My 5th Gen vs. my new 6th Gen 4Runner comparison IMHO

[Cid]

So I bought and built a 2019 TRD ORP and thought this is it, can't get any better. King coil over and long travel w/ remote reservoirs, full RSG skids and sliders, Victory 4x4 front bumper w/ Warn 10k winch, etc etc... When I first drove it stock I was very underwhelmed at the steering slop, brake dive, accelerator lag, and general handling. With the above improvements and $15,000.00 later it was the best vehicle I had ever driven...until now.

While getting a brake job on the 5th gen at my local dealer in Olympia, there was an Everest TRD Off Road I Force Max Hybrid sitting there looking pretty so I bit. Took it for a drive and the difference just blew me away.

Off the lot this vehicle had cured every problem the 5th gen suffered from and then took it to a whole new level! Saying that they got it right on the 6th gen is such a huge understatement, and the people who question the re-engineered version of our beloved 4Runner must not actually drive.

My 5th gen was like a family member but after driving the 6th gen it's a no brainer! It literally blew away my Jacked 5th gen right off the lot. The power, torque, acceleration, STEERING, suspension were amazing let alone a crawl control that is smooth as silk and does not sound/feel like my vehicle is being destroyed. These guys really out did themselves on this vehicle.

I couldn't care less about a 14" distraction on my dash, and really all the people that complain about plastic, social media sync, sound systems, trim packages, etc. Should be looking at Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche instead of an Icon of the on/off road Kings IMHO.

After years of upgrading my 5th gen it seems strange to me to have just put $1500.00 worth of tires on my 6th gen and calling it good. It honestly doesn't need anything else no BS! I don't think the extra 12K-15K for the upgraded models Premium, Pro, Trailhunter is needed for a truly solid off road vehicle the TRD Off Road is solid, although the Trailhunter tugged at my heartstrings a bit.

Just my thoughts and observations.

Sponsored

 

[AbbyNormal]

So I bought and built a 2019 TRD ORP and thought this is it, can't get any better. King coil over and long travel w/ remote reservoirs, full RSG skids and sliders, Victory 4x4 front bumper w/ Warn 10k winch, etc etc... When I first drove it stock I was very underwhelmed at the steering slop, brake dive, accelerator lag, and general handling. With the above improvements and $15,000.00 later it was the best vehicle I had ever driven...until now.

While getting a brake job on the 5th gen at my local dealer in Olympia, there was an Everest TRD Off Road I Force Max Hybrid sitting there looking pretty so I bit. Took it for a drive and the difference just blew me away.

Off the lot this vehicle had cured every problem the 5th gen suffered from and then took it to a whole new level! Saying that they got it right on the 6th gen is such a huge understatement, and the people who question the re-engineered version of our beloved 4Runner must not actually drive.

My 5th gen was like a family member but after driving the 6th gen it's a no brainer! It literally blew away my Jacked 5th gen right off the lot. The power, torque, acceleration, STEERING, suspension were amazing let alone a crawl control that is smooth as silk and does not sound/feel like my vehicle is being destroyed. These guys really out did themselves on this vehicle.

I couldn't care less about a 14" distraction on my dash, and really all the people that complain about plastic, social media sync, sound systems, trim packages, etc. Should be looking at Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche instead of an Icon of the on/off road Kings IMHO.

After years of upgrading my 5th gen it seems strange to me to have just put $1500.00 worth of tires on my 6th gen and calling it good. It honestly doesn't need anything else no BS! I don't think the extra 12K-15K for the upgraded models Premium, Pro, Trailhunter is needed for a truly solid off road vehicle the TRD Off Road is solid, although the Trailhunter tugged at my heartstrings a bit.

Just my thoughts and observations.

I love my Trailhunter. Drove to Vegas to buy a Lexus. That should tell everyone it is a luxury vehicle. It satisfies my need for speed, and gives me a new hobby - off-roading.

 

[AbbyNormal]

BTW congrats on your new family member

I love my Trailhunter. Drove to Vegas to buy a Lexus. That should tell everyone it is a luxury vehicle. It satisfies my need for speed, and gives me a new hobby - off-roading.

 

[Cid]

BTW congrats on your new family member

Thanks!

 

[photorunner]

I’m just psyched there’s another person here who picked up their 4Runner in Olympia! My local dealer as well. I also had a 5th generation and did a lot of the same modifications that you did. But, it was the fuel mileage that always disappointed me. I’m over 5k miles and really the only annoyance is the brake squeal issue. Which, coincidentally, I’ve made the dealership aware of and showed them the TSB.

 

[John2112]

So I bought and built a 2019 TRD ORP and thought this is it, can't get any better. King coil over and long travel w/ remote reservoirs, full RSG skids and sliders, Victory 4x4 front bumper w/ Warn 10k winch, etc etc... When I first drove it stock I was very underwhelmed at the steering slop, brake dive, accelerator lag, and general handling. With the above improvements and $15,000.00 later it was the best vehicle I had ever driven...until now.

While getting a brake job on the 5th gen at my local dealer in Olympia, there was an Everest TRD Off Road I Force Max Hybrid sitting there looking pretty so I bit. Took it for a drive and the difference just blew me away.

Off the lot this vehicle had cured every problem the 5th gen suffered from and then took it to a whole new level! Saying that they got it right on the 6th gen is such a huge understatement, and the people who question the re-engineered version of our beloved 4Runner must not actually drive.

My 5th gen was like a family member but after driving the 6th gen it's a no brainer! It literally blew away my Jacked 5th gen right off the lot. The power, torque, acceleration, STEERING, suspension were amazing let alone a crawl control that is smooth as silk and does not sound/feel like my vehicle is being destroyed. These guys really out did themselves on this vehicle.

I couldn't care less about a 14" distraction on my dash, and really all the people that complain about plastic, social media sync, sound systems, trim packages, etc. Should be looking at Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche instead of an Icon of the on/off road Kings IMHO.

After years of upgrading my 5th gen it seems strange to me to have just put $1500.00 worth of tires on my 6th gen and calling it good. It honestly doesn't need anything else no BS! I don't think the extra 12K-15K for the upgraded models Premium, Pro, Trailhunter is needed for a truly solid off road vehicle the TRD Off Road is solid, although the Trailhunter tugged at my heartstrings a bit.

Just my thoughts and observations.

Similar experience although I went from a Tacoma to the 6th gen 4Runner Trailhunter. That drivability and power upgrade plus as you mentioned the steering and everything else sold me immediately.

 

[jjbailey930]

Experienced the same this weekend. My daughter bought a TRD Off Road Pro in 2019 about time I bought a used RR Sport HSE - was leaning to 4 Runner but couldn't have samesie.

She was in town to host my other daughter baby shower. We swapped my TRD Sport Premium for hers. Drivability much different - acceleration, handling , steering and braking. To her credit she is going to keep hers 10+ more years to hand off to her son. I am very happy I waited until 6th gen even with price increase.

 

[kekecarioca]

Well said!
When I first dorve one I was ultra impressed on the steering and predictability. I just feels so planted, and that was a non hybrid. Fast forward a few months now and 8K later on my TH (I self upgraded twice...long story) and it still feels amazing to drive every day! It's seen mild off-roading, long road trips, fast gravel, and the day to day city fiascos.

 

[sf jakey]

What size tires did you go with?

So I bought and built a 2019 TRD ORP and thought this is it, can't get any better. King coil over and long travel w/ remote reservoirs, full RSG skids and sliders, Victory 4x4 front bumper w/ Warn 10k winch, etc etc... When I first drove it stock I was very underwhelmed at the steering slop, brake dive, accelerator lag, and general handling. With the above improvements and $15,000.00 later it was the best vehicle I had ever driven...until now.

While getting a brake job on the 5th gen at my local dealer in Olympia, there was an Everest TRD Off Road I Force Max Hybrid sitting there looking pretty so I bit. Took it for a drive and the difference just blew me away.

Off the lot this vehicle had cured every problem the 5th gen suffered from and then took it to a whole new level! Saying that they got it right on the 6th gen is such a huge understatement, and the people who question the re-engineered version of our beloved 4Runner must not actually drive.

My 5th gen was like a family member but after driving the 6th gen it's a no brainer! It literally blew away my Jacked 5th gen right off the lot. The power, torque, acceleration, STEERING, suspension were amazing let alone a crawl control that is smooth as silk and does not sound/feel like my vehicle is being destroyed. These guys really out did themselves on this vehicle.

I couldn't care less about a 14" distraction on my dash, and really all the people that complain about plastic, social media sync, sound systems, trim packages, etc. Should be looking at Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche instead of an Icon of the on/off road Kings IMHO.

After years of upgrading my 5th gen it seems strange to me to have just put $1500.00 worth of tires on my 6th gen and calling it good. It honestly doesn't need anything else no BS! I don't think the extra 12K-15K for the upgraded models Premium, Pro, Trailhunter is needed for a truly solid off road vehicle the TRD Off Road is solid, although the Trailhunter tugged at my heartstrings a bit.

Just my thoughts and observations.

what size tires?

 

[Cid]

275/70/18 no rub

 

[spyder40]

So I bought and built a 2019 TRD ORP and thought this is it, can't get any better. King coil over and long travel w/ remote reservoirs, full RSG skids and sliders, Victory 4x4 front bumper w/ Warn 10k winch, etc etc... When I first drove it stock I was very underwhelmed at the steering slop, brake dive, accelerator lag, and general handling. With the above improvements and $15,000.00 later it was the best vehicle I had ever driven...until now.

While getting a brake job on the 5th gen at my local dealer in Olympia, there was an Everest TRD Off Road I Force Max Hybrid sitting there looking pretty so I bit. Took it for a drive and the difference just blew me away.

Off the lot this vehicle had cured every problem the 5th gen suffered from and then took it to a whole new level! Saying that they got it right on the 6th gen is such a huge understatement, and the people who question the re-engineered version of our beloved 4Runner must not actually drive.

My 5th gen was like a family member but after driving the 6th gen it's a no brainer! It literally blew away my Jacked 5th gen right off the lot. The power, torque, acceleration, STEERING, suspension were amazing let alone a crawl control that is smooth as silk and does not sound/feel like my vehicle is being destroyed. These guys really out did themselves on this vehicle.

I couldn't care less about a 14" distraction on my dash, and really all the people that complain about plastic, social media sync, sound systems, trim packages, etc. Should be looking at Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche instead of an Icon of the on/off road Kings IMHO.

After years of upgrading my 5th gen it seems strange to me to have just put $1500.00 worth of tires on my 6th gen and calling it good. It honestly doesn't need anything else no BS! I don't think the extra 12K-15K for the upgraded models Premium, Pro, Trailhunter is needed for a truly solid off road vehicle the TRD Off Road is solid, although the Trailhunter tugged at my heartstrings a bit.

Just my thoughts and observations.

Good summary and same only a 2021. Hated the brake drive but went with 2.5 Fox with DSC's from Accutune with Ikon UCA's. No more brake dive and road like a dream. But my 2025 ORP is good to go out of the box

 

[ModernDay4Runner]

So I bought and built a 2019 TRD ORP and thought this is it, can't get any better. King coil over and long travel w/ remote reservoirs, full RSG skids and sliders, Victory 4x4 front bumper w/ Warn 10k winch, etc etc... When I first drove it stock I was very underwhelmed at the steering slop, brake dive, accelerator lag, and general handling. With the above improvements and $15,000.00 later it was the best vehicle I had ever driven...until now.

While getting a brake job on the 5th gen at my local dealer in Olympia, there was an Everest TRD Off Road I Force Max Hybrid sitting there looking pretty so I bit. Took it for a drive and the difference just blew me away.

Off the lot this vehicle had cured every problem the 5th gen suffered from and then took it to a whole new level! Saying that they got it right on the 6th gen is such a huge understatement, and the people who question the re-engineered version of our beloved 4Runner must not actually drive.

My 5th gen was like a family member but after driving the 6th gen it's a no brainer! It literally blew away my Jacked 5th gen right off the lot. The power, torque, acceleration, STEERING, suspension were amazing let alone a crawl control that is smooth as silk and does not sound/feel like my vehicle is being destroyed. These guys really out did themselves on this vehicle.

I couldn't care less about a 14" distraction on my dash, and really all the people that complain about plastic, social media sync, sound systems, trim packages, etc. Should be looking at Lexus, Mercedes, Porsche instead of an Icon of the on/off road Kings IMHO.

After years of upgrading my 5th gen it seems strange to me to have just put $1500.00 worth of tires on my 6th gen and calling it good. It honestly doesn't need anything else no BS! I don't think the extra 12K-15K for the upgraded models Premium, Pro, Trailhunter is needed for a truly solid off road vehicle the TRD Off Road is solid, although the Trailhunter tugged at my heartstrings a bit.

Just my thoughts and observations.

IMO, your 5th gen looks old, boring, tired, and outdated. And I am so glad you are able to admit that the performance and functionality of the 6th Gen is far better than the 5th Gen. Many people on this forum and more so on the other 4R forum have a hard time saying out loud on this forum what their head is telling them, but not you, you are able to speak the truth and let it go (the 5th gen, that is). Congrats.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Well, I don't have to be sold on the new model orp. After driving a few of them, trailhunter, SR5,ORP and the pro, I was thoroughly convinced that they had improved it.

But justifying the Southern California gas prices and using this as a daily driver puts me on the fence as I am driving a RAV4 hybrid.
My thoughts are still with my 5th gen, and I can't seem to shake the memories of that.

I know this is a reworked version and better in every way that I can see for my uses, just making the decision to go for it and put an order in is somewhat daunting, as I am becoming more frugal in my lifestyle.

The one thing I keep telling myself is that I don't drive that much now, and having a RAV4 hybrid does not seem to even justify the fuel economy with the low miles i drive daily.

So, I keep telling myself well why not have a vehicle that you feel safe in and proud of.

Nothing wrong with the RAV4, but it is the new VW of the 21st Century, they have built so many of those units and are everywhere where I live.

And, most cars in my area are on the smaller side because of the masses of daily commuters that still Fight The Daily Grind of traffic.

So the question I keep asking myself, should I, or shouldn't I?

 

[wactoob24]

Nice to hear from a modded 5th gen owner. I’m in the same boat and trying to decide which 6th gen trim to go with. Also, good luck stopping at tires on the new ride.

 

[mv213]

I may be all alone on this hill but I hated the styling of the 5th gen 4Runner (and 3rd gen Taco). Enough that I wouldn’t buy one, but eagerly awaited the 6th gen. Toyota hit the styling out of the park, and it drives great, too! Great choice, OP!

Sponsored