Gen 4 to Gen 5 Surprises

[sport2004]

Tested a 2015 SR5 V6 the other day. I thought it would shine as an overall improved Runner, with a better ride than my antiquated '04 Sport. Didn't turn out that way.

The engine didn't idle or accelerate nearly as smoothly as my '04. The ride was much less substantial, left wondering about it. Then I checked gross weights, turns out it's 1500 lbs less than '04. Seems this would also reduce off road performance. Are all Gen 5's substantially lighter? If so, maybe I need a Sequoia, assuming those are nice, heavy, quiet running vehicles. Never been so close to buying a Domestic SUV.

In a few hours I'l be looking at a low mileage '06!

Would love to have input here on the pros/cons...Thanks.

 

[sport2004]

K guys, someone talk me off the ledge...LOL

 

[fourwd1]

K guys, someone talk me off the ledge...LOL

arty:

 

[sport2004]

arty:

Ok, that's just not helpful. LOL

Actually, turns out I'm way off on the weight numbers. The 2015 is not greatly reduced in gross weight. I learned this by looking at the white sticker on the driver side door panel, and some sellers are even putting a photo of that sticker in online ads.

I'm looking at another 2015 next week. I hope I sense a better ride with that one, should since it is low mileage. :thumb:

 

[Swipter]

Ok, that's just not helpful. LOL

Actually, turns out I'm way off on the weight numbers. The 2015 is not greatly reduced in gross weight. I learned this by looking at the white sticker on the driver side door panel, and some sellers are even putting a photo of that sticker in online ads.

I'm looking at another 2015 next week. I hope I sense a better ride with that one, should since it is low mileage. :thumb:

I can tell you when I first started looking at 4runners in 2015, I have two 5th gens now, I found the kdss equipped rode horrible to me. I commented about the ride and the dealership told me it was the kdss. I stayed away from them after that.

 

[sport2004]

I can tell you when I first started looking at 4runners in 2015, I have two 5th gens now, I found the kdss equipped rode horrible to me. I commented about the ride and the dealership told me it was the kdss. I stayed away from them after that.

As a gen 4 guy, haven't had experience with the KDSS, but did have to tear the XREAS out of the Sport. Have no idea what they put in a 2015 SR5, but I'm guessing it will have to come out.

 

[sport2004]

P.S. Also wondering whether 4Low will work.

 

[plummerg]

I've owned 3 previous generations and I am now on my 2nd 5th gen (Limiteds) and in my opinion they have been the best size, most comfortable and best driving ones. I will say my 05 with the V8 was my absolute favorite as far as acceleration performance. I still miss that zip very much.

 

[sport2004]

I've owned 3 previous generations and I am now on my 2nd 5th gen (Limiteds) and in my opinion they have been the best size, most comfortable and best driving ones. I will say my 05 with the V8 was my absolute favorite as far as acceleration performance. I still miss that zip very much.

Nice. Surprised to hear about the size, pretty sure the Gen 5 interior/useable space is a tad less than a Gen 4...? All my camping gear is a snug fit in my Sport, probably doable, but I'm concerned about this.

 

[plummerg]

I'm fairly certain the 5th is slightly larger in many ways. A few inches wider and taller, a little more passenger room and the rear cargo area is longer as well. I always felt my 4th was more car like in design than the previous and following generations. A 4 wheel drive station wagon.

 

[sport2004]

^^^^ Thanks, interesting. I had the opposite, perhaps false impression. I wonder if my Weathertecs and OEM cargo liner would fit a 2015. I may find out.