Morimoto XB EVO Dual DRL headlights with superchargers.

These LEDs are seriously bright, and I can see again!

Nothing beats a day on the water. Just love taking the 2023 TRD OR fishing. Truly a life-changer just having the clearance.

My video lol scared the shit outta me

I have the opportunity to pickup a 2018 5th gen 4Runner TRD off-road. The body and interior looks great, but I have some pause regarding the condition of the frame. Could you all lend some expertise? Does this rust look normal, bad, etc?

I keep my vehicles a long time, so I’d want to keep this vehicle for 5+ years if I were to pick it up.

Hey everyone! I'm looking to buy my first 4Runner and have been comparing 4th and 5th, and 6th gen models. My budget is really anywhere from 30-45k just want a clean example. One thing I've noticed is that 5th gens seem to cost significantly more, even when comparing vehicles with similar mileage. Mileage isn’t a consideration for me at all as i have about a 15 minute commute.

I'm trying to understand whether the extra money is actually worth it or if I'm better off saving some cash and buying a clean 4th gen.

A few questions for owners:

What makes the 5th gen worth the price premium?
Is the newer interior, safety features, and overall age the main advantage, or are there significant reliability differences?

Would you take a 4th gen V8 over a 5th gen V6?
For someone buying their first 4Runner and hoping to keep it for years, which generation offers the best value?

Are there any common issues or things I should look out for when buying either generation?
I'm in Ohio, so frame rust is also something I'm concerned about.

I'd appreciate any advice from people who have owned either generation, especially anyone who's driven both. I'm trying to make a smart purchase and don't want to spend thousands more just because one generation is more popular.

Hey everyone, I am the Jeep Rubicon guy looking to move into the Toyota 4Runner world and would like your opinions on a build I am looking at. I have already learned a bunch from following this group and would love to have some real quality feedback on a used 4Runner and pricing.

Here is the jist of the listing and answers form the owner.

Would you buy a heavily modified fifth-gen SR5 for overlanding and towing?

I’m considering a 2019 4Runner SR5 4WD with roughly 85,000–90,000 miles and an asking price in the low $40,000s. I’m coming from a modified Wrangler Rubicon and looking for something suited to longer overlanding trips while towing a loaded camping Turtleback trailer weighing approximately 3,300 pounds.

I’m familiar with modified Jeeps but still learning the 4Runner platform. I’d appreciate honest feedback on the setup, potential maintenance concerns, and value.

The major modifications include:

• Aftermarket 2.5-inch adjustable front suspension with upgraded upper and lower control arms
• Adjustable rear links and panhard bar, plus panhard geometry correction
• Upgraded bump stops
• Upgraded steering rack, tie rods, and reinforced spindles
• Approximately 35-inch mud-terrain tires on aftermarket wheels
• 4.88 gears and an aftermarket selectable rear electronic locker
• Factory CV shafts with upgraded high-angle boots
• Front differential needle-bearing elimination modification
• Extended differential breathers
• Auxiliary transmission cooler with an electric fan
• Aftermarket brakes and stainless brake lines
• Engine tune requiring premium fuel
• Aluminum front bumper, auxiliary lighting, and accessory switch panel
• Solar charging and a separate lithium auxiliary battery

The seller reports one-owner history, a clean title, regular maintenance, and limited recreational off-road use. Those are seller claims that I would want to verify with records and an independent inspection. There is still a loan on the vehicle.

According to the seller, the gearing was installed about a year ago. The spark plugs were replaced before tuning, and a coolant service may be due. The seller says the tune can be changed back to stock or to a regular-fuel calibration.

It has a receiver and trailer wiring but no brake controller. The seller reports towing a roughly 4,000-pound camper and says the gearing and additional transmission cooling helped. I understand that modifications don’t increase the factory tow rating, and I would want to check actual payload, axle weights, and tongue weight.

My questions:

1. How well do 4.88 gears and approximately 35-inch tires work for highway travel, mountain driving, and towing a 3,300-pound trailer?
2. Are there particular concerns with the upgraded steering rack, custom tie rods, reinforced spindles, or suspension geometry? What would you have a Toyota specialist inspect?
3. For remote travel, would you prefer a build like this or a more lightly modified TRD Off-Road? Does the aftermarket rear locker make the SR5 a reasonable starting point?
4. What should I verify about the regear and locker installation, including records, break-in service, noise, and operation?
5. Would you return it to the factory tune for this use? Any concerns about its history of running a premium-fuel tune?
6. With this amount of equipment, how concerned should I be about remaining payload once trailer tongue weight, two adults, dogs, and camping gear are included?
7. Does the low-$40,000 asking range make sense, or would you put that money toward a newer or lower-mileage example with fewer modifications?

I like the idea of buying something already equipped, but I want to understand the compromises and avoid paying heavily for modifications that may add maintenance or reduce its usefulness for my trips. What would make you buy it, negotiate harder, or walk away?

The other day, I rented a 2025 4Runner SR5 because I’ve always liked 4Runners and was always curious about the driving experience. I wanted to try the previous gen V6 4Runner but the rental company didn’t have those.

As a reference point, I own a 2007 Lexus GX470 (which is often described as a 4th gen 4Runner wearing a Tuxedo) so I was looking forward to the comparison.

In short, I’ve never been more disappointed by a vehicle. Granted, I’m comparing it to a Lexus and to an era where cars were built to last. Nonetheless, I’ve listed out the reasons for my disappointment below (in descending order):

1. Major one.. engine

Ok, this one genuinely shocked me. Coming from a naturally aspirated 4.7L V8 GX470, I didn’t expect a 2.4L turbocharged 4 cylinder to be any good. But I didn’t expect it to be this bad.. The car felt completely disconnected from the throttle, I would step on it and it barely moves. And when the turbo spools up, it moved in a weird, jerky way? Also, why is it so loud while going downhill? Like it always manages to pick the wrong gear. And for some reason when I let go of the throttle the engine is still revving loud for a few seconds after? Again, completely disconnected driving experience.

Don’t even get me started with the engine noise, lawn motor sounding engine. And it’s louder in the cabin than the GX470 (which I assume is due to the harmonics and crankshaft rotation interval differences between an inline 4 and a V8). Talking about fuel efficiency, the gauge cluster showed 17mpg. 4cylinders less and it’s only one MPG better then a v8..

In short, I understand the strict environmental and emissions regulations that Toyota is facing. But don’t buy this car if you enjoy the sound of your engine and appreciate a more immersive driving experience. This is not a driver’s car.

2. Build quality

The moment I opened the door, all I could see is plastic. The amount of squeaky plastic surprised me by how much similar it made this car feel to a base trim Corolla. I much prefer the leather and wood accents in my GX470. And for some reason the AC system doesn’t show you the temperature you’re setting it to? It only shows bars. In my opinion, this is something that should exist in any trim level of a vehicle.

The seats were also uncomfortable. I couldn’t exactly explain what made it uncomfortable, but it was a noticeable downgrade from my ‘07 GX. In addition it’s a fabric seat and not leather so it won’t last nearly as long and it will be difficult to keep clean.

Don’t get me started on the speakers, it’s noticeably worse. Too much bass and a very muddied sound profile. 20 years later and the audio system is worse?? Regardless of trim/ luxury, how does that make sense given the advancement in tech?

And no power seats, no memory seats, no seat heating, no auto ac, etc…

3. Loose steering

Before I start complaining about this, I understand that modern cars have electronic steering systems due to adaptive cruise control and lane keep assist (which are definitely pros of this car over a 20 year old GX). However, this ties into my point above about being completely disconnected from the road and the driving experience.

4. Visibility

The windshield is surprisingly narrow and I felt like I had much less visibility. It felt similar to driving a jeep than any Toyota vehicle that I could think of.

5. Cabin noise and comfort

Ok this is an unfair comparison but bear with me, this car is so uncomfortable. I don’t have a reference point against the previous gen 4Runner so I couldn’t say if this was an upgrade or a downgrade.

Regardless, compared to a GX470, the road noise is so much more noticeable due to less sound dampening. The suspension is also so stiff.

Again, an unfair comparison since my GX470 has rear air suspension. But at the same time, it’s hard to wrap your mind around a 20 year old car being more comfortable than a brand new 4Runner.

All in all, the one word that would sum up my experience driving the 2025 4Runner is enshittification. A recently coined term used to describe the gradual decline of products over time. I can almost guarantee you that any 4th - 5th gen 4Runner or an early 2000s to mid 2010 GX470, GX460, LX or any Landcruiser (except the newest turbo one) will be a better driving experience and will likely outlast the 6th gen 4Runner. There’s no way this is a 50k vehicle.

Someone karate chopped my key and broke into my 2019 4Runner (stock, no keyless entry). Should I just DIY this (if possible) or send to a shop? Thanks in advance!

First time towing our teardrop with my 2022 TRD ORP. Great trip!

Hey guys interested in a bumper like this for my 23 TRD Off-road. I keep searching for more images for inspo similar to this less Overlander more Baja/Desert Prerunner style mid height and high. It doesn’t seem to be very popular but I dig them. Hard to find photos of them on 5th gens. Anyone on here have knowledge / companies (im sure custom fab place would do it but) or running them would like to see yours. You’d think me being in SoCal I’d see more but I just don’t. Lemme know thank you!!

For those who are wondering, we were in Mark Twain National Forest!

Just bought my wife a 2023 TRD OR, 13k miles on the odometer. These things are expensive. Most were in the 40-45k range. We found this one for 35k, which I think is a great deal for the used 4Runner market. Was wondering everyone else’s opinion?

The FJ62 is a 1988 LS3 swapped manual with 5spd. Fun to drive but not for long distances.

Looking to get a 4Runner. Have 25k in cash. Looking for a nice setup. Won’t be going off road or anything. It would be my daily. What would yall suggest?
Thanks!

Yes, I bought a 4Runner because of dog.

Getting a popping sound when turning at lower speeds from the trunk area, like turning into a parking lot or drive-through. The darn thing is almost new, too. Is this another characteristic of the vehicle? It seems to be coming from the back trunk/passenger side. Maybe something briefly rubs against the suspension, but there's no noise when driving on a rough road. Any quick fixes?

Not having that air dam anymore

Spent the last couple days & several hours putting some TLC into the ride, just wanted to share. Finally done with all my mods & I’m just really happy with the final result.

Just over 100k miles, was waiting on my daughters bus, was stopped idling in a parking lot, bus pulled in so I moved to a closer spot and the thing died pulling in to the spot. Battery light and cel were on but I think that’s cuz I was dead and in drive. Shifted to park. Turned key off and back on and she came right back to life. If I remember right this happened like 4 years ago too just once. Battery is maybe 2 years old. AI Google says possible sensor fault from low speed maneuvers….meh. On lights I get occasionally are for charcoal canister which I just reset with my scanner cuz, well, I’ll get to it. Any ideas?

2021 SR5 Premium. This morning I decided to finally get to my 4WD troubleshooted and fixed. I would change it to 4Hi and it would send a code and blink 4LO on my dash until the car was turned off. I did all the common troubleshooting. I went below and looked at my actuator. Everything was perfectly fine, it looked like it at least. Took it apart, put it together, tried to clean up some of the clumped grease because I haven’t used it in a while. Put it back together and plugged it in. When I turned my 4Runner on my ABS, Traction control, and 4LO were on the dash now. Sent to the dealership so they could diagnose it for me. Called me back an hour or so after I dropped it off and said that the actuator rod fell inside of my transfer case and grinded up and gave me a 5,000 quote. What is the likely hood of this happening? I plan on getting my car here in a little bit when I get off work and want to take a look at the rod.

I just wanted to share a few pics of my runners. First off is my beloved 2008 4WD V8 Sport Edition with 271,000 miles. Over the last 13 years she has taken me down 1000’s of miles of backroads. To me the 4th gen V8 is such the right amount of power and well built all around. While its a tank offroad I find it extremely fun to drive on the highway especially with the Bilstien 6112/5160’s. I also own a 24 ORP that has been tucked away in the garage since I bought it new. With only 2884 miles I am getting that itch to start putting it to use more. It literally hasn’t even seen a rainstorm since I had a ceramic coating applied years ago. I was going to do the same susoension but I might hold off and step up to the Bilstien 8112’s so it might have to sit a bit longer. Id anyone running that setup with a 2/1 lift and 285’s? And if so what is the overall impression?

I've looked at duckygo and barker beds for hauling around my pups in the trunk area (5th gen). anyone have any suggestions..?