5th vs 4th side by side pics!

[R.A.]

Sorry, but the 5th gen looks like it was beaten with the ugly stick too many times. It's almost hideous to look at, especially from the rear.

Overall, I'm very disappointed in the looks of the 5th gen.

Was going to post pretty much the same thing.

Thanks for posting the side by side shots of the 4th and 4th generation 4Runner, dwulffusa.

IMO, the problem with the design of the 5th gen 4Runner is that the engineer who did the FJ Cruiser did the redesign of the 5th Gen 4Runner.

Toyota should think of renaming it the FJ Runner!

Definitely do not like the rear end and the door interior is butt ugly.

If/when I buy another one, I will consider another 4th gen or a 3rd gen.

 

[oldschool]

Where is the rear wiper mounted? Does anyone know if the rear window rolls down. Definitely looks better dirty!

 

[dcon]

Did anyone notice the lack of a full skid plate on the fuel tank?

 

[Shawk00]

Great pics! Thanks for posting...

My take only from the pics I've seen.... I haven't made an effort to find one yet...


Front... looks tough and rugged... looks good...

Rear... looks dorky with the rear lights that look out of place. The BIG 4Runner emblem on the back looks out of place too. The chrome is fine but the lettering is TOO BIG... Hopefully the rear end appearance gets re-worked shortly.

Side profile looks good yet has a touch of a Honda Element look (front half of vehicle in pic)... not the most flattering car appearance to model after. But looks good enough and will grow on me.

Interior pics looks nice... it's nice to finally see a pair of cup holders in the front that are functional.

I have no desire to run out and trade my 4th... but I'm sure over time (3-4 years out) I may get the itch to swap. I like my 4th TO MUCH right now to get excited over the newly designed 4Runner.

 

[Uneek]

This is not a flattering pic of the 5th gens rear, the tail lights look hideous :wow:

I don't like how the bumper and tail lights are a vertical making this looking like a "chunk" that is slapped on the side of the 4Runner, since the upper body of the hatch contours doesn't flow.

 

[Uneek]

4th gen owners are just exibiting a natural bias and was the same with 3rd gen owners when they released the 4th gen. i've noticed more positive comments coming out over the 5th gen the more people see it.

:iagree: because I was not a fan of the 4th during its debut either, mainly due to the gray cladding on the early SR5s and SEs. After joining the forum and seeing more pics of those early 2003s with the gray cladding, I actually like those because they're unique compared to the rest of the 4ths. After it went color keyed, I liked the 4th and even more so with the 2006 updates. Who knows, maybe five years from now I'll actually like the 5th secretly. At this point, new models coming from Toyota doesn't have me head over heels like the 3rd gen did and many other Toyota models in the '90s era. Only exception is the 4th gen Lexus LS. Don't know if some of the ulginess in Toyota designs are due to crash safety or fuel efficiency/coefficient of drag, etc.

The front of the 5th is growing on me and isn't as bad as first. But I'm not sold on the rear end.

My biggest issue with the 5th is its mechanically gimped compared to the 4th. Styling is purely subjective and personal preference.

Thanks to the OP for the photos, gives a better look of the front and the skirts or what not on the Limited which isn't that bad. There I said it, it isn't all 5th bashing. :moon:

 

[ToyTech99]

I don't really buy into the "it will grow on you" mentality when it comes to the styling of a new vehicle. I guess that's because I know instantly if I like the styling of a vehicle and I never change my mind down the road. I thought the 3rd gen 4Runner was nice looking from the first time I saw one.

The first time I saw a 4th gen, I really liked the way it looked, but I hated the nose-down stance. So I knew it would only take a small lift in the front to make it look even better than the 3rd gen.

The first time I saw a 5th gen, I knew that there's really no way to "fix" the things I didn't like about it. I don't like it now and I know that I'll never like it in the future unless Toyota makes some MAJOR styling changes for the mid-cycle refresh. But I don't see that happening. Oh well, there's always the 6th gen to look forward to...

 

[4-Legged-Runner]

dwulffusa:

Thanks again for taking your time and posting some very informative pics. Great idea for side-to-side comparo pics.

 

[Gromulus]

Remorse

Now I really do have "non-buyers" remorse for not picking up a new 2009 V8 Sport or Limited while I stll could have.

 

[Thai]

It would be easier to get a Limited with full time 4x4(I personally would rather have full time 4x4 with the Torsen T-3 center diferential that the TE does NOT have) and all the goodies(like smart key/push button start and black leather seats and steering wheel) and swap out the bumpers/cladding with Trail Ed. ones. They are only plastic and can easlily be changed or painted,the sheet metal is all the same.

For cosmetics, you're right. However, the TE also comes with other features: rear locker, CRAWL, KDSS, Terrain Response, and possibly higher clearance (different springs/shocks??).

 

[Thai]

Did anyone notice the lack of a full skid plate on the fuel tank?

I wonder if it is the same way on the TE?

 

[ToyTech99]

Now I really do have "non-buyers" remorse for not picking up a new 2009 V8 Sport or Limited while I stll could have.

It's not too late, especially if you're willing to buy an '09 Limited. They are out there, you just have to look.

 

[pahns51]

Window switches

I have never seen window switches placed on top of the door. Is this new for Toyota? and what would happen if they get wet when the window is open

 

[Thai]

I have never seen window switches placed on top of the door. Is this new for Toyota? and what would happen if they get wet when the window is open

Maybe new for Toyota, but some manufacturers are using this on their SUVs. For example, on the Land Rovers and my G500, the switches are at the top of the door because you sit very high in these vehicles and thus, if you have the switches down low (like a regular car), then you can't reach it safely. I have gotten my switches wet many times...no electrical issues...and you know that is a BIG deal when you talk about Mercedes!! I am sure that these manufacturers have taken this into account.

 

[4RBob]

I have never seen window switches placed on top of the door. Is this new for Toyota? and what would happen if they get wet when the window is open

ya, that's crap design. they are sitting flat too, which means they can probably puddle up with water.

 

[sandcrawler]

i prefer this placement to where they are on the 4G... i'm used to them now but still think it's stupid. my 2¢.

 

[Thai]

ya, that's crap design. they are sitting flat too, which means they can probably puddle up with water.

Hmmm, you know, after looking at the pics, i wonder if you sit high enough to really need the switches at the top of the door?? On my Mercedes, you sit really high...and therefore, the switches are comfortably placed. If you sit similar to the 4th gen 4runner in the 5th gen, then these switches will be arkward to reach/use.

 

[peter78]

Impressions

Exterior - Chunky, boxy, just as it looks in pics, seeing it in 3D does not help...

Wow, those are great pictures. Especailly the side by side comparisions. Looking at the pictures, "chunky, boxy" would be my thought too. I guess that might be the new style.

 

[phishtaco]

I wonder what Toyota thinks about those floormats?

 

[d_cool]

It seems like all the lights have been flipped over...It is more drastic on the rear where its not only flipped but shortened and bulged at the top taking away the old familiar design. Then the lower bumper lights were removed and tail and bumper squared off at the bottom making it seems like it doesn't flow with the top...

The sides and front I guess are okay...I could live with the changes but want my full time 4 drive
I am keeping my 03 for another 2 years until its an option...
Dang I was ready for an upgrade. Its like going back to my 98 limited which I gave up for my 03 sport.