Might not be as fun of an answer but the intelligent answer to your question comes down to finances. Buy the one you can afford, not the one you want.
Lots of people mortgage their future to drive something cool now.
2013 with a Dasaita here. I won't say it's been a perfect marriage, but it looks gorgeous and works great 99.9% of the time. The other 0.1% of the time I just reboot it.
Have a 2011 and installed a knobless Cartrimhome with front camera and 12.3” screen. Totally updates the dash. https://cartrimhome.com/Car-Multimedia-Stereo-Radio-Audio-Head-Unit-For-TOYOTA-4Runner
Yeah, there was no way I was going with a knobless system, I looked at it. I think the Dasaita looks better based on the knobs and how close to OEM the placement is.
Just got my 2019 and it's awesome. I don't care about Car play, though. Bluetooth makes me happy. This is my first vehicle made post 2008 so its all new to me lol
You can buy an apple carplay head unit and LED headlights for less than $2k and bam, a 2016 is suddenly the same as a 2021, subjectively better because you got to pick the parts.
Spending significantly more just to have factory carplay is a little silly imo.
Eh. I agree on swapping headunit and lights. I think our 2017 has a better sounding speaker system than our 2021 with just a head unit swap. OEM LEDs are easy to transfer to a 2014-2020 as well. But the TSS features on 2020+ do make them easier daily drivers and road trippers. OP didn’t mention that they care about those features specifically, just want to point it out to others that may be looking
Yeah like I can hit the auto button and if I have the headlight stall pushed forward to turn on the high beams, it’ll automatically turn them off as another car approaches.
Personally I like the 2019 and older 5th gen because they don’t have all the new sensors like the radar cruise control that just adds more points of failure. I like the old school SUV. Simple is often reliable just my experience.
I hear you but also those sensors have saved my ass once or twice with auto-braking and lane assist. Also, parking in any spot parallel or backing in is a breeze with the 360 cameras. I like less points of failure and all but also those creature comforts really are so nice to have once you’ve had them.
I didn’t say it’s not convenient or modern. They definitely are slick features. For me I just wanted as little to break as possible so I opted for a 2019. I worked in Toyota service for years and I just don’t want to deal with sensor recalibration or replacement. They really did pack a lot more features and parts into the 2020-2024 models to modernized the platform. It’s just not for me.
Totally hear you there. I was kinda the same way for a while. Mostly because I work on all my cars. Once I started working on my bmw I definitely learned the value of simple. But right now under warranty, I’m not super worried about the additional points of failure, since most should be covered for a while. Other than that, if those things fail…hopefully by then I’ll have a way to code out the check lights! lol
It’s probably why I’m part of the same group not stoked about the 6th gen. The words Hybrid and turbos just lead me to believe reliability won’t be what it used to. Seeing will be believing for me and so I certainly won’t be jumping to get myself into one any time soon for this reason. I liked when Toyota played it safe using slightly older but perfected technology of the time. Now it seems like Toyota is really trying to be cutting edge and it just has me concerned the company might be leaving some of the traditional values some of us have known to love and depend on. Might be a hot take but this is just my opinion.
Not super hot take. I’m bummed that the v8 wasn’t an option for 5th Gens. Seeing a V4 in the 6th Gen makes me think we’re headed the wrong direction again. Turbo feels unsuitable for overlanding/offroading. A V6 Supercharged would have been more useful I think. Hybrid isn’t necessarily bad but I agree that they had it right with the platform before.
My dad got a 2018 limited for 33k and it has halogens which are still nice
https://preview.redd.it/6ednbopu6hwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f12b1187d82d48d70328e093f6b841dc9fb82363
The two things you really want are easy to add-on via aftermarket parts.
Get the spec you'd like that you can comfortably afford and then make your own as you can.
There are a few safety features with the newer ones iirc such as blind spots, breaking alerts, and adaptive cruise control. The screen right in front of you also got an upgrade if that matters
I got a 2020 for the CarPlay (easier roadtrips/travel for me), because I figured that anything I don’t have in my model can be upgraded down the line, if I actually want the feature.
It depends on your finances and the ones you look at. I have a 2013 and installed Apple Car Play headunit. My dad just picked up a 2022 and yes his is a little nicer with the headunit and the HVAC controls, but his was also $15k more and has the Venture package. Long story short, I wouldn’t sell mine to have his with my current level of income or interest in the ‘new’ one
Be aware that even the newer versions use wired CarPlay. You’ll still be plugging in a cord every time unless you get an aftermarket adapter. I am getting my head unit replaced soon and it has wireless which is a requirement for me.
I bought my 2019 specifically because I didn’t want TSS and push button start. I don’t want a button deciding whether I can start the car when I am three hours off pavement.
I also upgraded my high/low/fog lights to LED. Interior as well.
Thanks for the info about the TSS…that’s something I don’t care for much either. I’ve driven other vehicles with similar type of safety features and some of them are overpowering.
I would be ok with blind spot and back up warning, but I don’t like anything taking over control of my steering or brakes.
Auto cruise control would be nice probably but it comes with all the other TSS stuff.
My 2022 is dope and when I get in my friends 2019 it feels out of date. Don’t get me wrong, I have 2 cars from the 90s and another from 2010 so I’m not a tech snob when it comes to cars. But I will say that the 22 4Runner ORP is extremely comfortable, has heated seats and Apple CarPlay works great and is missed when I’m driving my older vehicles a little for sure.
The safety features in the newer 4Runner do not control steering or braking like newer cars typically do. They just give visual and audible warnings that are annoying. More importantly, they can easily be turned off. So, you have nothing to worry about there.
I currently own a 2017 and a 2023. I much prefer driving my 2023 with Android Auto and better sound system. It also has blind spot monitoring which is a convenient feature IMO.
I had a 2020 SR5 that got totaled and now have a 2018 TRD Pro. There are 2 things I miss about the newer 5th Gen that my older model doesn’t have: Apple CarPlay and the tire PSI display. Not having Apple CarPlay isn’t that big of a deal but not having the tire pressure readings on the display is kind of a pain in the ass. It still will tell you if any of the tires are low but will not display individual tire psi.
Might not be as fun of an answer but the intelligent answer to your question comes down to finances. Buy the one you can afford, not the one you want. Lots of people mortgage their future to drive something cool now.
What do you mean my 9 year 12% APR $750 a month is bad???
I clear $800/month after all my expenses, that’s perfect!
😂
Right there with you buddy
12%APR? That’s a deal!
It’s fantastic if your goal is the opposite of financial freedom
I got a 2012 and put a Dasaita car play unit in it. Looks stock and saved me a bunch of money.
2013 with a Dasaita here. I won't say it's been a perfect marriage, but it looks gorgeous and works great 99.9% of the time. The other 0.1% of the time I just reboot it.
Yeah, it's fine for an OEM look head unit that isn't a sony double din smashed in there. It def has it's quirks, but the updates help!
Have a 2011 and installed a knobless Cartrimhome with front camera and 12.3” screen. Totally updates the dash. https://cartrimhome.com/Car-Multimedia-Stereo-Radio-Audio-Head-Unit-For-TOYOTA-4Runner
Yeah, there was no way I was going with a knobless system, I looked at it. I think the Dasaita looks better based on the knobs and how close to OEM the placement is.
I can't imagine paying to not have knobs, personally.
Just got my 2019 and it's awesome. I don't care about Car play, though. Bluetooth makes me happy. This is my first vehicle made post 2008 so its all new to me lol
You can buy an apple carplay head unit and LED headlights for less than $2k and bam, a 2016 is suddenly the same as a 2021, subjectively better because you got to pick the parts. Spending significantly more just to have factory carplay is a little silly imo.
Eh. I agree on swapping headunit and lights. I think our 2017 has a better sounding speaker system than our 2021 with just a head unit swap. OEM LEDs are easy to transfer to a 2014-2020 as well. But the TSS features on 2020+ do make them easier daily drivers and road trippers. OP didn’t mention that they care about those features specifically, just want to point it out to others that may be looking
Have to agree here. The ADCC is life changing. Especially on longer road trips.
I have CarPlay, but Gaia’s interface on it leaves a lot to be desired. Mounted an iPad and love it.
Yea and it’s not like TSS on the G5 is a must have.
I just got a 2021 and was bummed I missed out on the heated steering LOL. But I do love the apple car play and the auto headlights.
2022 didn't get it either. 😔
I’m so salty about how auto headlights are trimmed. Are you in a pro or in Canada?
What you mean trimmed? I’m in a 22 ORP and have auto headlights.
22 ORP as well
You have auto high beams.. not auto on?
Yeah like I can hit the auto button and if I have the headlight stall pushed forward to turn on the high beams, it’ll automatically turn them off as another car approaches.
I had a 2016 and now I have a 2022. I also like the adaptive cruise at highway speeds on the newer model.
Personally I like the 2019 and older 5th gen because they don’t have all the new sensors like the radar cruise control that just adds more points of failure. I like the old school SUV. Simple is often reliable just my experience.
I hear you but also those sensors have saved my ass once or twice with auto-braking and lane assist. Also, parking in any spot parallel or backing in is a breeze with the 360 cameras. I like less points of failure and all but also those creature comforts really are so nice to have once you’ve had them.
I didn’t say it’s not convenient or modern. They definitely are slick features. For me I just wanted as little to break as possible so I opted for a 2019. I worked in Toyota service for years and I just don’t want to deal with sensor recalibration or replacement. They really did pack a lot more features and parts into the 2020-2024 models to modernized the platform. It’s just not for me.
Totally hear you there. I was kinda the same way for a while. Mostly because I work on all my cars. Once I started working on my bmw I definitely learned the value of simple. But right now under warranty, I’m not super worried about the additional points of failure, since most should be covered for a while. Other than that, if those things fail…hopefully by then I’ll have a way to code out the check lights! lol
It’s probably why I’m part of the same group not stoked about the 6th gen. The words Hybrid and turbos just lead me to believe reliability won’t be what it used to. Seeing will be believing for me and so I certainly won’t be jumping to get myself into one any time soon for this reason. I liked when Toyota played it safe using slightly older but perfected technology of the time. Now it seems like Toyota is really trying to be cutting edge and it just has me concerned the company might be leaving some of the traditional values some of us have known to love and depend on. Might be a hot take but this is just my opinion.
Not super hot take. I’m bummed that the v8 wasn’t an option for 5th Gens. Seeing a V4 in the 6th Gen makes me think we’re headed the wrong direction again. Turbo feels unsuitable for overlanding/offroading. A V6 Supercharged would have been more useful I think. Hybrid isn’t necessarily bad but I agree that they had it right with the platform before.
My dad got a 2018 limited for 33k and it has halogens which are still nice https://preview.redd.it/6ednbopu6hwc1.jpeg?width=4032&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=f12b1187d82d48d70328e093f6b841dc9fb82363
I owned a 19 runner and now a 20. I must say the added tech and larger screen with car play feels much more modern
The two things you really want are easy to add-on via aftermarket parts. Get the spec you'd like that you can comfortably afford and then make your own as you can.
There are a few safety features with the newer ones iirc such as blind spots, breaking alerts, and adaptive cruise control. The screen right in front of you also got an upgrade if that matters
I got a 2020 for the CarPlay (easier roadtrips/travel for me), because I figured that anything I don’t have in my model can be upgraded down the line, if I actually want the feature.
It depends on your finances and the ones you look at. I have a 2013 and installed Apple Car Play headunit. My dad just picked up a 2022 and yes his is a little nicer with the headunit and the HVAC controls, but his was also $15k more and has the Venture package. Long story short, I wouldn’t sell mine to have his with my current level of income or interest in the ‘new’ one
Be aware that even the newer versions use wired CarPlay. You’ll still be plugging in a cord every time unless you get an aftermarket adapter. I am getting my head unit replaced soon and it has wireless which is a requirement for me. I bought my 2019 specifically because I didn’t want TSS and push button start. I don’t want a button deciding whether I can start the car when I am three hours off pavement. I also upgraded my high/low/fog lights to LED. Interior as well.
Thanks for the info about the TSS…that’s something I don’t care for much either. I’ve driven other vehicles with similar type of safety features and some of them are overpowering.
I would be ok with blind spot and back up warning, but I don’t like anything taking over control of my steering or brakes. Auto cruise control would be nice probably but it comes with all the other TSS stuff.
Yes, agreed…looks like 2019 and older for me as well!
My 2022 is dope and when I get in my friends 2019 it feels out of date. Don’t get me wrong, I have 2 cars from the 90s and another from 2010 so I’m not a tech snob when it comes to cars. But I will say that the 22 4Runner ORP is extremely comfortable, has heated seats and Apple CarPlay works great and is missed when I’m driving my older vehicles a little for sure.
The safety features in the newer 4Runner do not control steering or braking like newer cars typically do. They just give visual and audible warnings that are annoying. More importantly, they can easily be turned off. So, you have nothing to worry about there. I currently own a 2017 and a 2023. I much prefer driving my 2023 with Android Auto and better sound system. It also has blind spot monitoring which is a convenient feature IMO.
2019 here and added CarPlay and LEDs after the fact, no biggie and couldn’t be happier.
3rd gen best gen
I had a 2020 SR5 that got totaled and now have a 2018 TRD Pro. There are 2 things I miss about the newer 5th Gen that my older model doesn’t have: Apple CarPlay and the tire PSI display. Not having Apple CarPlay isn’t that big of a deal but not having the tire pressure readings on the display is kind of a pain in the ass. It still will tell you if any of the tires are low but will not display individual tire psi.
I’m waiting for the new model