Upgrade to 2021 or wait

[mooch91]

Hey all,

2014 SR5 with 89K miles on it now.

Looking to upgrade. Had hoped Toyota would have done a full refresh by now, like many others, but sadly I keep waiting.

Wanted to at least step up to a Limited. Our family of 3 does many 2+ hour drives to visit family and/or shopping and day trips. Thought the comforts of the Limited might be an improvement over the current SR5.

I think I'd be getting the safety features, leather, remote start, heated/cooled seats, LEDs, updated Entune, etc. by moving from the 2014 SR5 to the 2021 Limited.

Disappointed in the fuel economy of the current powertrain and would like to have seen that improved. Plus some of the tech seems behind other makes.

What would you do - upgrade or wait?

Thanks!

 

[CookieRoe]

The next 4runner isn't coming out until 2023, so there's that. If you want comfort, economy and tech (you allude to that), you are looking at the wrong vehicle. My favorite is the Limited trim (no mods), but even I will admit the highlander is a superior car for taking the family on long trips.

 

[Bumbo]

We have a 2016 Limited, and the trim is great, but would like an upgrade to the current powertrain even though it isn't terrible.

In no rush to upgrade, but decided the GX will be the next vehicle. Looking forward the the upgrade in trim, factory sound, and V8 engine. Once they get Apple Car Play into the infotainment system, that might just be the push we need.

After driving the GX (after the fact), I realized that what we should have bought in the first place, but coming from a 4th Gen SR5 I didn't even consider the GX at the time.

 

[aggrobot]

Hey all,

2014 SR5 with 89K miles on it now.

Looking to upgrade. Had hoped Toyota would have done a full refresh by now, like many others, but sadly I keep waiting.

Wanted to at least step up to a Limited. Our family of 3 does many 2+ hour drives to visit family and/or shopping and day trips. Thought the comforts of the Limited might be an improvement over the current SR5.

I think I'd be getting the safety features, leather, remote start, heated/cooled seats, LEDs, updated Entune, etc. by moving from the 2014 SR5 to the 2021 Limited.

Disappointed in the fuel economy of the current powertrain and would like to have seen that improved. Plus some of the tech seems behind other makes.

What would you do - upgrade or wait?

Thanks!

I was leasing a 2018 limited and I recently upgraded to a 2021 Limited Nighshade. I loved my 2018, and this was just improving/building on top of that for me. Id like better gas mileage, but other than that I couldnt be happier. If your 2014 leaves a lot to be desired for you, id say hold off. its still the same sled, just in this case a good deal more comfy and updated.

 

[mooch91]

We have a 2016 Limited, and the trim is great, but would like an upgrade to the current powertrain even though it isn't terrible.

In no rush to upgrade, but decided the GX will be the next vehicle. Looking forward the the upgrade in trim, factory sound, and V8 engine. Once they get Apple Car Play into the infotainment system, that might just be the push we need.

After driving the GX (after the fact), I realized that what we should have bought in the first place, but coming from a 4th Gen SR5 I didn't even consider the GX at the time.

Thanks for the thought. I've never driven a GX; do you consider it a considerable upgrade from the 4runner? I'm not a huge fan of the styling, and I'd think the V8 would be a step in the wrong direction for me on the fuel economy front. But I'd be willing to test drive it along with a new Limited 4runner for comparison.

 

[mooch91]

I was leasing a 2018 limited and I recently upgraded to a 2021 Limited Nighshade. I loved my 2018, and this was just improving/building on top of that for me. Id like better gas mileage, but other than that I couldnt be happier. If your 2014 leaves a lot to be desired for you, id say hold off. its still the same sled, just in this case a good deal more comfy and updated.

I will probably give the Limited a test drive to see how it compares to my current SR5.

 

[aggrobot]

I will probably give the Limited a test drive to see how it compares to my current SR5.

I absolutely love mine. I hope youre happy with whatever you decide!

 

[Nobody Special]

Bought my 2021 as I am skeptical about the 6th gen.
Plus, first years = lots of kinks to work out.

 

[Bumbo]

Thanks for the thought. I've never driven a GX; do you consider it a considerable upgrade from the 4runner? I'm not a huge fan of the styling, and I'd think the V8 would be a step in the wrong direction for me on the fuel economy front. But I'd be willing to test drive it along with a new Limited 4runner for comparison.

Just test drive one and form your own opinion. I personally think it’s a considerable upgrade in many ways.

If fuel economy is a concern, I wouldn't even own a 4Runner, but for the purpose of this comparison it's about the same to me.

In other markets it is called the Land Cruiser Prado, but it has a ton in common with the 4Runner. The older GX 470 was very similar to the 4th gen 4Runner in that even parts like suspension, sliders, dual battery kit, were all interchangeable parts. GX 460 got even more bougie.

Compared to the 4Runner it has a similar size, shape, and capability. Still a body on frame 4x4 SUV, just wearing a tuxedo.

Styling has grown on me significantly over the years, but I had the same opinion as you at one point in time as well. To a degree I still consider the 4Runner a better looking truck, but to be honest I don’t really care about that stuff. I just want a nice truck that has more refined amenities, materials, and trim.

The Lexus V8 is super smooth with a nice quiet cabin. It's just a better driving SUV overall.

 

[Don2b]

Bought New 2021 Noisey pulleys

Hi, New member here. We bought a new 2021 SR5 4 Runner. We have already put 2k miles on it. The serpentine belt drive assembly is Noisy at idle. Don't know if it's a belt misalignment, bad pulley, alternator, or water pump problem. There's also the smell of burnt rubber sometimes after parking it. Anyone experience this, or know what problem could be? Thanks

 

[4r-4ever]

bring it to the dealer so they can check and repair under warranty.

Hi, New member here. We bought a new 2021 SR5 4 Runner. We have already put 2k miles on it. The serpentine belt drive assembly is Noisy at idle. Don't know if it's a belt misalignment, bad pulley, alternator, or water pump problem. There's also the smell of burnt rubber sometimes after parking it. Anyone experience this, or know what problem could be? Thanks

 

[knguyen11]

Hi, New member here. We bought a new 2021 SR5 4 Runner. We have already put 2k miles on it. The serpentine belt drive assembly is Noisy at idle. Don't know if it's a belt misalignment, bad pulley, alternator, or water pump problem. There's also the smell of burnt rubber sometimes after parking it. Anyone experience this, or know what problem could be? Thanks

Have the dealership repair shop check out soon. You shouldn’t be experiencing that at all at this point. The only smell should be a new car smell and no weird noises.

 

[westwind77]

I have read new ones will be out in '22 and others say '23 or '24. To my knowledge we have not direct word from Toyota corp about that.

I almost bought a new one last year to replace my '10 but I just could not bring myself to purchase. I was looking at something that was 10 years newer....and not very different than what I was driving. Beside the dash layout being a bit larger and a bit more advanced everything else was the same.

Toyota could not even cover the 'old' heated seat switches in the center console area, just put blanks there.

I could not justify the cost/payment for something that was almost identical to what I was driving currently.

Don't get me wrong, I am very happy with my 4Runner, but adding a couple bells and whistles is not enough for me to drop 40k on something new. I am not saying there has to be a major change every few years but everything from the cup holders back is the same basically.

I plan to hold out until the next release....whenever that might be.

 

[mrk95]

We have a '16 Limited, and may move to a GX next purchase - even if it is a '19 or '20 GX instead of new.

TBH, right off the bat, I changed wheels and tires to 18" with Michelin defender LTX... I think they are 32.5" diameter. Waaaay more sidewall. That limited rode like a wild west wagon with the 20's, and there was no way to go bigger and stay on the up & up w/ 7" wide wheels... (we've discussed this ad nauseam), so... our Limited rides like a dream on the road, but it is a little louder than we want (wind noise). Thus the GX.

I doubt they will make marked improvement in wind noise (glass, cabin dampening) in '23.

 

[Matteblack]

Bought my 2021 as I am skeptical about the 6th gen.
Plus, first years = lots of kinks to work out.

I understand the general and historic auto industry logic behind that, but "lots of kinks?" Unless Toyota decides to introduce entirely new and unproven tech in the 6th gen (which I doubt) I would not be concerned about kinks. I have a 2010 (first year of the 5th Gen) and it has been fantastic and I think that is the prevailing sentiment with the early 5th gens on this forum.

 

[AgentKooper]

It’s hard to give advice since everyone has different priorities and resources. But I wouldn’t replace a 2014 5th gen with under 100K miles with another 5th gen, especially with a redesign on the near horizon. Unless you’re worried about the 6th gen being a disappointment. I’d at least wait to see what the 6th gens look like. If Toyota screws up with the 6th gen, you can always pick up a used 5th gen Limited down the road.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[hughharden]

Just test drive one and form your own opinion. I personally think it’s a considerable upgrade in many ways.

If fuel economy is a concern, I wouldn't even own a 4Runner, but for the purpose of this comparison it's about the same to me.

In other markets it is called the Land Cruiser Prado, but it has a ton in common with the 4Runner. The older GX 470 was very similar to the 4th gen 4Runner in that even parts like suspension, sliders, dual battery kit, were all interchangeable parts. GX 460 got even more bougie.

Compared to the 4Runner it has a similar size, shape, and capability. Still a body on frame 4x4 SUV, just wearing a tuxedo.

Styling has grown on me significantly over the years, but I had the same opinion as you at one point in time as well. To a degree I still consider the 4Runner a better looking truck, but to be honest I don’t really care about that stuff. I just want a nice truck that has more refined amenities, materials, and trim.

The Lexus V8 is super smooth with a nice quiet cabin. It's just a better driving SUV overall.

I was in the Emirates from 1998 to 2004 and had a Prado 4L V6 from 2000 to 2004. Fantastic vehicle. Put 120,000K on it and took it to the desert and beat it up on camping trips every weekend. Only needed oil changes. Wanted to bring it back to Canada but the importation process scared me off. The Lexus GX series look just like them. I almost bought one but couldn't swallow the price premium over the 4runner which is a great vehicle.

 

[Zonata]

There has been a lot of upgrades to the 5th model to model since 2010. Follow your heart I doubt you will have any regrets.

 

[fxoffroad]

This "lots of kinks to work out" is utter crap. Aside from other model year vehicles that had zero issues, I also had a 2010 Limited and it was flawless. Toyota starts development 5+ years before they launch a vehicle. No need to worry about "kinks" - that said, TSB do get ironed out over time - but not to the extend someone shouldn't buy vehicle in its first year.

Bought my 2021 as I am skeptical about the 6th gen.
Plus, first years = lots of kinks to work out.

 

[5thToy]

This "lots of kinks to work out" is utter crap. Aside from other model year vehicles that had zero issues, I also had a 2010 Limited and it was flawless. Toyota starts development 5+ years before they launch a vehicle. No need to worry about "kinks" - that said, TSB do get ironed out over time - but not to the extend someone shouldn't buy vehicle in its first year.

For the most part when considering Toyotas, I agree. Even less iterative than your 2010, my 2003 Limited, first year 4th gen, was trouble free through 110,000 miles until I trade it in for a Tundra.