So I am looking to buy a 4runner trail version. I have read some reviews of the 5th generation, but they don't really explain what changed in the trail version between the 4th and 5th generation. Then on another thread, JB said to be alert to the transfer case change, but again I could not quite find out what that was. If the 5th generation is really a step up, I'll go for that. Can someone help me understand what changed in the trail version? Thanks. Great board, by the way. I would have made several mistakes but for the advice I have been getting here.
4th v. 5th generation trail version
- Thread starter diver110
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
SeattleMike
New member
I was waiting for something more specific to respond to than your other thread.
From Top4runnners.com:
New Trail Edition Package for 2009
The 2010 "Trail Edition" 5th Generation does not look like the other 5th Gens; different rockers, different roof rails, different rims, and the hood scoop to name just a few changes, but there are other mechanical differences, too. It has a manual shifting transfer case, unlike the Limited 5th Gen's (and 2009 Trail's) Torsen differential, so that most of the time you are driving in 2WD, not 4WD. It is the only 5th Gen to come with a locking rear differential, crawl control, and multi-terrain select. It has water-proof fabric seating and the sliding tray in the cargo area.
Basically, one has a Torsen, bad styling, and a cramped interior... and one doesn't. :cheers:
Last edited:
sandcrawler
Senior Member
in short, the big differences:
the 4G Trail has a Torsen center diff w/multi-mode 4WD, rear locker, and 16" wheels. (smaller brake calipers)
the 5G Trail has a part-time 4WD transfer case, rear locker, (LandCruiser trickle-down) multi-terrain select 4WD modes, crawl modes, and KDSS suspension option. also, the 5G Trail has the new, improved dual-VVTi V6 engine.
the 4G Trail has a Torsen center diff w/multi-mode 4WD, rear locker, and 16" wheels. (smaller brake calipers)
the 5G Trail has a part-time 4WD transfer case, rear locker, (LandCruiser trickle-down) multi-terrain select 4WD modes, crawl modes, and KDSS suspension option. also, the 5G Trail has the new, improved dual-VVTi V6 engine.
Last edited:
JB.
New member
No wonder he's still confused. The 2009 is V6 so has 5 drive mode options, including 2WD, vs 3 for the 2010.
Last edited:
JB.
New member
Just curious, what is not clear in the chart? Maybe I can make it better.
The 2010 is probably a step up for most, but that's not a given. The biggest difference is the transfer case.
Some other major differences.
Both have rear locker. The 2010s is bigger. Even factoring in its extra vehicle weight, the net result is still probably a better strength to vehicle weight ratio for the 2010 rear diff.
2010 frame has been reinforced.
A little more ground clearance in 2010.
Probably a little more severe terrain capability in 2010, but the 2009 would be so capable, that may not matter all that much.
The 4th gen transfer case is very cool, but unless you can steal the '09, it seems to me the 2010 makes sense.
Last edited:
SeattleMike
New member
harper7
Senior Member
To the OP diver110...... what do you plan on using it for and what type of winters?,a daily driver or will you actually go offroading as a hobby?
I saw first hand how nice it would be to have the Low range in the Torsen. When playing out on the rocks and I had it locked in 4x4 low and when going around sharp turns and ,I could feel the drive train binding up as I wasn't getting any wheel slip so I had to keep switching back to full time.
By the way J.B. ....... Torsen low range.....I questioned you about it before and did'nt see the need back then.No wonder he's still confused. The 2009 is V6 so has 5 drive mode options, including 2WD, vs 3 for the 2010.
I saw first hand how nice it would be to have the Low range in the Torsen. When playing out on the rocks and I had it locked in 4x4 low and when going around sharp turns and ,I could feel the drive train binding up as I wasn't getting any wheel slip so I had to keep switching back to full time.
JB.
New member
Yes, I remember. Thanks for the interesting and objective feedback.
harper7
Senior Member
IMO ......That is why you might be better off with a 4th Gen 4x4 or a 5th Gen Limited. They have the Torsen full time 4x4 and it's a no brainer when it comes to 4x4 fundamentals.
Thanks for the feedback, Harper. So you think the Torsen full time 4x4 outweighs the advantages others say the 5th generation has?
harper7
Senior Member
Probably going to get flamed here so give me a second to put my flame suit on........lol :flamethrwoer2:
IMO now.....the Torsen differential 4x4 system is the best all around for on and off road, especially for people that,and I quote "the problem was less with your chart than my ignorance of the fundamentals" .The Torsen is working all the time in 4 wheel drive biasing traction from front to rear and TRAC working left to right to get you thru 99% of the conditions you will encounter without you doing anything at all except driving.
The 5th Gen TE's would have an advantage with someone that really knows how to work all the extra electronic switches and buttons in very extreme offroad conditions.
BTW.... 5th Gen Limiteds still have the Torsen as do ALL 4th Gen 4Runner 4x4's.
Ryan_S
New member
Don't mean to flame too bad here but is the full time 4WD really that necessary?
I understand the benefits of having the center diff, but it's really not that big a deal to drive in part time a little while you are off road. To give a little perspective, everyone is complaining about not having a manual transmission.... well how would I ever know what gear to be in? There are 5 of them!
I can see why Toyota dropped half of the 4wd modes, no one knew how/when they were supposed to use them.
I understand the benefits of having the center diff, but it's really not that big a deal to drive in part time a little while you are off road. To give a little perspective, everyone is complaining about not having a manual transmission.... well how would I ever know what gear to be in? There are 5 of them!
I can see why Toyota dropped half of the 4wd modes, no one knew how/when they were supposed to use them.
Thai
Elite Member
Well, for me, off-road, i can do with part-time system. In my Mercedes, i lock the center diff 99% of the time off-pavement (similar to shifting into 4HI/LO in a part-time system)...because i don't want some other factor to decide how to shift power back and forth b/w the front and rear axles (Torsen diffs, in itself, can sometimes make mistakes off-road)...i want pre-determined 50/50 split because i can read the terrain (off-road) much better than any computer ECU (thus, my criticisms of Land Rover's over dependence on the Terrain Response system.)
The rare moments where i have to make a sharp turn in dirt, i unlock the center diff (similar to part-time system switching to 2wd)...and in these rare moments, you really don't need 4wd (and IF you do, then your vehcile is too damn big for the trail...so get the hell off it!!).
For me, the off-road aspect of a full-time system is less important. However, ON-ROAD, i think that the multi-mode 4wd system of the 4th gen 4runners (and Limited 5th gen) is where some people feel better about having it. For me, yeah, it is nice, but is it really critical to safety? Maybe, but having all sorts of electronic nannies (VSC, TRAC) and good tires are more important.
Don't get me wrong, i think that the 2009 4runner Trail to be an awesome find and keeper (see my previous posts gushing about it!). However, if you're into off-roading, then i would NOT shy away from the 2010-11 4runner Trail simply because of the part-time system. The 5th gen offers the improvements noted above. In addition, the rear diff is bigger/stronger i believe. The suspension is mildy redesigned for smoother ride (according to Toyota press release). The frame is stronger (a possible weakness for 4th gen's kissing cousin, FJ Cruiser...so, does the 4th gen have this too??). In other words, Toyota had close to 7 years to analyze the 4th gen's weakness and improve upon it structurally and mechanically. Ground clearance, off-road angles, power, etc. are better in 5th gen. Although the interior is cheaper in materials, it is roomier and less gimicky. For me, i care more about a stronger built vehicle than the transfer case...hey, as long as it has 4-Lo, rear locker, and A-TRAC, i am good to go!
But, if you end up with the rare 2009 Trail Edition, then i envy you just as well! :cheers:
Last edited:
harper7
Senior Member
Ya , where is the 2009 Trail Edition,mileage and how much do they want for it? I know somebody looking for a 4th Gen. or I might be able to talk my GF into it.;-)
Synister
Member
I think the benefits of a torsen and the ability to switch back and forth between locked and unlocked 4wd or simply to drive around in unlocked 4x4 are found more in winter driving conditions than out on the trail where locked 4x4 will be more advantageous 99% of the time. In winter, on-road driving, it is common to find areas of ice-free (i wont use "dry") pavement interspersed with icy areas or areas with lots of gravel, especially in turns. It is in these situation where a full-time 4wd system makes the most sense and is far more user friendly than a part time system that would require shifting in and out of 4wd as the situation dictated in order to prevent binding. To my knowledge the new TE does not have a "Intermittent Ice" mode.
It was on autotrader in Michigan, near Detroit. It is certified. It has been in a minor accident they say. I assume the minor part is true or it would not be certified. There was also an odometer glitch, but it truly looks like a glitch, not fraud. I am leaning to the 5th generation on the assumption that Toyota mostly knew what is was doing with its upgrades. The relative values seem to be close, with the 2009 less, of course, but with wear and tear. Also, while the 5th generation means more money up front, to some extent I am being compensated for the use of my money by 10% better gas mileage. As I drive around 20,000 miles a year, 10% can save some real money.
Full time 4WD is very useful here in the Northeast during the winter. Yesterday the road surface changed from dry to wet to snow covered and back. Often when I get home, the road is clear and almost dry, but there is a hump of snow at the end of the driveway left by the town plow, and the driveway itself is covered in snow.
I have to make a 90 degree turn to get into my driveway. That's not particularly easy to do (or recommended) with part-time 4WD. With fulltime 4WD, it is a piece of cake.
harper7
Senior Member
Found it!Yep, that's the rare 09 Trail Edition alright and in white. Not too bad a price for 37k miles but would have to see about the accident and odometer glitch.
