5th Gen / 6th Gen Comparo

I was just watching a relatively new YouTube video by David / Automotive Press.

In it, he has a 2025 TRD Off Road and a 2024 Limited. I don’t believe he mentions this in his video, but I spotted this on my own while viewing the video- When viewing both the 2024 and 2025 models in close proximity to one another, I spotted a glaring flaw in the external design. Well to me it’s a flaw. Either that, or it’s an optical illusion. Let’s see what others here think.

When viewing both vehicles from the side, it appears that the front and rear door handles are not aligned on the 6th gen. Explained another way, it looked like the rear door handle is higher above the ground than the front door handle. They looked to be not at the same level as with the 5th gen. Am I right, or am I crazy?

If I’m right, I don’t like it, whether it was intentional by the designers, or a design screw up. Perhaps this wouldn’t bother some, but for me, if it’s not an optical illusion, it’s a design faux pas’ in my mind.

I guess I’ll have to take a closer look at one in real life and rethink at that time.

Over all though, I think the excess amount of body lines and angles on the 6th gen is just all too “busy”, and will not age well. I suppose some will say variety is the spice of life, but I don’t see myself ever owning a 6th gen. Toyota “jumped the shark” with the 5th gen IMO. Keeping my ‘22 SR5 Premium 4WD ‘til death do us part.

 

Haven't looked at a picture of this, but I get it.

Was at the Jimmy Johns drive thru the other day and a Kia SUV was stopped at a light. In the brief seconds I was staring at the car, I noticed that the silver door trim was misaligned and immediately made me think that Kia doesn't give a crap about craftsmanship.

 

You had one job



And I agree, I noticed it immediately during initial photos.

 

Remember the rears of Runners tend to sit higher from factory. That may be what we are seeing.

 

No the rear handle is higher in the rear door to get above the fender arch.

 

The spare tire isn’t centered it's more toward the passenger side on the 6th Gen

 

It's because passengers tend to be higher than the driver

 

I don’t like how the 6gen looks too short from the rear . The rear window looks odd and not proportional to the front. Hence less trunk space in the 6 gens .

 

...which makes sense.

 

Lift the front to the moon to compensate…in more ways than one.

 

I see your point and did not notice it before but will now forever.

It seems they had no choice given the “stamped” part of the metal of the rear fender which is painted. It’s like that wheel wheel is too big.

The weather tec black fenders don’t help it either

 

You guys know that the rear door handle on the 5th gen is higher than the front door handle as well, right?

 

^^^
Everyone runs out to garage to look..........

 

if you can't see the how it differs between the two gens, don't drive without corrective eye lenses

 

6th Gen 4Runner: tailor made for short moms with tall kids.

 

TRD Jon explains that in one of his first vids on his. Can't remember which exact one. He does state the offset is intended.

 

Whatever the purpose was, seems like it was managed differently than with its siblings, the GX and LC250.

 

The only thing that looks offset to me is the price.

 

Let's see with an actual side by side 2025 TRD Off Road next to a 2022 Limited

 

I wonder how the blind spot is with that higher c pillar detail. I hate car designs with poor visibility.

 

That is a good photo. Definitely more pronounced on 6th Gen. probably just takes some getting used to

 

It's more prominent on the 6th gen because of the bolder rear fender swell.

 

Plus I think the black color on the weather tec fender well takes away from the silver making the eye notice that door handle higher.

 

High-lift rear is purposeful, not unlike the XTerra. The rear handles draw your eyes upward, so it’s intentional, and a pretty clever trick.

Soft-roaders will miss the “gentleman’s wagon” look of the Gen5 Limiteds, but overall there’s plenty to like about the new design for dedicated off-roaders. And for the off-road poseurs, you can finally park a stock 4Runner next to a new Bronco and not feel narrow & under-tired.

 

Is an eyesore .. as is rest of the car lol

 

I’m a former Gen3 owner. I waited to see what the Gen6 spec sheet looked like…and promptly bought a ‘24 SR5 Premium. Four months later, I’m loving my Gen5 more and am relieved that I didn’t go with the newer model. It looks like Toyota is making the 4R more street-oriented and shifting their off-road capabilities to other more expensive models. I sorta get it, as many 4R owners only rarely explore off-road. However, that’s not me. I figure I saved $10K to $20K going with the ‘24. For my money I got a very well made vehicle that is simple, understressed, off-road capable, and will last for 400K miles if I do my part.

 

Looks like someone kicked the 6th gen in the ass.

 

That's the most bizarre Toyota apologist post I have seen so far on this site, especially ironic considering the 4R is mainly a US model that's made for middle class commuters.

I mean, just look at these wannabe "gentleman's wagons" with their level door handles. LOL

 

If you look at with an eye for design,if the door handles where place along a specific line, either the rear handle would be on the fender flare , or the front handle would be much too close to the window opening.