The fifth generation 4Runner was unveiled at the Texas State Fair on September 24, 2009.
It is available in 3 trim levels, 2 of which were available previously. The base SR5 trim as well as the top-of-the-line Limited trim are available as a 2WD or a 4WD. The new Trail Edition is only available as a 4WD. The SR5 and Trail Edition 4WD's will receive a selectable drive system, while the Limited will have full-time 4WD. All models will come with A-TRAC.
The new Trail Edition offers Toyota's Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) and Crawl Control which had previously only been available to premium Toyota vehicles, as well as a rear locking differential like the previous Trail Package.
The 4.0-liter V6 adds Dual VVT-i which improves horsepower, torque and fuel economy, and comes standard in all 4WD models. A 2.7-liter I4 will be available on 2WD models after the initial launch.