'08 vs '09

[rileyjones]

Hi- I'm deciding between an '08 and '09 4runner right now and am just wondering if there were any body style changes between the two years. For some reason the '09 looks a little rounder to me but it may just be the pictures. Also, if I remove the running boards will I have to get new front mudflaps or are they independent parts on the newer models? Lastly, the '09 has the 3rd row seating. Does anyone find those useful or does everyone just stick them in their garage? Any help is appreciated!

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Welcome! No significant differences between the two UNLESS you're talking about the '09-only' Trail Edition. If you're not considering the Trail Edition then it really doesn't matter. Running boards have no impact on the mudflaps. You can keep them or remove them. They are separate. I have no 3rd row knowledge exposure so I can't help you there.
:cheers:

 

[rileyjones]

Thanks- I guess it's just the angle of the photos then.
I've never had a 4runner before but have wanted one for a long time. I don't like the orange dashboard lighting- would prefer blue if that's possible. Also, wouldn't mind replacing the chrome grill and handles with black. Any advice on where to start with modifying my new truck?

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Those lights can be swapped, people have done it. the '08 SE and the '08-'09 Limited have body colored grille and handles.

:cheers:

 

[rileyjones]

Steering wheels

Great. Last question for now. I like the leather wrapped steering with audio controls better than the stock one. How difficult/expensive is it to replace that and the shifter with the leather ones? Or do you recommend a different steering wheel besides the ones Toyota offers? Thanks- I'm sure these are really basic questions but I appreciate the help.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Great. Last question for now. I like the leather wrapped steering with audio controls better than the stock one. How difficult/expensive is it to replace that and the shifter with the leather ones? Or do you recommend a different steering wheel besides the ones Toyota offers? Thanks- I'm sure these are really basic questions but I appreciate the help.

I don't know about the audio controls... The shifter just spins on, many have changed them. I don't recall any 4th gen steering wheel swaps, you can be the first:bigok:

 

[Vanuatoo]

From
Toyota 4Runner History 2009

Urban Runner and Trail Edition packages were introduced for Sport and SR5.

The following three changes are made to all 2009 4Runner models:

Power Window System: The back door power window switch has been relocated from the center cluster to the console.

12V Power: There are now two 12V accessory power points up front and one remains in the cargo area.

Sliding Roof System: The shape of the area around the sliding roof switch on the overhead console has been changed.

So no significant changes unles you buy Urban Runner or Trail Edition.

 

[Maz]

Hi- I'm deciding between an '08 and '09 4runner right now and am just wondering if there were any body style changes between the two years. For some reason the '09 looks a little rounder to me but it may just be the pictures. Also, if I remove the running boards will I have to get new front mudflaps or are they independent parts on the newer models? Lastly, the '09 has the 3rd row seating. Does anyone find those useful or does everyone just stick them in their garage? Any help is appreciated!

Not sure on the '09, but third row seats were an option on the '08. They're the kind that fold up sideways against the side of the vehicle.

 

[gptoy96]

The following three changes are made to all 2009 4Runner models:

Power Window System: The back door power window switch has been relocated from the center cluster to the console.

12V Power: There are now two 12V accessory power points up front and one remains in the cargo area.

Sorry to thread jack, but Toyota, I gotta ask, why in it's last year of production, would you finally give us more than one 12V outlet up front?! That's something all of us could've used right from the get-go, not just the limiteds. Buggers...

And why go through the trouble of moving a switch in it's last year? Weird...

I'm done...

 

[Vanuatoo]

Sorry to thread jack, but Toyota, I gotta ask, why in it's last year of production, would you finally give us more than one 12V outlet up front?! That's something all of us could've used right from the get-go, not just the limiteds. Buggers...

And why go through the trouble of moving a switch in it's last year? Weird...

I'm done...

I'm just interested. What do you guys use so many 12v outlets for?

 

[gptoy96]

I'm just interested. What do you guys use so many 12v outlets for?

Between me, my wife, and two little girls whenever we travel there's a satellite radio and ipod adaptor for me and my wife up front and portable dvd player for the girls out back.

We switch back and forth between the ipod and sat radio as the mood hits us and the girls run the movies full time.

First thing I had to buy for our 04 was a 3 outlet adaptor. Just seems odd that my bare-bones 98 Tacoma had 3 from the factory as well as the later 3rd gens but my newer/more optioned 04 stepped back to 1. I don't use a radar detector but lots of people do and that would throw one more item in the mix.

Toyota seems to have stepped back a couple of things on the 5th gen now too, just seems odd to keep making advancements and then take them away. I know there are kits out there to add them, but they should just be there right from the factory.

 

[Nuke]

I have an '08 Sport and my rear window switch is on my dash (to the right of the steering column) and not on the center console...

 

[Vanuatoo]

I have an '08 Sport and my rear window switch is on my dash (to the right of the steering column) and not on the center console...

This is the 2009 sr5 interior. As you can see it's not there, should be down there near ash tray (where 2 power outlets were added)

This is the redesigned console picture

 

[BurghRunner]

My 06 has the 3rd row seats. I had a salesman try to talk me out of it because they aren't really practical for adults (he had no 3rd row models on his lot).

We now have 2 kids and use the 3rd row a lot. My daughter is 4 and often prefers to ride "in the way back" when we are carpooling or have more adults along for the ride. I consider them a definite plus for kids, for adults not so much.