New guy interested in a 4Runner

Hi,

I have been thinking of getting me a new 4Runner, saw the new 2025 release and I am really digging the Trailhunter Edition. Curious as to the quality and reliability of Toyota. They (Toyota) seems have a reputation of both and I just want to get more info. I have been a VW guy most of my life (27 owned over the years, currently own a 2004 R32) but I have been venturing away from the brand. I bought new Ford Ranger XLT Supercab FX4 back in Feb 2023 as I wanted to venture into something different, off-roading/overlanding. Truck runs good, no real issues, but the quality of the vehicle lacks. Basically have to slam the doors to get them to close properly, rattles and lack of what I would think for a $40k truck should have standard, (heated seats and mirrors, one touch roll down on both windows to name a few) having driven mostly European cars my whole life (although my very first car was a 1980 4dr Corolla lol) I am used to a certain level of quality and Ford doesn't have it. So I'm thinking of moving over to a 4Runner

 

Welcome. The 5th gen 4Runner is in its last year and would be the best quality/reliability that you could ask for. The 6th gen will be new for next year and will have its share of issues for the first few years.

 

That's what the warranty is for right lol?

 

Beautiful Wookie.

 

Be confident that the hybrid powertrain the 4Runners will have isn’t new to Toyota. Their quality is unmatched, especially in the off-road space. And if you’re worried about it, the extended warranty should be very reasonable. If I were you, I’d pull the trigger on a gen 5, but that’s me

 

While Toyota is known for the quality and reliability, the 6th gen 4Runner reliability and longevity will only be known after they have been out several years. Carcarenut on youtube has previousley recommended potential buyers to wait 1 year before purchasing any new model. However, he is now recommending buyers wait 2 years due to the complexity of the power train. If you want to know you're getting their legendary reliability, I suggest you either get a 5th gen 4Runner or wait a couple years for the 6th gen to provide actual real world data.

 

Thank you!

 

Yes, but it also can be a headache depending on the dealer, the issue, etc. I'm sure the 2025 will be a step up over what you have now but YMMV. First years of anything risk having some more quirks as they dial in manufacturing and tweak things. I think a bigger concern would be finding a 2025 4Runner that isn't marked up to the moon by the dealer.

The outgoing model has everything pretty much sorted but you'll be going back in time a little bit. Us folks here obviously don't mind but you may.

 

Would year 1 of the Taco drivetrain count towards this recommendation?

To the OP, the fit and finish of a 5th Gen(current) will be better than the Ranger and the new 6th Gen. The 5th Gen drivetrain will feel like a dinosaur, mainly because it is. Its something most of us like though

 

From the vids I watched, the Hybrid i-Force max will be standard in the TH and TRD Pro, with the option for the regular i-Force I4, which it what I prefer TBH. Plus without the hybrid battery, I assume that space becomes extra storage? They only had the i-Force Max equipped models in the videos so they didn't know about that.

 

Dealer I'll be using doesn't do mark ups, MSRP only from what a co-worker said. Well see though lol.

 

That's a plus, but you'll have to watch out for mandatory addons too. Had a dealer price out an SR5 at over $50k with this wheel package and small accessories added on but without an explicit "market adjustment"

Fingers crossed for you, you might have to get in line now then.

 

I think you're correct.....more cargo space without the hybrid battery.

 

Toyota is always one of the most reliable brands. Vw is one of the worst so you should sleep much easier at night.

 

Being that I work for VW, I can confirm lol. Every morning walking in through the shop and all these new vehicles with interiors torn apart, or engines out...no thanks.

 

Welcome from Arizona!

 

In the few videos I watched, the interior (roof and pillars) in the new Trailhunter are black, some used ones I looked at all had brown/tan roofs and pillars. Were all previous gens brown/tan? I prefer black so that's why the new 2025 caught my eye.





Yes I'm aware the Rangers are the same way lol.

 

The last Consumer Reports I received rated the 5th generation 4Runner as the #1 most reliable vehicle you can own. As a side note, out of the top ten most reliable vehicles, seven were Toyotas. Go get a 5th gen TRD Pro before it’s too late!

 

Welcome

 

Welcome!

 

Welcome from Wisconsin!

 

Welcome

 

Mine's definitely grey, I'd bet it's just those two at least for the 5th gen.

 

Hello OP,

BLUF: Buy a 2024 4Runner Limited or TRD Pro ASAP

I've owned 8-9 Toyotas over the years, and currently have two...2000 4Runner SR5 4X4 w/ URD S/C, and 2011 Camry with 6SPM, and just ordered a 2024 TRD Pro 4Runner.

In the last 20 years, I've only bought new European cars...BMW M's, MB SL's, and most recently Porsche 911's...but had my 4Runner since 2004

I waited months for my Porsche allocation to come up, and spec'd the car exactly like I wanted including a manual transmission...the first time I filled it with gas, I had to call the dealer to tell me how to reset the trip meter. It is blindly fast and quick, but so much technology ruins it. I wish I kept my 991.2

The 2024 4Runner is the end of an era, and I think many will regret not buying one while they could and 2024 used prices will reflect this.

The V-6 1GR-FE is a great engine, and Toyota is dumping that for a smaller unproven 4 cylinder.
The 2024 is built in Japan, body on frame...which is ending. Its old technology, but it is proven to work.

I think when the new 4Runners and Land Cruisers arrive they will sell well, and at a premium. But again, technology will be their downfall. I doubt many
2025 4Runners will be on the road in 20 years with 300K miles.

If you want real leather interior and more luxuries, consider the 2024 4Runner Limited. But I am not optimistic about the quality of the new 4Runners.

Like others, Toyota is putting in smaller engines...with larger window stickers, while offshoring construction to cheap labor countries like Mexico

Toyota is drifting away from their core competency...building reliable cars at good prices

Buy one while you can...

 

The 5th gen is proven, I'd avoid the 6th gen until a few years of production are done. The first year with a redesign can be risky.

 

This is ending? I think the new one is BOF and made in Japan. Maybe I missed something.

 

At least to start, the new 4Runner will be built in Japan at its Tahara plant, but they are already making the Tacos in Mexico...
The trend for all manufacturers is not going the way I like, which is why I bought what I think will be the last of the breed...

Also, they get a 2.4L four cylinder turbo engine, and the hybrid engine is available too. My 2000 4Runner has 240K miles on it, and I supercharged it about 220K, I doubt a hybrid 2.4 turbo engine will be around in 20 years and 240K miles.

I prefer the proven 1GR-FE V6