I have had a V8 4th gen for 6 years. I do everything with it including towing a 25' trailer, to off-roading, to you name it. It is doing the job well, even though having numerous electronic & electromechanical failures early on.

Today I read a AAA review where they really slam the 5th Gen. They do say it is a significant improvement over the 4th gen, but is very dated and inferior in many ways, when compared to the competition. I was really surprised by this, and now feel compelled to test drive a 5th gen to see for myself. I have no intention to buy a 5th gen at this point, unless perhaps they dropped a V8 in it (for towing purposes).

(I wonder - is the reviewer actually saying the 5th gen is a great off-road machine, but now the model suffers in the on pavement department - and from an inferior interior? I consider my 2003 Sport Edition 4x4 to be really good on pavement, and at least decent off-road.)

Here's a cut-n-paste of the AAA review. I'm really interested in hearing what those who have driven both extensively have to say.
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2011 Toyota 4Runner
by Jim Prueter -10/2010


Tough-looking 4Runner not the best choice in its class

Toyota introduced its all-new fifth-generation 4Runner a year ago for the 2010 model year. Loyalists and enthusiasts of the 4Runner will be pleased know that it remains, first and foremost, a vehicle for off-road trail driving, leaving the on-road duties to its sibling Highlander.

The 4Runner was completely redesigned and re-engineered last year, however the platform on which it’s built remains the same and is shared with the FJ Cruiser.

The new sheet metal is a much-needed improvement over the outgoing 4Runner that was in place since 2003. It is similar in appearance to the blocky-styling of the GMC Terrain. There’s nothing feminine about its looks, with slab sides, squared fender blisters, a broad hood and protuberant headlamps and taillights. Change the badging and it could easily pass as a four-door version of the FJ Cruiser.

For 2011, 4Runner is available in three models: the base SR5 ($29,525), top-of-the-line Limited ($37,650) plus a Trail grade ($35,805) for maximum off-road capability. Drivetrain configurations include rear wheel 4x2, part-time 4x4 and full-time multi-mode 4x4 with a locking center differential. All models are equipped with a 4.0-liter V-6 teamed to a five-speed ECT-i automatic transmission. Maximum towing capacity is 5000 pounds.

We thought the more powerful V-6 provided plenty of power with a smooth shifting five-speed automatic transmission.

For the record, the Trail grade model features the same goofy non-functional hood scoop we’ve seen on previous 4Runner and RAV4 models which, on looks alone, would keep us from choosing that model.

In addition to the overall change in appearance, the biggest difference is the deletion of the optional V-8 engine in favor of a scrawny 2.7-liter, 157-horsepower four-banger. However, lasting for just one year, that engine has been discontinued for 2011.

The SR5 and Trail 4x4 models have a two-speed lever-operated, part-time four-wheel-drive system with neutral position. The 4Runner Limited is equipped with full-time, four-wheel-drive system with a locking center differential and a three-mode, center console-mounted switch.

All 4Runner 4x4 models feature standard Downhill Assist Control (DAC). This feature augments the low-speed ascending ability of low-range by helping to hold the vehicle to a target speed with no driver intervention. All models also come standard with Hill-start Assist Control (HAC), which provides additional control for off-road driving by helping to hold the vehicle stationary before starting on a steep incline or slippery surface.

There is also a new crawl feature on the 4Runner that allows the driver to set one of five speeds. Then the 4Runner keeps that speed across a terrain by maintaining the engine speed and braking to prevent the driver from overworking any part of it.

Inside, the 4Runner has been completely redone as well, and while the materials and design have been thoroughly upgraded over the previous model, the look of our SR5 test model was disappointing. While all the right stuff is there, including plenty of storage cubbies, nice gauges and plenty of cup and bottle holders in the center console and all four doors, it just looked cheap. But 4Runner isn’t the only Toyota brand in need of interior upgrading — it stretches across all models. Their interiors just aren’t that interesting or attractive and look more industrial. Competitors seem to do interiors much better.

Front seats are comfortable, with ample legroom in both front and second-row seats. A third row of seats with room for kids only remains an option that most buyers should reject. The bottom of the second-row seats flip forward and seatbacks fold flat for additional cargo room.

Our test 4Runner came equipped with optional leather trimmed seats with 50/50 split fold-flat third-row seating and sliding second-row feature ($3570). It also included a one-touch walk-in function for the third row. The drawback is that the one-touch lever pinches the fingers, and should be redesigned.

The excellent off-road capabilities of the 4Runner have a flip side — on-road comfort and handling that falls far short of acceptable. The suspension is punishing and 4Runner’s portly 4675-pound curb weight shows up with plenty of body lean on curves and corners. Steering felt more intrusive than vehicles like Nissan Pathfinder, VW Touareg, Kia Borrego, and there was noticeable road and wind noise.

4Runner comes standard with Toyota’s Star Safety SystemÔ that includes

Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) with traction control (TRAC), an Anti-Lock Brake System with Electronic Brake-force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist. VSC helps the driver to ensure control by compensating for front and rear wheel slip. The system uses selective braking and modulated engine output to help keep the vehicle in line with the driver’s steering inputs.

A system of eight standard airbags includes front, side-mounted and knee airbags for the driver and front passenger, and side curtain airbags for the second and third row. All 2011 4Runners have active headrests for driver and passenger, and three-point seat belts for all seats.

4Runner has been awarded the highest possible “Good” rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety and highest possible 5-star crash test rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Overall, the fifth-generation 4Runner, while significantly improved over the previous offering, still felt dated and out of touch with the modern SUV market. The vehicle seemed to me a throwback to vehicles built a decade ago. 4Runner feels huge and most definitely truckish.

I suspect families with young kids to haul around to baseball practice, dance lessons and birthday parties won’t have the 4Runner on their list of vehicles to test drive.

It isn’t like the 4Runner is a horrible vehicle but when compared it to up-to-date vehicles like the all-new Ford Explorer, Jeep Grand Cherokee and Chevrolet Traverse, it just doesn’t make much sense. And if you’re a Toyota loyalist, a Highlander would be a much better choice.

I owned a 4th gen v6 for years and for me personally the only things I would have liked to have seen on the 5th gen would be the self latching tailgate and Led Taillights.

I think the 5th gen is overall a much nicer vehicle and who cares if the hood scoop is non functional so is the one on mustangs and several other american cars over the years. It seems people always find something to try and bash Toyota on. Of course the 4Runner feels truckish it has a frame unlike all the crossovers they named that people might prefer.

Personally I like how Toyota has stayed to its roots with the 4Runner it was practically the first midsize suv.

I own a 4th Gen ('03 Sport V8) and a 5th Gen ('10 Trail). I really don't see the "significant improvements". I see updating, but my 4th gen had full-time 4WD, way better handling, climate control, a radio display that I could see in the sun or with the lights turned on during the day, a rear windshield wiper that cleared most of the window, rear window could be put down by remote....

There are some other things as well that don't bother me as much, and yes, they added some things, but overall, I don't see a leap forward.

We test drove a Traverse, Highlander, and a 4Runner back to back on the same evening.

Traverse-Drove like a mini van, interior was large, but the front seat headrest is in a fixed forward position that was constantly hitting me in the back of head. Plastic interior trim on three different vehicles was detached or broke. Handling was very numb and the transmission was always searching for a gear.

Highlander- Drove like a sedan, nice interior. Very generic looking.
The biggest downfall of the Highlander was the 2010 4Runner sitting next to it. My wife saw the 4Runner and said what is that?
I said 4Runner :jaw drop:
She never looked back at the Highlander again.


4Runner-A real truck! I don`t get the complaints about the interior, I think it is one of the best and coolest looking that I have seen and it looks like high quality stuff to me. The 4Runner rides and handles great for the truck that it is, and it feels like a truck should. I could go on, but I am really pleased with my purchase.

I think a lot of the testers try and compare the wrong vehicles when they do the reviews, but I really don`t care. My money was well spent on the 4Runner.

Haha... "truckish'... that's why we don't call a 4runner a car.

I didn't think that was a "SLAM" as you put it but an honest assessment of the 4Runner.

I think most would agree on the following flaws but chalk it up to price difference between it and the competitors.

- Lack of V8 sucks
- Interior is bland
- It's top heavy and it leans

Outside of that, it's pretty functional both on-off road. I think it drives great for a 5000lb SUV on the road. Would I take it rockcrawling..........probably not as it's so top heavy but on mild trails I think it will perform superbly.

My .02 cents........thanks for posting the review. Always interesting to see reviewers thoughts.

T4R is a truck, it drive like a truck and it behave like a truck, anyone want a soft ridding should buy themselves a Honda Accord or something in its class.

I thought it was a honest assessment of the 5th gen. They are right on about it not being a "soccer mom/family" runner. There are much better choices out there for that function. Yeah, the interior appears a little cheap and plasticy too.
Having said that, I absolutely love my 5th gen T4R! This is from a guy coming from driving mostly sports sedans. The 5th gen caught my eye one day and I had to have it! I've shopped around quite a bit and did a lot of research on this beast. Pound for pound, there is nothing like it out there IMO. I bought it for its versatility, good looks, Toyota's reliability, and functionality. It's like having a hot girlfriend with some noticeable faults that I am willing to live with, just because she's HOT and is good in ...........!

Im with hamilton and snowfox on this one

Basically, it isn't a CUV, so they don't like it. No problem as that is their prerogative... but in 20 years, our 5th gens will still be roaming around the country while all these disposable CUVs are rotting in a junkyard somewhere. I bought my 4Runner for the long haul.

I test drove a Highlander and really liked the ride. It rides far, far better than the 4Runner. But, the 4WD system of these transverse mount CUVs is far inferior. They are significantly harder to work on the way they are packaged versus a longitudinally mounted drivetrain. The Traverse looks like a large speed bump would rip the front air dam off.

I traded my 2003 Durango that had well over 200k on it on a 2010 Magestic Gray 4Runner. I loved my Durango and usuually like to by American, but the 4 Runner was too much to pass up. It rides a whole lot better than my D and has awesome gas mileage.(I range 20-24 MPH)

I have 11K on it now and really could not be happier. My daughters kept telling me to check out the T4R when the D started to go up. When I did , I found it was thousands cheaper than the Acadia that I had my eye on. There really is no comparison, in my opinion.

????

Maybe if he is blind.

I think that Toyota knows exactly what they have done here...They have catered to "our" market. We wanted a truck, we wanted a 4 door FJ. They knew this and they accomplished exactly what they sought after. Toyota knows they are not going to steal any Tahoe owners, they know that if they want to take Envoy owners they will migrate toward the Highlander. This is a niche market that for some reason Toyota is one of the only manufacturer's still able to satisfy. We should all be grateful they are still producing vehicles like this. I can buy anything I want, I chose a 4runner!!!!!!!!!

So for those who have driven both 4th & 5th gens - how would you rate each in both off-road and on road? Is the 5th a better off roader but the 4th gen a better on roader?

I think the review is decent, the problem is the American public is changing (surprise) and they are trying to appease the masses. This is not a crossover. If you want a sedan ride, there are a lot of good choices. To compare it to a Toureg (hope you like your dealer), funny. There are not too many real off road capable SUV out there. JGC, looks great, my guess is reliability will be poor (as usual for Jeep). VW (make sure you lease it), Yukon/Tahoe??? Plenty of crossovers, I would probably get an X5, at least it would be fun (again, make sure its a lease). Not really too many too compare other than: Jeep Wrangler Unlimited, JGC, VW toureg, Land Rover. I would take the 5th gen for price, comfort, reliability and finally, ABILITY over all of them (which I did).