I decided I'm going to sell my 3rd Gen 4runner in the coming months, and I want to upgrade to either a 4th Gen Sport/Limited V8 or a 5th Gen Limited. The task for the new 4runner will be several things. It will of course be my daily driver, used in offroading and hiking trips, as well as a future trip to Alaska. As some of you may have seen in my cross country trip thread (see my signature below), me and the girlfriend like to travel. We do not feel prepared to do Alaska yet, but that trip is a few years away and barely in the planning stages yet. Until then, we want to do a lot of small trips within the United States including places like Colorado and Utah.

After extensive research, and skimming through forums I finally decided I wanted to get a 4th Gen 4runner Sport/Limited V8. The reason I chose the V8 over the V6 in that trim was due to the amount of weight I would be carrying in the vehicle, and the places we would be traveling. For example, in my current 4runner, it struggled to make it up the steep inclines on Colorado highways (I got passed by a Toyota Prius towing a small trailer). I had my heart set on the 4th Gen V8 for some time now, but was not ready to buy yet. After thinking it over, and considering how far from civilization we could be traveling in Alaska eventually, I decided I would rather just buy brand new. Granted I haven't had very many issues with the 4runners I've owned, but considering previous owners possible neglect I feel more comfortable buying new.

Which brings me to the 2014/2015 5th Gen 4runner. TRD Pro is out of the question since I plan on lifting, and the Trail Premium is out because I want full-time 4WD. I chose full-time 4WD just to have that edge in areas where the conditions can change any second. Understandably, there are situations you just can't avoid, and I understand full-time 4WD doesn't automatically save you from ice, but I believe there may be a time where it would keep me tracking straight when driving in RWD wouldn't (during a time that doesn't warrant 4WD use). In my experience in rolling a 4runner, and my girlfriend nearly rolling one with me in it, I will take full-time 4WD over part-time any day. Plus, the Limited has some nice features I wouldn't mind having. My only gripe after test driving a 5th Gen is that it doesn't feel like it has power. I saw a green light that said ECO on the dashboard, but couldn't figure out how to turn it off, and I knew more about the 4runner than the damn salesman (he didn't know anything about the truck). Does the truck feel faster when that is turned off (if you can turn it off?) or is it an automatic feature?

I'm seeking opinions and insight on these decisions. Is there anything I missed in coming to this conclusion or do I need to reconsider? I like the newer feel of the 5th Gen, but want the engine from the 4th Gen. I would consider an ultra low mileage 4th Gen but it would have to meet all my requirements (Sport/Limited, leather, black exterior, V8, 4X4, 30,000 miles or less). I think I am set on the new 5th Gen unless someone has an objection.

For your needs, I would get 5th gen limited.

Other option: previous gen Lexus GX470.

Yeah, I actually considered that at one point as well. I decided against that, similar models, and Landcruisers due to gas mileage.

The ECO light is easily turned off. I agree that the 5th Gens do feel under powered, but that might be because the power is up high in the RPMs vs a V8 being on the lower side. That being said, I love my 5th Gen. I do plan on re-gearing and that will hopefully help with my power issue, considering the amount of weight and my want to go bigger with tires.

I have thought about selling it and getting a couple year newer GX460, but have heard it is a slug.

I am still hopeful that the V8 will make a return to the 4Runner. If it does I will be starting all over. And in that case I also would get a Limited for the full time 4WD.

Even before buying a new 4runner at this point, I've decided if a newer 4runner comes out with a V8, I'm getting it no doubt. I'll just keep all my stock parts and put them all back on to resell.

If you want to turn off the eco light, just mash the go pedal more.
If you go 5th gen and want FT 4WD, you are in a limited but I think that the only option is XREAS which isn't very lift friendly. Perhaps you may be satisfied with the stock suspension. If not, you will be yanking out a fairly expensive suspension system.

I have 2WD but love the way it handles on the road.

You'd be better informed in the 5th Gen forum. Every one of your concerns have been discussed in great detail.

There is a Google search technique in that forum's stickies.

I was under the impression XREAS was optional on the Limited like KDSS is optional on the Trail models. Can anyone shed some light on this?


You must have not read my post and assumed I didn't use the search function. Trust me I've read every thread there is that I've needed to, I'm seeking opinions and insight between two different generations of 4runners which is why this is in general discussion and not 5th Gen. Thank you.

The ECO light can be turned off by the owner. Personally I found the ECO bar much more disconcerting and had the dealer shut it off with his computer.

In fact, I did read your post. And because you've been on here SINCE 2012, and "read every thread there is...", and seem butthurt at my suggestions - please check your questions I've elicited from your posts.

Every one, EVERY one, has been discussed at great length in the 5G forum.

But great story, Bro.

I'm sorry your condescending remark to do a Google search wasn't taken wholeheartedly. There may have been a miscommunication, but based on your second reply I believe I was correct in assuming your state of mind. I asked about the XREAS because I realized that I assumed it was an option instead of looking on Toyota's website to verify that 100%. After doing so it appears I was mistaken, and it comes standard on the Limited, which sucks, but not a deal breaker. That's beside the point though because that was not the premise of this thread. You could've simply said yes or no to answer that, but instead you chose to troll. Please don't reply to my thread anymore unless you have anything constructive to provide because you clearly don't understand what I'm seeking "bro".






Just to clarify for everyone who wants to provide feedback:

Although I've done a lot of reading (on this forum and others) on both generations and their various trim levels, I don't have both vehicles in front of me at the same time to compare. I have looked at both in person on seperate occassions. Taking everything I've stated in my intial post, I'm asking if there are any details I may have missed that I need to reconsider. In basic, I'm asking to reaffirm the details that brought me to my conclusion. I've done my own research, but I'm not perfect and I might have overlooked some things.

I too think the XREAS is standard on the Limited. I agree other than full time 4WD it may not be the best choice if you intend to replace the suspension,

GX470 !!!!!!! What better way to travel in LUXURY and have V8 power.

XREAS IS NOT OPTIONAL. If you wanna lift it you rip out $2K worth of suspension. That's fine but that's what you have to do.

The ECO light is just that... a light.

Want to go fast in a 4Runner? Push the gas pedal to the floor. Much HP and Torque up there you just have to go get it.

Full time 4WD DOES NOT keep you pointed in the right direction on the slick stuff. VSC and TRAC does. VSC and TRAC are on all models. The LE is not AWD, it's full time 4WD and there is a difference.

You would know this stuff if you had read all there is to know about a 5th gen...

Like I said, I definitely considered it at one point. I was more likely to get a 100 Series Land Cruiser, but I don't like the gas mileage and I don't need the size. I've always like the size of the 4runner. New GX470's are too expensive, and I don't like the interiors of the older models.

Please spare me the sarcastic comments. I read the link in your signature including multiple 10+ page threads on this forum arguing over what's a better system so I have read all there is to know about the 5th Gen! Actually that's not true, hence the reason I made this post. I don't want to get into another debate over the 4WD systems because that's not what this thread is about.By the way, at no time did I ever call it an AWD system, you're putting words into my mouth.

From what I gathered the FT4WD system "Gives drivers added traction and improved handling in all driving situations, without the risk of drive train binding."

Anyways, all the extra features on the Limited over the other models are a huge plus. Not to mention, I'm not a fan of those offroading dials on the Trail models. I just don't see myself ever using those.

My only concern at this point is the XREAS. After I realized that XREAS is not optional the Trail Premium seems all the more enticing. Decisions... decisions...