Upgrade to 2021 or wait

[trusttheprocess25]

Just picked up a '21 TRD ORP. I absolutely love it but wish I at least tested the Lexus GX.

I know this isn't your market but once you throw on bigger tires, a lift kit, and some weight (extra passengers, roof rack, tent, etc.) both the "engine performance" and gas mileage plummet. You may not see the drop off of MPG switching to the GX even though it has the V8 because you won't need to drive it as aggressively to merge, drive up hill, etc. especially with your family and added weight in the vehicle.

The one thing EPA ratings don't tell you is that slower engines likely mean you'll be trying harder to keep the vehicle going which will decrease your real world MPGs.

IMO - Try the Lexus...if you're not sold then pick up a '21 limited. They're still fantastic.

 

[shlasasha]

They say GX v8 has very similar fuel economy to 4R v6?

 

[jwkilgore]

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.

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.

Y'all lose access to the internet when the new 3rd Gen Tacos were having problems not too long ago?

That said, the problems were mostly fixed quickly.

My main issue with brand-new generations is that they are always missing lots of normal amenities. They get added over the next few years as next-model-year "upgrades".

 

[TMGenzo]

I haven't yet owned a 4Runner but I'm doing extensive research on all things T4R in preparation to buy one. I've been mentally wrestling with this idea of 5th Gen vs all the hypotheticals in the 6th Gen. I would agree with the sentiment of first model years having a lot of issues to work out.

The way I see it, the 5th Gens have had 12 years of working kinks out!

 

[3rd/5th Gen Owner]

I upgraded to a 2021 TRD Offroad Premium, KDSS, Moonroof. Inventory was getting sparse in Northern Virginia so didn't want to miss it. Had more than one dealer say they would only accept MSRP and I managed to purchase at invoice plus $3K. It was about going home with the 4Runner I wanted as I had been window shopping for 4 years and knew this was the model and features I wanted. Keeping my faithful 2002 SR5 as well.

 

[black on black]

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

People seem to look past that fact. That is why i bought a 2021 4 Runner after never even owning a Toyota. The truck is proven. My Goldwing is the same deal Honda kept the same basic bike for 16yrs because they couldn't improve on it.
With the Wing it took 4 Model years to work out problems of a Radical redesign from the 1500cc to 1800cc. The new 4 Runner will most likely have a small high HP turbocharged engine. Probably the end of the 300,000 mile 4runner. Toyota discontinuing Land Cruiser tells u 4Runner is taking its place in position and $$.

 

[Dafoe]

New guy here, considering a new ORP...

The new 4 Runner will most likely have a small high HP turbocharged engine. Probably the end of the 300,000 mile 4runner. Toyota discontinuing Land Cruiser tells u 4Runner is taking its place in position and $$.

Interesting take on the LC position - I wouldn't want to pay much more than current so something to think about.

I'm not too concerned about a new motor if the fuel economy benefit is there, fuel consumption being the main con for me with buying a gen5 now. First tho, I'm waiting to see if we're going to need to use this new vehicle for commuting once/if work ever goes back to normal so could still order a '22 or '23.

Some are reporting ~25mpg combined with the Bronco Sport vs I'm thinking maybe ~15 or less with a current 4Runner. Different animals of course but closer to that sure would be nice !

Anyway, just browsing the forums and percolating. I bought a new 4Runner back in '86 and wouldn't mind another for the capability but reality is I'm not gonna go 'wheeling every weekend and I sure ain't 21 no more. hwell:

 

[91foxbody]

I, too, bought a '21 ORP because I was worried about what the next gen would be. I'd rather buy an end-of-life model than a new model/iteration and deal with all the headaches.

 

[oefveteran]

I, too, bought a '21 ORP because I was worried about what the next gen would be. I'd rather buy an end-of-life model than a new model/iteration and deal with all the headaches.

Sorry, new, what's ORP stand for?

I'm looking at ordering a '21 trd pro, but not sure how long I have to order it. Toyota told me today the '22 would be out in november and if I didn't need the truck before christmas I'd likely wait for that. Is the '22 going to be a whole new truck and that's why you bought a '21?

 

[Dafoe]

...I'm looking at ordering a '21 trd pro, but not sure how long I have to order it. Toyota told me today the '22 would be out in november and if I didn't need the truck before christmas I'd likely wait for that. Is the '22 going to be a whole new truck and that's why you bought a '21?

Dealer would have the best answer for dates but fwiw I found these two sites for build out dates etc.

element fleet buildout dates

napletonfleet '21 final order date(05/10/21)

napletonfleet '22 initial order date (06/10/21)

I'm thinking dealers might be able to make some changes to pending orders for their allocation stock (colour for eg) from now until the end of 2021 MY production but I'm not certain.

Myself, from reading treads on here I'm feeling better about the fuel consumption so thinking of waiting 'til June and ordering a 2022MY - maybe the last year of the current gen - seeing as this summer could be another pandemic blowout up here.

If the order banks for MY 2022 open in ~ 6wks and no news releases yet, I'm thinking 2022 won't be the all new version.

 

[5150 Runner]

Sorry, new, what's ORP stand for?

I'm looking at ordering a '21 trd pro, but not sure how long I have to order it. Toyota told me today the '22 would be out in november and if I didn't need the truck before christmas I'd likely wait for that. Is the '22 going to be a whole new truck and that's why you bought a '21?

ORP= Off Road Package

 

[oefveteran]

Thank you

 

[oefveteran]

Dafoe - Thank you that's great information. My Xterra is gets horrible mpg as well, around 15/17, so unfortunately it doesn't look like I'll be seeing any gas savings in the future lol. My dealer told me today the 22 would be released Nov, and to expect 90 days to delivery for which every year we decide, but wouldn't tell me anything on price or when I can build one. This gives me a good idea on potential time frames. Appreciate the info, thanks!

 

[oefveteran]

Quick update fwiw: My dealership here is south florida told me that I can come in and order my 22 trd pro beginning of next week. I don't know if that's because they're busy today or it starts next week but that is what I was told. Hopefully they have their information correct. I was also informed that if I order mine 90 before they're released in Nov, I would have it for Nov.

So take it with a grain of salt, people have been known to give misinformation in the past. I'll be heading in next week to check out a 2021 and will update this post either way.

 

[5thToy]

ORP= Off Road Package

ORP stands for Off Road Premium. As with the SR5, there are standard and premium trims for the TRD Off Road, with the premium trim upgrading mostly interior materials and convenience features. Both standard and premium TRD OR trims have the same "off-road" features, namely manual 4wd mode shifter, MTS, Crawl Control and rear locker.

 

[oefveteran]

ORP stands for Off Road Premium. As with the SR5, there are standard and premium trims for the TRD Off Road, with the premium trim upgrading mostly interior materials and convenience features. Both standard and premium TRD OR trims have the same "off-road" features, namely manual 4wd mode shifter, MTS, Crawl Control and rear locker.

Isn't that basically the Pro minus the badges?

 

[5thToy]

Isn't that basically the Pro minus the badges?

Not quite. The Pro has different suspension components (Shocks), wheels, roof rack and interior features such as dual automatic climate control. There are other interior differences, that's just off the top of my head.

 

[oefveteran]

Got it - thanks!

 

[oefveteran]

I went to the dealership today to look at an TRD Offroad and while I was there my rep checked on Pro's. He told me that I can only order a '22 now so fwiw that's according to South Dade Toyota dealership in Fl.

 

[Dafoe]

I went to the dealership today to look at an TRD Offroad and while I was there my rep checked on Pro's. He told me that I can only order a '22 now so fwiw that's according to South Dade Toyota dealership in Fl.

Maybe for the waiting list ? IDK.

I was thinking of waiting some, in part for possible future news releases, but it might be a good idea to get on waiting list soon because you never know what the production run availability might be like. 2022MY could be a short run - or not.

Back to the 6th gen..., anyone have an opinion on worth waiting for the frame part of the predicted new TNGA-F ? Seems light trucks have been evolving with stiffer frames that have helped improve suspension and payload values. Flip side is I expect the new gen to have more nanny management and other complexities, something I don't have in my current vehicles (not even infotainment screens) and don't especially want.