What is the best year 5th Gen 4Runners
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New features are subjective in a lot of cases.
Personally I'm glad I went with a 2019 over the 2020s on the lot since I'm not a fan of the sensor nannies, but I don't get factory carplay, which kinda sucks. It can be remedied with a new head unit though.
I have heard good things about the new LED headlights on the 2021 (2020?) since the bulbs on mine are... lacking...
Personally I'm glad I went with a 2019 over the 2020s on the lot since I'm not a fan of the sensor nannies, but I don't get factory carplay, which kinda sucks. It can be remedied with a new head unit though.
I have heard good things about the new LED headlights on the 2021 (2020?) since the bulbs on mine are... lacking...
badattitude
Member
You keeping the 3rd gen?
I like the 2014-2019 models. Some updates but not full of sensors and tech. Navigation is not great, disappointing coming from a Garmin unit on the window. Soo, if you need good nav and have cell data, consider something with Apple Car Play/Android Auto so you can use phone GPS.
Adding, low miles and good condition were my primary criteria buying used. I wanted a fresh one. Consider an off lease, like a 2018ish now.
Also, the way these things depreciate make them a great lease-then-buy options, if you go new 2020/2021.
I like the 2014-2019 models. Some updates but not full of sensors and tech. Navigation is not great, disappointing coming from a Garmin unit on the window. Soo, if you need good nav and have cell data, consider something with Apple Car Play/Android Auto so you can use phone GPS.
Adding, low miles and good condition were my primary criteria buying used. I wanted a fresh one. Consider an off lease, like a 2018ish now.
Also, the way these things depreciate make them a great lease-then-buy options, if you go new 2020/2021.
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Bossman
Senior Member
Mastr_chief
New member
I have a 2019 as well. I couldn't see shit at night so I did the H9 to H11 conversion and it was a huge improvement. For $30'ish bucks, well worth it. Supposedly, the modified bulbs burn out quicker, but I'll live with that and just keep the old takeoffs in the glove box if I ever need to install them in a pinch.
Muff Muff
New member
2017 owner here. It seems that the 2017MY is the one to get; no fuel pump recall, no TSS to worry about when modding, and in the sweet spot of price vs. mileage for the other 5th gen model years right now. 2017 has everything you need, and nothing that you don't. After that would be lower mileage 2015s or 16s for me personally.
s13koop
New member
Care to elaborate?
I bought an early 5th gen at a great price thinking I'd upgrade the front to '14+ but I don't think I will now.
Honestly feel like the 10-13 is a better evolution from the 3rd gen. Still a bit utilitarian, not a fancy dash, a noisy engine thats reliable, & can actually get an e-locker (unlike the 4th gen unicorn)
To me, the early Trails are the best bang for the buck when it comes to the 5th gen.
Appearance wise, the only thing I'd change on the rear would be upgrading to the 14+ LED tail lights. And to me, the front ends are much cleaner than the 14+.
blksubykid
Member
2010-2013 Trail 
John in NC
Member
Pre-refresh Shoreline Blue Trail.... sort of joking but they are awesome and hard to find.
blksubykid
Member
Back in 2018, I searched for nearly a year and only ever found 1 for sale in NY. Had to settle for Salsa Red *shrugs*
BobsTrail
Senior Member
2013 Trail -- Old school, utilitarian, black trim, no chrome. Best one for me. 7 years and the extended warranty expired unused. It has seen a lot of trails and snow.
John in NC
Member
Shoreline blue popped up here (Southern coast of NC) for crazy high money. Sold immediately.
I was hoping it would sit on the used car lot and I could snag it for a good deal. I was wrong.
blksubykid
Member
I had to put $1000 deposit in order for the dealer to hold my salsa red for a few days. They told me 5 people called and tried to buy it after I paid the deposit. My salesman even had to hide the keys since so many people were at the dealership asking about it too.
Took a flight to Flagstaff, AZ on my day off and drove it back home.
aggrobot
New member
I came from a 2018 limited to a 2021 limited nightshade.
Not everyone is in to the limiteds. Many of the changes i like for 2021 arent exclusive to the limited, but all the same, it’s worth pointing out that’s where my experience has been. the 2021 model is my preference. the adaptive cruise control, CarPlay, LED headlights, larger screen multimedia, better sounding stereo system (the 2018 JBL system was great, but this is even better), remote start (and other connected services) and blacked-out interior sure do make it feel a whole lot more modern. Quite a few significant, small touches make for a much-improved experience for me. I love the balance of retro and rugged with the 4runner. After 3 years with the 2018, I can tell you the upgraded tech additions sure do help round it out for me. Yes, you can get an upgraded head unit with CarPlay, but I am unimpressed with the final look of a replaced HU and console mods to accommodate it all.
Most of my time behind the wheel is spent driving between Utah and Wisconsin. I dont do a lot of 4-wheeling but I do spend a lot of time on dirt roads. Couldn’t be happier with my 20201 nightshade LE. I hope youre as happy with yours regardless of what you choose!
Not everyone is in to the limiteds. Many of the changes i like for 2021 arent exclusive to the limited, but all the same, it’s worth pointing out that’s where my experience has been. the 2021 model is my preference. the adaptive cruise control, CarPlay, LED headlights, larger screen multimedia, better sounding stereo system (the 2018 JBL system was great, but this is even better), remote start (and other connected services) and blacked-out interior sure do make it feel a whole lot more modern. Quite a few significant, small touches make for a much-improved experience for me. I love the balance of retro and rugged with the 4runner. After 3 years with the 2018, I can tell you the upgraded tech additions sure do help round it out for me. Yes, you can get an upgraded head unit with CarPlay, but I am unimpressed with the final look of a replaced HU and console mods to accommodate it all.
Most of my time behind the wheel is spent driving between Utah and Wisconsin. I dont do a lot of 4-wheeling but I do spend a lot of time on dirt roads. Couldn’t be happier with my 20201 nightshade LE. I hope youre as happy with yours regardless of what you choose!
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patkelly4370
New member
2017 is best. Because that's what I have and it works for me.
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