2015 - 2016 4runner questions

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mlc2000

New member
I currently have an '05 4runner and looking at the new ones, but have no idea on how the latest ones are.

I'm more interested how they handle on/off road, how good the 4wd is. I heard they went from full time (which I have) to part time. I honestly don't know which is better. In mine, I could lock the center differential to turn off vehicle stability control which helped immensely in snow.

I really don't care about looks. It could look like crap, I'm more concerned with reliability, handling, etc.... I do see the appearance has changed a lot, so in that regard, I would be more concerned with how the revamped headlights focus light onto the pavement at night.

All in all, just looking to hear your experiences with the latest versions.

Oh yeah and are these still considered the 5th generation?

Thanks!
 
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mlc2000 said:
I currently have an '05 4runner and looking at the new ones, but have no idea on how the latest ones are.

I'm more interested how they handle on/off road, how good the 4wd is. I heard they went from full time (which I have) to part time. I honestly don't know which is better. In mine, I could lock the center differential to turn off vehicle stability control which helped immensely in snow.

I really don't care about looks. It could look like crap, I'm more concerned with reliability, handling, etc.... I do see the appearance has changed a lot, so in that regard, I would be more concerned with how the revamped headlights focus light onto the pavement at night.

All in all, just looking to hear your experiences with the latest versions.

Oh yeah and are these still considered the 5th generation?

Thanks!
Click to expand...

I'll answer some of your questions but from how your post reads, it sounds like you've done zero research on the 5th gen (generally people on this forum will recommend that you search for previous threads before asking questions).

Anything 2010+ is the 5th gen 4runner. There was a model refresh in 2014, but that consisted mainly of appearance pieces (front bumper for example).

There is a part-time 4wd option (used on SR-5, Trail, TRD Pro); it lacks a center diff because the front and rear drive shafts automatically rotate in sync (as you would get from a lockable center diff).

There is a full-time 4wd option on the Limited, which does come with a lockable center diff.

I've driven a 4th gen 4runner extensively (part time 4wd with lockable center diff). I would say that both 4wd systems are pretty similar to each other in terms of performance. However, the 5th gen also has optional Active traction control (which can simulate a front locking diff), KDSS, Craw control, and a true locking rear diff. I know a few 4th gen's offered locking rear diff's, but they seem to be hard to find. 5th gen also has much better ground clearance than the 4th gen. By-and-large, the 5th gen offers features and tech that make it perform much better in most types of terrain.

So yes, I'd consider the 5th gen, even a base SR5, a step up from a stock 4th gen.

Headlights have worked fine for me, not sure what your concern is about that.
 
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Thanks for your input.

Yeah didn't do much more research than look at the specs on toyota's site.

For the headlights, mine are pretty wide. I noticed that they scrunched them up, so wanted to know if they still put out a good beam without sacrificing the amount of area on the road that it lit up.

My main concern was the changeover from full to part time 4wd. I've gotten quite used to the full time so just wanted to know more about it and how it handles.
 
mlc2000 said:
My main concern was the changeover from full to part time 4wd. I've gotten quite used to the full time so just wanted to know more about it and how it handles.
Click to expand...

Well if you decide to get any of the trims with the part-time 4wd, you'll have to use a little discretion on when and where you engage the 4wd; due to its lack of a locking/unlocking center diff, you really shouldn't be using that part-time 4wd on dry pavement. Toyota has put out instructional videos discussing this and the resulting drivetrain binding that can occur in tight turning situations.

People on this forum will point out, and correctly so, that as long as you aren't making sharp turns, you're okay to use the part-time 4wd on pavement.

My personal rule is I don't use the 4wd unless I need it...so if the pavement is dry, I keep it off.

The Limited's full-time 4wd pretty much works the same as it did for the V8 4th gen 4runner.
 
Dalko43 said:
Well if you decide to get any of the trims with the part-time 4wd, you'll have to use a little discretion on when and where you engage the 4wd; due to its lack of a locking/unlocking center diff, you really shouldn't be using that part-time 4wd on dry pavement. Toyota has put out instructional videos discussing this and the resulting drivetrain binding that can occur in tight turning situations.

People on this forum will point out, and correctly so, that as long as you aren't making sharp turns, you're okay to use the part-time 4wd on pavement.

My personal rule is I don't use the 4wd unless I need it...so if the pavement is dry, I keep it off.

The Limited's full-time 4wd pretty much works the same as it did for the V8 4th gen 4runner.
Click to expand...

Thanks for your input.

With the part time, can you engage/disengage while driving? Or do you have to come to a stop, put it in neutral and then engage/disengage?
 
I am not sure what you will get SR5, Premium or LE. My premium so far is very fun to drive. I havent used the 4wd Hi or Lo. The only downside I've experienced is the stock tires, they hydroplane very bad. They're Dunlop AT20 Grandtrek. Btw, the premium is worth every penny.
 
spawn said:
I am not sure what you will get SR5, Premium or LE. My premium so far is very fun to drive. I havent used the 4wd Hi or Lo. The only downside I've experienced is the stock tires, they hydroplane very bad. They're Dunlop AT20 Grandtrek. Btw, the premium is worth every penny.
Click to expand...

I'd be using the Hi as i'm in a snow area and I do use the lo for when the plows go on a coffee break and forget its snowing. We got hit very hard last winter with snow and I used the lo more often than I have since all the years I have owned my '05 (original owner).
 
Switching from 2wd to 4Hi can be done while driving, less then 50 mph I believe. Going from 4Hi to 4Lo requires stopping and putting the transmission in neutral.
 
BLACK-FL4RUNNER said:
Switching from 2wd to 4Hi can be done while driving, less then 50 mph I believe. Going from 4Hi to 4Lo requires stopping and putting the transmission in neutral.
Click to expand...

Ok that is exactly how my full time works. Can you also go from 2wd to 4hi while stopped and in neutral? Mine currently does that.

Also is VSC engaged with 4hi? Currently mine has that and its a royal pita when in snow. Of course you may slip in snow, its snow. What happens is that takes power away from the slipping wheel. So to combat that, I lock my center differential and i'm able to move much better.
 
mlc2000 said:
Ok that is exactly how my full time works. Can you also go from 2wd to 4hi while stopped and in neutral? Mine currently does that.

Also is VSC engaged with 4hi? Currently mine has that and its a royal pita when in snow. Of course you may slip in snow, its snow. What happens is that takes power away from the slipping wheel. So to combat that, I lock my center differential and i'm able to move much better.
Click to expand...

You should be moving when switching from 2Hi to 4Hi, even just a little. You must be stopped, and trans in neutral to switch in/out of 4Lo.

The 5th Gen has a switch to shut off VSC/Traction Control up on the overhead console. Just put it in 4Hi, push the VSC off switch. The engine will not cut power, bog down, or apply the brakes to the spinning wheel. It's great for donuts in a parking lot! (or sand here in Florida).
 
In general the 5th Gen is light years ahead of the Gen 4 off-road, other then noted it also has stronger components, less of a ridiculous front overhang(although still way too big), and does not look hideously ugly like the Gen 4.
 
spawn said:
I am not sure what you will get SR5, Premium or LE. My premium so far is very fun to drive. I havent used the 4wd Hi or Lo. The only downside I've experienced is the stock tires, they hydroplane very bad. They're Dunlop AT20 Grandtrek. Btw, the premium is worth every penny.
Click to expand...

^^^^Second this, especially the Dunlops; hated them on my 2007, hated them on my ’14 TEP. I hear the newer SR5 Premium is nice (tho have never seen in person, just basing from members here). I have ’14 Trail Ed Premium with KDSS and love it (mostly on road, but am seeking to get her more off now that my kids are getting a little older). And the Limiteds are (as expected) very nice... Plenty of decent/middle ground luxury accomodations, and still very capable for most people in off road scenarios. And of course, there is the PRO as well... Cool looking package (if you like that look) right from the dealer w/out having to mod much (if any). I don’t think you can go wrong with any of them... but then again, that’s why I’ve owned three now.

I would just decide what are your needs vs wants, the price you want to spend, and how much (if any) you want to mod on your own.... then make a pick and enjoy!
 
spawn said:
I am not sure what you will get SR5, Premium or LE. My premium so far is very fun to drive. I havent used the 4wd Hi or Lo. The only downside I've experienced is the stock tires, they hydroplane very bad. They're Dunlop AT20 Grandtrek. Btw, the premium is worth every penny.
Click to expand...

Just curious, why is the premium worth every penny?

Thanks
 
Looking through the pics on this forum of the 5th gen and noticed that the roof rack does not extend all the way to the front of the roof. Is this on specific models or all?

Mine goes all the way to the front. Just curious as to why they would shorten it.
 
Ok I should have added this. I'm at work and trying to do too many things at once.

I have a 10 foot row boat that widens out on the side but narrows in the front. With a wooden modification that sits on the front (as the boat is a few inches wider than the roof rack, it sits fine on the front.

But looking at the new roof rack, what would be a good way to sit it on top? Looks to me the widest part of the boat will sit right over the front part of the roof rack.

Since I am considering a 2016 4runner, this does concern me. The kayak I can figure out as I can always get a side carrier for it. But can't do that with a boat.
 
Locking diff' and roof rack

mlc2000 said:
I'd be using the Hi as i'm in a snow area and I do use the lo for when the plows go on a coffee break and forget its snowing. We got hit very hard last winter with snow and I used the lo more often than I have since all the years I have owned my '05 (original owner).
Click to expand...

That's what happens when you live in a state of denial. :lmao:

But seriously, where are you located? :shrug:

The Trail Edition is going to perform the best off-road, compared to the SR5 and Limited, IMO. The true locking rear diff can save your a$$ in some situations. The Limited has lower body trim that can reduce clearance.

For the roof rack, consider ordering the T4R without the cross rails and use the $185 you'll save to buy a decent full length aftermarket roof rack like the Gobi or Baja Racks. The Baja Rack Utility Rack is a flat rack that works well for long items. There's another roof rack maker here, Drabbits, but the wait time on production is really long.

Lot's of good info posted here on how the 4 wheel drive works. Thanks everyone.
 
DesertCanyons said:
That's what happens when you live in a state of denial. :lmao:

But seriously, where are you located? :shrug:

The Trail Edition is going to perform the best off-road, compared to the SR5 and Limited, IMO. The true locking rear diff can save your a$$ in some situations. The Limited has lower body trim that can reduce clearance.

For the roof rack, consider ordering the T4R without the cross rails and use the $185 you'll save to buy a decent full length aftermarket roof rack like the Gobi or Baja Racks. The Baja Rack Utility Rack is a flat rack that works well for long items. There's another roof rack maker here, Drabbits, but the wait time on production is really long.

Lot's of good info posted here on how the 4 wheel drive works. Thanks everyone.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info.

I'm in NY.
 
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