5th gen 4Runner: What did Toyota delete from the 4th gen?

[DaveS]

Been a long while since I have been on this board but saw a 5th gen at the dealer today when I took my 04 4th Gen V8 SR5 in to check out an engine emissions code issue (whole different story). First impression from the front was - Toyota took styling cues from the Dodge Nitro - OMG ! Second was, where did the plastic protective cladding on the sides go ? Is it a Venza on steroids? Love my V8 at this time of year with the snow etc - I think I will hold off looking at the 5th gens for a couple of years however until they put back some of these options as they did with the 4th Gen (boy do I wish I had waited one more year for the heated mirrors, but then I would not have had the 7 seat option I needed at the time). Maybe by then I will have grown used to the new look as well...

Edit - and maybe by then (please Toyota!!) they will introduce a diesel option instead of a 4 cylinder gas engine..

 

[Gecko123]

http://www.top4runners.com/runhist/runhist52010.html

Toyota 4Runner History 2010

 

[Jenn1018]

I MISS MINE! I leased it in 2006 and turned it back in. I kick myself every day for it

 

[Jeremy556]

Been a long while since I have been on this board but saw a 5th gen at the dealer today when I took my 04 4th Gen V8 SR5 in to check out an engine emissions code issue (whole different story). First impression from the front was - Toyota took styling cues from the Dodge Nitro - OMG ! Second was, where did the plastic protective cladding on the sides go ? Is it a Venza on steroids? Love my V8 at this time of year with the snow etc - I think I will hold off looking at the 5th gens for a couple of years however until they put back some of these options as they did with the 4th Gen (boy do I wish I had waited one more year for the heated mirrors, but then I would not have had the 7 seat option I needed at the time). Maybe by then I will have grown used to the new look as well...

Edit - and maybe by then (please Toyota!!) they will introduce a diesel option instead of a 4 cylinder gas engine..

I know this is a really old post, but what models are you comparing?

Personally, I loved the 1st-3rd gen 4runners, and think the 4th gens looks like a Guppy. On that same note, the 5th gen SR5 and limited models look like $h!t too, and for the last couple of years, I honestly thought they were a new model of Sequoia.

Then, I saw a T4R 5th gen Trail and was stricken.

 

[Toyota4WD]

My mom has the 5th gen and I have a 4th gen limited.

Things that I have noticed that are gone:
Rear window down button on the key fob
Fixed grab handles
Removal of the A-pillar grab handle
No more lighted running boards
Removal of the 4-way head rests

Things added that I like:
Added painted arrows on seat controls
Dual buttons for moon roof

Things that are added for 2015
Rear tail gate pull down strap.

Overall, I would take the 2015 4Runner limited over the 04 any day of the week.

 

[alaskaman]

I sat in a 5th gen the other day. Comfy but feels like a compromise. The rear mirrors which help tremendously in lane changes, the lack of auto down key fob for the rear window to put in groceries or whatever and the lack of the burger tray good for camera and all manner of electronic equipment just chaffs my hide. I am sticking with my 4th. 107k now and 200k more to go.:banana:

 

[KanigglyBearing]

Indicator lights

My 2021 SR5 does not have an oil pressure indicator light. I would like to know if Toyota got rid of it (??) or if mine is not working. The service manager at my local Toyota dealer couldn’t help me…

 

[grizzlypath]

My 2021 SR5 does not have an oil pressure indicator light. I would like to know if Toyota got rid of it (??) or if mine is not working. The service manager at my local Toyota dealer couldn’t help me…

This is a Tacoma, but my guess is it's built into the screen.

Low Oil light | Tacoma World

 

[2021nightshade4x4]

PARTY MODE


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[NB17Limited]

PARTY MODE


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Early 5th gens had it…

 

[RichN]

You are absolutly correct in this regard. The issue was that the SR5 and TE dont have a matching Aluminum Alloy type spare wheel but rather have a full size basic steel wheel. No more 5 wheel rotations.

Maybe the steel wheel won't corrode the way the aluminum ones do. I have had a ton of problems with the tire shop not being able to keep the spare from corroding and leaking.

 

[RichN]

Bottom Line on the Center Differential

So what is the bottom line on the center differential in the SR5?

I have taken one for a test drive, and it doesn't feel like it's binding up on corners like a locked transfer case would. I can't imagine that it's an open differential as that would just about be useless. The in between option is a limited slip differential, but the sales literature supposedly rules that out.

Has anyone done any thorough hands-on testing?

 

[fkheath]

So what is the bottom line on the center differential in the SR5?

I have taken one for a test drive, and it doesn't feel like it's binding up on corners like a locked transfer case would. I can't imagine that it's an open differential as that would just about be useless. The in between option is a limited slip differential, but the sales literature supposedly rules that out.

Has anyone done any thorough hands-on testing?

There is no center differential in the SR5; both front drive shaft and rear drive shaft are locked together, i.e. rotate at the same speed, when in 4x4 mode.