Any year significantly better than the others?
- Thread starter Kaprice
- Start date
Within the same unchanged generation, I usually believe the first year is the least reliable and the last year is the most. The difference may be minuscule. I just feel that initially they probably make some changes in production throughout the life of the vehicle (gen) to improve on the production process. We are very fortunate that the 4runners are one of the few models still manufactured in Japan. Read up on Lean Manufacturing and you’ll understand. While Toyota’s built elsewhere still use the same manufacturing process, a lot can be said for people that have been doing it for 40+ years vs 5 years.
Again, I think all the gen 5 years are great vehicles, but I’m sure there were small manufacturing kinks that were worked out along the way. By years 7/8 you know it has to be a smooth as butter.
Again, I think all the gen 5 years are great vehicles, but I’m sure there were small manufacturing kinks that were worked out along the way. By years 7/8 you know it has to be a smooth as butter.
wfo9
New member
No air pump s a big plus for 2010-2012. One less thing to go wrong and take up space. Besides that and the fact that sr5 210-2012 had manual tcase shifter like trail, they are mechanically identical. Depending on where you live.. the airbag recall is a thing to consider on all years except 2017. Some 2010 and 2011s have already been updated which means one less trip to the dealer and possible delay.... Some 2016s also came with the update. It's a complicated subject in itself...So I would want to make sure I knew where the truck had done service and when it would be eligible for replacement before buying. Many of us in the gulf coast region had unusable passenger seats for over a year. Just one thing to consider.
They will trick you by stating no active recall. but don't be fooled... it is a phased recall based on year and exposure to heat and humidity...
They will trick you by stating no active recall. but don't be fooled... it is a phased recall based on year and exposure to heat and humidity...
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Which ones have air pumps and what are they for?
wfo9
New member
2013 on have them. It is an emissions thing called secondary air injection. The pump injects air into the exhaust during startup to help the cats heat up quicker. They are very expensive to replace and were a notorious problem on older Toyota's as the pumps had problem with moisture. Hopefully they fixed it. I have not heard of any failures on 5th gens.
It will not impact how the truck runs even if it fails. But they way these trucks are designed from an electronics perspective... you won't be able to use 4wd if it does fail. Oddly enough, any emissions related CEL disables the 4wd system from engaging.
progress4m
Member
IMHO: from the looks and practicality 2010-2013 TE are the best-arguably the best looking 4runner ever made and they are very rare…
eep:
From reliability and mechanical stand point they are all the same – 2010-2012 do not have air injection pump and 2010-12 SR5 model have mechanical 4x4 sifter -both are pluses in my book.
eep:From reliability and mechanical stand point they are all the same – 2010-2012 do not have air injection pump and 2010-12 SR5 model have mechanical 4x4 sifter -both are pluses in my book.
jrandom
New member
I had a mostly stock ‘99 prior to my ‘13 and I debated heavily on keeping it and building it up... should have kept it, drained it, parked it and still bought the ‘13. 
It’s funny though, cosmetic differences aside, they are all pretty much 99.8% the same truck, yet there are a few around that will argue incessantly that “theirs” is not
It’s funny though, cosmetic differences aside, they are all pretty much 99.8% the same truck, yet there are a few around that will argue incessantly that “theirs” is not
e60ral
Banned
orange > blue
i hate all the blue lighting in mine, it kills my night vision unless i dim it all the way down and then it's hard to read everything
RedYota1388
New member
Somewhere after 13, I believe the HP increased!
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RedYota1388
New member
My mistake! The Tacoma’s 4.0 is less HP and the 4Runner hasn’t changed.
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5ontheFloor
New member
My black 16 Trail Edition says it's the best!
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ONLY the 13s? Or, 13+?
progress4m
Member
13+ (2013 and all 4runners after have them).
However, I have yet to hear about Air pump falling on the 5th gen 4runners, also there are not installed in the valley of the V engine as previous (older Toyotas) so even if they fail, to cost of the replacement should be significantly less vs. older models (at least labor part of it) … and even in older models you can by pass Air Pump very easily for under $50.00 with no ill effect… so I would not worry about them.
Doors were super tinny sounding on my ‘10 SR5 versus my ‘16 Trail. I miss the party mode button on my ‘10 SR5, but I think my ‘16 Trail is better in every other small difference. My ‘10 did get better gas mileage, but I drive the new one faster.
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FrontRange4Runner
New member
Nah, it was 2013. That or I ended up getting a late 2012 that they forgot to install the pump in.
tom.webster.372
New member
How tall are you?
The minor refresh in 2013 redid the seats, and while described as increasing rear seat room, also gained the front seats something like 2" of additional head room.
My girl and I are both over 6'2" and I ended up with a 2015 TE (no premium because the moon roof eats into the headroom) and we have plenty of room and don't have to worry about banging our heads on rough trails.
When I was looking to buy a 4runner, the local dealer got a sweet 2012 in with a lift and Shrockworks front bumper that looked like it had never been off road and was in really good shape. Got in and found my head up against the headliner with the seat bottomed out.
If you're not a giant, don't worry about it. If you are over 6' and/or have a long torso -- make sure you check the headroom if buying a pre-2013.
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philsey
New member
Just as an FYI, you can now buy a "Premium" with no sunroof. Well, if your Region orders them that way. Let's just say Toyota does build them.
