I went from an 03 with the V8 to a 11 with the V6. Going from V8 to V6 was a huge difference in terms of power delivery.

In terms of "solidness", I'd say the 4th gen was definitely less tinny sounding than the 5th gen. The doors sound more hollow and my hood bends in the wind while driving in my 5th gen. However, I don't think the hoods bend as much on the 2014+ 5th gens - I didn't notice it while driving one.

Material choices overall seem like a step down, but they're still durable. I had the melting dash issue in my 4th gen (which Toyota amazingly took care of at no cost to me 12 years after the car was made). I've nicknamed the 5th gen the "recession edition" as it was in it's final design stages during that time frame. I do dearly miss my dual sunvisors, my sunvisor that slides on the rail (can't remember if they've since added that) instead of the stupid plastic extension, I miss the burger tray, I miss the overall lighter feel (it is lighter) of the 4th gen, and I miss my V8. Sadly I think 6th gen will also be a "pandemic/recession edition". We've already experienced what that's done to the Tundra, though it seems like the issues have finally slowed down.

My 5th gen averages 17.2MPG if I drive normally and I can get 21MPG if I baby the pedal. I never tried to baby my 4th gen and I'd average around 18.3MPG.

When it comes to rust, I think my 5th gen is holding up way better - thinking back to when my 4th gen was 12 years old. My 5th gen turns 12 next month.

TLDR; there's nothing really wrong with a 5th gen other than the fact that is really long in the tooth for this generation; but what that means is it's super refined and reliable at this point. There are definitely differences between the 4th and 5th, for better or for worse, but they're both great vehicles and I still enjoy my 5th gen despite some of the lost features.

Edit: OP has the V8.

Currently own both gens that I purchased new from Toyota. I enjoy driving/owning both, but if I had to choose one....it would be the 4th. As others have mentioned, the overall fit/finish/quality of the 4th seems better, not to mention all the little extras the 4th has that were engineered out of the 5th (burger tray, drivers A-pillar assist, locking gas cap, glove-box secret compartment, oil filter re-location, storage areas on the rear wheel wells, fold flat cargo area, throttle-mapping, etc.) I know, first world problems and not a deal breaker by any means, but I hope to always have a 4th in the garage.

Amen to this. I like my 14 TEP but miss my 08 sport daily. For me it's the little things mentioned above that just make it a much more user friendly experience. Oil changes were a breeze, the burger tray was a gem and the shift knob and resting position while driving was more natural. The shift knob and position of the shifter on my 5h gen I find uncomfortable from start to stop.

While I liked my 4th gen I prefer the room the 5th gen has to offer. Both having the same motor you won't be missing out on reliability, but the 5th isn't as responsive (assuming because of the weight).
I didn't like my 4th gen until it was lifted as it looked too much like a station wagon. The fifth gen can pass without modding IMHO.

Best wishes

hugeeeeeee question... do you tow? if you do then stick to a v8 if you dont at all stick to a v8

Complains about lack of immediate responses, then disappears.

06 4th Gen V8 to 2011 Limited

You will miss the lower end power of the V8 but once you learn to use the pedal all will be good. Your impressions of the ‘feel’ are not wrong but to be honest that will be true of any newer vehicle compared to how they use to build them. Other than the feelings the 5th. Gen is built extremely well, has proved reliable as hell and is ready for any abuse you will toss at it. This forum has proof upon proof of it.

The only issue by going with the Limited will be the lower body skirts. No biggie if not doing a lot off pavement driving but you should be aware.

I have had a 4th gen, a GX 470 and now a 5th Gen. I would have kept either of the previous if it wasn't for our trips to Baja California and the Sonoran desert, prefer the newer more reliable truck. I am not saying that the others were not reliable, but I would hate to find out 100 miles from the nearest civilization. I love the 5th Gen, it's as solid as the others, but then again I don't lay down on the roof or hood. Good luck!