Hello all 4Runner fans. My beloved 3rd gen was totaled back in 2003 which resulted in me buying a 4th gen. Our 2003 SE with cladding served us well for 20 years and unfortunately a giant tree lim took her away from us a couple of weeks ago. So we are on the market for a 5th gen!

As it was mainly driven by my wife, she is insistent on a Limited 4Runner.
l know a lot of you dislike the limited and most would be correct saying that my wife really needs a Highlander (I would agree) but “happy wife happy life” is the motto for the next car purchase.

I am not here to discuss the drawbacks of Limited trim or merits of Highlander for a soccer mom. I’m here to seek information about the differences of 4runners limited trim over the model years.

My research tells me from 2015 to 2020 there are NO changes! Am I correct?

2020 to 2022 only added new radio with apple play, lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking, LED low beam and auto high beam.

2023 added heated steering wheel.

Since we are shopping for a Classic Silver Metalic color, which offered every model year! I can get a low mileage 2015, swap the stereo with a newer one save a ton a money.

Am I missing something?

I just picked up a 2023 Limited after being away from the 4Runner for a couple years. I don't think the current head unit is a plug and play replacement for model years before 2020. There are many aftermarket options. Mechanically, I don't think there have been any significant changes. So, up to you whether you want to save some money buying used or buy new. With used car prices still being a little crazy, I'm not sure how much you'll be saving. The nannies are a bit annoying, which is why I'm here. I need to see what my options are.

2014 like mine is when the refresh started. I am like you I only consider the Limited. I demand full time 4x4 and memory seat etc. Just take of the side skirts and they have much better break over angle.

The grille-mounted/integrated front end sensor thingamajig got bigger as the year went on.

2014, it’s tiny and only an enthusiast may notice. By 2020 it nearly looked like a second license plate frame.

It didn’t get bigger. It didn’t exist until 2020

Good to know! I'll expand my search tp 2014 model year. Thank you!

I am guessing that is for the lane departure warning, automatic emergency braking

My 2014 Limited has it, although relatively small. Perhaps the size of a business card.

TSS did not exist in any form on any 4Runner trim until 2020.

No it doesn’t. That wasn’t a feature on anything prior to 2020

It’s just the sensor for adaptive cruise control and emergency braking. Lane departure is a camera up on the top of the windshield. The guy I was correcting said it “got bigger” which is not true. It didn’t exist until 2020

Just saw this thread today. Appears it is *more* possible than I thought:

OEM 2020+ headunit with Apple Carplay/Android Auto into 2014-2019

Swap the headunit and amp and then yeah, it’ll work. Aftermarket is easier but OEM is possible

In general I like to keep things as stock as possible but with amp, I am looking at $3K! That just maybe a bit much to invest in '14 or '15 runner "radio"...

IMO - the carplay etc. that came in 2020+ is not worth the extra $ for a newer used vehicle. I think the sweet spot would be a 2017-2019 limited. likely one owner (who probably dealer serviced it most of its life for the warranty) and a good chunk of depreciation is gone. it really depends on what creature comforts you need vs. would like to have