Trailhunter 2025 4Runner 6th Gen spotted @ gas station (Everest color)

[trailboundt4r]

Photocredits - Team4Runner/Myself

 

[qtb007]

Unfortunately this georgeous EverRest color is only available on the Trailhunter, so you can only get it with the electrified hybrid.

It is available on the TRD Off Road Premium, too. TRD Off Road Premium Spec

 

[qtb007]

It is not possible for the heavier hybrid with the same turbo four to have better or equal HIGHWAY fuel efficiency as the non-hybrid...unless of course the EPA intentionally gives hybrids an unfair rating. Its just simple physics.

The hybrid has the ability to recover energy any time that the vehicle is coasting or braking. It also has the ability to shut the engine off on negative grades. The EPA test cycle isn't derived from steady state speed. It has accelerating and decelerating in the cycle. That's why the hybrid gets a better EPA rating even on the highway cycle. The electric motor also allows the vehicle to choose what is most efficient when making power. If it has the charge in the battery, it can lean into the electric motor for a slight uphill grade rather than leaning into the boost.

I also drive about 50/50 city/hwy on my normal commute, so the ability to drive on electric only and recovering energy for the frequent stops will help gas mileage. Much of my other driving is in the mountains where the system can regen energy.

 

[MJE]

Too bad this awesome color isn’t available across the line for those who don’t need to go as far as a trailhunter.

 

[ModernDay4Runner]

But wouldn't you rather have this one with a twin turbo six?

I am happy with the improvements this engine provides over the 5th gen engine, so, to answer your question, "no," I would not want to pay more money for a twin-turbo six. Two more cylinders is just not as important to me. I focus on the output or the results, not the count or size. This new motor has more HP, more torque, and will probably be slightly more fuel efficient. Those three things are good enough for me. But I do understand many people don't like the idea of going from 6 to 4, I do get it.

 

[darinja]

Too bad this awesome color isn’t available across the line for those who don’t need to go as far as a trailhunter.

It's on the Off Road trims as well -- https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...accessories-post-production-options-ppo.1858/

 

[Rubicon2Runner]

Four and six, they are just numbers of cylinders, what matters is the end result.

I get what you're after, and you're not wrong.

Yet...while the number of cylinders itself isn't the sole determinant, it significantly impacts the overall experience.

The sound profile is a prime example. Having driven both, I can say the T'4, without hood insulation, produces a cacophony of noise that lacks refinement (sounds like bunch of disjointed noises, actually). In contrast, the hybrid, with its added insulation, is much easier on the ears. A V8, with its iconic V8 roar, would undoubtedly provide a truly exhilarating sound.

As fewer and fewer people have the opportunity to experience the raw power and distinctive sound of V8 or even V6 engines, their appeal diminishes. This generational shift in automotive preferences highlights the importance of considering the overall driving experience, including both performance and sensory qualities.

 

[andim]

I get what you're after, and you're not wrong.

Yet...while the number of cylinders itself isn't the sole determinant, it significantly impacts the overall experience.

The sound profile is a prime example. Having driven both, I can say the T'4, without hood insulation, produces a cacophony of noise that lacks refinement (sounds like bunch of disjointed noises, actually). In contrast, the hybrid, with its added insulation, is much easier on the ears. A V8, with its iconic V8 roar, would undoubtedly provide a truly exhilarating sound.

As fewer and fewer people have the opportunity to experience the raw power and distinctive sound of V8 or even V6 engines, their appeal diminishes. This generational shift in automotive preferences highlights the importance of considering the overall driving experience, including both performance and sensory qualities.

I can't care less about the sound or feel of the engine. It's just a tool that drives the thing. Other features impact me directly: good head lights, ground clearance, suspension quality,internal storage, seat quality.... I'd rather have them spend the money there than on an engine I don't need.

But of course they should offer the 6 cylinder option for people who value that over other things and especially if you are planning to do real overlanding then a non hybrid 6 cylinder turbo would be the way to go.

Overall I am very interested in the trailhunter as the price is at least 6k below what I was expecting. I haven't had time to spec out the TRD off road premium. But it seems to me that the trailhunter is more bang for the buck than a TRD off road after you add skid plates, hybrid and all that. The only thing missing is the full time AWD on the 4runners, especially when you plan on doing long trips on roads with varying surface conditions like snow and dry pavement.

 

[ModernDay4Runner]

I get what you're after, and you're not wrong.

Yet...while the number of cylinders itself isn't the sole determinant, it significantly impacts the overall experience.

The sound profile is a prime example. Having driven both, I can say the T'4, without hood insulation, produces a cacophony of noise that lacks refinement (sounds like bunch of disjointed noises, actually). In contrast, the hybrid, with its added insulation, is much easier on the ears. A V8, with its iconic V8 roar, would undoubtedly provide a truly exhilarating sound.

As fewer and fewer people have the opportunity to experience the raw power and distinctive sound of V8 or even V6 engines, their appeal diminishes. This generational shift in automotive preferences highlights the importance of considering the overall driving experience, including both performance and sensory qualities.

I am 60 years old and have owned numerous V8s. I owned cars with aftermarket performance camshafts and long-tube headers and loud mufflers. I know a little bit about sounds that car can make. The cacophony of noises you refer to (nice word BTW - cacophony) on the T'4, I will have to experience myself. I don't want a hybrid as I see those as more maintenance requirements and potential issues, but I am all for the concept of hybrids and EVs for those so inclined. I am all for technological advances.

 

[Rubicon2Runner]

cacophony

Smiling, you'll need to let me know what you think, when you get the chance. We recently drove both a T-4 TRD Off Road (which has no hood insulation) and a TRD Pro, T-4 Hybrid w/hood insulation, and there was a big difference.

I'm thinking it's mostly the insulation, but...we'll figure it out some day .

 

[Rubicon2Runner]

...It's just a tool that drives the thing. Other features impact me...

The differences between us are what make discussions like this so engaging. If we all wanted and had the same things, life would be a pretty boring place, wouldn’t it?

Regarding the engine, for me, with all the electronics and the turbo's fairly high (for a mass production vehicle) compression ratio (11:1), going the extra step to a hybrid feels like just adding more drops to an already full puddle for me.

What initially drew me to consider Toyotas (Tacoma/4Runner) is the engine. I need the extra horsepower and torque for tackling long mountain grades and towing. Jeep's 3.6L is 'adequate' for moving its own weight around, but it struggles when asked to do more. When I regeared, I went with 4.88 instead of 4.56 to squeeze out a bit more low-end capability.