2020 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro vs The V8 4Runner We JUST Bought // OFF ROAD TEST 

Happy New Year everyone! We hope you enjoyed the video! And for those of you who caught our mistake, good work! I quoted gross vehicle weight for the TRD Pro not curb weight. I'm going to blame James, only because he's the one that looked that number up, and currently he's on vacation so he can't defend himself. Speaking of which, check out a photo on the @thethrottlehouse instagram of James with his first car. He wasn't around to stop me from posting it... Cheers! -Thomas

I'm more interested in learning more about how you found a 4th gen for less than $7k, lol.

A 2007 Limited with 150k miles for 5K USD? Absolutely insane.

Man $6,700 is a freaking STEAL for that V8 4Runner. That car is unkillable and so so so capable.

I'm a nurse with a 2003 V8 with 215K miles. I am still very much in love with my 4Runner. My older sister, also a nurse, bought the same Army green 2020 TRD Pro as on this video. She paid $60,000 for her 4Runner. I used my $60,000 as a down-payment on a cabin in the woods. She has a new car, I have a new cabin. I think maybe I might be winning.

I bought a '02 Sequoia 4x4 with the same 4.7 V8. $3,500 USD. Turning 300,000 miles (483,000 km). Just came back from a 500 mile road trip. 0 issues.

I love that Toyota hasn't turned these into grocery gets like other makers. They've kept it a real truck.

My 2004 proper TRD supercharged 4.7 4Runner has 187,394 miles & runs like new. Minimal maintenance aside from healthy oil changes etcetera. The frame will rust out long before the engine dies on these Japanese dreams, but they did do a frame recall back in the day if you were lucky enough to own this unique anomaly back then. The 05's & later don't have the frame rust issues, they also added VVT-i & a few tweaks for noticeable horsepower gain. The legendary 2UZ-FE V8 & 4th gen 4Runner were way ahead of their time!

Great video! I’ve had my 2005 4Runner Limited since 2007 and put over 240,000 miles on it. Like the 07 you have in your vehicle, I replaced the driver side front seat covering with a new one I bought on eBay for under $250. I’ve upgraded the JBL head unit twice, this last time with a mid-level Kenwood system. It’s completely touchscreen, has Apple CarPlay and an input for a backup camera, which is great but was an absolute CF to install. I spent the time to remove the interior trim pieces and covering to hide all the wires and make it look like one that would have come straight from the factory. I also replaced the factory rims with the exact same TRD wheels that are used on all TRD models today for under $1,000; straight from Toyota, not a third party company. Some of the factory parts like the air filter are easy to upgrade and perform much better with a K&N system or similar but aren’t really necessary. The front end leaves much to be desired and doesn’t look like what I think an “off road” car should look like! One of the first things I did when I got my car was to install a black, matte cattleguard with PIAA lights mounted straight on. Another unnecessary change but it looks much more aggressive and less like something a soccer mom might drive. With regular maintenance, the most “serious” problem I’ve had was a cracked power steering line which was super cheap to replace. The DAC (Downhill Assist Control) was a mystery to me until two winters ago when I decided it was time to figure out if it actually worked or not. It seemed worthless and broken until I did some trial and error to test it out. The only time it makes a noticeable difference, and it’s a huge difference indeed, is on a very steep grade AND the transmission is in “L”. I use it whenever the roads are covered in ice and it keeps my speed around 5mph without any assistance from the brakes, which is the whole goal. I have the DAC turned on and the car in L at a dead stop before moving down the hill. Even when other trucks and SUVs are sliding down the same hill I use, my 4Runner stays at an easy to control speed without any sliding or loss of control at all! For as cheap as the fourth generations V8 4Runners are nowadays, it is far cheaper (yet much more work) to buy a used one and spend as much money as you want upgrading it and putting in the newest electronics you can find and still have tens of thousands of dollars in your wallet. That engine will run forever. I don’t think that can be said for any other 4Runner that has been or ever will be made. Thanks for the comparison video!

The 4th gen 4Runner was so ahead of it’s time. A traditional body on frame suv with the looks and comfort of a modern crossover paired with the smoothest most reliable V8 ever.

Mine is the 2007 exact version. It´s indestructable, a tank. Buy one, you never need another one.

The specs for the 4.0 and 4.7 doesn’t seem far apart, but the difference in them really shines when you tow and off-road. When your going up on elevation, that extra 2 cylinder makes an big difference.

Original owner 03 4Runner SR5 V8, exactly 20 years today. Just over 160k miles and first minor repairs are coming only now (valve cover gasket and oil filter adapter gasket). This has to be one of the most reliable vehicles ever made, and still fun to drive as it was on day 1.

Imagine what $20K in aftermarket parts would do to the 4th gen ;)

Conclusion: Buy yourself a good clean used Toyota 4Runner & save yourself loads of money. End of story!

20 years later when they re-review these cars still running. They will smile fondly

Love my 2004 4Runner V8, bought when new and 4Runners were affordable. It has 166,000 miles (~267,000 km). Though I don't off-road as much as I did in my younger days, this vehicle is fully capable. Both off-road and on-road, as well as towing (up to 7000 lbs) campers and a boat (not at the same time😎). Mine is an SR5, so it doesn't have all the fancy stuff of the Limited, but it has suited me perfectly. I love it!

"This interior is very dated" *laughs in 02 Tundra*

I had an 04 V8 Sport with 418k miles when I sold it and it legit ran like new. Absolutely loved it and wish I hadn’t sold it

This video directly affected my garage.... Now I have an 06 GX470 and couldn't be happier. Better pricing and interior than the 4R and a nearly as good off road!

I have a GX470 with the 4.7L V8 and that engine is a beast! I've towed a couple trailer loads of tree trunks (probably a couple thousand lbs each) and the engine didn't break a sweat.

I love the FJ cruiser lurking in the background.

Waking up to a Throttle House notification is the best way to start 2020

I have a 2003 V8 Limited, silver, 198k mi (wgaf km). I’ve updated the radio long ago to add bluetooth and maps (which themselves are now outdated). I run +1 size DuraTrac tires and this vehicle has been through some pretty rough terrain, although I don’t consider mine a true wheeling machine, although it could be easily enough. I did take it through Devil’s Canyon up near Mt. Evans in Colorado once and it did wonderfully - bone stock. I’ve seen guys mod these and do great on trail/in Moab but I wheeled a TJ Rubicon for several years and that satisfied the bug enough that I chose not to seriously build my 4Runner. The center torsen diff on the 4G 4Runner is a work of art (really look it up - they’re unreal). It’s very efficient, allowing all time 4WD for only a small mileage penalty and it has limited slip diffs front and rear plus ABS-actuated traction control to clamp down on whichever individual wheel begins to spin - so it won’t sit there with one wheel spinning and the other doing nothing like an open diff - especially with the center diff locked. With my DuraTracs and constant 4WD, I have zero problems in the snowy mountains of CO or when it dumps 2+ feet in Denver. The low end torque of the V8 means this things pulls hard. Moving to Denver in 2003 we were hauling a Honda Civic on a Uhaul car trailer behind our big ass Uhaul truck. Well that Uhaul handled the flat lands of Texas not problem but once we got to Memphis, TX outside Amarillo, elevation maybe 3200-3500 ft, that truck decided to stay in 2nd gear. So we bought a trailer hitch (it was that new) and put the Civic behind the 4Runner and hauled it at highway speeds all the way to our house south of Denver at 6000’. I’ve had my 4Runner so long that my son is now learning to drive on it. I’m going to drive it until either the wheels fall off or I give it to my son. But since you can’t get a mid-size V8 new, I’m keeping it in the fam! These are special SUVs imo.

I love the functionality and durability of the 4th gens. But that TRD is beautiful. I’m really excited to see the redesign next year. I hear Toyota has some nice tricks up its sleeve for the next generation of 4Runners, Tacomas, and Tundras.

Everyone I know, who owns one, new or old, including myself, love their 4 Runner.

*See old other car* "Gross its old" 😒 *See old Toyota car* "Hello there young miss" 😉

I enjoyed this video!! Last fall I was able to pick up a 2004 4Runner Limited V8 for $4,800 with 155k miles on it. I had no idea what kind of deal I got until I learned more about this thing - it is a beast of an SUV! I'm looking forward to putting another 150k on it with my wife and kids. I was so blessed to get such a great deal on it.

I have a 2005 4Runner Sport V8. It has 514,000 miles and it still has its original transmission and original engine. I love this car and have seen a few other 4Runners on-line that have gone over 1,000,000. I'm hoping mine gets that far. When it passed 500,000 miles, I got it painted and had the interior re-done (new carpet & new leather seats (front and back) a change from the standard gray cloth).

It's crazy how these things hold their value.

When he said “just like student loans, it sticks around” I felt that..

I bought my 2006 4runner Limited back in November 2021 for $10,400 with 214k miles. It has 220k miles on it now. I’ve taken it on 6+ hour road trips and that V8 makes it so smooth on the highway. Off-road that same V8 just uses it’s tractor like power to crawl through time and space

I am on my 2nd 4Runner. Previously owned a 1999, and now currently a 2011 4Runner SR5. Granted 2WD and living in Dallas-Fort Worth area, it survived the blizzards of 2021 and 2022. In 2021 I drove from Fort Worth to Irving Monday-Friday, albeit very slow and carefully, the 4Runner was able to make the trips with minimal issues. There were a few times where there was loss of traction that made things a bit gnarly with the rear wheels spinning and fishtailing, but at the end of the day, these vehicles are some of the most capable and reliable vehicles (not just SUVs) on the market.

My '05 4runner has over 430,000k on the V8, and it's still going strong. It's a really refined stump jumper, and a pleasure to own. Good purchase guys.

"Dated interior" = doesn't have a shitty tablet shoved into the dash

Thanks for this review! I felt like I was there with you in my 2006 v8 4Runner. I’ve updated little things like the lighting and added leather to the seats. With only 250k miles I’ll never get rid of it. It’s a beast on hills and highways!

Love Love Love my 2001 3rd Generation SR. My daughter gifted me with it. Lolly was a salesperson for a Toyota dealership. I informed her of this Unicorn, and she purchased it and surprised me with it, October 2020. "Mom!, the Unicorn was a trade-in, and I bought it for you!" Perfect companion to my 2000 Jeep Cherokee! Never owned a brand-new vehicle; never purchased a brand car. Both are still in tip top running condition.

So I have been driving a 1996 V6 4 runner for the past 3 years..... I need an upgrade, and I can’t see myself in anything but 4-runners now. 😍🤤

They call it "offroading". I call it driving the last 10 miles to my friend''s house for a party. lol

So glad you pointed out the soft close on the 2007 tailgate! I've had four 4Runners and when I went from my 4th gen to 5th gen I noticed soft close was missing and it was a real disappointment. I know gen 5 is considered bulletproof, but that missing feature really made me feel like the 4th gen was better built, gen 5 had cost cutting, or both.

This is my favorite car series to watch. I grew up in a mechanic/hot rod family that has strong roots in sarcasm. This clicks all the right buttons.

I owned a 2004 V8 Limited for nearly 10 years as the original owner. Honestly best vehicle I’ve ever owned (and I’ve had some decent ones...) Very happy you did this review! Happy New Years fellas!

So happy I bought my 94 Trooper LS, manual, 135k miles, no rust; 5 years ago for $650. I've paid more in registration fees in the 5 years of ownership than in replacement parts and service.

Im stoked to get my first 4runner. Ill be getting a 99 3rd gen Sr5 With 197k miles on it for 5k. Engine is running so strong. Im getting pretty hooked up. Its well maintained no rust and alot has been replaced on it. it was up for 7,500 but was able to get hooked up for 5. These things are tanks. Durable trucks that last a great amount of time. I heard 200k miles is barely breaking it in lol. Specially the 3rd gens.

Just got an '05 SR5 V6 4Runner, 170k miles, 3.5" lift, 35" Toyo M/T tires, 4.88 gears, rear locker, LED lights, and Apple CarPlay in great condition for $10k. Driven it cross country and crawled up some gnarly trails in it. Best vehicles ever.

One of the very few if not the only “affordable” proper ladder frame SUVs out there. I work as a Toyota dealer tech and this is the least problematic car in the lineup even by Toyota standards. The GM full sizers aren’t as dependable and the Mercedes G Class is beyond reach for most.

When he said Runescape, i loved this channel even more

As the owner of a 2006 4runner, I personally felt it when they mentioned how all older 4runners have cracked leather seats.

MY 07 Runner was the best vehicle ive owned! My wife walked away from getting t-boned by a 1500 Ram. Plus that thing literally took me everywhere...even with the V6.

That was hands-down one of the most enjoyable comparison videos I have ever watched on RU-vid, you made a subscriber out of me. I am the second owner of a 4th gen v8 and you have encouraged me to believe that I too have won at the used car game.

I absolutely love the 2020+ 4runner infotainment / screen display. Haven't had a single issue with it and LOVE having real time mileage, weather, music, and other info on the home page.

Short answer to the question at the end of the video: NO, you don’t need to buy a brand new one just to see it depreciate 30+% in the first 3 years ( like any new car) because a 10-20 year 4Runner will do the same job and deliver a similar driving experience and take you to the exact same places with reliable capability, provided that the previous owner took good care of it of course. While I definitely like the looks of the TRD way more I think it doesn’t justify paying 10x as much, but that’s just me.

I’ve got a 2006 Lexus gx470 with the 4.7 V8 which my dad bought new in ‘07 and now mine and going to 200,000 miles and works like new

17:55 the Runescape mention made me love James even more hahah good ole Runescale daus

4th gen is a beast class. If anyone worried about the front phase, we have aftermarket dope grills and bumpers to make it up.

This 4th Gen 4runner is similar to Prado 150. Prado 150 is an all time 4wd like GX460 but with an engine of 5th Gen 4runner. Its very stable and reliable on road. Have seen some with 700k kms.

You know you’re watching real Canadians when they go off roading in the dead of winter in Ontario and only wear one shirt and a beard.

Dad has one and it’s been stupid reliable. 230,000 miles He had a Range Rover so he’s loving his Toyota haha$

22:30 "I just lost my virginity again, it was as bad as the first time" hhahahahahaha

I have an 06 GX470 with the 4.7L 222k miles and its smooth as butter. I run 33s and it has torque on demand. Got rid of my 19 TRD Off Road Tacoma. No regrets.

I have both a 2005 V8 limited and a 2017 limited that I bought a couple of years ago. The 2005 is better in several respects. I actually had considered writing a letter to Toyota with a list of complaints. To start with, the 17 seems under powered for it's size and actually gets worse mpg than the V8 in the 05'. Here are my list of complaints. The rear wiper on the top may look cool, but not very effective, the air foil over the top of the wiper directs road dust directly onto the rear window unlike the 05 which directs the air so keeping the glass clear on dusty roads. The running boards on the 17 are useless unless you have tiny feet. The sun visors in the 05 are great the way they extend and having he light in the visor rather than in the headliner (they really screwed this up on the 17). The rear window button is in the worst spot ever on the 17', if you even touch it, then it shuts things off. These are both AWD models and the high/low switch on the 17 takes up valuable space. The cup holders on the 17 only allow for slim, small cups unless you pull out the liner and in awkward positions due to the location on switches that should be on the dash. The interior trim on the 17' looks great at first, but after a while you will notice how easily the silver painted plastic scratches.. I have put over 200k on the 05, and I would take it anywhere. I like the ride of the new one, but I would aabsolutely buy another 4th gen V8 and save my money. You can keep your pretty paint and trd stitching on the seats.. Yes, the V8 will need a timing belt every 100k miles or so but in my opinion that's a small price to pay.

"Just like student loans. these still stick around. Except this time its a good thing"

I have 2 4th gen 4Runner's sitting in my driveway. 2003 and 2005, both V8. This video makes me happy.

06 sr5 here.. 175K and going strong.. 3" lift running on 32's. We choose it over the Outback for all our long road trips. More comfortable and reliable.

In case anybody still doesn’t get it, The Toyota 4Runner is the most legitimate, daily live-able off-roader on planet earth. They really are good. I’d buy a used 150k mile 4Runner over an equal mileage Wrangler any day... Any.

Great video. I have a 4th gen, a 2008. It's fantastic in the snow and offroad. There are very few vehicles you can get with real 4WD, but also have the lockable center diff for full time AWD. The interior is utilitarian but well designed. I have the V6 version which has a timing chain. Yes the visibility is great, and the roll down rear window is very handy. You still see tons of them on the road. The 4runners are all made in Japan to my knowledge. I think that makes a quality difference. High QC, smaller batches of parts and such.

The way the smaller guy explained diff lock and low range by saying the vehicle doesn't surge as much as 4H when accelerating is priceless, well done.

Proud owner of a 2008 V8 Limited 4Runner 208K miles. I drive nearly 100 miles a day. And boy she’s a beast. Especially during the winter months in the Midwest. Great first car for me!

I love the 4th generation 4runner! I just got a 2007 Limited 4WD V6. in January. 2019 and it is Rock solid, smooth, quiet and very roomy! I love the capability. it has around 235,000 miles and everything still works!! Only a small torque converter shutter at lockup.. love this generation! I hope they dont mess up the next generation when it arrives! Please Toyota, keep the 4runner true to its roots!!

The 4th gen really holds its own! Especially with that V8!

bought a 2007 white 4wd Limited 4runner for 6500. taxes and such included. had 230k miles on it. havent had any issues yet. at 265k now. love it

Neat video. One point I can make is that when off-roading it is wise to not hold onto the steering wheel with your thumbs through it. If you hit something like a root and it causes the front tires to turn suddenly the steering wheel will too, and it can be bad for thumbs.

My 4th generation 4runner V6 has really served me. It has never disappointed me despite the bad road in Nigeria. Most of my journey is off road

I just bought a 2004 4 runner for 6,000 it only has 67,000! I am so happy❤️💕🥰

Im here 4 years later and the older gen 4runner are worth around 20k here in BC. Bonkers times ahead of us!

I drive my ‘06 v8 with 256k miles all over the world! No problems and with all the upgrades to leather, radio, and lighting I have no reason to get rid of it. No lights in the dash and starts as it should every time! I get compliments on it all the time. People have no clue how old it is.

James's sport was runescape what a legend XD

The moment of suspense before "soft close" was incredible. You guys have gone officially theatrical. Great video and review!

Used to have a 2005 v8 and it was a great drive. Pulled up hills noticeably better and was fun on a straight. Sold it because I got tired of poor headroom in the cabin. It was black with the hood scoop, looked sweet. Wish I had fit in it better.

I love you guys - these videos are incredibly funny and you actually manage to give honest and useful opinions on the cars. Amazing

I'll take that "old" vehicle any day. I don't have $67k to throw around.

I bought my 2008 FJ Cruiser new from the showroom floor and have loved it ever since. I've run it in icy conditions at an off-road park similar to what you were driving and it never got stuck once. A-trac and rear locker got me out of anything and I love my manual 4wd shift lever over any electronic option.

my first car I drove a lot was a 2006 4runner v6, that sucker taught me how to drive, drift, offroad, do burnouts, and took me to and from more highschool parties than I can count, 4runners are top tier

“If the video ends here, it’s because something went wrong in the next section” RU-vid: cuts to black and then plays an ad 😂😂

Just replaced a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee with a 2020 4Runner TRDOR, now I’m going to try and find a 2007 4Runner too! Even the Jeep dealership told me it was time to trade it in, so I took their advice and traded it for a 4Runner. 😜🐍🦄

I just got a 2019 TRD offroad premium last year for all the same reasons. It's a throwback that has all the old stuff you'd want (body on frame, 4lo, locking rear diff) and most of the new stuff (heated seats, bluetooth, etc.) We play in the mountains a lot, offroading, skiing, mountain biking and outside of REALLY big/technical offroad features the 4runner is unstoppable. I just wish there was a v8 option still so we could tow a decent sized camper.

I watched this video about a year ago, however my family bought a 2004 4.0 2wd and after months and months of driving it and exploring , I’m back here again!

Bought a regular old Tacoma 2wd for 9k back in 96. She’s turning the clock at 400k miles right now. I regularly drive everywhere...desert, Oregon etc from so cal. Mechanically just a perfect vehicle. But now I’m off to pick up a 2005 4Runner with 180k on the odometer. No leaks, no glaring mechanical problems...solid frame. Tranny shifts perfect with the venerable 4.0 engine. I’m ready for an auto...more room. Roof rack.

"James's sport was Runescape" Ahh, a man after my own heart/sporting ability

Who else wishes that there was a V8 option for new 4Runners?

17:53 "his sport was runescape" this is the first video I've ever watched on this channel and immediately a fan because of that

One my best purchases ever was a 2003 V8 4runner in 2012 with only 20k miles on the odometer. One of my biggest regrets was finding out how much I loved off-roading but only having 2 wheel drive. Doh! I threw some AT tires on it and made the best of it. It's been awesome!

Starting of this year with an off-road review with Throttle House YES🔥

If you’re selling that old 4Runner after this, I live in Ontario and I want it.

I have the 4th gen with the rare 3rd row seat option and we love it as a family car. It replaced my jeep for off-road trips because it has more room and is very capable.

Thanks for making me smile, and laugh while fighting off covid-19.

I was able to also buy a 2007 Toyota 4Runner V6 SR5 4x4 for a great price! I purchased mine for $3,750 with one owner in Phoeniz, AZ. Clean title, well maintained, clean inside and out, only thing was it had 400,000 miles (or about 645,000 km for those outside the U.S.)

James's rant about Ontario literally came from the depths of my soul. I feel you. 😟

I can’t believe you were able to buy a 2007 Toyota 4Runner for only $6700 - what a steal!!!! Great video comparing the two - I just bought a 2011 Toyota 4Runner SR5/Limited/Trail with 102.000 miles on it. Absolutely ❤ it. It’s my 3rd 4Runner. I’d love to get my hands on an older one with a V8 - maybe someday. Right now, I’m ecstatic to be driving a 4Runner once again. The Midwest snow is gnarly this year. They are tried and true beasts!!!!

Had 2003 Toyota 4 runner with a 4 liter v6 had it for 12 yrs when sold had 200,000 miles in those 12 yrs only tires , battery brakes, and maintenance, never broke very reliable vehicle ....