3rd Gen vs 5th Gen 4Runner - Which is Better? 

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

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.

I like them all. But I do have a spot in my heart for 1st - 3rd gen.

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 😉.

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!

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?

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

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!

3rd Gen! Last 4runner that came manual transmission. I have a 3rd Gen 5 speed manual trans 4x4.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The 3rd gen is my fav!

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

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.

You should do a Tundra comparison

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.

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

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

BEAUTY IS IN THE EYE OF THE BEHOLDER CLASSIC WITH PERFORMANCE IS ALWAYS BEST!

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

chrome bumper is always better looking than anyone, so i definetly i prefer my 98 yota 4runner

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.

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.

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.

3rd!

Let’s see them on some trails

Me and my unpopular opinion: 4th gens are pretty nice too

I think 1gen, 3gen and 5gen are the best Gen of 4runner

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.

About to move from a 2001 SR5 2wd to a 2020 TRD ORP. Looking forward to the upgrade.

I love both my 3rd Gens. I would like the 3rd Gen with the 4.0 V6 engine......

My favorite generation is the Toyota!

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.

No way 5th! 3rd gen is my pick!

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

5th Gen Ftw. They designed the grill after a samurai mask.

my neighbor has a 5th and i have a 3rd... i get more compliments😀

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.

Ask Scotty he live for Toyota

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!

I like the 5th.

Great overview, I agree on 5th gen

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.

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.

Ok soccer mom

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. 👍