2012 vs 2013 4WD SR5?

[GreyDawg]

First, apologies if there is a thread addressing this. I've tried regular searching and using the stickied alternate search method but haven't found anything.

After months of reading this awesome forum, I'm now seriously in the hunt for a 4wd SR5, hoping to buy by end of March. Balancing year, mileage and price, I'm focused on either a 2012 or 2013, not black, preferably certified pre-owned if I have to travel to get it and thus cannot have my regular mechanic inspect it.

Anyway, two questions:

1. are there significant differences between 2012 and 2013 that I should be aware of? It seems that in 2013 the 4wd selector went from stick (good) to dial (not good -- my tastes are old school). But what else? Any mechanical differences? Reliability differences?

2. Towing. I get answers all over the map at dealerships from "all 4Runners have a tow package included" to "there is no tow package for 4Runners -- they don't need it" and a few clueless looks in between. Is there a tow package (tranny cooler, etc) from Toyota, or should I just assume that I'll need to add some things aftermarket? I'm figuring on towing about 3,000lbs either in hot deserts or through the Rockies and Sierras, so pretty stiff grades.

Thanks!

 

[alico268]

In response to question #1:

In 2013, the 4Runners added a smog pump that helps to quicken the effectiveness of the catalytic converter. In addition to an extra system that can possibly break down the road (see V8 Tundras and 4Runners), the pump takes up the preferred spot in the engine bay to add a secondary battery. The pump that was problematic in the older Toyotas with the 4.7 evidently allowed moisture which the new design supposedly does not. Toyota also added a fuel pump that is supposed to have better longevity and slight increase in efficiency.

 

[1engineer]

1. Not really. The emissions pump was added between '12 and '13 in the space originally set up for a dual battery mod. If you want to run the dual battery a '12 is easier. The knob versus the stick for 4WD actuation is pretty much for show as even if you have a stick a solenoid is still needed for 4WD activation. Basically with the stick you get rid of one switch, that's all.
2. All 4WD 4Runners are set up to tow around 5K and have the hitch, light hook up and everything else set up to tow. Some add an additional cooler and some add trailer brakes. I have pulled near the limit for several thousand miles with no problems in the stock configuration. Pulling 4.5K your mpg will drop to around 12 mpg on the interstate and it is better to pull using the "S" mode manual shifter, which all 4Runners have. Your transmission is geared for efficiency, not towing so the automatic will hunt gears quite a bit unless you shift into "S" mode. No I have no idea what the "S" means. Sport? Sequential? Special? Super? Who knows.

Anyway either one is a good choice. Don't ask about price as you should know that if you are happy with the deal then price is irrelevant.

 

[Whiplash Willy]

I have a 2013 SR5, and all other things being equal, I would rather it be 2012 because of the Manual Transfer Case Lever, and mostly because of the Air Injection System.

The Air Injection System takes up alot of space in the engine bay, and adds alot of unnecessary junk all over engine. I am sure at some point parts of it will start failing, and be semi expensive to replace. The Pump is about $600, and each of the 2 valves are about $150. Luckily they are all very accessible and will be easy to replace. Also, the valves cover your middle spark plugs on each side of the engine, and have to be removed when you replace your spark plugs. Luckily they last for 120k miles... Also, every time you turn off your engine, the pump does this reverse spin, to remove any moisture that may have built up in the pump, and is quite loud and obnoxious.

If you want to learn more about the AIP, read my thread:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/144685-air-injection-pump.html

 

[GreyDawg]

Thanks, all, for the replies. I appreciate the information, as well time and effort you took to reply.

--GreyDawg

 

[BobsTrail]

Two minor differances:
1. USB plug moved to center stack in 2013
2. Hold down tabs for front floor mats in a slightly different position on a 2013. I found
this when I ordered 2012 HuslyLiners. Different part numbers.