You're 74. I wouldn't put too much thought into worrying about the resale of anything at this point. Who gives a crap? Have fun while you can.

I'd also not be fearful of "technology" in these trucks. Toyota is WAY behind the industry when it comes tech especially in these trucks that debuted in 2010. There is absolutely nothing new, cutting edge, or advanced with these trucks. Nothing. I can't think of another car or truck sold in the US currently that is so dated and have been strung along and was overdo for a new generation 5 years ago.

I will admit the datedness of the 5th gen 4runner It's certainly part of their charm too.

this is what you need.

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Opinions are like *******s: everyone has one.

Go for the reliability. Get the SR5. If you have a dog, then cloth seats. Japanese leather sucks and does not last.

OK, if you have to have 4X4, leather and looks, go with a SR5 and do after market leather.

From one senior to another, in short I love my ‘18 SR5.

After years of reliable service and hard off roading, I gave my grandson my ‘02 Tacoma TRD 4x4 and got my ‘18 SR5. It does have factory NAV and 3rd row. I’ve just turned over 50,000 miles on it.

A lot of people complain about the ride, noise and handling of the T4R. I find it perfectly fine. Maybe it’s because, like you, we’ve grown up on cars and trucks of the past that someone today would think are abusive and torturous. I’ve had late model (and early ‘60s) Cadillacs and Lexus, but I think my T4R is quiet, rides well and has a quality feel. A friend with a noise level app on his phone measured the interior sound levels on my SR5 and declared it pretty quiet at 70 mph. Any modern vehicle, even a new Jeep Wrangler would put my rough riding, hard shifting, noisy 1970 Ford F-250 4x4 with no power anything, no AC, rubber floors and no padding anywhere, to shame. But I loved that truck and had a lot of fun with it. It taught me all my 4x4 skills.

I live in a rural, isolated area where 4WD gets used a lot in mud, ice and snow; on both dirt and paved two-lane roads. Mountains, canyons and wide open valleys. In all seasons. I use my T4R on my property like a tractor, a pickup (with my utility trailer) and it never complains. I’ve scratched the heck out of it on tight trails that are narrower than the 4Runner. It’s silver but in winter it’s mud ball brown. Makes no sense to wash it, as it would be mud ball brown before I make the nearest paved road. The back liftgate is perpetually dusty in summer.

I think the SR5 Premium is the best value of the T4R line for most, IF you are dead set on a T4R. Based upon your post, there are nice AWD alternatives.

I don’t know about the 2023 models; but in 2018 when I researched all models, it seemed to me that all of them had the same basic specs, tires, shocks, ground clearance as the SR5 except the TRD Pro. I loved my Tacoma TRD, but I’ve just gotten too old and beat up to go out and beat myself up more for recreation, so the TRD Off Road or Pro wasn’t a value to me due to their considerably higher costs. But I did want a body on frame SUV, and I wanted another Toyota.

For me I think I made the best choice for my needs and desires. And I expect it and my 2012 Subaru Outback Premium will be my last vehicle purchases before I end my driving years.

Haven't noticed exhaust smell, but it's also handy for items too long for inside or when we want to set something inside without opening the hatch (if bikes are on the bike rack or something has rolled up or groceries are leaning against the bottom of the hatch from inside)

Lexus GX?

On nice spring and autumn days, I roll down the back window. But only on pavement and with all other door glass down. It’s actually quite pleasant, calm and fairly quiet that way. And I’ve not smelled exhaust because there’s enough air coming in and flowing through out the back.

I actually sold new 4Runners 40 years ago when you could do that to them.
Was hoping Toyota would give us guys that started them a discount on the 2023 Anniversary unit. But none yet and we would have to talk about the stripes coming off. Otherwise a nice 4Runner.

Really down now to the SR5 and TRD Off-Road and both i would add leather and seat heaters. We have used Katzkin (Tuscany) Leather W/Seat Heaters for 30+ years at the dealership. That is what my TRD Tacoma had and 122k miles not showing any problems. With Standard Poodles all the time.
Also getting the steel console safe put in.

Recommend getting a 4Runner with KDSS, it will make a noticeable difference in Body roll in turns and emergency maneuvers (changing lanes quickly). Sold my last 4runner because of the color and made sure to get KDSS this time. Its great. If KDSS is only available on the Off-Road, then get the Off-Road.

Others have suggested a Sienna or Highlander, don't do it. The 4Runner and Lexus are totally made in Japan and come with the dependable reliability you are talking about. If you keep the tires stock size and are a conservative driver you will get the gas milage advertised by Toyota on those trips from Texas to Florida.

Would also suggest you get the rear sliding cargo tray if you can, keeps from scratching up the rear bumper when loading heavy items. Also keeps the rear floor flat, level with the second-row seats folded down.

There is a great forum here also for support. Quite of few good peeps on here that quickly respond and can help point you in the right direction for help.

Your right, the nav is pretty much useless and always use my phone anyways, google is much better.

Good luck with your purchase, just retired myself and am hoping this will be my final vehicle. Not putting as much miles as you will be though, many peeps have posted their 4Runners getting 300,000 miles and more. Hope you can find what you like. You never know, the stripes might grow on you. Don't like pinstriping myself, makes waxing more difficult.

Sir with 40+ years in the dealership with Toyota the number of customers/friends who i sold the second and sometimes third “LAST VEHICLE “ is great. Please drop me a note when you buy that next one.
YOU ARE SO RIGHT in what is expected of a body on frame vehicle. For 25 years i never had a demo for over 5000 miles. Would have drove 4Runners but they would last two days in demo and gone. Just never the production for lots of inventory.

I added aftermarket seat heaters to the cloth seats in our SR5 for $85 DIY and they work great.

IslandJim thank you for the message.
I want the slider but GST Gulf States Toyota just doesn’t order them at all it seems. They didn’t when i was working and has not started. But i would like it if it was available.
I’m at the other end of Florida in the Destin area from you.

Wow! That is more than 5x’s less than I’m paying. Great deal.