Help! 5th or 6th Gen?????

[bulldozer20]

Long time Jeep guy (currently 23' Willys) possibly looking to get into the 4runner life. The debate is between a slightly used late model CPO 5th Gen or newer certified pre-owned 6th Gen to keep long term (blue collar worker on a budget). Definitely want the TRD Off Road to only slightly modify for a daily driver commute and family but also a light overlanding rig to enjoy. Live in the Northeast so need all weather capabilities.

I see some of the aspects of each 5th and 6th from your community as well as reputable enthusiasts. I just can't decide.

The 5th I like for the rugged long term dependability with the V6 but hear it's a dog. Could a Pedal Commander or Monster help the V6 with some throttle or pep? My Jeep has the 2.0 turbo and that torque is fantastic so I believe the 6th has that advantage along with slightly better MPG . However, all these new tech engines are more difficult and expensive to work on so there's that. We have at my job new vehicles in the fleet, albeit not Toyotas, with new tech and engines that constantly are going to the dealer to fix. Multiple engine fixes before 50k miles. Have to mention too, my Jeep 2.0 had to get half the engine rebuilt at 17k miles (timing chain tensioner).

Speaking of tech, while its cool and all, I don't really need it. My Jeep has a small 6in screen with Bluetooth, AM/FM, Car play/android auto and that's basically it which I'm fine with. Analog speed gauges too as opposed to electronic. 5th Gen wins again here. However, outdated systems can be bothersome down the road so 6th wins for updated. Then again, my wife's 21' Durango infotainment system needed an update from the dealer and was a shit show. Still don't work right.

Mods? Only larger ones probably just the rooftop tent and a winch for the overlanding aspect. I'm perfectly fine with rugged 33's AT. Still OR capable and better MPG.

Very interested to hear from the Gen 5 converters to the 6th on any insight. Greatly appreciated to all.

(I have put this post in multiple forums and categories to get more input. Apologies)

Sponsored

 

[NotApplicable]

Why don’t you start by test driving both

 

[Crose1695]

6th. Not saying the 5th isn’t great and tested. But if I had my pick today I wouldn’t even hesitate and get another 6th gen.

 

[OnePunchPan]

Hey man - Always fun to be researching cars and I personally think this research portion is the most exciting phase. That said, below are my 2 cents:

1. Price - I debated between buying a potentially used 5th gen due to the long term reliability argument, but I leaned into the 6th gen more after seeing that the price differences between a 20-30K miles used 5th gen and a brand new 6th gen is way too close. Personally, I don't think it makes sense to be paying around 45-55K for a used vehicle, especially one that you did not put miles on

2. Reliability - I watched car care nut's video on the 6th gen limited trim and that convinced me wholeheartedly that reliability would be just fine. Sure, there's a turbo in this new gen and there's certainly no replacement for displacement, but I also think that I won't be abusing this engine like most people do with V6's and V8's. Maintenance-wise I understand the turbo lowers reliability, but I come from a 2012 mk6 GTI that also uses a turbo 4 banger so I'm familiar with having to care for them. I would've done with the 5th gen v6 regardless.

3. Driveability/creature comforts - I mean it's a new car. People can ride on the pros and cons all they like but I think most will agree when I say that overall the car feels much smoother and better to drive than the 5th gen from a drivetrain perspective. Internal ergonomics can be debatable, but I personally think this is very subjective of a topic

4. Maintenance - If you get the regular iforce 4 cylinder (non-hybrid) it should be fairly easy to service

Good luck with your search!

 

[2222CareBearStare]

Honestly, the 5th gen really does feel more tank-like and durable than the 6th gen IMO.

If you want to save money and want a more robust/strong vehicle get the 5th gen. If all you care about it technology in the cabin (screens/dash/etc), then get the 6th gen.

 

[kingosat]

Previous 5th gen owner (2020 TRD Pro bought new) and between power, especially anything above sea level, tech and improved overall dynamics, I haven't looked back.

2020 had 120k trouble-free miles, so no issues with reliability, but to say it was dated is a huge understatement; tank like is a good description and not in a possitive way! Resale, on the other hand, was crazy, mostly because of the color.

This is my fifth 4Runner and only skipped the 3rd gen.

 

[Nodak]

5th gen

1. proven, long term reliability (had my 2014 for 12 yrs, only a oil sensor went bad at 10 yrs, water pump die after i traded it in on the 25 4R at 12 yrs and 119k, oem spark plugs replaced at 106k, oem brakes and rotors replaced at 96k, 3 diff serviced at 80k, coolant system chemical flushed replaced @ 86k, brake fluid was tested same time as brakes done, tech advised they passed moisture threshold, accesory belt replaced at 86k - engine has timing chain)
2. transmission is more suited for this vehicle (5 spd) even for spirited driving (imo)
3. dog shit slow engine (this is the only negative on the 5th gen, unless you are more than 1/2 or greater into the gas pedal, this engine needs to be above 4000 rpm to get this 4R to move)
4. x-reas system was actually pretty good for spirited driving (see below about my 2x45 degree on ramps)
4.1 x-reas system was a simple mechanical setup, easy to replace or abandon in place and put regular shocks in (oem x-reas replacement shocks were lilke $800 per axle)

6th gen

1. un proven platform (way to new)
2. engine is a world of difference in power delivery vs the 5th gen
3. transmission is wonky (8 spd), not really suited for daily spirited driving (imo) i cant used 2nd gear like i did in my 5th gen, and 3rd gear is not ideal for a powerband for 45 degree on ramp curves like my 5th gen was (have 2x45 degree on ramps i have to jump from 35 mph to 55 and a short merge lane)
4. hybrid engagement can be weird at times at a complete stop (especially of you dont press the brake fully, it can surge a bit)
5. 2nd row tumble forward is lack luster vs the 5th gen, prefer the 5th gen process better,
6. load floor on the hybrid and 2nd row folded flat is considerbly higher than 5th gen, my dog's head now touches the headliner vs the 5th gen (i have a gsp) (dont have 3rd row but the load floor from the backs fo the 2nd row to the rear door is adequate)
7. tech is night and day vs the 5th gen, love it way better on the 6th gen
8. seat comfort is way better
9. heated seats warm up way faster than my 5th gen, but not as hot on 3 bars on the 23 tundra)
10. heated steering wheel is better than our 23 tundra
11. love that they moved the window control down to the traditional door handle location (hated the window location on the 5th gen
12. not really to fond of the avs system (also dont care for it on our 23 tundra), x-reas system was way better imo

overall i wouldnt trade the cons on the 6th gen for the 5th gen. at my age i prefer the creature comforts that improved on the 5th gen by leaps and bounds.

 

[Evergreen104]

Sure that antique 5th gen drivetrain would go 300k miles but Toyota is years ahead of every other manufacturer on hybrid technology and durability. Having owned both gen's, it is not even close. That iForce Max can move out with 465 lb ft of torque and provides decent mpg vs the old 5th gen 15-17. Let's not forget far superior ride and handling.

 

[Sween77]

6th better driving dynamics. Not as much body sway and nose dive. Quicker too. Added power rear gate on upper trims and improved safety across the board.

5th gen- has the same axles on all trims and the interior is nicer (in terms of soft touch and less plastic look) in the cheaper ones than it is in the 6th. The ORP MSRP for the 5th was much more affordable than what it is in the 6th. Maybe 7k difference. But the sr5 price difference is nominal.

Both are really nice vehicles and I think both will last a long time. Having said all that…last I checked 5th gen used prices are out of control. And you can get discounts on the 6th gen at nearly every dealership and every trim level. So….seems the market is telling what to do.

 

[Mattb124]

Having owned a 2010, 2018, and now a 2025, if I had it to do over again I would probably buy a 2023-2024 5th gen. The 6th is too much of a computer for my liking. It has more power but the steering and handling are not as good as my 2018. The interior on the 5th gen seemed to be better thought out and executed.

If aftermarket support is important to you, there are way more options for the 5th gen.

The gas mileage I am getting is almost identical between the 2018 and 2025 (air dam removed, 33’s, and 80 mph on the highway), which is a big disappointment.

 

[Nodak]

anything above 70/75 mph and it wont matter on 5th or 6th gen.

the sweet spot is 55 mph on both and 6th gen does better at 65 mph than the 5th gen.

 

[Formidable]

Owned a 2014 Limited in the past and a 2017 Tacoma TRD Pro. The 6th gen is superior to both in many ways. Some of the following are the upgrades. First is the obvious 465 ft lbs torque of the hybrid. It’s a much needed upgrade for such a heavy body on frame vehicle. Second is the interior design, infotainment screen, digital dash gauges, 360 deg camera for parking, and video rear view mirror. The ergonomics are now at par with the rest of the western world. Third is finally proper rear rotors and calipers instead of drum brakes. Fourth is exterior design, lots of compliments of the looks and stance of the 6th gen TRD Pro. Fifth is the stock lighting, LED headlights, tails, fogs and bumper bar. Sixth is increased firewall clearance allowing 33”s stock. Prior gens used to require BMC chop to run bigger tires on 0 offset wheels which is absolutely ridiculous on an offroad intentioned vehicle.

Cons:
-TRD Pro hybrid MPG is 17.3 city/hwy/mountain driving. Don’t expect a bump unless you drive in eco mode and hyper mile everywhere.
-Less cargo space due to hybrid battery. Yes, it is noticeable
-Soft paint. Seems to be consistent with Toyotas in general as you are probably aware. Get PPF for the full front, fender flares and rear doors.
-Assume undercarriage is prone to rapid rust as is the case with all other body on frame Toyotas. Protect it with ceramic coating, dinitrol, or other undercoating from the get go. Make sure they spray inside and out of the frame rails.
-No auto sensing windshield wipers
-Dash cam should come standard on all modern day vehicles. Look into fitcamx for a clean and superior alternative to the factory option.

It’s far from perfect… But it allows dad to have some fun while attending to family needs during ownership.

 

[spyder40]

Had a 2004, 2018, 2021, and now 2025 hybrid. Hands down 6th gen. It's everything the others should have been. Better driveability daily and hauls my 4000lb trailer like a champ. The V6 just struggled on the highway

 

[02SE]

I have an extremely low mileage 5th gen TRD ORP W/KDSS. I joined this website with the intention of getting a 6th gen 4Runner. I've owned Toyota trucks and SUV's s going back to the 80's. And was a Master Tech working at a Toyota dealer, and independent shops at one time.

Having driven the range of 6th gen 4Runners, I haven't been able to bring myself to sell my 5th gen. Despite the fact Carmax keeps offering me higher and higher amounts for the 5th gen. Now well over the MSRP it originally had. Of course I paid about 15% below that.

Looking at the availability of new and used 6th gens, and the demand for 5th gens, apparently I'm not alone in my opinion.

 

[4RunnerTony]

I had a 2017 Jeep Wrangler and traded it in on a 2025 6G 4Runner TRD Sport. It is so much better than the Jeep. I was worried about it being a new generation but my research told me that the 4 cylinder turbo was already in the previous year Tacoma (I have the non hybrid) and the new 8 speed tranny had been around already for a few years. This is my 1st 4Runner but there are more positive reviews on the 6th gen than the 5th gen and with the high used price vs new I went with new. I intend to keep this vehicle so starting out new with 7 miles on the odo should give me more years than a used model with 40/50 thousand miles already logged in.

Sponsored