I’ve read on here that the intangible improvements of the newest 4Runners make them feel like a different vehicle to the older ones.

I have a 2015 Trail Premium that I’m steadily updating, but just wondering if it might be a better idea to just buy a new one. The creature comforts being a major factor. The push button start, blind spot monitoring, heated steering wheel (I live in Chicago and it’s cold!). I know the 6th gen is coming out soon but I wouldn’t want to buy a first year car since there are usually production issues to work out.

Not going to comment on the intangible improvements since my ‘21 is my first 4Runner.

However, if you are in a position to buy, don’t want the 6th gen, and can get a solid deal on a ‘24 then I would recommend doing it. You will acquire a 9 year newer vehicle that retains the quality and reliability you are accustomed to. It will also buy you plenty of time to decide on 6th gen many years from now.

If they still offered the Nightshade, for the same reasons above I would even consider trading in for a ‘24. I can’t stand the chrome and wood trim on the limited.

its your decision....factors will vary from person to person

If not wanting a 6th gen then do it, there are multiple dealers in the midwest marking them down 2-4k off msrp. TIV should still be pretty solid too. You know the 4runner already and it will last till whenever you want to get rid of it.

Upgrading isnt bad if you plan to keep it long term. I installed the OEM led headlights and OEM carplay radio. Both of these were a nice upgrade and made the car "some what modern".

@arouth : how many miles are on your 2015? Have you been fastidious with the maintenance?

I went from a 2017 to a 2021 and couldn't be happier. If you have the old style Trail roof bars, I'd take it with you. I bought a set for my 2017 and just put it on my 2021. I really like the look. Just my .02

As of now about 72,000 and yes kept up with the maintenance.

As of now I'm thinking of just trying to ad some aftermarket items to my 2015 4Runner Trail Premium and see if I can modernize it and bring some of the features the newer 4Runners have to my older one.

If the modern conveniences are important to you I would wait. I suspect the 6th Gen will be much more modern than a late model 5th gen, which, in spite of its upgrades, still lags behind other current vehicles. I think there’s a possibility if you get a 5th gen now, after the 6th gen comes out you might find you prefer a 6th gen and regret having bought the new 5th gen.

When looking at the pricing of the new Land Cruiser no drought you will pay for the new tech. The T4R looks like a bargain compared to a new Taco or LC.

I'm with you Arouth. Had a heavily modded 15 Limited with 150k miles. Bought a used 21 ORP for the updated headlights, updated radio/carplay, and the rear locker. Moved all the mods over from the 15 and restored it back to mostly stock. Kept the 15 for my daughter for college. I refuse to buy the first year or two of any vehicle, but imagine we'll grab a 6th Gen 3-4 years into production.

Thank you for all the advice. I decided to wait on the next 4Runner and just keep doing updates on my current 4Runner in the meantime.

If I could do it again though in 2020 when I bought instead of going used I should have just bought a new one with all the updated features. I’m steadily updating mine though as time goes by.

This is a good way to look at it. The 2020 really was a massive upgrade when they brought in the new infotainment system along with TSS (and some other stuff depending on vehicle trim). Changes since they have been more incremental I'd say (LED headlights, blind spot monitor, etc.).

A 2025 or 2026 model year vehicle could be such a big step forward from a 2024 4Runner, financially waiting at this point if you can is probably the best step.

I'm tempted to call this a large understatement, it will definitely be a huge step forward. The 5th gen is very antiquated, this is a 2005 powertrain that had updates to the 4.0L V6 in 2010. Best I can tell, it's the last 5-speed automatic sold in the US new. The "new" 2020+ infotainment screen looks like it's from 2015, and I think it is.

The 5th gen earned its great reputation, but even in 2010 with that new body it was running several year old powertrains that it kept. The next generation is comparatively going to be a quantum leap forward, in my opinion. 17mpg with a modest amount of 4400RPM torque, going through five forward gears? That's going to be replaced with 23mpg with 50% more torque at less than half the RPM going through eight gears. Crash structure should be dramatically safer as well, and it will be a dramatically more rigid vehicle. 15 years is a long time.

I do love the 5th gen, but as has been said, "it's well past its 'sell by' date".

Not contradicting you on the math, but it’s been my observation over the years that among off road vehicles, advances in efficiency come at the expense of capability and reliability. Maybe a quantum leap sideways.

Since it's been 10 years I'd say either way you'll enjoy being in a new car. If it were me, I'd wait for the 6th gen to come out, not because I want it but because that's when you'll likely find some really great deals on the current model year. Plus, if it turns out you really like the 6th gen you can go that route too.

I'd say go for it! I sold my 2015 Trail Premium with KDSS and moonroof and only 60,000 miles on it to my daughter and bought a 2023 ORP with KDSS and moonroof. It drives exactly the same except it has all the cool new technology features as you describe including Apple CarPlay and I couldn't be happier!

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