What year 4Runner Limited should I get?

I have a 2010 Tacoma I want to trade in for a 4Runner Limited. What year should I get? I was considering a 2023 because it has the smart key, the newer navigation screen and the heated steering wheel. Is the smart key and heated steering wheel really worth it? I can get a 2020 or 2021 for less $$$. What do you think is a decent price to pay for a limited under 50k mi? I’ve never owned an 4Runner just test drove one for the first time and I really like it. Researched everything I could find and it really seems like a great move to make. Any suggestions and recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

 

heated steering wheel is a good thing. I use it all the time in winter, although I was using gloves for cold days in my old 4Runner and I was just fine. Smart key makes 4Runner easy to steal, If I had a choice I would rather have old fashioned physical key.

Also keep in mind that Limited trim has X-reas suspension which as per people reports prone to leaks after 5-7 years and expensive to replace.

 

Nope. It’s not worth it. I never use it and I’m in the Midwest. How many miles are on the 20-21

 

I have a '21, this model year has the larger Nav and smart key (I'm guessing you mean push button start and touch lock/unlock) no heated steering wheel tho (just heated/ventilated seats).. that came later.. but here in SoCal.. a non-issue.. IMO heated steering wheel isn't a make or break. So as others have inquired, I'd target the miles for a deal.. I think the differences between a '21 and '23 are negligible

 

I've got a '23 Limited. The push button start and the heated steering wheel is nice - but if you can get a better deal on a comparable mileage 2020 or 2021 - I wouldn't hesitate to do that. I like the push button start and touch lock/unlock because I don't ever have to take my key fob out of my pocket - I'd miss that more than the heated steering wheel. It gets pretty cold in the winter where I live - but even with that I don't use the heated steering wheel very often. I really only use it if the truck has been parked outside in 10°F, or less. If you live where the winter is not very harsh - you don't need the heated steering wheel.

 

My 2C.

I really love 2019 4Runner Limited, the version before Toyota Safety Sense was available.

Reason - I had few glitches on my 2021.

1) Warnings for safety sense features not available for no aperent reason, on a sunny clear day.
2) Had issues wifi not connecting. Went to Toyota dealer, did few diagnosis and ask to call Toyota connected services. -> Gave a call to Toyota connected services, did some diagnosis and asked to connect with AT&T. -> Gave a call to AT&T, did some diagnosis and asked to go back to Toyota dealer. -> Gave a call to Toyota dealer again and they said they can take in the vehicle and do some diagnosis at a fee of $199. I had a thought of removing the battery and connect back after sometime. And it WORKED..!!

2a) Something I don't like about the Wifi is I have to go to settings and turn on wifi every time. But some times it keeps turn on if I stop the car for a short time.
2b) Turning on wifi sometimes not successful on first attempt. Its anoying you cannot turn on again when the vehicle is moving. The vehicle needs to be stopped to press the "on" menu item.​

3) From time to time I have glitches with bluetooth and carplay. The old 2019 headunit have zero issues (knock on wood) as far as I can remember.​

Even 2019s have smart key. I think all Limited got smart key, heated and cooled (ventilated) real leather seats.

But don't have remote start with mobile phone like 2021+ models.

2019 safety connect to locate a stolen vehicle or call emergency services in an accident is not more available as it has older 3G service. (2021+ models have 4G service that still works.)

My best mod to the Limited is upgrading to 17in wheels. Now I'm not worried about Mrs scratching or worse cracking 20in wheels if she hit a curb or something.

I also love 2019 came with serviceable halogen headlight bulbs where I upgrade to good LED bulbs and are still serviceable. Vs, if newer 4Runners with LEDs if you get problems you are looking at changing the entire headlight assembly.


Something to keep in mind -

1) Limited suspension -
The secret sauce for Limited been more comfy than any other 4Runner is its XREAS suspension. XREAS is an interesting topic where some have issues in lesser miles and some not having issues even at 192000 miles (from what I see on forums).
But the bright side is if you don't want to spend like $3000 to replace XREAS you can replace with cheap regular shocks. XREAS if not like systems like KDSS where you have to bend over at Toyota dealership.

2) Automatic running boards-
I don't know what is the life expectancy of these automatic running boards. Something could fail with time

3) Clearance -
Limited clearance is not good as SR5 / TRD trims. Not easy to convert if you want to keep the perfect finish and parking sensors working.
​

I do love the 3rd row seats since I use them sometimes. If there is no need for 3rd row you will have more cargo room and almost flat surface. Converting 3rd row to 2nd row is not easy. Even the 2nd row seat mechanism is different between the 2.


Edit -
I have this dirt cheap steering wheel cover and till date its working on both my 4Runners and work well in winter to a point I don't think about having heated steering wheel.

 

https://cartrimhome.com/Heated-Stee...XLmcRBHRKLg4mkhemC45FtIQnohATeNgeHVco4oUNvLG9

I had this installed in my 2015 4Runner and it's great. So if you don't get a newer Limited, you can ad this on aftermarket. Hope this helps.

 

Agree with everything kmeeg said above.
I also have a '19 - smart key with push button and remote start.
However, remote start is dumb as it turns the truck off when you open the door (shrug)

In the '19, the stock radio is garbage, and I bought a 9" Dasaita Android radio - Carplay, Wifi, it's basically an android tablet in the dash.
LOTS of info everywhere on those - it's a relatively easy install to DIY and worth every penny.

It's just an option to consider, but as stated, depending on the mileage, the XREAS will need replacing, but any standard suspension will bolt up. Bilsteins are a very common swap.