Can someone help me understand the various fender flare options on 4th gen rigs? I see some that have a very squared look that I don't care for. I've searched quite a bit and also looked at pictures to see if I can figure it out. Is it year specific? Model (SR5, Limited, ???)

I am continuing to search but hoping maybe someone can enlighten me in the meantime.

The square ones are on 2003-2005 models, 2006-2009 brought the rounded ones, LED tail lights, and other updates.

Great, thanks. A couple more questions:

- Is the change only in the flares or are the underlying fenders shaped differently?
- Can the squared fenders be removed and swapped for the newer one or some aftermarket product?

bumpers are different also, as is the grille & fog lights.

I am not sure if fenders shaped differently, but here is one thing to note: rounded flares also wider and will make your wheels appear to be tucked in even more… that is one of the reasons I like the looks of 2003-2005 4runners better.

Thanks to everyone for the replies.

progress4m: Good to know, I do prefer the appearance of a wider stance so that may be a drawback to a rounded flare. However, something about the squared ones is just really unappealing to my eye. I am not sure if it's the contrast of the square fender with the round wheel, or just the way it looks compared to the other body lines. I just do not care for it at all. I'm generally not too particular about things like that but for whatever reason, my eyes go right there any time I look at a picture of a rig with that style of flare.

I am currently in the market for a 4th gen, but I just don't think I can get past my personal distaste for the squared fenders. Too bad, because I think 2003-2005 might be the sweet spot for value. If I just can't live with the squared fenders, do I have to look at least 2006 or is there any reasonable method to convert a 2003-2005 to something more in line with my taste?

look for 06+. i posted that the bumpers,grille, were different cause those may also need to be changed in order to use the rounded flares on an 03-05 so theres more cost than just the flares themselves. '06-up flares on an '03-'05?

I prefer the '03-'05 flares because of the squared shape. It's more rugged/truck-like in my opinion. Also, the '03-05 has the reflectors on the rear bumper. Again, another thing I believe enhances the looks, but others may disagree.

The 03-05 has true fender flares

The 06-09 the flares connect to the trim and it bbecomes one big piece

I totally understand…
I also had hard time with square flares when I was looking for my 4th gen 4Runner (especially coming from 3rd gen). But as others has pointed out: deference is not only with flares… 06+ model got fatter bumpers and looked more bubbly to me… it looks less rugged… lees as a truck… I also realized even a small lift (which I knew 4th gen 4Runner have to have), especially on the front, benefits looks of the 03-05 models a lot better than 06+.
I recognize that is my opinion and it is obviously subjective, so no pun intended to owners of 06+ runners… this is just my $0.02

As I've looked at more pictures, I've had a few more realizations:

• The lighter the color of the vehicle, the more I dislike the shape of the fender opening. Maybe it's the stark contrast between the light paint and the darker wheel well.
• I do not care for the non-color keyed flares.
• I much prefer the look of vehicles with more aggressive tires - even slightly so.

I'm sure I'll reach more conclusions as I continue to research. Thanks to everyone for the info so far.