I agree that the 4Runner is still a real SUV, but I'd suspect that even in TE trim it won't keep up with a Wrangler offroad, simply due to geometry - longer front and rear overhangs limit approach and departure angles, longer wheelbase limits breakover angle, and extra width and turning circle are a constraint on narrow trails.
The 4runner cannot quite compete with a Wrangler off road. Trust me, I tried. Still, it is pretty good and goes seamlessly from a fairly difficult 4 wheel drive trail to the highway.
Well said Uneek. The minor differences between gens is off-set by the fact that a 4runner is a more solid investment when you look at total cost of ownership. Sure other makes and models out there have some cool things to offer, but they costs more over time if your constanly fixing them. Toyota is a pioneer in defect free manufacturing processes. Their quality operating system today is still second to none.
They lost me when they discontinued the manual transmission in the 4Runner. Too bad I'm in the minority.
My 5sp 2nd Gen was fun to drive, but the gearing was all messed up. The engine would be wound out doing the speed limit in 5th gear. Toyota got it right with the 3rd gen auto.
Thai
Elite Member
Well, given the TE's pathetic stock tires, i doubt that you will see much difference!
I think that the Xterra Off-road will be formidable competitor to the 4runner TE off-road. And the price difference b/w the two could be as much as $10,000+! (Remember, with the Xterra, you can get steep discounts...not so with the new 4runner, esp. the TE.) $10,000 will buy a lot of stuff! From past experiences, the Xterra's traction control system is pretty good too...and it does come with a rear locker. The 4runner TE "may" have better approach and departure angles, but the Xterra's underbody is way better designed (smooth and clean...everything tucked up above frame level!). ("may" because we all know how Toyota fudges with stats....)
If i was in the market for a midsize SUV with off-road capability, then i will definitely look at both 4runner TE and Xterra OFFROAD.
When the time comes for me or if I am given the green light to buy a second vehicle for the family (ie. myself so my wife can use the Rav4 exclusively), I would go for the Xterra Offroad over the new 4Runner. Reason: 6spd manual
(before anyone says it, I do not like the FJ Cruiser and I prefer part time 4WD as opposed to the full time 4WD that the manual FJ Cruiser's come with).
JB.
New member
Exterior:
Concealed antenna to whip antenna
Flush gas cap cover with interior lock release.
Projector headlights
LED Taillights
4WD emblems
Tailgate emblems
Easy close tailgate lock
Mudflaps on all models
Running Boards on all models
Alloy spare wheel (on all alloy wheel models)
Roof rack cross bars
Extended hood
Interior:
Auto climate control on all models
Burger trays on front and rear consoles
Trash holder arm behind front console
Backup mirrors in trunk area (Models with non JBL sound)
Memory function on models with power seats.
2nd hidden sunvisor for use when primary sunvisor is extended over the door/side glass
Shaded area on top of the windshield.
Pull strap from rear hatch.
Power train, Suspension, engine accessories:
V8 engine option
Multimode 4WD system on all 4WD versions, not just Limited.
Insulation pad on hood on all models.
Rear air suspension on Limited
Dual tone/deep sound horn
Other changes they shouldn’t have made:
Relocating oil filter under engine - less accessible.
Concealed antenna to whip antenna
Flush gas cap cover with interior lock release.
Projector headlights
LED Taillights
4WD emblems
Tailgate emblems
Easy close tailgate lock
Mudflaps on all models
Running Boards on all models
Alloy spare wheel (on all alloy wheel models)
Roof rack cross bars
Extended hood
Interior:
Auto climate control on all models
Burger trays on front and rear consoles
Trash holder arm behind front console
Backup mirrors in trunk area (Models with non JBL sound)
Memory function on models with power seats.
2nd hidden sunvisor for use when primary sunvisor is extended over the door/side glass
Shaded area on top of the windshield.
Pull strap from rear hatch.
Power train, Suspension, engine accessories:
V8 engine option
Multimode 4WD system on all 4WD versions, not just Limited.
Insulation pad on hood on all models.
Rear air suspension on Limited
Dual tone/deep sound horn
Other changes they shouldn’t have made:
Relocating oil filter under engine - less accessible.
dwulffusa
New member
Exterior:
Concealed antenna to whip antenna
Flush gas cap cover with interior lock release.
Projector headlights
LED Taillights
4WD emblems
Tailgate emblems
Easy close tailgate lock
Mudflaps on all models
Running Boards on all models
Alloy spare wheel (on all alloy wheel models)
Roof rack cross bars
Extended hood
Interior:
Auto climate control on all models
Burger trays on front and rear consoles
Trash holder arm behind front console
Backup mirrors in trunk area (Models with non JBL sound)
Memory function on models with power seats.
2nd hidden sunvisor for use when primary sunvisor is extended over the door/side glass
Shaded area on top of the windshield.
Pull strap from rear hatch.
Drivers side grab handle on A pillar
Rear grab handles on B pillars
Power train, Suspension, engine accessories:
V8 engine option
Multimode 4WD system on all 4WD versions, not just Limited.
Insulation pad on hood on all models.
Rear air suspension on Limited
Dual tone/deep sound horn
Other changes they shouldn’t have made:
Relocating oil filter under engine - less accessible.
Concealed antenna to whip antenna
Flush gas cap cover with interior lock release.
Projector headlights
LED Taillights
4WD emblems
Tailgate emblems
Easy close tailgate lock
Mudflaps on all models
Running Boards on all models
Alloy spare wheel (on all alloy wheel models)
Roof rack cross bars
Extended hood
Interior:
Auto climate control on all models
Burger trays on front and rear consoles
Trash holder arm behind front console
Backup mirrors in trunk area (Models with non JBL sound)
Memory function on models with power seats.
2nd hidden sunvisor for use when primary sunvisor is extended over the door/side glass
Shaded area on top of the windshield.
Pull strap from rear hatch.
Drivers side grab handle on A pillar
Rear grab handles on B pillars
Power train, Suspension, engine accessories:
V8 engine option
Multimode 4WD system on all 4WD versions, not just Limited.
Insulation pad on hood on all models.
Rear air suspension on Limited
Dual tone/deep sound horn
Other changes they shouldn’t have made:
Relocating oil filter under engine - less accessible.
cdoyle
Member
Another thing I like about my 4th Gen is how the glovebox and I think the sunglass holder have the soft open feature.
So the glovebox slowly opens and just doesn't hit you in the knees.
Little things like that are nice and give the truck a Lexus feel.
Is that still present in the 5th Gens?
So the glovebox slowly opens and just doesn't hit you in the knees.
Little things like that are nice and give the truck a Lexus feel.
Is that still present in the 5th Gens?
MikesToy
Banned
Nope. It's so just to become handicap-friendly. j/k.... lol :biggrin2:
war07eagle
New member
yeah it is
JB.
New member
Exterior:
Concealed antenna to whip antenna
Flush gas cap cover with interior lock release.
Projector headlights
LED Taillights
4WD emblems
Tailgate emblems
Easy close tailgate lock
Mudflaps on all models
Running Boards on all models
Alloy spare wheel (on all alloy wheel models)
Roof rack cross bars
Extended hood
Interior:
Auto climate control on all models
Burger trays on front and rear consoles
Trash holder arm behind front console
Backup mirrors in trunk area (Models with non JBL sound)
Memory function on models with power seats.
2nd hidden sunvisor for use when primary sunvisor is extended over the door/side glass
Shaded area on top of the windshield.
Pull strap from rear hatch.
Drivers side grab handle on A pillar
Rear grab handles on B pillars
Power train, Suspension, engine accessories:
V8 engine option
Multimode 4WD system on all 4WD versions, not just Limited.
Insulation pad on hood on all models.
Rear air suspension on Limited
Dual tone/deep sound horn
Spin-on oil filter
Other changes they shouldn’t have made:
Relocating oil filter under engine - less accessible.
Concealed antenna to whip antenna
Flush gas cap cover with interior lock release.
Projector headlights
LED Taillights
4WD emblems
Tailgate emblems
Easy close tailgate lock
Mudflaps on all models
Running Boards on all models
Alloy spare wheel (on all alloy wheel models)
Roof rack cross bars
Extended hood
Interior:
Auto climate control on all models
Burger trays on front and rear consoles
Trash holder arm behind front console
Backup mirrors in trunk area (Models with non JBL sound)
Memory function on models with power seats.
2nd hidden sunvisor for use when primary sunvisor is extended over the door/side glass
Shaded area on top of the windshield.
Pull strap from rear hatch.
Drivers side grab handle on A pillar
Rear grab handles on B pillars
Power train, Suspension, engine accessories:
V8 engine option
Multimode 4WD system on all 4WD versions, not just Limited.
Insulation pad on hood on all models.
Rear air suspension on Limited
Dual tone/deep sound horn
Spin-on oil filter
Other changes they shouldn’t have made:
Relocating oil filter under engine - less accessible.
Last edited:
harper7
Senior Member
It's a good time for my review addressing these changes(as I watch the football game) and what they meant to me .This is MY point of view being a third time owner of a new 4Runner.Granted ,these are MY opinions and I have owned a new 5th Gen 4Runner Limited for 40 days and 2700 miles of flawless operation. Don't get me wrong here as I loved all my 4Runners,just love the 5th Gen. the most.The 2010 Limited is a 4.6L V8 option away from being the perfect vehicle in my mind and my only real b*tch because the gas mileage is so close between the V6 and V8. A electric locking rear differential would be a nice option too since they are already putting it in the Trail Ed.'s
CHANGES in RED
Exterior:
Concealed antenna to whip antenna-It's uglier I guess,harder to wax around but reception IS far better.
Flush gas cap cover with interior lock release.I personally like it without the lock as it was a pain where the 4th release was located and more then once accidentally opened the hood instead and no telling how many times I had to go back and unlock it. I have a garage and gated security where I work so no worries about gas theft to me.
Projector headlights-New Halogen light output is better then STOCK 4th Gen projector lights. However I had a Phillips HID kit in my 4th and it WAS better then my 5th.
LED Taillights-I rarely saw my taillights so they were just bling to me. The new 5th's do have a bright LED 3rd brake light up high for safety. They can't miss it!
4WD emblems-I prefer the debadged look and makes it way easier to clean/wax. You can buy(ebay or dealer)for cheap any emblem you want and stick them on.
Tailgate emblems-see above opinion
Easy close tailgate lock-Didn't like it because more then once my kids or somebody else forgot or did'nt know and slammed it as I cringed in horror.New dual gas assist strut tailgate closes with ease.Much easier then the 4th Gen.
Mudflaps on all models-True , I had my sales manager throw in Trail Ed. ones to seal my deal.
Running Boards on all models- I personally don't need or like them. I like the looks/function of aftermarket rock sliders.
Alloy spare wheel (on all alloy wheel models)-Mine has alloy spare
Roof rack cross bars-Never used mine to date and took off the rails on my 5th.
Extended hood-??Not sure what this is about or why you would want it. The 5th's hood is great(in judging front corners) once you get used to it. What you see is within about 8-12 inches of where you are.No more ugly,plastic hard to wax around windshield washer sprayers on the hood on the 5th's like the 4th's.
Interior:
Auto climate control on all models-Mine has them
Burger trays on front and rear consoles-NEVER used it even once.
Trash holder arm behind front console-NEVER used it!
Backup mirrors in trunk area (Models with non JBL sound)-Mine has a great back-up camera-love it!
Memory function on models with power seats.-My 06 sport had power seats but no memory so don't miss it.I'm the sole driver so no biggy for me.
2nd hidden sunvisor for use when primary sunvisor is extended over the door/side glass- I used it one time on my 4Th .The sunvisor on the 5th is nicer like the Lexus and does'nt look/feel cheap like the 4th's.
Shaded area on top of the windshield.-I had 6 inch of Lumar limo tint installed for $20
Pull strap from rear hatch.-They have a cutout handle on each side now to pull it down now and my 10 and 12 year old daughters under 5ft can close it with ease.Not so with the 4th tailgate.
Drivers side grab handle on A pillar- NEVER used it or even realized it was there til you mentioned it.
Rear grab handles on B pillars. I now have 4 overhead assist handles and a grab handle at the front passenger door. IF anybody needs more then this they should probably check in to a handicap friendly van or larger SUV.
Power train, Suspension, engine accessories:
V8 engine option-This IS where they dropped the ball in my opinion. It's not that the new V6 is a bad engine or fast enough ,it's the FACT that the new 4.6L V8 has gobs of more HP and torque at only a 1-2 mpg penalty loss, if that. I have a friend that has new Tundra Platinum Package with the 4.6L and he is getting almost the exact same mpg as my V6.Go figure! They should have given us the option, even as a price increase option for the V8 instead of the I4 joke of an engine in a 4800lb vehicle and I have let them know it at every opportunity. I encourage everybody that feels this way to let Toyota's president ,Mr. Akio Toyoda, know again and again.
Multimode 4WD system on all 4WD versions, not just Limited.- I have it in my Limited
Insulation pad on hood on all models.-I have it in my Limited
Rear air suspension on Limited-It was a option and I would not have bought it even if offered.
Dual tone/deep sound horn-They went back to the 3rd gen horns so I did install Fiamm horns for like $25
Spin-on oil filter- This has more to do with the Dual VVT-i engine design/change rather then a 4Runner change. The heads are bigger/better so there is no room for the oil filter on top on dual VVT-i engines. Cartridge filters are not new by any means and alot of high dollar cars use them including my last BMW M3. Read up on them here ... http://www.filtercouncil.org/techdata/tsbs/00-2.pdf
Other changes they shouldn’t have made:
Relocating oil filter under engine - See above-It's the Dual VVT-i engine design (which gets better gas mileage and has more power) not a 4Runner per se design.It's not that hard to change as you have to be under the engine anyways. It is not anywhere near as hard as some of the Ford/Chevy V8 engine filter changes I've done in the past where a contortionist with 4ft arms was needed.
Now for the major things I think they improved upon since my 06 Sport.
New heavier duty frame/body....It just feels so much more solid.Like a truck again!!
Much less fighting cross winds and subsequent lane drift on the 5th's. Maybe it's the extra weight but I hated that on my 4th, especially on a long trip.
Higher/better stock ride height and viewing.Even better with a little lift.Feels like your the king up on the throne looking down.
New Nav/stereo/hand free phone/USB/back-up camera is hard to beat in my book.
Smart keys /push button start,remote start-I love that option.Leaves my keys in my pocket.
The Optitron gauges are sweet!
Dual 400w AC outlets to power the kids laptops/electronics. Used and was much needed on a recent long trip.
Hidden windshield washer sprayers and heated windshield wipers.
Tailgate operation and the rear spoiler is much improved/easier to close in my opinion.
Seating position/comfort is much improved. You can bend you knees more and stretch out your legs.This was big in my book!Probably the biggest ,especially confirmed after a reecent 16 hour roadtrip.Like sitting in my lounge chair at the house!
Shorter solid dash and more upright windshield, like a truck- So much easier to clean(you 4th gen owners know about that) and a better view out of the windshield.
I personally love the new interior design, especially the thicker steering wheel and the LED lit window switches/door lock switches up high where I can see them.Led opera lighting on center console,foot wells , door handles,ect is great.I still had a hard time finding the right unlit door switches on the 4th after 4+ years driving.
Reclining rear seats that have more legroom and can now be folded flat without messing with the headrest-My kids ,who ride in the back love them !
Love to hear your Comments??
Heck , I'm going out for a ride as soon as this game is over(what a game!). Nowhere to in general,just out riding around with a big smile on my face. Again! :driving:
CHANGES in RED
Exterior:
Concealed antenna to whip antenna-It's uglier I guess,harder to wax around but reception IS far better.
Flush gas cap cover with interior lock release.I personally like it without the lock as it was a pain where the 4th release was located and more then once accidentally opened the hood instead and no telling how many times I had to go back and unlock it. I have a garage and gated security where I work so no worries about gas theft to me.
Projector headlights-New Halogen light output is better then STOCK 4th Gen projector lights. However I had a Phillips HID kit in my 4th and it WAS better then my 5th.
LED Taillights-I rarely saw my taillights so they were just bling to me. The new 5th's do have a bright LED 3rd brake light up high for safety. They can't miss it!
4WD emblems-I prefer the debadged look and makes it way easier to clean/wax. You can buy(ebay or dealer)for cheap any emblem you want and stick them on.
Tailgate emblems-see above opinion
Easy close tailgate lock-Didn't like it because more then once my kids or somebody else forgot or did'nt know and slammed it as I cringed in horror.New dual gas assist strut tailgate closes with ease.Much easier then the 4th Gen.
Mudflaps on all models-True , I had my sales manager throw in Trail Ed. ones to seal my deal.
Running Boards on all models- I personally don't need or like them. I like the looks/function of aftermarket rock sliders.
Alloy spare wheel (on all alloy wheel models)-Mine has alloy spare
Roof rack cross bars-Never used mine to date and took off the rails on my 5th.
Extended hood-??Not sure what this is about or why you would want it. The 5th's hood is great(in judging front corners) once you get used to it. What you see is within about 8-12 inches of where you are.No more ugly,plastic hard to wax around windshield washer sprayers on the hood on the 5th's like the 4th's.
Interior:
Auto climate control on all models-Mine has them
Burger trays on front and rear consoles-NEVER used it even once.
Trash holder arm behind front console-NEVER used it!
Backup mirrors in trunk area (Models with non JBL sound)-Mine has a great back-up camera-love it!
Memory function on models with power seats.-My 06 sport had power seats but no memory so don't miss it.I'm the sole driver so no biggy for me.
2nd hidden sunvisor for use when primary sunvisor is extended over the door/side glass- I used it one time on my 4Th .The sunvisor on the 5th is nicer like the Lexus and does'nt look/feel cheap like the 4th's.
Shaded area on top of the windshield.-I had 6 inch of Lumar limo tint installed for $20
Pull strap from rear hatch.-They have a cutout handle on each side now to pull it down now and my 10 and 12 year old daughters under 5ft can close it with ease.Not so with the 4th tailgate.
Drivers side grab handle on A pillar- NEVER used it or even realized it was there til you mentioned it.
Rear grab handles on B pillars. I now have 4 overhead assist handles and a grab handle at the front passenger door. IF anybody needs more then this they should probably check in to a handicap friendly van or larger SUV.
Power train, Suspension, engine accessories:
V8 engine option-This IS where they dropped the ball in my opinion. It's not that the new V6 is a bad engine or fast enough ,it's the FACT that the new 4.6L V8 has gobs of more HP and torque at only a 1-2 mpg penalty loss, if that. I have a friend that has new Tundra Platinum Package with the 4.6L and he is getting almost the exact same mpg as my V6.Go figure! They should have given us the option, even as a price increase option for the V8 instead of the I4 joke of an engine in a 4800lb vehicle and I have let them know it at every opportunity. I encourage everybody that feels this way to let Toyota's president ,Mr. Akio Toyoda, know again and again.
Multimode 4WD system on all 4WD versions, not just Limited.- I have it in my Limited
Insulation pad on hood on all models.-I have it in my Limited
Rear air suspension on Limited-It was a option and I would not have bought it even if offered.
Dual tone/deep sound horn-They went back to the 3rd gen horns so I did install Fiamm horns for like $25
Spin-on oil filter- This has more to do with the Dual VVT-i engine design/change rather then a 4Runner change. The heads are bigger/better so there is no room for the oil filter on top on dual VVT-i engines. Cartridge filters are not new by any means and alot of high dollar cars use them including my last BMW M3. Read up on them here ... http://www.filtercouncil.org/techdata/tsbs/00-2.pdf
Other changes they shouldn’t have made:
Relocating oil filter under engine - See above-It's the Dual VVT-i engine design (which gets better gas mileage and has more power) not a 4Runner per se design.It's not that hard to change as you have to be under the engine anyways. It is not anywhere near as hard as some of the Ford/Chevy V8 engine filter changes I've done in the past where a contortionist with 4ft arms was needed.
Now for the major things I think they improved upon since my 06 Sport.
New heavier duty frame/body....It just feels so much more solid.Like a truck again!!
Much less fighting cross winds and subsequent lane drift on the 5th's. Maybe it's the extra weight but I hated that on my 4th, especially on a long trip.
Higher/better stock ride height and viewing.Even better with a little lift.Feels like your the king up on the throne looking down.
New Nav/stereo/hand free phone/USB/back-up camera is hard to beat in my book.
Smart keys /push button start,remote start-I love that option.Leaves my keys in my pocket.
The Optitron gauges are sweet!
Dual 400w AC outlets to power the kids laptops/electronics. Used and was much needed on a recent long trip.
Hidden windshield washer sprayers and heated windshield wipers.
Tailgate operation and the rear spoiler is much improved/easier to close in my opinion.
Seating position/comfort is much improved. You can bend you knees more and stretch out your legs.This was big in my book!Probably the biggest ,especially confirmed after a reecent 16 hour roadtrip.Like sitting in my lounge chair at the house!
Shorter solid dash and more upright windshield, like a truck- So much easier to clean(you 4th gen owners know about that) and a better view out of the windshield.
I personally love the new interior design, especially the thicker steering wheel and the LED lit window switches/door lock switches up high where I can see them.Led opera lighting on center console,foot wells , door handles,ect is great.I still had a hard time finding the right unlit door switches on the 4th after 4+ years driving.
Reclining rear seats that have more legroom and can now be folded flat without messing with the headrest-My kids ,who ride in the back love them !
Love to hear your Comments??
Heck , I'm going out for a ride as soon as this game is over(what a game!). Nowhere to in general,just out riding around with a big smile on my face. Again! :driving:
Last edited:
sandcrawler
Senior Member
nice run-down of your impressions to date, harper7. much obliged.
JB.
New member
Good review and very comprehensive. You're certainly in a good position to do it. If I ever take a test drive I'll be well prepared what to pay attention to.
Extended hood-??Not sure what this is about or why you would want it.
That was my entry. I've been treating this thread as a simple reference list, leaving out interpretation of good or bad. This thread might have been better put in the general discussion forum where it would have had a less adversarial feel to it.
Since you're curious about the hood, though, it seems it might offer more room to get to some things, particularly the radiator.
Multimode 4WD system on all 4WD versions, not just Limited.- I have it in my Limited
The original wording should have V6 in it. Multi-mode (5 modes) is gone. Limited 5th is the same full-time as the 4th except 3 modes instead of 4 (no low-unlocked).
Pull strap from rear hatch.-They have a cutout handle on each side now to pull it down now and my 10 and 12 year old daughters under 5ft can close it with ease.Not so with the 4th tailgate.
This one is very illustrative of how a simple list can be deceiving. The strap is gone but that doesn't mean it's gone in a vacuum. It was replaced by a different approach which sounds like it works better.
New heavier duty frame/body....It just feels so much more solid.Like a truck again!!
Much less fighting cross winds and subsequent lane drift on the 5th's. Maybe it's the extra weight but I hated that on my 4th, especially on a long trip.
Yep, gotta love the heavier frame. I'd bet the improved lane tracking is due, at least in large part, to full-time 4WD, though.
Higher/better stock ride height and viewing.Even better with a little lift.Feels like your the king up on the throne looking down.
Hard to argue with someone who's owned both 4th and 5th. My personal interest would be visibility in the form of line of sight to the ground. How would you assess that aspect?
....better view out of the windshield.
Better how? In which directions can you see more?
Reclining rear seats that have more legroom and can now be folded flat without messing with the headrests.....
I haven't been able to find this out yet. Does the cargo compartment fold completely flat (purpose: sleeping)?
Love to hear your Comments??
Most of the rest that I didn't address are obvious improvements. Favorable engineering and feature cost curves pretty much ensure that any new generation will be a net improvement for most typical owners. No difference in this case. It's just a matter of what is delivered versus what is expected or desired. I now think Toyota did a good job prioritizing in a tough economic and exchange rate environment. For instance, on a vehicle where it appears cutting costs had some priority, they deliver a heavier frame. That's good judgment in my book. Your review shows Toyota delivered more than the "early returns" indicated.
I'm glad you're enjoying the new vehicle so much.
Heck , I'm going out for a ride.....Nowhere to in general,just out riding around with a big smile on my face. Again! :driving:
I still do that, too -- after 5 years.:driving: Party on!
Last edited:
cdoyle
Member
so does the 4th Gen, at least my 04 Limited does.
As does my 03 Limited.
