2025 4Runner towing capacity (6th Gen)

[Jack]

Nice to see the 6,000 pound tow capacity up from the 5th gen's 5,000 lbs. But curious why it's 500 lbs less than the new Tacoma which gets up to 6,500 pounds towing capacity?

Since 4Runner and Tacoma share same platform and powertrains, what's making the difference?

 

[MJE]

It couldn’t be a wheelbase thing could it, with the larger length of the Taco allowing for more stability when towing? Otherwise powertrain is the same & I’d think frame construction would be too, minus additional length. I didn’t look up weight or payload ratings for either vehicle.

 

[Mman611]

Since it’s the same power train the difference in tow rating must be because the 4Runner weighs more

 

[qtb007]

Nice to see the 6,000 pound tow capacity up from the 5th gen's 5,000 lbs. But curious why it's 500 lbs less than the new Tacoma which gets up to 6,500 pounds towing capacity?

Since 4Runner and Tacoma share same platform and powertrains, what's making the difference?

Tow rating isn't just based on weight, powertrain numbers, gearing, etc. They actually have to test the system at through the J2807 test. Things like handling are evaluated...

" The truck-and-trailer “Combination Handling Requirements” of J2807 specify minimum performance for understeer and trailer sway response. The tests are designed to determine the limits of the weight carrying, weight distributing, and stability of a fifth-wheel/gooseneck trailer, with the combo at its maximum GCWR. Understeer (the opposite of fishtailing) is measured at three different levels of Front Axle Load Restoration (FALR), which is a calculation of how much the load on the front axle changes. It can sound complicated, but the procedures are designed so you can be assured your truck will not be steered by the weight of the trailer under typical driving conditions even while pulling the maximum tow weight. For example, with a fifth-wheel or gooseneck hitch, the truck/trailer combination is allowed 0 degrees per g of understeer when there are 0.4 g or less of lateral acceleration and an FALR of 0 percent. In addition to the understeer tests, there is a measurement for the maximum sway damping that requires the trailer to move at a ratio of 0.10 or less at 62.1 mph (100 km/h). "

This is probably where the longer wheelbase of the Tacoma make a difference.