Except the new ones suck...lol
If I had that kind of cash I'd start my offer at 30k after inspecting it.
The transmission in the newer ones shifts like mush, plus only comparing the trd pro is a bit unfair. Since it has the manual transfer case, but the others don't... That's my 2nd biggest complaint but it applies to all vehicles now days I guess.
I will say the trd pro is cool, but honestly it should be the base model. (Doesn't have to include the shocks)
As far as comfort...what? I've ridden in 3rd, 4th, and 5th gens and the 3rds have the best seats to me. The new ones feel too flat and stiff. Maybe different body types or spines?
Honestly it's a totally different vehicle, too big and fat like all vehicles are legally obligated to be now days... but I guess that isn't its' fault.
Not even close to being a fair evaluation of the 3rd gen vs 5th gen.
The transmission is 100% better on the 5th gen. My 3rd gen can't use cruise control when it is under load due to head wind , hills , weight, etc. Rpms run high trying to do the same work but that is because of the lack of power and torque in its motor. The transmission and motor combo on the 5th gen allow me to tow my canam x3 trailer combo with zero issues. That combo is over 4500 lbs. I wouldn't even try to tow that combo with my 3rd gen down to shop because the big hill would make it too much.
The motor on my 5th gen is rock solid and with a full load only my Tundra is more comfortable. Yes they both are v6 so neither are superb at towing but the 5th gen will tow my lite loads very well. The size and weight and longer wheel base along with the bigger motor makes it a easy win over the 3rd gen. My son's third gen is definitely quicker but doesn't tow as well despite upgraded suspension.
4wd system on the Pro is a beast in stock form. Yes now that my 3rd gen has a suspension upgrade and lockers it is a better offroad vehicle but all well built aftermarket mods make any vehicle superior to stock. In stock form the 5th gen is a beast. If i'm running hard and fast down rutted fire roads chasing my x3 the 5th gen can handle the rough terrain. No it can't keep up with a 90 mph utv but the 3rd gen is not capable of doing this safely without serious power mods and a long travel or mid travel kit. The suspension on my pro is far better in stock form. It is actually a very capable stock vehicle.
In order to fairly evaluate a vehicles ride and the comfort factor you got to drive both vehicles for miles and long road trips to be Fair. I've got 311,000 miles on my 3rd gen. I know everything about that vehicles and its pros and minus in every condition. It is great for short trips and running around town. When I want to head out with the German Shepards and get into the back country for days with gear I take the 3rd gen. When I go snowboarding and have to drive 4 men for 400 miles I take the 5th gen. The 5th gen is comfortable has power and room for all our gear and bodies. No one has issues riding in that vehicle. The high winds and mtns don't slow it down. The motor transmission interior suspension sounds all beat my 3rd gen on big boy road trips.
The 3rd gen is still my fav but it is that because of history not because it is superior to the 5th gen. The Trd pro 5th gen is perfect for what we use it for and is far superior to my 3rd gen in every meaningful category.Now the 4th gen is every bit the vehicle the 5th gen and is actually quicker because it is lighter. The 3rd gen is still the best built 4runner ever. Maybe the best built Toyota next to the tundra ever.
Now someone asked is the 5th gen Trd Pro is worth 8x the price over the 3rd gen? That is all perspective and whether you can afford the new truck. For me absolutely yes it is because it is my wife's truck and because it is safer it makes it worth it. THe other reasons I mentioned above makes it a easy decision
