If the major gripes about the 12 year old 5th gen are that glass breaks, paint scratches, metal rusts, and it's not a sports car... I think you're going to be OK

When someone asks about weaknesses, I don't think of features I wish or think the vehicle should have. I think of pattern failures based on design.

1. Rust/corrosion
2. window controllers
3. Front Diff needle bearing
4. Steering stability
5. Low quality/durability interior plastic trim

None of these would prevent me from keeping mine or buying another when compared to alternatives and my personal needs, though the poor interior materials are a disappointing regression from my 4th gen.

I have a 2022 trd sport and it has all the bells and whistles without going overboard,all in a traditional old school package, makes for a neat setup.
Anyone going offroad a lot should get a model with lever shift transfer case.
That dial is not precise enough.

clearly youve never owned anything built by a german automaker in the past 35 years lol. Modern doesn't correlate to ridiculous as well as german engineering correlates to ridiculousness.

So far so good. Got my 2022 and have put 1200 KM on it so far. I like it interior feels nice, I don't think it's cheap. Rides good. Fuel economy could use improvement though, but I already knew it's a beast going in. Although my last trip driving country roads for about 180 km I got 9.9 fuel economy.

I call the 5th gen the “recession edition” since it was introduced in 2009. If I had to guess the recession lead to some late design changes to cheaper materials compared to the 4th gen.

I miss my dual sunvisors, burger tray, lack of antenna, and more padded areas, oh and my V8. Also my door lock motors didn’t start to fail in my 4th gen. The drivers and passenger door motors are currently on their way out in my 5th gen. The flip side though is that harder plastics in theory are better for off roading, as they’re more durable and can be wiped off. So that could have been a design consideration as well.

5th gen seems to hold up better to rust so far though; except for that stupid rust bubble on the rear hatch Toyota logo that I’ve yet to see a 5th gen without.

I just hit 200k and the only things I've found so far (which may have been addressed in later years):

Valve cover gaskets (pretty normal).

Alternator didn't last as long as I would expect. I think the splash apron doesn't protect it enough from the elements maybe.

Timing chain cover gasket seapage typical with 1GR-FE causing gunk build up around the PS pump. I think it was fixed in recent years. It's not pressurized so you can live with it. Also the timing chain inspection gasket leaks too.

Some of them have a transmission whine which Toyota says is normal. I've heard it on other Toyotas. I think it comes from the front pump.

The front windshield should have been better in my opinion.

I don't like the "tinny" sounding doors compared to the 3rd gen. In fact the whole body and hood has a "tinny" less substantial feel compared to the 3rd gen, not sure how to explain it.

I don't like the placement of the transfer case shifter it is awkward to grab compared to the 3rd gen.

Visibility is much better in 3rd gen. Feel like a tank driver in the 5th gen.

No driver grab handle (can be fixed with some hassle). Not a fan of the pedal style parking brake, give me the HAND BRAKE. The non-locking fuel filler door weirds me out although I can understand it is one less thing to potentially fail.

Turning radius is much better on the 3rd gen but you know, it's smaller.

People say the front wheel bearings but I havent had a problem and they are fairly easy to replace.

Front diff needle bearing problems when lifted. Easily fixed with the ECGS teflon bushing.

Secondary air pump on later years. Dont have to deal with it on my 2011 though.

I really cant think of much to be honest. The build quality is fantastic and I'm always on the creeper poking around when I get bored. Thoroughly impressed with how the interior has held up too.

Fundamentally it is just a bigger, beefier, better thought out 3rd gen. Which is precisely why it is so great. You have to understand this when it comes to gas milage, comfort and electronic gadgets. However it has less soul than a 3rd gen if you know what I mean.

Adjustable UCAs and caster adjustment really improves that steering flutter thing. You can also tweak is rack guide if so you're so inclined to make the steering heavier.

Good to know about sensors. I think I would just delete them, pull out the gauge cluster light and carry on in blissful ignorance.

1/4 Mile times are just meh...

Its not a great road racer...

Chics dont dig it too much either...

y'all forgot endless squeaks, rattles, and the like from interior panels, windshield and trim fitment, rear door latch, seatbacks. Which can all eventually be addressed by wrapping electrical tape around latches, slipping foam inside panels, etc. etc. And they just keep coming.

Lies, I see lots of chicks driving them

I see no weak points as long as you take care of it properly. I used 3m cavity wax heavily and the frame is great as ever. the 4th gen got the v8 but its only a 4.7l and after adding the supercharger it will easily outdo it in power as well as suspension travel and clearance.

There’s an ongoing joke that guys get cars to impress ladies but the only attention they get is from guys.

If you want to impress women, get a 4Runner / Wrangler / Bronco or a big diesel truck. That’s the key.


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