Hey everyone, I have had a few 3rd gens, now an 08 V8 but I’ve always wondered what it was like to have a 5th gen. Anyone here currently have or have had a 5th gen?

If so, what do you like about each and if you had to pick one, which would it be?

Thanks!

We have a 2014 TEP 4Runner that we purchased new, now has about 160k miles on it, along with our 2008 4Runner that we've owned since 2008.

The 5th gen feels bigger, the interior is fancier, and it looks newer (duh).

Both of mine are 4.0's but the 4th gen throttle and transmission tuning are much better. The 5th gen feels like a slug compared to my 4th gen. Most of the time I drive the 5th gen in "sport mode" which at least helps negate the awful transmission tuning. Both 4Runners have been very reliable but both suffered from a stereo failure and I've upgraded the stereos to something better anyway. I feel the 4th gen has better visibility when looking outside than the 5th gen. The AC in the 5th gen seems to cool a little better than the 4th gen but that could be age difference and color difference (4th gen is black, 5th gen is white).

Offroad, our 5th gen has a factory rear locking diff that really helps on the tuff trails and a manually shifted transfer case. The 4th gen has the electrically shifted, center locking torsen differential t-case that I've grown to love. 4-high without the center locked works really well in most conditions. My 4th gen turns tighter than the 5th gen but that could be the difference in UCA's and alignment specs.

Long story short, after all these years/miles, I like driving the 4th gen more because I like the throttle response and transmission tuning better and it feels smaller and a little more nimble, especially in tight city streets that I unfortunately find myself on most days.

Yes. I bought a 2019 TRD Off Road Premium brand new to replace my Wrangler. The interior was roomier, or at least felt like it because of the boxy shape of the roof and it was quieter but I was underwhelmed with the power. Mine was also uncharacteristically plagued with rattles. The dash, drivers door and especially the moon roof all had creaks and rattles almost right away. I dont think the 5th Gens are built as well as previous years TBH. Mine was special ordered and I purposely omitted the XREAS suspension so it rode much better than my current Urban Runner.
Nonetheless, I planned to keep it for a while but a friend of a friend offered to buy it off of me for good money so I let it go.

I’ve had a 95, 03, now 08 and my father has a 19 off road pro. I agree with the above. It’s a little bigger, nice styling from the exterior, the interior is a little nicer, but still spartan/ utilitarian. For reference we’ve got a 19 ram 1500 Laramie and that’s much nicer interior. It’s the same drive train. If you use the off road features, multi terrain select and crawl control are nice.

After so many years I’m just so comfortable in my 4th gen and since it’s the same drive train, I think it’s a better use of money to put money into the 4th gen- get some new wheels/ tires. Have it polished, vinyl wrapped, Have it detailed. Nice seat covers, new steering wheel, update the radio. And after all that it’s still cheaper than buying a 5th gen.

Now if you’re 4th is on its way out for some reason, I’d be worried about buying someone else’s 15 year old car and I’d probably buy a 5th gen

Love my 08 and I’ll drive it until they pry it out of my hands

Could power response just be down to the weight differences…

I’ve had 3rd -> 5th gen. I’ve driven 4th gen V6 and V8. For me, I can’t escape the enjoyment of the V8. Bought a 2020 TRD ORP new right before covid and got ride of it when the market was more inflated.

The only other new vehicle I had ever purchased was a 2015 Crosstrek. I think it really is just about the honeymoon phase. I added trd pro suspension on my 5th gen and it just felt to boaty. It’s heavy and the v6 struggles a bit IMO. The MPG on the V8 was around the same as the V6 5th gen.

Not much in the way of encouragement on buying a 5th gen but, if you do. I’d love to discuss possible purchasing your 08. Judging by you’re name we may both be in Texas. I’d be really interested if it had a clean title, silver, mica, or blue, and was limited trim. Just got rid of mine about 2 months ago and I’m kicking myself over and over. Not going to proof read my post so, hopefully there are no grammatical errors.

Ha I really don’t know if I would sell it, but I suppose I’ll always entertain an offer. It is an 08 V8 4WD Limited in nautical blue, 168k miles with every possible option available. Just had timing belt and water pump and new AC system replaced. I know I will never find another one if I get rid of it. I had instance sellers regret when I sold my 96, so I know the feeling.

We have 3 4Runners in the family: a '17 SR5 Premium, an '09 V6 Limited and an '03 V8 Limited. The best one by far is the V8 but it's really impractical for daily use because the gas mileage is simply a horror show. The '09 is very nice and certainly works well, feels a tad lighter on its feet than the V8, but it doesn't have that same smooth jet propulsion feel and it doesn't make that amazing sound. The '17 is very comfortable but feels topheavy, underpowered and pretty heavy (... that's the one that really needed a V8, perhaps the one from the GX460).

I have a 06 Sport 4WD V8 and a 14 Trail. Love both of them for different reasons. I love the V8 in my 06 and it feels more nimble, the 14 looks better to me and has way more aftermarket support. Both have been super reliable, I have never had a problem with either. If the 14 had a V8, it would be the hands down winner if I had to only have one. It would be very hard to part with either. I sold my 01 SR5 4WD last year and still miss it, looking back I enjoyed it the most.

Very interesting perspective! I also love my 08 4WD V8 limited, but my old 96 4WD SR5 had a special place in my heart. That is one of those things I really miss. I remember when we accidentally took a wrong turn in the mountains and ended up on a mountain pass for 2 hours, which turned into near rock crawling, my stock height SR5 with 32 inch P rated tires earned its name Rocky and got my family through that and then another 1500 miles home. Something was special about that 3rd gen.

I have an '06 4runner sport (V6) , a '15 4runner trail and an '06 GX470. They are all awesome vehicles, and I don't have any problems with any. 15 feels and is bigger. My wife, who is only 5 feet tall, loves the 06 T4R, and thinks the 15 is too big. GX is a sweet blend of 4runner capability, power and luxury. We love all 3!
I have solved any power problems by putting a Spring booster into both the 06 and 15 T4Rs. both have snappy power now and ride great. And as an added bonus, they both get slightly better milage with the boosters.

Possibly to some degree. After owning both all these years, clearly the throttle, torque management, and trans mapping are completely different between the two.