I have never thought my 4th gen resembled a RAV4 at all, nor have I ever considered it a car-UV-minivan. I needed a V8 to tow, so I got a 4th gen instead of a 3rd gen. My family had a Sienna minivan when I got my 4runner, and they couldn’t be more different.

My recommendation is to buy a 4th gen. I’m biased because I own one, but I’ve put ~115k miles on mine, and have never regretted my decision.

I see the gen 4 as a real departure from it’s predecessors. They had boxy, truckish features that were more like land rovers, land cruisers etc. The changes in 03 likely led to the RAV4 look a few years later. I don’t know how you don’t see the resemblance. (Grille, headlights etc)

To each their own I guess. Even though I want(ed) a gen 3, I think the gen 2 looks the coolest. Too spartan for me though.

And yeah, the power difference of the gen 4s is eye opening. I still want the V6. It’s more than enough for me

We’ll have to see what happens. The right one will come along. Be it gen 3 or 4, I’ll be happy with either and accept whatever shortcoming either model has over the other. Neither are perfect, but both could be great. I just wish my wallet could afford a brand new one!

4th gen v8 or 3rd gen limited is my vote.

I’m in agreement though if a clean 4th with a v6 comes up I’d prefer that over the v8.

Stout tow power yes, but I don’t need the 7000lb tow ability. 5000lbs is plenty plus it’s better on fuel and gas timing chain over belt.

I don’t think you’ll regret getting either the Gen3 or Gen4. Either one will tow what you have just fine. And personally, I think the Gen3 may have been the cleanest design, visually. But considering the conditions of the Gen3s you’re describing in your location, a clean Gen4 might be the better move.

Ive been seeing a few reads and vids that suggest the 3rd gen is the best of the model...tankish, everlasting, and simple enough to work on yourself.

personally, as a 5th gen owner, i would think that the current gen Trail/OR model is the best, truthfully. it will have all of the toughness of any model ever made, plus the usefulness of the modern stuff necessary to keep you rolling in any environment, on any surface...plus it will have the aftermarket support so that when you want to throw an upgrade into it...it wouldnt be hard to find and install to keep the model useful to what you might want from it.

just my 2 cents

I wish I had the money for newer but it’s just an occasional vehicle for weekends and holidays. If it was my daily driver I would buy a late model for sure

Thanks for the link, however I can’t find a thing on 4Runners. There’s no search features and menu is limited.

I’m not going to build one into a heavily modded machine. Only maintain and restore as needed. Lots of summer and fall use. Hopefully for many many trips

I have owned gen 3 , gen 4, and now gen 5.
Go for the gen 4 2005 and up. Better engine and transmission.
5 speed compared to the older 4 speed.
Possible to get 20 mpg . 6. Cylinder has plenty of power.
I liked my 97 but I got better power, comfort, and mpg with my 2007. It was an automatic transmission

I have a 300k mile 3rd Gen (1997) and a 200k mile 4th Gen V8 (2003). The 97 gets 16-17mpg and has plenty of power for towing. The 03 only gets 13-14mpg, but it rides better and is much quieter. 4th Gen would be my choice to drive across the country in. If you're looking to go on tight trails off-roading I suggest the 3rd Gen. The 4th Gen is just so much BIGGER in length and width that I wouldn't dare take it on the trails my 3rd Gen gets to. The 2nd Gen doesn't have rack and pinion steering and the engine is weak. The 3rd Gen's 3.4L V6 is plenty powerful as it is. Mine has 4.10 gears and cruises at 80 on the highway no problem.
FYI, I'm in the market to sell either Runner as I have a reservation for the new Bronco that I need to put a down payment on