Any year significantly better than the others?

[Kaprice]

Since the 5th Gens have been around since 2009/10 we have quite a few years to choose among.

Other than miles on the odometer, any 5th Gen years a better choice than the others?

For example, if (very hypothetical) I had the ability to by a 2010 or a 2017 for the same price, same miles, and similar condition, would it matter which one I chose?

 

[arehman11]

I like the 17's personally if you decide to go with the Trail or TRD Off Road Premium model. I enjoy the TRD logo on the headrests, having the TRD shift knob and the carbon fiber look trim on the center console. The rest, they are all the same from 14-17. to me the 14-17 are the better purchase due to the updated interior and infotainment and refreshed exterior.

 

[Sleeter]

2019

 

[philsey]

Since the 5th Gens have been around since 2009/10 we have quite a few years to choose among.

Other than miles on the odometer, any 5th Gen years a better choice than the others?

For example, if (very hypothetical) I had the ability to by a 2010 or a 2017 for the same price, same miles, and similar condition, would it matter which one I chose?

Better? Hell they aren't even different, well, except superficially.

 

[Kaprice]

Better? Hell they aren't even different, well, except superficially.

That's what I was wondering. So, no differences other than some cosmetic ones?

 

[hayde89]

My personal opinion is that the 10-13 trail is the rarest of them. It seems it is a bit more utilitarian than it's refresh counterparts but that is just my opinion.

 

[philsey]

That's what I was wondering. So, no differences other than some cosmetic ones?

Well, my 2018 shifts noticeably smoother and without some of the odd behavior of the 2010, and I do like the 4WD knob better than the lever. The projector headlights are lame. 'bout it, AFAIC.

 

[Robberbaron]

I have owned 5 4Runners. The most truck like and bullet proof was the 1997 SR5 (162000 miles when sold), followed very closely by the 2001 SR5 (183000 miles when I totaled it). My 2008 Limited was much lower quality, in my opinion. The leather seats wrinkled and tore way to early and it leaked after any rain and developed a rumble strip vibration upshifting from 4th to 5th at low loads. I traded it at 138000 miles and got a 2016 SR5, that was in a major accident last May (15500 miles). It was banged up pretty bad, so I didn't want is any longer and traded it for a 2017 TRD Off Road. The 2016 transmission was not as silky as the 2017, but other than the trim level, they seem identical. IMHO, the 4Runner needs a major overhaul of engines and transmissions. The V8 should be re-introduced and a 6 speed transmission is way overdue. I continue to buy them because they are generally extremely reliable and I like the styling and capabilities.

 

[Jhalko]

2011 is best. Just look at all the awesome people driving that year.

Antman
J-blick
Intruder
Yours truly.

Read the build threads and tell me you disagree. :naughty:

:flamewar:

 

[DylanD]

Well I guess personally i am a 2011 guy, as I own one. But reading here about the 2018 version might just change my opinion

2017 Toyota 4Runner Release Date, Limited Review, Price, Engine Specs, Interior Pictures, TRD Pro, Changes, MPG, Exterior Colors, Spy Shots, Accessories, Top Speed, 0-60

 

[LandCruiser]

Pre front end refresh trail is best looking 4Runner.

That and the old Canadian SR5 and the 4 cylinder model.

 

[Jeffy]

I think it's pretty subjective based on your idea of "better"

I had a 2003 v8 limited that I wrecked with nearly 200k miles on the ODO. I loved that thing but it had a few quirks, none really generation specific.

I now have a 2011 SR5 and I like it a lot more. Mainly because it's my daily driver so I like the bigger, cleaner interior and better gas mileage.

I would love to have a 3rd gen though, and make it a dedicated crawler, possibly go all out with an engine swap, remove most of the body and replace with a roll cage, etc.

All generations are extremely reliable so you can't really go wrong. All that's left to argue over is mostly related to what you'll be using the vehicle for, in my opinion. Sure, the 5th gen is a hell of a lot better than a 3rd or even 2nd gen if you want to drive your family around frequently. But if you want to bash something around on rocks and not care if you mess it up, the older the better!

 

[bamma]

I think it's pretty subject based on your idea of "better"

I had a 2003 v8 limited that I wrecked with nearly 200k miles on the ODO. I loved that thing but it had a few quirks, none really generation specific.

I now have a 2011 SR5 and I like it a lot more. Mainly because it's my daily driver so I like the bigger, cleaner interior and better gas mileage.

I would love to have a 3rd gen though, and make it a dedicated crawler, possibly go all out with an engine swap, remove most of the body and replace with a roll cage, etc.



All generations are extremely reliable so you can't really go wrong. All that's left to argue over is mostly related to what you'll be using the vehicle for, in my opinion. Sure, the 5th gen is a hell of a lot better than a 3rd or even 2nd gen if you want to drive your family around frequently. But if you want to bash something around on rocks and not care if you mess it up, the older the better!

I actually like the 3rd gen the best. It was solidly built, the right size, and the best looking. Plus it had a miselIany box. I would pick a new 3rd gen over a new 5th if I had my choice.
I would also take a 4th gen w a 4.7 over a 5th gen too. I loved my 03 v8, but the land cruiser that replaced it is my favorite vehicle I have had.
My wife loves her 2012. Only 60k miles, but very reliable. The 3rd year of a model and up tend to have most quirks worked out.

 

[Cymon]

Pre front end refresh trail is best looking 4Runner.

That and the old Canadian SR5 and the 4 cylinder model.

:iagree:

But I do prefer the interior, at least the reconfigured dash and instrument cluster/lighting in the 2014+.

 

[zerowkul98]

I have to go with the 2003 Sport Edition V8. Don't get me wrong, I love my 2016 Trail, and my 2008 was great too,..but I was a fan of the textured-gray moldings, the fake bull bar on the front, it was my fav. Aside from having to switch out the front brake calipers a couple times due to frozen pistons, I miss it very much.

 

[Quentin]

Best SR5: 2014-current (handsome interior and exterior, only needs a set of wheels to be a really nice looking vehicle)
Best Limited: 2010-2013 (wore the original face the best, interior was the only way to get all black on the pre refresh)
Best Trail/TRD OR: 2014-2016 (all black interior, contrasting bumper covers, best looking wheels with the grey paint instead of black, no C pillar badging)

Just my personal opinion, though.

 

[1000MPH]

10-13. No air pump system.

 

[Quentin]

10-13. No air pump system.

Wasn’t that picked up in 2012?

Vacuum pumps to support the brake booster are pretty common. Toyota had the issue where water would freeze in the Corolla intake manifold and block the vacuum line which prevent the brake booster from working correctly.


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[NZDZRT]

For anyone with any knowledge...

The 2015 is the best looking, most bulletproof 4Runner ever made. Just ask me! :yo:

NZDZRT

 

[Superjet]

I really dislike the orange dash illumination on the 2010 - 2013 models.