While getting my '06 serviced i took a base SR5 for a drive today to see how the new runner was...i really like the styling and the interior, and the ride and stance is just fantastic, they did a real nice job...but there's no way i'd buy one without the V8, not a chance. Sorry guys, i know many of you like the truck and don't miss the V8, but i couldn't do it. especially when the limited is still in the 39K range...thats what i paid for my V8Ltd...if they are going to shrink the powerplant then they should also shrink the price... and to go from full time 4wd to the manually shifted transfer case, i'm not sold on that either. i had an older pathfinder that was a manual transfer and you had to keep your 4wdh speeds under 55...i can see having that on the trail edition, but not on all three models...i say they should release a platinum model with V8, full time 4WD and some other cool options...
probably never going to happen, but thats my .02

I think a lot of guys feel that the 5th gen is a downgrade from the 4th gen because of the reasons you mentioned. It sucks that you have to buy a Limited to get the center differential. I think there's a good chance that Toyota will make the center diff standard on the SR5 in the near future. They can leave the manual stuff for the Trail.

You do not need to drive below any speed when using 4wd. You just cannot shift into it above ~50.

Please don't spread FUD.

I am sorry I waited on the 5th gen and regret not buying a new 09 for these same reasons. I test drove 2 of the 5th gens (trail and limited) and left the dealer disappointed. To me they are not worth the money. The sad thing is the trail I tested last March is still setting at the dealer.

Different strokes for different folks i guess. This is my 4th 4runner, and I like my new TE better than the 3 previous by far...with the caveat that I never owned a V8.

then i can understand why the new one is something you really like. i drove a 4th gen V6 while on vacation in Florida once and it too was sluggish off the line...to me they are very similiar in performance and the 5th Gen is much nicer looking and rides better...But V8 to V6...ah ah..not for me

Hmm I test drove the limited then went back to the dealer and ordered one. I love the V8 but I felt the new runner was just as smooth. I didnt mash the gas so im not sure of the V8 vs V6 off the line speed contest but I am going to miss the nice engine noise of the V8. Being that I don't tow anything it's no big thing to me. The only off roading I do is the beach and my other 2 runners were all V6 and were fine.

By the way, the limiteds are full time 4wd. I have one. You can take that option off the platinum dream list.

The V6 has good power, but I wouldn't mind having the grunt of a V8.

I know exactly what you guys mean. I was a hair away from pulling the trigger on an 09 Limited with the V8. My head was touching the roof, sunroof, and the inside felt cramped on my sides and the styling left me wanting so I just couldn't see spending $40k then.

Now I have to live with more interior room, better looking interior, upgraded NAV with the Bluetooth goodies, keyless operation, more horsepower, better gas mileage, sweet 20" wheels that look awesome with the Copper Zeon's and a more modern exterior styling. Oh, and I didn't pay any more that I would have last year.

Damn, I wish I had those 2 extra pistons.... Why oh why didn't I do it....


I can see saying you might not like the styling, that would be it. Everything else is, without a doubt, an upgrade. Especially considering how much more your getting for the same amount of money. Now that's comparing Limited versions, the SR5 versions, I don't know, I studied the old and new versions of the Limited more. To say the 5th Gens are a step back because they lack 2 pistons and 25 ft/lbs of torque is nothing more than lunacy. That's up there with that jackaloon complaining he didn't like the 5th Gen because it lacks LED tail lights.

Some people may be bothered by the lack of the V8 (doesn't matter at all to me though), but what really sucks is the fact that you'd have to step up to the Limited to get the center differential that was standard issue on ALL 4th gens. Stuff like the deletion of LED tails and projector lights, or in-glass antenna are just little things that shouldn't really bother anybody. But engines and 4wd systems are major components that can make or break a deal for most people. Going back to the part-time 4wd system without the center diff would be an absolute deal breaker for me. I'd hate to have to spend the extra money on the Limited, especially when I'd be stuck with those goofy looking big wheels!

Yea, it sucks how they weld them on there.

Congrats, you just got bumped up to Jackaloon status.

Also auto temp control was standard even on the SR5. Now only available on the limited. I would really miss that feature after having it.

The 2009 V8 was able to tow 7000 pounds, the new V6 is only rated for 5000 pounds. In that one respect, the 4th Gen had an advantage of the 5th Gen.

The problem is that the engine was wrapped in the ugliest, least comfortable 4Runner ever made.

To each his own, I think the 2010's are hideous.

Yea, love those 3rd Gens. That's what got me stuck on 4Runners.

Probably why I got one finally, the 5th look similar. I hope they're built as well. Totaly agree with you on the wheels too. I was ready to change them but saw the pics of decent meat on em, really makes a difference.

I just got back from a 12 hour road trip and couldn't be happier. If I had one wish, butt fan, like the Lexus vehicles. Damn I love those Lexus butt fans.