i own a 4th gen, and think that side by side it is much more attractive inside and out compared to the 5th, which i find plain and boring. anyone else?

I may be biased but, i absolutely LOVE the look of the 4th Gen. These newer 4Runners are definitely not my cup of tea.

New Tech is cool and all, but i'm content with what I have. Seems like just more stuff to fix once it goes out.

I have an '18 SR5. When I first bought it, it appeared to me to look like an angry fish sucking a lemon. But the look has grown on me.

I like the interior of the 5th gen. I've driven a 4th gen V8 a friend has and didn't quite warm up to it. However, I wish the transfer case twist dial on my 5th gen was placed on the dash like the 4th gen, as it's kind of clumsy to reach and use on the far side of the console on mine.

I also prefer the Gen4 look over the Gen5. The later Gen4's with the rounded wheel wells and newer style headlights are the best looking in my opinion. The seats look more durable in the Gen5 though.

My favorite looking gen is the 3rd. However, the 4th and 5th are far roomier.

I've always loved the look of bubble cars, and the 4th gen is no exception to that. When everything looks angry now, it's refreshing to see a bug eyed toyota just chilling.
IMO the early 4th gen styling is better than the later 4th gen styling. Everything from the wheel arches to the headlights just seem off on the newer 4th gens while the pre facelift design flows quite nicely.

I agree 100%

I think you'll find most folks in this 4th-gen specific section obviously biased to the 4th gen look.

Stock vs stock I also lean to the more bubbly look of the 4th gen. I also have to agree that the 3rd gen has a slight visual edge for me over both the 4th and 5th gen though.. but that's because I'm a big fan of the older LC platform which is more boxy, and more proportionate looking when you lift and modify it.

If we're talking non-stock, there are quite a number of some awesome, heavily modified 5th gens that I prefer over the vast majority of modified 4th gens.. but I think that's also because it's a more current platform, with some better options available.. one that stands out to me if MlkWagon on IG. He's local to my area and I've always loved the look. I think it also doesn't help that every other 5th gen build you come across on social media is running some sort of LT kit or is SAS on 40's, etc

I will say though, all of these preference are really, really close, a sweet build is a sweet build, regardless of the gen for me.

Yeah, exterior is going to be a personal preference thing. Most equate newer with better. I own a 4th gen and prefer cleaner, simpler lines. I like 5th gen interior features but I do not like door switch placement on top of door card. Rain, snow, and road grime will foul the switches.

I will say though... Toyota/Lexus recent line up with the Tundra, Tacoma, Sequoia and the GX refreshes are REALLY my cup of tea.. and if the next gen 4runner follows suite I'm expecting a pretty damn good looking T4r

I have owned my 4th gen for a long time now. I think when they are built right they look much better than a 5th gen. I also think that 3rd gen 4 runners and obviously 1st gen look the best however.