The 5th Gen has potential. Some of you are saying at least we all drive the best SUV out there, and bravo for that. We need to accept the fact that Toyota cut some corners on cost in order to bring in the new model. I don't know for sure but I will assume there's going to be a 5th Gen refresh just like the 4th Gen 2006-2009. I will go out on a limb and say the 4th Gen didn't lose much in the Generation refresh, except ground clearance and lockers. It did gain a whole lot more in interior...comfort. Yes Toyota tried to sell us out to the soccer moms. I say GTFO! and buy a highlander! 2005 V8 baby!
Apple drops the S model to their Iphones 6 months before the release of the newer model. The Iphone 4S came out with some computer ***** named Siri, and now we are already patiently(HAH!) waiting on the Iphone 5 this fall. It is the same tactic to sell what's already out there on the market. How many of us here in the forum had a 4runner, 2003/2004 and traded up for a 2006-2009? "Now with LED tails and Projector headlights!" (yes there are other changes to list, you get the point) Why sell you 1 4runner when they can possibly get you to buy 2 if they throw in enough upgrades? I don't think that is the main purpose, but it shouldn't be overlooked. Lucky enough for us these things are dependable and hard to break.
In closing, expect to see a 5th Gen with stock projectors, LED tails, and some new gimmick that will tip the scale on all of us still trying to hold off on buying a 5th Gen. Can we say 5.7L V8?