The 5 Biggest Reasons To Buy A 4th Gen 4Runner

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Newer is better – at least that’s a common belief among us humans. Is that the case with the Toyota 4Runner though?

With the all-new 4Runner coming in 2025 and the outgoing 5th generation completing its successful 14-year run, the newer models seem like the obvious choice.

However, I would argue that the 4th Gen (2003-2009) is the best buy on the market right now. Here’s why:

The Only 4Runner With A V8 Engine

The fourth generation was the only 4Runner to offer a V8 engine, a feature unlikely to be seen in future models due to environmental regulations and rising gas prices.

Back in 2003, Toyota basically said “Let’s put the 4.7L V8 from the Tundra and Sequoia in a little 4Runner and see what happens lol”.

So they did, and it ended up being one of the best SUVs ever made. It was smooth, sounded great, had plenty of low-end torque (which is exactly what you want in a vehicle like this) and it was absolutely reliable.

Critics of the 2UZ engine complain about its poor fuel economy and its need for a timing belt replacement every 100k miles. For many of us, those are very minor trade-offs that we’re more than willing to make.

These hotrod 4Runners are likely going to climb in value as the years go on and it’s safe to say that Toyota will never make another V8 4Runner.

It’s Basically a 5th Gen Underneath

Despite the significant price difference, the 4th and 5th generation 4Runners are quite similar mechanically. Both generations share essentially the same frame, suspension, and even the 4.0L V6 engine.

The brakes are one area where the 5th Gen has seen improvements. The 4th Gen was known for sticky brake calipers, a problem addressed in the following generation.

Many 4th Gen owners actually upgrade to 5th Gen brake calipers to cure solve this problem.

Interestingly, the 5th Gen 4Runner has maintained the 4.0L V6 engine since 2003. This long production run is a testament to Toyota’s engineering but also highlights that you could get essentially the same powertrain in an older model for a fraction of the price.

Toyota did make some minor updates to the 4.0 V6 in the 5th Gens but the same 1GR-FE name remained.

More Features Than a 5th Gen?

Believe it or not, the transition from the 4th to the 5th generation saw the removal of some features.

The 5th Gen lost the locking fuel door with an interior release, and the antenna integrated into the windshield was replaced by a traditional fender-mounted antenna.

Until recent models, the 5th Gen also lacked projector headlights and LED taillights so if those are important to you, you’ll have to pony up the extra money for a newer model.

Subtle Styling From a Simpler Time

The older 4Runners can certainly be accused of suffering from pretty subdued styling. They don’t have anywhere near the bold aesthetics of the 5th Gens.

But for some people, that’s actually a good thing – not everyone is interested in bright colors and aggressive, boxy styling.

With some tasteful upgrades, the 4th Gen can maintain its classy looks while looking pretty rugged at the same time.

Huge Price Difference

The most compelling reason to opt for a 4th Gen 4Runner is the price difference. In Canada, a brand new 4Runner TRD Pro costs around $70,000.

Used models with about 30,000 kilometers on them still list for nearly $69,000.

In our local listings, I was able to find a 2003 V8 model for $12,000, and a 2015 SR5 model for $25,000. They both had the same mileage and were even the same color.

The price of the newer models is more than double that of the 4th generation, making the older version a bargain.

You could add the cost of a complete overland build to the price of one and still come in around the same price as a stock 5th Gen.

Final Thoughts

Even if you believe the modern interior, technology, and updated styling are worthwhile selling points for the 5th Gen, would you say that they’re worth at least double the price of an older, but very similar model?

Comment below with the 4Runner generation that you think is the best buy!