Reasons for huge price differences between early 5th gen and late 4th gen?

They're both underpowered if you ask me. My least favorite thing about my 4R is the engine.

However, this comes up on here a lot, and I've talked to people in person, and NOBODY has said they prefer the 3.5 to the 4.0.

 

As long as the 4.0 is reliable and adequately powers the 4 Runner off-road and down the highway, I’m fine with it. I figure with the transfer case, power off road should not be an issue.

 

I much prefer the 4Runner drivetrain over the Tacoma (ex-wife had a 2019 Tacoma, best thing about it is that it was 6-spd manual). I know it isn't quicker but I feel like it drives better (then again, maybe I just associate Tacoma's with my ex so I'd rather have just about anything else). iirc, that 3.5 makes more hp but less torque...