3rd Gen vs 5th Gen 4Runner - Which is Better?
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- Опубліковано 5 лип 2024
- Since it was introduced in 1984, the 4Runner has earned a legendary reputation for its capability and reliability. Over that time we've seen 5 unique generations. While the 3rd generation is extremely popular, here's why I think the 5th Generation is actually the best.
#Toyota #4Runner #Toyota4Runner #3rdGen4Runner #5thGen4Runner #ytmikec - Авто та транспорт
I have a 1998 4Runner and I absolutely love it. I like the 5th gens but they just feel too big and bloated to me.
5th gen better looking (I disagree)
3rd gen better off-road
Go buy a highlander if you want all the features that seem important to you
IMO the third gen looks better, it has a timeless style that never ages. The 5th gen isn't bad but it will definitely age more poorly than the third gen
@@AdamSmith-gs2dv Couldnt agree more. The 3rd gen is timeless. It will never look outdated to me. 5th gen will look way more outdated as time goes on, maybe even more so than the 4th gen. To me the 3rd gen was the peak of the 4runner. It was comfortable and nice to drive on the road, had more room, but maintained its classic compact Toyota size which is what made Toyotas so popular and capable in the first place. Also losing the manual transmission will forever be a huge stain on the legacy of the 4runner.
Dude 5th gens are great. They drive on and off road great, have a plethora of aftermarket support, and bulletproof reliability. It’s everything that the 3rd is, just newer. The 4.0 is a million mile engine, and the 5th gens don’t have frame rust issues. Both are perfect, and both rare equally great. Honestly, I’d put the 4th gen V8 as number 1
I like them all. But I do have a spot in my heart for 1st - 3rd gen.
I have both a 99 and a 2018. (Bought both when new) The 2018 feels like I am driving a barge compared to the 3rd gen. The new one is certainly not as much fun to drive but at least it has no rust. 3rd Gen is far more fun to drive and fits your body better. No swimming in a bathtub. I am currently fixing it up. If Toyota were to release a new 3rd gen, it would sell out.
Have fun fixing it dude, my 3rd gen was in pretty good shape but still required alot of work (radiator, timing belt, ball joints, suspension [might as well do it when it all has to come off for ball joints], and repainting the frame [not fun, my frame only had surface rust but this was still a pain to do, took over a month])
I also have a 99 4Runner. bought it pretty good condition at just over 200k miles, and the stuff that is worn are all the rubber parts, the shocks, the discs, need to replace the timing belt, repaint it, and reroute the serpentine so it goes around the supercharger correctly. Thankfully no rust, but the fact that these Toyota’s are still preforming at their best 22 years later with basic maintenance must prove something.
I had a 98 and LOVED IT! I have wanted another ever since I had to let mine go... NOW, I want both a 3rd and a 5th gen for different purposes! Those 5th gens are so sexy, especially built up and out but those 3rds are “indestructible”! ❤️ your review. Thank you!
I have a 2001 sport edition 4x4 4Runner with 500k+ miles. Still runs great. Used it for work for many years and never really took good care of it. I still would trust my life and my families life with it. Still take it up big bear CA and Wrightwood CA. To me, I cant imagine spending $40k on a 5th gen 4unner when my 01 would do exactly the same. (For what I use it for). And no it’s not a daily anymore, I drive a Lexus for that 😉.
5th gen is beautiful. Just bought a dark gray TRD Prem a few weeks ago and can't stop admiring it, but I have to admit, I bought it because of the 3rd gen and how beautiful it was and still is.
thanks for the video. i am looking for a used 4runner now - how confident you would have with the high milage (over 200k miles?) on it?
All depends on maintenance. If its been well cared for you should be able to plenty over 200K. If it hasn't been well maintained then stay away.
@@DrivenCompanion thanks for the information....
200k miles is nothing on a Toyota if serviced properly
My 98' has 344,000 miles and still runs like a beast! I've been driving it for 15 years and I'm getting a 2010 next week. The 2010 having 233k didn't phase me in the slightest!
I disagree. 5th gen are mall crawlers. Haven't seen any do hard off-road yet (don't want no scratch?) mostly 3rd gens. Your 5th gen Sr5 without diff-lock will not keep up with that 3rd gen limited I guarantee. Take both to very rough terrain and you know exactly what I'm taking about. Been there done that.
@@nateallen2709 I don't think so, locking diffs are preferred by many.
@@nateallen2709 I see what you mean now, but most people still go with the 3rd for off-roading. You can always get locking hubs on the front
@@nateallen2709 Atrac is nowhere near the equivalent of having lockers.
The 3rd gen is my fav!
I got a 97 with the 5speed manual honestly you don’t even notice your driving an suv it feels like a car. The 5th gens are dope tho. I will try to get one before the year ends
I agree! 5th gen it is . One of a kind front end that stands out around other suv's. I got a lot of compliments at work and other places when I first bought my 2018 SR5 Premium.
How is your car on gas?
Seem like the 4th gen from 2003 to 2009 had best of everything especially with the v8. Wouldn’t want to fly around a corner in 3rd gen but they are solid!
Yeah, but will it run for 20+ years without major problems? I have a 1999 SR5 limited edition with fancy Horizon Metallic Blue exterior and moon mist interior with 102k miles on it. Gas mileage sucks but it doesn't miss a beat and it still looks amazing. It has a few nicks in the paint from door dings over the years but otherwise I still get compliments on it fairly regularly.
If I were to buy touch up paint, it would be for the original color. I can get them, but a single pen is about $30-$50. I would rather spend that on fixing the old rubbers on this proverbial tank. Can't look good if it doesn't run and drive.
3rd Gen! Last 4runner that came manual transmission. I have a 3rd Gen 5 speed manual trans 4x4.
same here! wouldn’t have it any other way.
You also have to base an assessment of size difference. The 3rd gen is the last of the compacts and still remains as the greatest of the compact SUV's. Not only in dependability, but also in range of power and flexibility. The 5th gen is a whole different animal in SUV evolution; however in it's vast improvement, does not offer a manual transmission. This for sport enthusiasts, can be a deal breaker! This maybe the reason that the FJ Cruiser, with an option of an available 6 speed manual transmission is going up in value. Not saying the 5th gen is bad; however, it hasn't stood the test of time yet, and lacks some of the old school charm, that previous generations had. No Fonzie thumbs up here, when everything is automated.
I really appreciate this comparison. I was debating getting a 3rd gen just because they are cheaper. However, I do like the 5th gen and with overall reliability of Toyota should last a very long time, where most 3rd gen already very high mileage.
Yes hard to find a 3rd gen with low mileage which means that even if its still reliable its worn in other ways.
Get the 3rd gen while you can, folks. I believe the look of the gen 3 is coming back around. Kind of like the new Ford Bronco. Old school simplicity is a more desirable look in my opinion. No to mention the capability is still there, if not better.
The 5th is nice but will never be as nice as a third gen but I also own a third gen so that’s opinionated I have the same love for both of them even still they’re both the best 4 runners ever made
You should do a Tundra comparison
Check this out: ua-cam.com/video/AOKbCbzNDLk/v-deo.html
chrome bumper is always better looking than anyone, so i definetly i prefer my 98 yota 4runner
I have a brand new 2019 4R 4WD, somehow I want to sell it for an 07-09' V8. My wife said I'm nuts! Lol
I agree with her. The V8 is nice but the 5th gen overall is such a nice improvement over the 4th.
3rd gen is built on the hilux surf platform and the 5th gen is a stablemate of the Land Cruiser Prado sharing the same frame and almost all exact parts. 5th ftw
There’s also a Prado version from the late 90s that shares the same platform with the 4runner/hlx surf
The best gen is subjective, my coworker got a 1st gen with oem aftermarket tires and it does better on trails than my 4th gen w/ 2” lift and 33s.
I do like the looks and power of the 5th gen but my go to is my 2001 third gen with center and rear locking diffs has a ome bilstine 3 inch lift with a move front winch bumper and rear coastal offroad rear bumper my 3.4 is supercharged with a new Magnuson supercharger with 135k on the od has black steelies.I love my 4runner
I think 1gen, 3gen and 5gen are the best Gen of 4runner
BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER CLASSIC WITH PERFORMANCE IS ALWAYS BEST!
3rd!
Owned a 2000 3rd Gen and it was too small. I am +6’3” so it was a dream to own, but terrible for comfort. 5th Gen is remarkably better in terms of size and fits me just fine. Great video, keep them coming.
I don't like the Butt Ugly flairs on the back of the newer ones. That is why i bought a 2000 3rd Gen 4Runner.
Let’s see them on some trails
Build quality better on the 5th gen makes me laugh. I’m a former Toyota engineer now work for Subaru but the 90s to early 2000s Toyota’s were the best they ever made. Even among Toyota’s inner circle. Mike C doesn’t know shit.
Need an unpaid intern? 🤣
If you're looking for simplicity and power the 5th gen is nice. The 3rd gen is legend and we needed that, if you like old school vehicles. Go for the 3rd gen, I'll probably buy a 3rd gen 4runner because they're reliable and they take long to show its age.
No love for the 4th gen lol. I have a 2004 Sport V8 and love it. The V8 has that torque that makes it the best of both Wolds. 300,000 miles and handles like new. Now just a winter driver.
I wouldn't go that far. i like the 4th gen... just not as much as the 3rd and 5th :-) The v8 is a huge plus for sure.
@@DrivenCompanion I was referring to best of both as in the towing capacity. My dad has a 01 limited and still going strong. Really can't go wrong with any of them.
Me and my unpopular opinion: 4th gens are pretty nice too
They aren't my favorite generation but I still like them!
Be careful Mike people will get uppity over the fact that you prefer something with modern tech LOL. Personally I like both, they both have their merits. Hopefully the body of the 5th gen doesn't rust out quite as badly as most 3rd gens.
About to move from a 2001 SR5 2wd to a 2020 TRD ORP. Looking forward to the upgrade.
I'll be doing exactly that upgrade from my 2002 sr5... in 20 years when she dies Haha
The hate for the 5th Gen here seems strong. I’ve owned 3rd, 4th, and 5th. Love my 2020 ORP. I’m not a small guy so I like the room of the 5th.. as do my boys in the backseat. I just watched videos of a 5th Gen with modest lift leading an 80 series up rocky SoCal trails.. and I guess based on all the it’s-too-big comments the Land Cruisers must be just plain awful on the trail. I loved my 3rd Gen but I like my 5th more. Irony, mine were exact same colors, green 3rd and white 5th.
@@TracyClark From a Garage space perspective its a step back moving from 3rd to 5th but everything else is great lol.
I love both my 3rd Gens. I would like the 3rd Gen with the 4.0 V6 engine......
My favorite generation is the Toyota!
my neighbor has a 5th and i have a 3rd... i get more compliments😀
No way 5th! 3rd gen is my pick!
Ask Scotty he live for Toyota
5th Gen Ftw. They designed the grill after a samurai mask.
I think it looks kind of goofy and over the top, like they tried too hard. Just my opinion. I think as the years go on the 5th gen will look very out of dated and more like a fad compared to its previous generations.
@@foskco87 the 5th has the most aggressive grill out of all gens. Aggression is timeless. Most dont like the new lexus gx grills or lx grill, but they will also become timeless. All designed after frightening samurai masks.
I absolutely love the third generation 4Runner but also absolutely hate the fact that they Mass produce them with sunroofs.... newsflash Toyota people do not want sunroofs as much as you think. The structural rigidity of the vehicle is compromised when you cut a hole in the roof also nothing like getting a shower of glass in a side-impact collision....... Wake up Toyota
I like the 5th.
Man, get off your high horse about 5th Gen this or 3rd Gen that. It’s all about preference. I have both a 2020 and a 1997 Limited and honestly, I prefer the 3rd Gen, but that’s just me. To each their own!
@@subtegral uh, I have both so I don’t know what you are talking about. Yes, I have a soft spot for the 3rd Gen since that was my first suv vehicle and I love the styling more. My 5th Gen SR5 is more for my work/ daily commute. And hey congrats on your 2025 4Runner. I’m so happy for you!
Having wheeled both, the 3rd gen is hands down better on the trail. It’s no comparison. 5th gen is the better daily but it’s big, slow, has crappy visibility, and is not as nimble on the trail. The gimmick features doesn’t make the 5th gen better.
Exactly what I have been saying for years. Doesnt matter how many electronic bells and whistles you throw on something if it cant fit up the trail. The compact size, overall stance and clearance on the 4runner is what made them so capable and popular in the first place.
Great overview, I agree on 5th gen
The 4th Generation was the best... and you missed it haha.
5th gen is just way too massive and bulky and expensive. The whole compact size and small wheelbase is what made it a Toyota. That is what made them such capable off roaders. Not the 20 grand worth of electric-this and auto-that. You can put all the technology and bells and whistles on something but if it wont fit up the fucking trail what is the point? The 4th gens were already getting too big and they just made the 5th gens even worse. I cant see over the hood and have a hard time telling how close I am to something that is in front of me. Not practical for offroading. You have to put a 3" lift and large tires on a 5th gen just to make it look like proportional. I do think they look good but not as good as the 3rd gen. Plus the 3rd gen was offered with a manual transmission.... end of debate. The 4th and 5th gen 4runner not even having manual as a fucking option is shameful and kind of embarrassing. You all got fat and lazy and it cost us dearly. Now we have oversized automatics.
Exactly!
"Compact size is what makes it a toyota". Have you heard of the cherokee xj, bronco 2, pathfinder and blazer all of which are smaller and lighter than the 3rd gen 4runner?
Ok soccer mom
5th gen>3rd gen
Sorry but 3rd generation is much better
I like 👍 the 5 gen but can’t deny the truth
5th Gen 2019 TRD PRO Voo Doo Blue Hands Down ...
5th gen is mostly plastic
So basically you prefer the 5th gen because it has technology that was not available when the 3rd gen was new. 👍