I know people may call me crazy.....but, any comments/input would be most welcome, especially from those that have driven both.

I'm looking at 2007-9 4th gens in either Sport or Limited trim with 50K miles or less. From what I gather the Sport has the XREAS setup and the Limited has the center case/diff.

Strange part is I'll give up my 2012 4R if I can find a good 4th gen used. AFter being in my 12 for nearly a year, I'm beginning to find the look a bit too "stubby" for lack of a better word, when compared to the earlier model. Proportions seem a bit off and the interior is not as nice. (I'm having 4th gen envy) I do love the size of the 12 for trips though.

Are the mileage figures as bad for the 4.7 as I've been reading? If so, I'm leaning towards the V-6 with a tow package. My current SR5 struggles with 3400 pounds unless I rev it quite a but and then it does OK. Will 4th gen do as well? I only tow twice a year. Thanks

I don't think you can go wrong with any of the 4th gens.

All 4th gen 4x4s have the center diff, the V6 models have a 2wd setting which the V8's lack. But either one can be run in 4wd on paved roads without difficulty.

I have heard that the XREAS can be a PITA if you want to lift it. As for towing I tow a 1200-1500lb (loaded) trailer with my V6 and it does fine.

Get the V8 you won't regret it.

I dunno what you've been reading about gas mileage but go to Fuelly and it will let you break it down to type of engine.

Toyota 4Runner MPG Reports | Fuelly

The V8 is about 15.5 total mpg while the V6 is about 17.5. Of course that varies with maintenance, driving style, etc but I'd say 2mpg is about accurate. It's not huge per tank but over the course of a year (20k miles) that's over $500. But drive both for sure. See which you like better. The V6 has a couple fewer HP than your 2012 but the 4th gens also weigh less so it might be a wash.

Thanks guys.....I'll keep looking for a clean Certified model that didn't spend its years in the northeast. Just really liking the look of the 4th gen better.

The only thing better in the 5th gen I would think is most likely what I suspect may be taller seats from floor to butt with more head room but I have never sat in one.
I personally have never liked the body style of the 5th but I also don't like the "laid back" seating position of the 4th gen.
I love my 4th gen sr5 v6 looks and the easy maintenance but you might as well go for the v8 since you are coming from the 5th. gen.

V8 4th gens are the most powerful 4Runners ever made, followed by V6 5th gens, then V6 4th gens respectively. If you go with a 4th gen, definitely get the V8, especially since the 5th gen feels underpowered to you at times.

I have the '06 V6 Limited. It has XREAS.

the center dif is a life saver plus the leather seats are very nice.. as for the rock slider compared to the running boards u would do best just to take both off, but I'm impartial because i have a limited

I cannot stand the 5th Gen... LOVE THE 4th!

All models have full time and part time 4wd (locked center), the V6 has a 2wd option. I think the 5th gen V6 has more HP than the 4th V8, but less torque. The leather option is tough leather, not very supple, but I like it for dogs and kids.

As stated, you can get XREAS on a Limited, but it is optional (standard on Sport), so you have to look for it.

RE: towing... the V-6 should handle 3400 lbs just fine. Just put it in 4th gear (recommended by Toyota anyway).

I had a 2009 V6, sold it and bought a 2008 V8, both 4WD. My experience with mileage that I only got about 1 to 1.5 max better mpg with the V6. EPA says the V8 gets 14 City, I get an average of 16 to almost 17, hand-calculated, not from the lie-o-meter. I understand that everyone's city driving is different, but that is my honest experience.

Having had both, I much prefer the V8. The mileage difference has been very small for me, and I needed the add'l towing torque to tow my travel trailer. The engine is smoother than the V6, buttery smooth, though I have nothing bad to say about the V6. You won't go wrong with either.

I have a 03 Limited with V8
Last week I drove from Colorado Springs to Fort Collins and got 23 MPG at 60 MPH. That is up and down hills at various altitudes over 5000 ft.
In town I get between 16 and 17 but I have a very heavy foot and drive agressivly.

I have XREAS with a Daystar spacer lift for now. 175,000 miles and it runs great.

If I was to buy another 4Runner it would have to have a V8, even with the timming belt and exhaust manifold issues.

Good luck with your decision

I like the Boxy look of the 5th Gen, but the interior ergonomics just don't feel right to me, my 4th Gen's interior is closer to that "like a glove" feeling compared to the 5th gen that feels too blocky, everything is just "a little off."

If they made a 5th gen with our new 4.6L with a reworked interior I would jump on it in a heartbeat. In the mean time I think the 4th gen V8 4WD is the best midsized, body on frame, SUV that combines ruggedness, capacity, capability, and a dash of luxury (but not over doing it, its meant to be used not languished on pavement!)