Anyone Else Looking Back at 5th Gens?

[127.0.0.1]

Nope, not even a little bit.

as a 1999 limited owner, still nope.

6th gen comes out bang, I got one.

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[EL616]

Never owned a 5th gen but have rented and driven extensively in several of them across most trim levels. Comparing the two, the only major downsides I see to the 6th gen are the less than smooth transmission and the crappy backseat folding -- but as others have said, the 5th gen was sluggish, 5 speed, and was known to hunt gears and hesitate as well, and as I pointed out, the 5th gen rear seats didn't exactly lay flat for sleeping either. Other gripes like a plasticky interior or cabin noise -- these things could definitely be better, but I still don't think it's a downgrade compared to the 5th gen. Just more of the same, if anything.

I'm 6'3" and don't feel like the 6th gen is particularly cramped? The seats are definitely more comfortable and more adjustable. I did specifically shop for one without a moonroof because I knew headspace would be an issue, but that's an issue in lots of vehicles for me so I've never had one and don't miss it. I also have zero issues getting in or out even with the moving seat turned off, and never would have even thought about the lack of a grab handle on the pillar if people didn't mention it. The only thing I dislike about entry/exit is the damn running boards that stick out too far and always get dirt/water on the back of my pants. Annoying, but fixable. Planning to replace those with lower profile sliders soon.

Overall, I'm not arguing that the 6th gen is perfect, but there are very few areas where I feel like the 5th gen was superior (longevity/reliability aside, which only time will tell). At worst, most of the little gripes are just classic Toyota, not new or unique to the 6th gen.

 

[spyder40]

Have had an 04 SR5, 18 ORP, and 21 ORP and now a 25 ORP hybrid. It pulls my trailer with SxS at ~4000lb like a champ. The only thing that I would change is go back to how the back seat folded like before. Other than that this one is what all the others should have been. Very happy with my 25

 

[adrestaino]

I never owned a 5th gen, but I always admired them. I honestly didn’t even realize how truly off-road capable they were. I was in between a Jeep and a Bronco until I dug deeper and talked to some friends who drive 5th gens. I’m glad that I did my research. I’ve never been happier with a new vehicle than I am with my 2025 ORP. I can’t compare directly to the 5th gen, but I absolutely love everything about mine. This is my first off road vehicle since a 1985 CJ7 that I drove in the late 90’s - early 2000’s. Since then, I’ve been stuck driving practical family cars (Honda CRVs and a Pilot). I’m looking forward to getting into some real off-roading in my 4Runner.

I’m only 5’7” so the cabin feels perfect for me, but I can imagine it being a little cramped for bigger drivers. I’m sure it’s awkward getting in and out for taller people because it’s a little off for me. If I use the running boards I have to duck in. If I don’t it's a big step and my back leg gets wet/dirty. Luckily my family of 5 isn’t too big either because the back seats are a little tight. They have complained about it being difficult to get in and out of the back seats. I definitely want to upgrade my running boards to something a little lower and narrower.

Passengers complain about the ride not being that smooth, but I love the way it drives. It feels more like I'm driving a truck than an SUV.

Flat-folding seats would be nice I guess, but coming from my previous vehicles, there is so much room to pack stuff in so I have no complaints. I would get creative with piling up cushions or suitcases with an air mattress on top if I was going to sleep in it.

I guess I’m glad I didn't own a 5th gen because I’m sure I would see a lot of the same flaws that others do. Hopefully over time all of the great things about the 6th gen will lessen the severity of the flaws that a lot of people are seeing.

 

[Underground25]

Hello fellow 4Runner Lovers!

I've completed about 6 months with my new 2025 TRD ORP Hybrid in Heritage Blue. I came from a 2018 TRD ORP in Gray.

The car is a beast and I love it. The car finally feels like a 'modern car', up to date in features and technology. However, a few things have been getting to me. And I still get this lingering feeling that I've never been 100% satisfied with my purchase. I've been wondering if anyone else has felt the same way.

Dislikes about my 2025 model:

Observations from a 6'0", 190lb guy.

• Cabin feels cramped. Either instruments and dashboard are too bulky now, or cabin really just is smaller.
• Harder to get in than the 5th gen. I have to bend to not hit my head. I don't know if it's the seat height (even at its lowest) or seat edges, or just a flatter car top design overall.
• The Moonroof seems to lower the ceiling too much vs. 5th gen. Takes more headroom than I wanted, and it goes all the way into the middle of the vehicle. It's a huge bulk. If you seat on the back, it just feels so high up vs. the front seats, and you can't really lean forward because of the lowered ceiling from the moonroof, so you'd hit your head. The head feels 2 inches or less from the ceiling. You could look up in the old car and see the entire ceiling vs. this you feel you're literally against it.
• Rear seats don't lay flat.
• Hybrid battery takes up more room than I wish in the trunk area.
• Electric just turns on when you're basically going downhill or flat with low acceleration - Hybrid basically just turns on
• Great design, but matching a Tacoma in the front.
• Front leg seat gap feels smaller.
• Back leg seat gap feels smaller. I can barely put anything on the floor behind my seat, for example.

Lots of pros, which I know everyone would list the same items here, so I'll skip that part. We know what's good in it.

Now, back to the 5th gen. Every time I see a 5th gen drive by I catch myself intently looking at them.

Below is what I sold.

Reasons I sold my 5th Gen:

• Bad gas mileage: I remember saying to myself 'if one day they launch a hybrid 4Runner, I'll buy that and keep forever'. Well, 22mpg in the new is better than 15mpg I used to get, but it's not like it's 30mpg or higher to be that life changing.
• Only 5 gears: It would drive me crazy that a modern automatic vehicle would only have 5 gears. 55mpg to keep low rpms. Going above that just felt overreaching for that engine.
• High 4 felt clunky, especially turning and when compared to the new one - or am I just delulu with this?
• Air vents would blow air even when it was off. I had to adjust temperature when the vents were off because air would still come in. Engineering flaw or old-school charm?

Above all, things I loved and do feel nostalgic about:

• That car design will never die. It is fabulous, badass, and eternal.
• Turning the car on and hearing the V6 and startup is iconic.
• More spacious cabin, higher 'ceiling'
• It was hard to fill that car with stuff. It just fits a ridiculous amount of gear.
• Higher headroom, even with moonroof.
• Did all the mods myself, went on countless adventures and trips.
• It was paid off, bought with 20K and sold with 60K miles.

If I were to go back, I would get a Pro with lower miles in the same gray color and build it. However, I can't stop thinking if I would regret immediately and want to go back to the 6th gen or not, and above all, if I am the only one feeling this way. Is the 5th gen's place in the past, and I should get a move on, or not?

Thanks for reading and looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Having had a 5G, 3G, and an FJ….no. This sort of retrospective thinking is normal tho I wouldn’t trade my 6G ORP for any of those. The gains are so much more than any perceived losses IMO.

 

[bakutheleo]

I have not had any earlier versions of the 4Runner, but I see all your points. I would not have necessarily chosen the sun/moon roof, but mine came with one (it was available the day I decided to purchase, so I could not customize--and was fine with the minor differences from what I would have done). I do generally like it, although do not use it often here. You are correct, it does kill a fair amount of headroom, but I have not found it a big problem. I am 5' 10", so probably less of a problem.

I duck getting in, but then again that is true for pretty much every vehicle I have ever had regardless of type. I do not recall though about the older SUVs I had in the past (Ford Explorer, Chevy Tahoe). Although it would be nice to have a bit more room, I do not see it as a significant issue.

Rear seats: Yeah, that sucks...although as others have said, I don't think the older ones are that much better. My 1998 Explorer was excellent in this--went completely flat. The 1997 Tahoe was almost as good, except the bottom parts of the back seats folded up behind the front seats, so took a little space--but not like all the modern vehicles (whey has not anyone figured out how to do this better? Like they did nearly 30 years ago?). However, I decided to live with it.

I have the hybrid. A huge issue with me was that loss of space in the cargo area. In the end I (obviously) decided to live with it, as I felt the extra performance, improved mileage, and likely less stress on the engine was worthwhile with the fairly minimal increase in initial cost.

The other vehicle I was strongly considering was the 2025 Ford Bronco. I really liked it, and in reality it is probably a little better--at least in its basic configuration--for off-road use. However, my off-road needs are relatively easy--I am not interested in major rock crawling. I really did not like the terrible fuel mileage of the Bronco--or, for that matter, every option other than the new 4Runner. Although I hope to do a decent amount of off-roading so I can do more of my photography (and be in great places!) it will be on-road much more often. I felt the 4Runner was a much better vehicle overall.

I recently noticed that I get air out of the vents even with the fan off (assuming I am moving forward of course). I actually like this--or as a minimum don't mind it. The auto temperature control works well, so setting it at my desired temperature works well. I did turn the option that lets it use a/c in auto off, as I want to control when the a/c actually runs.

 

[MartyMcFly]

Haven't had mine as long but I loved my 2017 4Runner. Loved it. Didn't want to let it go. Ultimately did because repairs added up to well beyond the value of the vehicle so I traded it in. Between my wife and I we've had a 4th Gen, 5th Gen and now 6th.

I honestly have enjoyed my 2025 TRD Pro more than anticipated. It's a lot more fun to drive with the hybrid engine. The turbo is what I really love. While the interior feels a tad bit smaller (I am 6'2" and 220lbs) , I actually find it more comfortable with all the options for seat and wheel adjustment with my bad back. I know this isn't a popular opinion but I love have the big screen with a map, love maps. I can fit everything I had in the 5th Gen so the hybrid motor space hasn't been a problem yet.

Honestly the only downside I've found so far is less mileage per tank of gas, which isn't a lot but I've noticed. I thought the rear seats folding up would be an issue but if I need to sleep in the back I am just going to take them out like I did on the 5th gen anyhow and it hasn't been a problem yet.
EDIT: I do agree the radio is a bit clunky of an interface but I don't know if that's a 4runner or Toyota issue. I don't listen to much radio anymore anyhow.

I have no regrets and while I will always love that 5th Gen, I am still stoked for the 6th Gen.

 

[bakutheleo]

Big map screen is not popular? Not sure why you say that--or maybe we are in the minority. I really like the larger screen, and I do not feel it gets in the way. Particularly for maps it is nice to have a large display in plain view.

I agree with the "fun to drive" comment. I was surprised as well. I have never exactly had "fun" vehicles, but still, it is noticeable in my ORP Hybrid.

Agree too about the fuel tank. Would be nice to have even a couple more gallons, but really not that big of a deal. It has "enough" capacity.

 

[MartyMcFly]

Big map screen is not popular? Not sure why you say that--or maybe we are in the minority. I really like the larger screen, and I do not feel it gets in the way. Particularly for maps it is nice to have a large display in plain view.

I agree with the "fun to drive" comment. I was surprised as well. I have never exactly had "fun" vehicles, but still, it is noticeable in my ORP Hybrid.

Agree too about the fuel tank. Would be nice to have even a couple more gallons, but really not that big of a deal. It has "enough" capacity.

Maybe I am wrong, I just remember people saying they hated it early on.

Glad you like it too! It’s awesome!

 

[adrestaino]

Love the big map too. I’ve only had my gas ORP a month, but it really is fun to drive. Especially in Sport Mode.

 

[bakutheleo]

I almost forget about sport mode...honestly I pretty much leave it in eco, as it is perfectly responsive there. I should try the others a bit more though, at least so I know more how they respond!

 

[adrestaino]

I like to drive in Sport Mode around town, but I keep it in Eco most of the time for my commute and long rides. Sport just feels more powerful and it’s way more fun.

 

[spyder40]

I like to drive in Sport Mode around town, but I keep it in Eco most of the time for my commute and long rides. Sport just feels more powerful and it’s way more fun.

Kinda the same here. I drive in eco mode except when I need to jump an intersection or merge out into traffic then sport. Real easy to flip back and forth where they put the knob

 

[MartyMcFly]

I have been driving in normal mode, going to have to give this a shot!

 

[spyder40]

I have been driving in normal mode, going to have to give this a shot!

I found normal is kinda a half pregnant mode. I either want mpg or vroom vroom

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