Hey everyone.. I’m creeping over the fence from the 4th gen forum wanting to learn a few things from you 5th gen people.

Having owned a 3rd gen and now a 4th gen, every 4Runner as wonderful as they are can have some weak spots. For 4th gens, weak spots/expensive spots are: 4WD actuators freezing, frame rust, cracking exhaust headers, very expensive to replace AC, secondary air injection pump failure, early model V6 models have head gasket issues etc. Oh and if you have a V8 you better pray your starter doesn’t go out (what was Toyota thinking?).

I’d like to get your take on what the problem areas for 5th gens are.

Also if you have previously owned other generations of 4Runners, how does a 5th compare?

Lastly, do you have an opinion on better or worse years for 5th gens?

Feel free to answer any or all of these questions. Thank you!

The biggest problem with 5th gens are their owners.


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Cons: Mileage isn't any better than the last couple generations. Power is adequate, but once you start doing mods, it becomes fair. For my 2018, the cruise control is exactly the same as my 2001. I think the 2020+ 4Runners have an adaptive cruise control that has to be better. My 2018 has no LED lighting. Stereo/speakers are terrible. Again, 2020+ improves in these areas.

Pro's: More room, a more chiseled look (subjective), still made in Japan, a proven design and drivetrain for 13+ years, ATRAC, rear locker, multi/crawl control. Great and easier off road performance than my 3rd gen.

I had a 3rd gen for over 17 years before I purchased my 2018 Pro. I really liked my 3rd gen. I need to upgrade the speakers and lights, and would like a front camera on my 2018.

Get the latest model you can afford.

Soccer moms wanting to seem adventurous, Broverlanders, people that should have bought a Highlander, mpgs, paint rock chips, unbalanced tires, untrimmed &285s, auto trans only, constantly downshifting on cruise, KDSS fanatics, center console tissue holder size, and non TRD models low range actuator.

I have the first 5th gen, a 2010 SR5. Original owner 105,000 miles. I off road a lot. Never had a single issue until around 100,000. Cats started going bad, and one of my front cv axles started to get a little slop at the diff. That's it after a rough 100,000. I drive it hard too. Apparently the 2010 is one of the most reliable.

5th gen pros: Bigger body dimensions. Beefed up CVs, stronger LCA, front lower shock mounts, knuckles , better CV Boots (inner redesign) for flex and durability improvements. Larger more robust rack and pinion + tie rod ends.

Cons.. frame rust and secondary air injection pump failure can still happen. KDSS is reliable, as long as you don't mess with it (had an ugly experience on this, not the car's fault...). Heavier than 4th gen

The powertrain feels sluggish after mods and weight gains mainly due to the archaic 5-speed imo. Rear A/C is poor (for hot climates)

I'll chime in. Bought my 2011 at around 135k(ish) miles, has almost 176k miles now. At around 170k miles the shocks started leaking, but lets put that into perspective; it took 170k miles before the shocks/struts started leaking.

In the 2yrs and 40k miles I've owned it, it's needed nothing beyond consumable parts.

I'll just address the cons, and the biggest one is the transmission programming. It doesn't like to downshift when I think it should. I'm using a Pedal Commander to give the truck more pep and it also seems to removed the gear hunting.

Fuel mileage, well, it's a body on frame, 4wd/awd vehicle, that's not small.

But it's been a great family hauler (I have the 3rd row) and errand runner. I haven't taken it off-road (bc it's needed for family duty, can't risk it), but it's awesome in the snow (tires are king here).

I would agree with what was said above though, buy the newest model you can.

OH, the aftermarket is way more expensive than say, jeeps. but you're saving allllllll that money in not constantly fixing the damn things LOL

I never had an earlier gen T4R, but did step into my ‘18 SR5 from an ‘02 Tacoma TRD Off Road.

I did a high percentage of off roading in eastern California, Death Valley and central western Nevada in the Tacoma, as it spent its first six years down there. I’m a senior now, live in north-central Nevada (since 2008) and don’t do as much off roading in the 4Runner. The first thing to catch me between the two is the considerable extra width of the 4Runner, resulting in some deep scraping within the first month I owned it when traveling a bad trail through some mountain mahogany. My silver 4Runner still wears its scars proudly, despite my rubbing the scratches out as well as possible.

Where I live now I’m quite happy with my T4R. Most of my driving is now on maintained dirt roads. I’ve used the 4Runner as a farm implement on my property. A rough section of my favorite upland game hunting route near my home required the rear locker on the Tacoma, ATRAC in my SR5 handles it handily. It’s quiet and comfortable on the highway. I don’t miss the need to use my painful, arthritic left knee on the clutch pedal of the Tacoma.

Manual transmission equipped Tacoma TRD’s had low gearing compared to automatic equipped ones, so gas mileage was pretty bad. My T4R pretty much matches it, but that’s due to its larger engine; considerably larger size and weight.

About the only thing I really miss that my Tacoma had was the driver side grab handle on the A-pillar. I know that I can add one, but haven’t got around to it.

My son and grandson still own and daily drives the Tacoma. It still looks good; and was and still is as reliable as the sun coming up each morning with well over 200k on the clock. I am confident my T4R will be the same.

I agree with all the comments made so far, but having owned two Jeeps in the past, I definitely agree with this one. There was always something wrong with the Jeeps, and once left me stranded far from civilization when the plastic link on the transfer case shift lever broke; can't go anywhere when the transfer case is in neutral.

One of the biggest pros for the 4Runner is the soft ride (I know, lots of people hate it). I do a lot of difficult off roading and the soft ride is a joy compared to the Jeeps I have had. The Jeeps pounded you to death, but the 4Runner just floats over those big rocks and holes. Wouldn't change that at all.

I have a 2018 SR5 with a modest lift and KO2 tires that takes me anywhere. Seeing the places I have been, I see no need for KDSS, crawl control and the other off road enhancements that come on the TRD off road. Atrac works when needed.

I have never had anything break on the 4Runner and everything works as it should.


Some people complain about the outdated infotainment system, but where I go, the only thing available (besides bring your own) is XM Satellite radio which works for me.

I owned a 2nd gen 4R as well as a 1st gen and two 2nd gen Tacomas, with a few side steps to Xterras and a Frontier. Compared to all the others, my 5th gen is a luxo-ride with more bells and whistles than I know what to do with. Any issues are ones I caused myself by tinkering with wheels, tires and suspension. If I could have a 5th gen without power windows/doors/seats and with a manual trans and actual transfer case lever, I would be ecstatic. Not any different from Wrangler drivers of which 90% would be better served in a Cherokee, most 4R drivers I see would be just fine with a Highlander.

That loose CV at the diff sounds like the needle bearing has gone out. This has been the most common failure I've seen in 5th gens in all of the owners groups. East Coast Gear Supply makes a bushing to replace it. It's about $60 for the bushing and $75 for the tools to remove/install. Probably takes 1-2 hours depending on how comfortable you are with a wrench. Don't forget to refill the diff with fluid when you're done.

TOYOTA CLAMSHELL BUSHINGS - 2003 & Newer 4runner and GX470

Having gone from two JKU's to a 2018 ORP, its night and day.

Up side is it rides like an adult vehicle. These were not designed for PRIMARILY offroading even though my Crawl Control, etc would make you think it is. Interior quality and roominess is far superior to my JK's. OEM wheel choices are pretty decently designed.

Downsides are few. Nose dive on the ORP is terrible. Braking IMO could be a bit improved. Creating an expedition vehicle from one is reasonable but definitely more expensive than the 4 billion aftermarket companies in the Jeep market. Wait until the 2024 and watch prices become uber high for A/M parts.

Its not a Jeep and no one should compare the two. JK and JL's are their own category.

It was just a very small amount of lateral play. I caught on to it quickly due to it causing a slight steering wheel vibration under acceleration. I replaced both axles with A1 Cardones for $60 a pop in a few hours casually. I'm very happy with them so far especially since I can buy ten sets for the price of one OEM set and there not hard to replace. Compared side by side they are banded in the same manner and the boots feel like the same quality material. I refurbished the OEM set for trail backups. Bushings in perfect like new condition. They are stout.

A man of good taste! Was noticing that in the UAE you can still buy 70 series landcruisers double locked with manual transmission, winch, and air compressor from the factory, and, (what I believe), is a close relative to our 4runner v6 gas engine for roughly $38,000 USD brand new.

I don't begrudge people the modern conveniences to which they have become accustomed in their automobiles, I just wish there were still choices for those of us who would rather have the cost of a vehicle go toward capability vs creature comforts.

I agree and that is why I went with an SR5 when I got an ‘18. After researching all levels of the T4R, it seemed to me that an Off Road Pro was just too much money and too much bling for too little real use for my needs. I had stepped out of a ‘02 Tacoma TRD Off Road and was tempted to go with the TRD for my T4R, but I just don’t off road as much as now I’m getting up in years. The SR5 I felt was the best value for the buck for me. After all, the other models used the same tires, had the same running train, much the same clearances etcetera. Overall, I feel that the TRD or TRD Premium are the best overall value for those who spend considerable time off road with their rigs. I’m just not the off road nut that I was two decades ago.

But I still wanted and needed a body on frame rig for durability (I tow a utility trailer, often loaded down with a ton of heating pellets or a load of gravel, etc.), still go off roading on technical trails in hunting season, travel over a lot of dirt roads (along with mud and unplowed snow in winter), and wanted Toyota quality and reliability. My SR5 with KO2’s have served my needs well.