My take on the 5th Generation 4Runner

[Dblues28]

My wife and I were at our local dealership yesterday afternoon for an oil change on my 2008 4Runner. We had Roxy our English Bulldog along for our weekend errands so a test drive was not in the cards for us, but I did manage to peruse the lot and spotted a Salsa Red Trail Edition loaded with KDSS and navigation sticker priced at just a hair over $40K. WOW!!! That's quite an MSRP... $2,400.00 for the navigation unit alone. Judging from the dash configuration I suspect it would be difficult NO impossible to find an after market nav system on the current layout.

At first glance I was really impressed with the styling of the new Runner, but upon closer inspection I can see where the cost cutting compromises have been made. First off are the 2 obvious changes...the antenna and the gas filler door. Not a deal breaker but it would have been nice to see an evolution of this rig rather than a scaling back. The horn can be described in no better terms then a joke! The doors to me felt solid and I really like the exterior styling. It would be nice to see some form of running board to mask the exposed frame. I really like the ride height as I've always had to tweak the driver seat on my 08 to get it just right. Head room has never been a strong point with the 4th gen. The front end grill styling is my favorite part of this truck. The limited and SR5 styling leave me cold with the chrome accents. Is it me or do the rims on tires seem awfully narrow on all of these trucks? SR5/Trail Edition/Limited?? I would strongly consider a Trail Edition in m future except for the fact that it lacks a V8. Time will tell...

As for the interior styling?...well that's a mixed bag for me. I do like the dash layout and although I didn't think much of the instrument cluster in pictures here, it's growing on me upon personal inspection. The nav controls feel solid and easy to use, but I suspect it will be difficult to go aftermarket if you decide to add navigation in the future. I don't like the location of the window controls. That is a recipe for electrical problems for those located in the Pacific NW and other locations where it rains a lot. I can imaging water finding its way into electrical components in the door. The seating surfaces feel good. I like the fabric as it seems like they would be easy to clean. Here's the turn off... take your hand and squeeze one of the side bolsters. The foam material feels very cheep and I imagine it would be short lived... 5/7 years down the road. I like the center console but again the rub is in the materials used. Again cheep feel!... I like the cargo area...seems larger than my rig...but again the mixed bag is with the cheapness in quality in the plastics used for auxiliary covers. I do like the slide out cargo tray.

Since I'm not in buying mode, I didn't feel a test drive was warranted at this time, but I would consider a generation 5 4Runner Trail Edition (only) with a 4.6 liter V8 option. In conclusion, I am digging the styling , but I am saddened to see the apparent cost cutting measures for the above items I described. Luckily my Runner is an 08 and only has 15k miles on it so there is no need to "upgrade" any time in the near future.

 

[SQ.MD]

to each his own my friend, to each his own

 

[Quentin]

No offense, but your review said nothing that we all already haven't read time and time again.

FWIW, the 09 4Runner was off my shopping list without even a test drive due to bad gas mileage, weak cargo space, and meh looks.

 

[Dblues28]

No offense taken at all...but if you don't hear it said time and time again then quality will continue to go down hill.

To each his own?... exactly! The materials used on my 4th gen 4Runner do not have the same quality as the 3rd gen. It's really disappointing to see a pattern of lesser quality materials used in what is otherwise a striking design of the next generation 4Runner. Had it not been for the quality of materials used in this rig... I might be more tempted to take that test drive. It's a shame that we must continue to accept lesser quality as the years go by. I realize that Toyota could have eliminated this line all together, and I'm glad that they did not, but what's the point if all of these sacrifices are made? I pay attention to the small details... when those small details are compromised beyond what is acceptable to me, then I will move on...

My humble opinion only... no offense taken, but if what I'm writing is something you've heard before time and time again, then move on to the next guy's post. I'm not trying to offend anyone...nor am I offended. This is my personal hands on account of a new vehicle.

Peace out!

 

[ckon]

I pretty much agree with just about every thing you mention. Some of the cost-cutting measures that are visible on the new 5g are pretty bad (You call those HORNS?) Carpets, seats, plastics are not what we've had in the past.

The flip side, though, is that after 6k miles, mine is still ZERO defects and I haven't found anything important that was cut in quality. Maybe there are things that will show up later, but so far it seems like the money was spent in the right places.

This is a fact of auto manufacturing life that we're just stuck with and will show up on any vehicle where the costs have to stay in check.

On a related note, I've compared this loaded truck to a small, totally stripped, 4 cylinder sedan I had in 1971. The 4R has all the toys on it, weighs TWICE as much, and outperforms the sedan on every conceivable parameter but price. Faster, smooth, quiet, equal or better mileage, clean running, safer, more comfy, etc., nav, auto, 4wd, AC, air bags, the list goes on and on.

And last but not least, the quality is a couple of magnitudes better. I guess I won't complain too much.

 

[doodman]

Judging from the dash configuration I suspect it would be difficult NO impossible to find an after market nav system on the current layout.

AND...

The nav controls feel solid and easy to use, but I suspect it will be difficult to go aftermarket if you decide to add navigation in the future.

Not so my friend. I've already replace the stock stereo system (I had the standard 8-speaker system) with a Pioneer AVIC-Z110BT navigation. There is a big gaping hole surrounding the pioneer but that is only bc I have to wait another 2 weeks for Metra to release the dash kit for the 2010. See thread "Aftermarket Stereo" for more details and I will also be updating my Mods thread soon with pioneer nav updates including pics.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I guess when the '99s cost mid $30k 11 years ago and the 5th gen SR5s cost the same you gotta expect some things to be cheapened.

 

[BrianLSU]

There are two constants when a new version of anything comes out;

1) Those with the newest, last version will nit pic as to why they don't like or need the newer version.

2) Those with the new version will defend their decision for buying.

I will try not to fall into the #2 category, but here I go.

I have always loved 4Runners, always. Over the last 10 years I've haunted the dealerships looking, critiquing, test driving. From my observation the 4Runners have always had plastic interiors, bad stock tires that I would immediately change and dumb chrome pieces.

What they haven't had until now is driver leg room and head height (this is what finally got me to sign on the bottom line) and a more aggressive look and style. I'm probably missing some things but these are what drove me to finally get what I've always wanted.

I do agree somewhat with a few of your findings, little things here and there. But I suspect your decision has more to do with a logical financial choice rather than an upgrade one. If I had an 08, I don't think I would do an "upgrade" either. But let's be honest, they have remained close to it's roots and some things have been gained while others things were lost. As long as the things gained outweigh the ones lost and the overall cost remains the same, it a win in my book.

 

[Quentin]

There are two constants when a new version of anything comes out;

1) Those with the newest, last version will nit pic as to why they don't like or need the newer version.

2) Those with the new version will defend their decision for buying.

I will try not to fall into the #2 category, but here I go.

I have always loved 4Runners, always. Over the last 10 years I've haunted the dealerships looking, critiquing, test driving. From my observation the 4Runners have always had plastic interiors, bad stock tires that I would immediately change and dumb chrome pieces.

What they haven't had until now is driver leg room and head height (this is what finally got me to sign on the bottom line) and a more aggressive look and style. I'm probably missing some things but these are what drove me to finally get what I've always wanted.

I do agree somewhat with a few of your findings, little things here and there. But I suspect your decision has more to do with a logical financial choice rather than an upgrade one. If I had an 08, I don't think I would do an "upgrade" either. But let's be honest, they have remained close to it's roots and some things have been gained while others things were lost. As long as the things gained outweigh the ones lost and the overall cost remains the same, it a win in my book.

Lots of truth in this post. I have an 07 GTI and from what I can tell, the 2010 is better in every single way. My 07 is paid off and has no problems so it would be a terrible idea to upgrade.

To me, the "important things" that will help me enjoy the 4Runner for the next 15~20 years have all improved for the 5th gen. Soft touch materials don't matter one lick when the car is 15 years old. The extra space and more fuel efficient drivetrain are going to be things I'll enjoy years down the road. The 5th gen being spartan instead of luxurious is a pro for my needs.

 

[peter78]

I remember looking at a 4th gen. to buy. I was shocked to see that the passenger side door did not have a lock, the side view mirrors didn't match the color of the car, at least in the SR5 and it didn't have heated mirrors. To me the door lock was just too much. All of this stuff was on my 3rd gen. 4Runner.

Then I noticed the bigger and better seats, 60% 40% seats, a better cover in the back and a ton of cup holdrs. The front cupholder is adjustable and has a light at the bottom. Of course the 4th gen. had a bigger more powerful engine and a smoother ride.

To me, the 4th gen is still a 4Runner and stayed true to it's roots. Sure there are differences and lets face it, some were better than the 3rd, others maybe not so hot.

My guess is, this is pretty much the same with the 5th gen., better in some areas, some areas not quite the same. My guess is, it is still a 4Runner.

 

[024RunnerSE]

My test drive in a 5th gen Trail, no offense but the SR5 and Limiteds are just so ricey with their body kits, if you will. Other than bulging headlights/taillights, stupid amounts of silver all over the place and way up window switches, I liked the 5th gen. The 5th gen wants to be a 3rd gen in looks with its trapezoid grille, foglight-turn signals, the angry curve in the headlights, and the tucked, lifted look. I say those are all excellent ways to bring it "back to its roots."

Like I say, the things that just throw me off the bridge is the damn lights bulge out so far. I've had issues with this in my FJ and I broke my right rear tail light twice from protruding tree limbs offroad. I dunno why the auto industry thinks everyone likes the aftermarket "bulging Altezza" tail lights ppl install on their vehicles but they're annoying and make these new vehicles look cheap. Also, I do wish that the future of the 5th gen brings bigger fender flares. I like big fender flares

 

[BrianLSU]

The front cupholder is adjustable and has a light at the bottom.QUOTE]

What ?!?!?! The 4th had that? Damnit, I hate the way the cupholder is in mine. I have to constantly insert or remove the damn rubber piece dependent on what I'm drinking. I wounder if I can use another insert from a different model?

 

[Uneek]

Toyota has gone through extensive cost cutting and cheapening of its vehicles. My '90 Toyota truck has a fully boxed frame rails, the current Tacoma and Tundra has boxed frame rails up front for the engine, C-channels under the cab and open C-channels for the bed. The 2nd gen Tacoma has a plastic bed. The headliner in my 4Runner and the second gen Tacoma is like cheap cardboard with glued fabric. I can go on about the differences of one Toyota model of the previous generation vs. the newer one.

I just hope Toyota will wake up and use better materials, especially for models that costs upwards of $35-40k+.

 

[Uneek]

What ?!?!?! The 4th had that? Damnit, I hate the way the cupholder is in mine. I have to constantly insert or remove the damn rubber piece dependent on what I'm drinking. I wounder if I can use another insert from a different model?

It's still a janky design, but there's an insert that goes into a rectangular pocket on the console. The insert has two "wings" that swings out to help grip cups and can fit in three different postions in the pocket to help fit cups. The second gen Tacoma employs the same designs. The 4Runner has a two amber lights in the pocket for each cupholder. Similar to the RX330/350/400h's design.

I guess cupholders will always be a challenging thing to design due to all the various containers we get our drinks in, cans, bottles, big gulps, mugs, etc.

I like the drawer/pull-out design that the 2nd gen and 3rd gen had. It's a cleaner design for the dash. But the "holes" in the console for cupholders make them more versatile for other things like cellphones, gum, candy, coins, parking cards, etc.

 

[BrianLSU]

It's still a janky design, but there's an insert that goes into a rectangular pocket on the console. The insert has two "wings" that swings out to help grip cups and can fit in three different postions in the pocket to help fit cups. The second gen Tacoma employs the same designs. The 4Runner has a two amber lights in the pocket for each cupholder. Similar to the RX330/350/400h's design.

I guess cupholders will always be a challenging thing to design due to all the various containers we get our drinks in, cans, bottles, big gulps, mugs, etc.

I like the drawer/pull-out design that the 2nd gen and 3rd gen had. It's a cleaner design for the dash. But the "holes" in the console for cupholders make them more versatile for other things like cellphones, gum, candy, coins, parking cards, etc.

True, they are versatile. I guess after more thought, it would be difficult to create a holder that encompasses all sizes. At least with the current design, you can use a large variety of sizes.

 

[jgedmond]

Like I say, the things that just throw me off the bridge is the damn lights bulge out so far. I've had issues with this in my FJ and I broke my right rear tail light twice from protruding tree limbs offroad.

LOL, everytime I look in my sideview mirrors, I wonder what the hell is that red thing hanging off my truck?! I've only had a month, someday I guess I'll get used to it.

 

[Grape Ape]

Let's see if I can show some unbiased opinion. Background, haven't been in or around Toyota for at least 20 years in terms of driving or doing anything other than going to the store in a friends or something like that. Second, my previous car that I just got rid of was a BMW 335 2 door coupe. I've had another BMW and a couple of Tahoes over the years as well. All with the use of only being road cruisers. I used to be into off road when I was younger and until the FJ, I had no real desire to have another rig like that. I was excited about the FJ, but I found a whole lot of impratical things that made it a deal breaker for me. I have a kid, two big dogs etc, so I need 4 full doors and rear windows that roll down.

In comes the 4Runner. My wife had mentioned them to me before the 5th Gens came out and I scoffed at the idea as I have not like a 4Runner design or looks since the 80s.

Now enter the 5th Gen Trail. One physical look and the decision was made, everything the FJ was lacking was in the 4Runner for me and I bought one immediately without even driving one. With that said, I am one week out of my BMW and three days into my Trail and all I can say is I have no regret whatsoever, all I can do is think about all the fun I'm going to have in this vehicle!

 

[FloridaBoy]

I am wit u gotta have my 8.

 

[Dblues28]

I really have no qualm with the 5th gen Runner... I was merely pointing out the give and take with styling vs material selection. Actually if I could build the perfect 4Runner it would be a 3rd gen with a 4.7 V8 and 5 speed tranny. I have never owned a 3rd generation but have friends that have or still do own them and the interior materials are superior. Granted the engine performance ratings do not even come close in comparison to the 4th and 5th gen V6s. If I wasn't a current 4Runner owner, the newest incarnation would be top on my list as there is nothing that even comes close in its class. It's only real competition is a 4th generation Runner.

Aside from the materials I described above, the overall fit and finish is well done.

 

[Egstyle]

I really have no qualm with the 5th gen Runner... I was merely pointing out the give and take with styling vs material selection. Actually if I could build the perfect 4Runner it would be a 3rd gen with a 4.7 V8 and 5 speed tranny. I have never owned a 3rd generation but have friends that have or still do own them and the interior materials are superior. Granted the engine performance ratings do not even come close in comparison to the 4th and 5th gen V6s. If I wasn't a current 4Runner owner, the newest incarnation would be top on my list as there is nothing that even comes close in its class. It's only real competition is a 4th generation Runner.

Aside from the materials I described above, the overall fit and finish is well done.

Don't sweat it, D. I think your analysis isn't far off at all. Just test drive it and report back. Especially a TE with KDSS. Especially off road :lookout: The enjoyment in driving this baby makes up for some other drawbacks.