mightyduck
New member
what are the electronics upgrades that came in 2020? bluetooth, etc?
5th gen quirks and difference between years
- Thread starter mightyduck
- Start date
what are the electronics upgrades that came in 2020? bluetooth, etc?
still trying to learn about these 5th gens, as that might be my next move to replace my totaled 3rd gen. Looking at early 5th gens ( budget) so this thread is helpful.. When did they start putting on KDSS and would a basic 2010-2013 SR5 have them ? Any big issues on those years ? Read above about crusie control issues on early year 5th gens, but only drove one, a 2012, and did not notice it searching for gears. Read some threads on the headlights not being great, cant imagine worse than a 3rd gen
futz_roy
New member
Can you buy/install the party mode button on newer models even if it has no functionality? I just like the vibe it could bring...
Jetboy
New member
KDSS has been available for all years. It is only available on Trail Editions from 2010-2016 and TRD OR and Venture trim from 2017-now.
Headlights are kinda shitty across all years. 2014-2020 are halogen projectors that might be a bit better than the 2010-13 reflector housings. But not a lot better. IIRC 2021 finally get LED projectors.
Depending on budget - I'd also look around at GX460's. Early year GX models are pretty cheap around here. Might cost less than a 4Runner of the same year. And you get a v8, 6 speed auto, and KDSS. Plus you also get much better HID headlights.
badattitude
Member
You'll miss selectable multi mode in the 5th gen. Need a Limited to get the torsen center diff that was standard in the 4th gen. I miss the soft close rear hatch, the covered storage in the cargo area. I miss the extra secret glove box. The flat cargo area.
The 5th gen didn't have projector lights and a internal radio antenna until 2014.
Specific to your question will be carplay. If you need that you need to get a 2019. The bumpers are also a big difference after 2014. When I went from a 4th gen to a 5th, all years 2010-2013 were not in consideration. They were regressions from the 4th gen to me.
Plus 1 on the GX460 consideration. KDSS was only on the Sport edition GX460. The rare ones with the blackbird maple steering wheel and dash/door panels and smoked headlight bezels.
At the end of the day its about finding a used car in excellent condition. That can be the challenge.
The 5th gen didn't have projector lights and a internal radio antenna until 2014.
Specific to your question will be carplay. If you need that you need to get a 2019. The bumpers are also a big difference after 2014. When I went from a 4th gen to a 5th, all years 2010-2013 were not in consideration. They were regressions from the 4th gen to me.
Plus 1 on the GX460 consideration. KDSS was only on the Sport edition GX460. The rare ones with the blackbird maple steering wheel and dash/door panels and smoked headlight bezels.
At the end of the day its about finding a used car in excellent condition. That can be the challenge.
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Bossman
Senior Member
I would imagine that the Party Mode button (Toyota Part # 86171-35020) itself would be able to be plugged in to a button blank that you have on your 2014 or newer dash, but I'm not 100 % certain.
86171-35020 - Genuine Toyota SWITCH, WOOFER SPEAK
Opinion of Party Mode?
The "Party mode" tweak! (non JBL)
HOW-TO: Always on Party Mode EQ
badattitude
Member
The only way a 3rd gen dies.
david05111
New member
A small quirk is that I noticed recently that there was a difference in the layout of the steering wheel buttons on the pre-2020 and 2020-21 years.
John in NC
Member
Part mode is fun, the kids get a kick out of it. Sounds pretty weak with it off, sounds pretty good with it on. I have it on all the time unless we are on a road trip and I put the speakers all the way to the front so the kids can do other stuff in the back. 
DEF4Runner
New member
+1 on the soft close, auto climate control on all models, secret squirrel storage space, and the "twist and release" ignition.
Those said, for me, the biggest quirk of all was the accelleration difference between my '08 and the new '20. The 4th gens just have more throttle response so I <ahem> had to get a Sprint Booster to get that 4th gen feeling back.
Those said, for me, the biggest quirk of all was the accelleration difference between my '08 and the new '20. The 4th gens just have more throttle response so I <ahem> had to get a Sprint Booster to get that 4th gen feeling back.
mightyduck
New member
+1 on the soft close, auto climate control on all models, secret squirrel storage space, and the "twist and release" ignition.
Those said, for me, the biggest quirk of all was the accelleration difference between my '08 and the new '20. The 4th gens just have more throttle response so I <ahem> had to get a Sprint Booster to get that 4th gen feeling back.
I'm shocked they did away with the twist and release ignition and the soft close hatch. Those were amazingly detailed features that really impressed me.
Significant safety system upgrades (automatic highbeams, adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert and I believe automatic emergency braking) was the big thing, plus there was somewhat of a modernization done to the vehicle info system display in the center of the dashboard controls.
Can't think off the top of my head if they did anything else or not comparing my 2020 to my 2016.
Gamma Ray
Banned
There's one downgrade. No CD player!
mightyduck
New member
Another question: is there a difference between the breaks on any of the 5th gen 4runners? ie would the 2018 sr5 have a different break setup than the offroad?
+1 on the soft close, auto climate control on all models, secret squirrel storage space, and the "twist and release" ignition.
Those said, for me, the biggest quirk of all was the accelleration difference between my '08 and the new '20. The 4th gens just have more throttle response so I <ahem> had to get a Sprint Booster to get that 4th gen feeling back.
Secret squirrel storage space ......am I missing a secret storage spot somewhere ?
[MENTION=124615]3bears[/MENTION] the 2010-2016 Trail editions have a rear locker, the 2017-2021 TRD Off Road have a rear locker (KDSS is option on both these trucks), and the TRD PRO has the rear locker.
The rear locker and KDSS were NOT an option on any SR5 or Limited truck. Also, just to clarify as I saw a post mentioning carplay, this feature became available on the 2020 4Runners with the updated head unit.
thanks for the info. Mostly what I see for sale up here is SR5's. I like lockers. Was able to retrofit one into my 3rd gen, I would assume you can retro fit them into a 5th gen...
