6th Gen Observations (vs. my 5th gen)

[4Runner-Dan]

I picked up my 2025 TRD ORP today, one of the first on the road in New England.

Observations:

• Engine very responsive compared to my 5th Gen.
• Highway noise is improved over my 2012 Trail but not luxury car level.
• Steering, braking and handling are far improved over the 5th Gen.
• 24 mpg average mileage achieved on a mostly highway drive.
• Spare tire has a alloy wheel!
• Front steering knuckles and tie rod ends are Al-alloy, a nice touch.
• Running boards are sturdy and have full aluminum plate backing.
• The factory wheels are growing on me.

 

[brumey]

Does anyone know if the SR5 will have the following from 4Runner-Dan's list on his TRD ORP:

• Spare tire has a alloy wheel
• Front steering knuckles and tie rod ends are Al-alloy, a nice touch -Will they be better than steel in strength and durability?

 

[Henry]

Does anyone know if the SR5 will have the following from 4Runner-Dan's list on his TRD ORP:

• Spare tire has a alloy wheel
• Front steering knuckles and tie rod ends are Al-alloy, a nice touch -Will they be better than steel in strength and durability?

The SR5 2025 4Runner 6th gen's spare tire wheel does look alloy construction. But note that it's not a full size spare tire / wheel.

This is what the SR5 spare tire and wheel looks like mounted and unmounted (credit to @Kokorone for the mounted pic)

 

[brumey]

The SR5 2025 4Runner 6th gen's spare tire wheel does look alloy construction. But note that it's not a full size spare tire / wheel.

This is what the SR5 spare tire and wheel looks like mounted and unmounted (credit to @Kokorone for the mounted pic)

Thanks. Should not get too rusty then.

 

[qtb007]

I picked up my 2025 TRD ORP today, one of the first on the road in New England.

Observations:

• Engine very responsive compared to my 5th Gen.
• Highway noise is improved over my 2012 Trail but not luxury car level.
• Steering, braking and handling are far improved over the 5th Gen.
• 24 mpg average mileage achieved on a mostly highway drive.
• Spare tire has a alloy wheel!
• Front steering knuckles and tie rod ends are Al-alloy, a nice touch.
• Running boards are sturdy and have full aluminum plate backing.
• The factory wheels are growing on me.

Thanks for sharing. I had 3 different 5th gens with around 130k combined. I'll always have some nostalgia for that platform because of all the good times I had in them, but driving the newer trucks kinda ruined the driving experience of the 5th gen for me. Engine responsiveness, transmission having enough ratios, and generally feeling more planted -- and less tippy toe -- in handling really made the TNGA-F vehicles feel like a step up over my 4Runners. I'm currently between 4Runners for my company vehicle, so I'm excited to see how things play out over the next few years when I'll again be in the market.

 

[kekecarioca]

Thanks for sharing. I had 3 different 5th gens with around 130k combined. I'll always have some nostalgia for that platform because of all the good times I had in them, but driving the newer trucks kinda ruined the driving experience of the 5th gen for me. Engine responsiveness, transmission having enough ratios, and generally feeling more planted -- and less tippy toe -- in handling really made the TNGA-F vehicles feel like a step up over my 4Runners. I'm currently between 4Runners for my company vehicle, so I'm excited to see how things play out over the next few years when I'll again be in the market.

Planted, responsive and predictable were the words that came to mind as well when I test drove one.

 

[LLL1990]

Planted, responsive and predictable were the words that came to mind as well when I test drove one.

A couple of YouTube reviewers also commented on how well it drives. Taking a quick turn in traffic or just in everyday driving they said it feels light on its feet; and the turbo 4 engine and 8 speed transmission work really well together.

 

[Area 52]

I test drove a 6gen SR5 4Runner today and was very impressed.
The dealer added a 3"lift, TRD wheels, and larger tires.

Quieter, much better power than a 5th gen, better seats, interior, etc.

I plan on buying a lower end TRD mostly for the brake controller, locker and heated seats.

My previous 4Runners were a 1986, 1996, and 2020, plus a Toyota Trekker which preceded the 4Runner.

No mods planned at this time, as we plan to pull a Casita fiberglass trailer with it.

 

[Nodak]

I test drove a 6gen SR5 4Runner today and was very impressed.
The dealer added a 3"lift, TRD wheels, and larger tires.

Quieter, much better power than a 5th gen, better seats, interior, etc.

I plan on buying a lower end TRD mostly for the brake controller, locker and heated seats.

My previous 4Runners were a 1986, 1996, and 2020, plus a Toyota Trekker which preceded the 4Runner.

No mods planned at this time, as we plan to pull a Casita fiberglass trailer with it.

oly shite, a trekker, lol you are old

 

[Area 52]

Here she is.
Built by Winnebago.
All fiberglass behind the cab.
The rear seat folded down flat.
The rear wall of the cab was cut away, creating an un-obstructed interior space.
I bought it sometime in 1995 with about 130k miles.

 

[Dead Horse]

Here she is.
Built by Winnebago.
All fiberglass behind the cab.
The rear seat folded down flat.
The rear wall of the cab was cut away, creating an un-obstructed interior space.
I bought it sometime in 1995 with about 130k miles.

That's badass!

 

[Nodak]

the oldest i've ever had was a 1998 4R Highlander