking between a 4runner and a jeep Wrangler (not sure if Rubicon). These vids were going to be great regardless!

[@jimmy22334]

@@warikplaya thank god he didn’t get that plastic piece of junk Jeep.

[@warikplaya]

No need to hate on Jeeps. They are great cars in many ways. Besides, the 4Runner has a bunch of cheap parts, too.

[@skylark5789]

@@warikplaya Yes, both are awesome. I wonder how a Jeep would have taken this on....

[@undefeatedgaul3201]

@@jimmy22334 agreed. Jeep unreliable cheap trash

[@LiquidTurbo]

awesome video sir, it was so cool to follow you along to what looked like an awesome trip! Keep up the great work and hope to see more roadtrips!

[@caifan444]

I still watch this video so much Even after already purchasing my 4runner!!!!

[@aldo90731]

Death Valley is one of my favorite places anywhere! That place is just so cool. Thanks for sharing!

[@jonzaremba]

You've given me confidence in those stock tires. I have the same exact vehicle as you, and am about to go on a very similar trip...with these all seasons.

[@Freezin_blue]

WOW! Thanks a million for sharing such an awesome experience with us! 👍👍👍💗💗💗

[@1northsparrow246]

Sir, You are living the 4Runner dream. I wish they still offered a manual like they do with the Tacoma.

[@elfishcoder7287]

The new gen is rumored to come with a manual

[@1northsparrow246]

@@elfishcoder7287 Yes, I heard the same.🤞🤞🤞🤞

[@mynameIan]

What a lovely human being. Pleasure to watch. I’m only going to be driving whilst holding my breath from now on

[@teddynaicker2997]

Nice video! No worries, 4Runner can handle those washboards like a champ!

[@gs98999]

Edmunds destroyed a Tacoma trd off-road shocks on this road I believe. Washboards are hell on shocks.

[@patland73]

Wow, thanks for the ride, loved every minute of it!

[@mikefoehr235]

Where I live in Ontario....the northern parts have probably 1000s of roads like this one. The scenery reminds me of the Badlands of Alberta.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Yes, the Badlands on a very, very bad day.

[@CJ-zz9ts]

Douggie Ford province, eh!

[@MrChadx1]

Fun video. Thanks. Please note that one should drive in 4x4 when on washboard roads. It does way less damage to the road. The lack of traction in 2 wheel drive (particularly rear wheel drive) contributes to washboards and builds them up even larger because of axle hop. Plus, a rear wheel drive vehicle swings around a lot more. So even though you kept repeating that you don't need 4x4, please always use it on washboard gravel roads to keep from damaging the road even more. Thank you.

[@TheThevampyre66]

Excellent review, incredible landscapes...4Runners are not offered in México and it is a shame....best regards from México City....

[@Andrew-zx9wx]

Mega trip, beautiful scenery and videography. Thanks for sharing this Ryan!

[@weirdshibainu]

The mountain passes along 395 South may reach 10,000 feet, but not the actual roads with the exception of Tioga pass, the Eastern access to Yosemite National Park (Hwy 140). It is the highest highway pass in California and in the Sierra Nevada and is closed generally from November to late May depending on the seansonal snowfall. I have a Tundra and off road adventure a lot, mainly by myself. Good advice on what to do in Death Valley. I carry a Honda CT 110 in the back of my truck as a last resort in case I have to make it back to civilization. Not practical for everyone I understand and sometimes it's a pain to work around, but it gives me another option. Safe journeys

[@Fideliohoh]

Man, I was thinking to carry a gravel bike. Those roads a perfect and you could probably keep up due to lower speeds of travel for vehicles. Toss on a gallon or two of water and some emergency rations and haul on.

[@tallll70]

I believe it was 140 from Mariposa to Yosemite and i really liked 49 coming from Sacramento too... Yeah, because i live in Baton Rouge i get easily excited for this :)

[@weirdshibainu]

@@Fideliohoh Yeah...I've never had to use it, but I'm thankful for it. It won't be fast, gets great mileage and is ultra reliable. I do a lot of exploring north of black rock desert. If you break down by yourself, it's dicey to try to walk 75 miles back for a phone.

[@robbergstrom943]

Awesome trip. AT tires aired down do wonders for ride on roads like that. But kudos for doing it stock. We did the Mojave road in our stock GX460 on highway tires before upgrading- no problems as well!

[@d.b.cooper]

I’ve been shopping for a TRD off-road premium since the middle of January. Most of the dealerships in Southern California are evil and the sales people frequently liars. Such an excruciating process especially due to current market demands and supply issues. I finally ordered one several weeks back and supposedly it arrived at the Port of Long Beach on the 13th and still hasn’t made it to the dealership as of April 26. So frustrating but I am still so excited to finally get one.

[@ferlottes]

Great ! Did you finally got it? What color? KDSS suspension or not? Please, share your experience !

[@d.b.cooper]

@@ferlottes Yeah I finally got it at the end of April. TRD off-road premium with KDSS in white. Done a handful of little upgrades like LED interior lights, a really nice ham radio, front and rear dash cam and a front and rear back up camera upgrade with switch so I can view the front or rear at any time without having to shift into reverse. I absolutely love it!

[@ferlottes]

@@d.b.cooper wow excellent ! And let me know how you appreciate the KDSS. I have the same exact model you got, but in blue, with the KD's. I swap the wheel for the TRD pro with BF Goodrich AT. Really improove the look and the offroad drive.

[@d.b.cooper]

@@ferlottes Love the KDSS! And I think I’m just a few steps behind you with the Trd wheels and BFG KO2’s 😉

[@d.b.cooper]

@@ferlottes about 800 miles off-road in one with and one without KDSS and I definitely notice a difference both on road and off-road.

[@michaelfletcher1224]

Having done a very similar trip in my 2021 Venture Edition I can say, I didn’t develope any squeaks... and I will never get all the dust out of the back door. The rolling window collects so much dust inside the door, despite the rubber seals... and it wasn’t open... every time I wash the truck more dust washes out. It’s kind of amazing.

[@DavGreg]

Nice episode, I would love to see you repeat the trip in a nice 3 car caravan with the Outback Onyx, an Audi , and a Volvo V60 Cross Country.

[@drivingsports]

That's a great idea.

[@Rodisflawless]

As always, top notch content and quality. Keep up the good work, your channel will grow without a doubt. Happy to have subscribed to it.

[@Macman608]

Great Stuff! Love your videos on the 4 Runner. I’m looking at a possible purchase later this year but just not sure what model to get.

[@drivingsports]

The TRD Pro has the best resale value if you can get one. The ORP (like mine) is the bang-for-the-buck. But even the SR5 with ATRAC can be very capable.

[@Macman608]

Appreciate the insight. I love yours and the PRO might be more than I need, in both capabilities and $$$.

[@ua787]

Wow! Incredible vlog.... this is something I want to try but I’ll for sure have a satellite phone with me... thank you for sharing, so many wonderful places to see in Great USA...... so impressed!

[@bensilva8813]

Great video! It would have been interesting to try airing down. I think in general it should have let you go a faster speed with increased comfort. This seems to be a mandatory step for overlanders like venture4wd when off pavement even if they are not hitting serious terrain.

[@BendixX69]

You are one the few youtubers I can tolerate talking while driving Cool and great video.

[@drivingsports]

Much appreciated!

[@BendixX69]

@@drivingsports 😁 keep the great job!

[@michaelsilver6736]

Great video love the driving trips.

[@drivingsports]

Thanks 👍

[@SarasotaTim]

I’ve literally been down a lot of those same roads on a Harley trip I took a few years back. The look out area point above mono lake is so cool. Clint Eastwood filmed High Plains drifter. (Big fan) I’m traveling from Sarasota Florida to Moab Utah in a couple days in my 2021 4Runner SR5 Premium. After I will go to Lake Tahoe area and the Sierra Nevada mountains straight down through Death Valley. I’ll be sure to stop by and touch your sticker you placed on the guard rail at the look out. LOL 😎 Thanks for all your quality videos and being a fellow 4runner owner. I’m so excited about my trip! Solo Baby!!

[@stevenpaul5540]

Get rid of those all season tires. I put put Falken Wildpeaks AT on mine. What a improvement!

[@oliverallen5324]

I’m a die-hard BFG guy but anything is better than all season :/

[@stevescramo592]

Did you put on the AT trails or AT3W. What was the mpg hit?

[@angieram5498]

Good thing your driving during day time in Death Valley. Thanks for sharing your journey :)

[@KraziAzn2]

air down to 15 PSI, the ride will be 100% better in DV

[@richmartin7293]

Agree airing down makes a huge difference more enjoyable

[@AaronGermaine]

When he went Offroad at the beginning of the video was very relatable. First time I was like man I am going to get stuck. Now I am rip through the stuff with total confidence

[@joreldavis4069]

The faster you go, the washboard road gets smooth

[@techknow-shaman]

Airing down a bit helps as well. I tend to run at about 24 to 26 PSI on washboard.

[@Articulo77]

@@techknow-shaman Definitely

[@biggsly5000]

Until your shocks blow.

[@jollyrogueoffroad]

@@biggsly5000 it won’t because you are basically skipping through the washboards

[@winonaschainsaw]

@@jollyrogueoffroad It might feel like that, but the subtle side rattle is what will kill them

[@steve-wu7jp]

Best Driving sports episode yet. The views were insane

[@4x4nerd80]

I'm sad I wasn't invited on this adventure :( Great content as usual though.

[@4x4adventure_pl]

Love the mix of technical and scenic parts!

[@thedirtydiana863]

Lower air pressure and faster driving actually helps a lot on those washboards

[@NickMcC]

This was AWESOME. I'll watch as many of these as you want to make!

[@MechayaAlta]

How would your Subaru Outback have done on the Death Valley road? I’m planning a similar trip as yours in October from the seattle area,with final destination in northern Arizona , Grand Canyon area. I currently drive a 2014 Subaru Legacy, and am looking to upgrade to onyx Outback or a hybrid suv (Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe). Your thoughts ?

[@drivingsports]

The shocks are going to be a big concern on any vehicle. The washboard roads are brutal. Maximum sidewall is critical. I expect an Outback would have done fine, but it's hard to know for sure. That said, the vehicle the couple were driving (the story where one of them died) was a Forester. They had two flats and only one spare. Just keep that in mind.

[@zimartini100]

I just took my crosstrek on the same road just a few weeks ago. You’ll be just fine, but yeah make sure you are prepared. I carry a full size spare, tireject, slime, plugs, WATER!!!, etc etc.

[@MechayaAlta]

@@drivingsports I wonder if the new Subaru starlink system would have saved these stranded folks?

[@ChopperChad]

I’m looking into the upcoming Outback Wilderness and was wondering this too. Thinking that tossing on a more rugged set of all-terrain tires would be a good idea.

[@drivingsports]

@@ChopperChad It wouldn't hurt go with with 8-ply ATs, but you'd kill your MPGs...

[@Wild1995]

I live through your videos. I get excited where we are going each time

[@SilverScarletSpider]

3 modern safety technologies I’m glad exists: rear back up cameras, automatic braking for front and rear collisions, lane keep assist. The amount of bad drivers out there who don’t know how to drive in a straight line on the freeway is depressing. Every 15 years there should be a driver’s license refresher course that allows people to get a discount on their insurance or a tax refund just for taking the course and helping keep society safe. I love this Toyota 4Runner, it’s so beautiful. I just wish it had more MPG’s like the Jeep Wrangler and Honda Passport. I know Toyota prides itself on older reliable technology; which is why they are still using a 2009 V6 and 5-speed automatic transmission in this 2021 car. At minimum the 2021 car should have 6-speed transmission. But within that time frame Toyota (and Lexus) should be continually pushing themselves to innovate while still retaining that lovely reliability.

[@kevinhines6066]

Ryan, you were talking about the possible need for a satellite phone. We carry a Garmin InReach satellite communicator/locator for our rural adventures (we're often in rural Colorado and Utah, in areas far removed from civilization). The InReach is a great tool to have for emergencies, and it's more practical/affordable than most satellite phones/plans.

[@sydhowell4813]

Love your video reviews and drives. Just curious how you think the more compliant suspension on your long term Outback would have done on those wash boards? My Onyx has been an awesome road trip vehicle but I haven’t driven on a long washboard road like that one. Thanks for the ride! That 4Runner TRD Pro should be an ideal vehicle for you and support vehicle for your off road tests.

[@couri1033]

About time to get some good all terrain tires! Also good to have a ham radio or at least FRS/GMRS radio when there's no cell service for miles. Great vid, I love my T4R

[@andreasm2882]

Dang, I was really hoping you would show us the falls at Klammoth Falls 😂

[@markphilpot8734]

I’m sold on the Toyota FourRunner TRD Off Road. Opinions vary and that is fine. It can be slammed by some, but it will be going when others have tapped out. You can choose something else. I choose the Toyota FourRunner. End Game!

[@ahbenjamin2889]

The bridge leading you from Washington to Oregon was that through Astoria or Portland ? I enjoy your content. Which was more comfortable the Outback Onyx or the Toyota?

[@drivingsports]

That was the Portland I-5 Bridge (which needs to get replaced.) The Outback was more comfortable. Lane-centering adaptive cruise for the win.

[@ahbenjamin2889]

@@drivingsports thanks for the reply. I very much enjoy your videos. You are so right about the bridge going over to Portland plus the traffic on I5 while going through the surrounding suburbs.

[@billharris7235]

You couldn't hold your breath on the Astoria bridge. It's 4 miles long!

[@jplee123]

Did you air down? I've driven the washboards of Death valley a few times in my 2017 Ford Expedition on LT tires with my family. About 15-20 psi helps with LT's. Maybe 20-25 if you're on high profile P-metric tires to keep them from falling off the bead. 45mph+ makes the bumps smooth out to just become a loud annoying hum. The tires sort of float over the bumps at that speed. Just don't make any sudden steering moves! The brake caliper pistons will tend to creep back into the caliper due to the heavy vibrations from the rotor which can feel like brake failure at first. Just need to pump them once or twice every couple miles. Some cars will pre-tension the brakes, especially if ESP is engaged, which could make them feel "stabby." Next time, be sure to drop by Rhyolite for some photo ops!

[@jimmeyer4530]

Another KZbinr did a video through Death Valley on his way to the Racetrack. He encountered severe washboard roads too, but by airing down his tires to about 18 psi, he virtually eliminated the shaking. Just a note for everyone - washboard roads are hell, but airing down makes you float over them.

[@gainonten4031]

How do you air up again?

[@squirreltakular9049]

@@gainonten4031 Air compressor. You can get one that plugs into your cigarette lighter for probably $40 at any large hardware store. Of course there are higher end DC plug in versions but the cheap ones work if you aren't doing it a ton.

[@nostrilnick]

Subscribed! I bought the exact same 4R in the exact same color 8 weeks ago. Love it.

[@ween0t]

Just found your channel! Loving the content and all the 4runner love! I see you upgraded your tires to all terrains since this video. Any thoughts on upgrading the suspension? The 4runner is plenty capable stock but small upgrades like tires and suspension help A LOT. Keep the content coming! Also wondering if you ended up getting the 4runner with KDSS?

[@drivingsports]

Did not go for KDSS. For the sake of comparisons with other vehicles I wanted a set-up that could also be similar to the SR5.

[@davec8894]

@@drivingsports And that response good Sir is EXACTLY why we watch your informative comparisons. Granting all trim levels (or make/model) an "even" shot to assist those whom may need a hell yeah or hell no price point vs feature or options.......and you present that information in a very honest manner. We are all different, but the one thing that makes all of us the same.....is that we all want what "we" want. And watching you do things that I personally are unable to do, I humbly thank you. Great work Sir you are an inspiration indeed! Thank You! CBR RR Life......drop a gear and disappear. Rubber side down friend and ride safe! Dueces!!!!!!!

[@joesprague1464]

I like the idea that you're not afraid to use this vehicle as it was intended,not afraid of dirt on the paint,scratches or minor dents and dings on the body.What was worse to experience,the first scratch/ding or the last one? Like your content and filming quality.

[@drivingsports]

Well the last one (episode with TFL), actually caused real damage. So that was by far the worst. Lol.

[@trailrunnah8886]

Looks like a great trip! Definitely what everyone has in mind when purchasing a T4R, but not many get to actually do. And FYI - the Australian guys who who drive miles and miles of these types roads recommend using 4wd for safety. In the event you need to make a sudden direction change or the road suddenly degrades, you have max traction. (Ronnie Dahl)

[@skylark5789]

Good advice. Thank you.

[@monicawilson896]

Yes, I think a satellite phone would be a very good idea in that environment. Thanks for the review. I like it. It’s not the best gas mileage but if I could only have rugged reliability OR good mpgs, I would choose rugged reliability.

[@Chevybels]

My hometown is exactly like death valley in Balochistan Pakistan. Loved the video 👍.

[@fpartidafpartida]

Great road trip video. Love the POV and other angles you chose.

[@got_to_roll]

Breath hold fail. To be fair I'm pedaling on an exercise bike while watching this. Love that 4RUNNER!

[@Wild1995]

I watched this again. This was an incredible journey.

[@blueryxfalls7949]

You should do a rust treatment on the 4runner. Just to be safe

[@rightlanehog3151]

Agreed. When the border opens he can take it to Krown in British Columbia .

[@chrisallen9303]

Awesome vid! Love to know that other people play the same road trip games too! Hold your breath ;)