I took one out for a test drive on Thursday last week (Cruiser trim; no premium package). Fit and finish was pretty nice overall, but definitely do not dig how the hybrid battery drastically affects the load floor height and overall cargo volume.

The other thing that really blew me away was just how slow it felt. Yes, you had instant hybrid torque up to maybe 35 mph, but for maneuvers like on-ramp merges (which we do a lot of out here in Arizona trying to get from 0 to about 75 mph as quick as possible unless you want to get killed), it felt anemic. Perhaps even slower than my 2020 4Runner when you flog it (and testing numbers by automotive publications seem to back this up). I imagine maybe it is the relatively wider spaced gearing of the 8 speed, but I don't think I would have ever expected something with 326 hp and 465 lb/ft of torque to feel so underwhelming to me.

Additionally, maybe due to less weight in combination with the tune to 362 hp/400 lb/ft of torque, the powertrain felt WAY beefier to me when I test drove a TX500H back in December 2023.

Long story short, I think I'm about to give up on the prospect of considering a Land Cruiser or a 2025 4Runner TRD Pro or Trailhunter. I still need to check out a GX550 Overtrail+ (these seem more scarce, at least here in Arizona), but am not sure if the big step up in price in conjunction with the bad fuel mileage is worth it to be honest.

I hate to say it, but I may really consider going back to Jeep and may even look at a Bronco out of curiosity. My heart also goes to Defenders even though my wallet and brain tells me to stay away from Rover after owning one. Based on the current mix of recalls and stop-sales for Toyota, it's pretty clear the company has jumped the shark on its reliability currently also, so I'm just not sure if the advantage you used to get out of them is going to hold moving forward.

Couldn't have said it better myself. The cargo room and floor height are terrible. Power was good between 20 mph and 50 mph but when you nail it it seems to make a lot of noise after 50 mph but not really do anything. I drove a first edition and 1958 and I actually prefer the 1958. Didn't think I would like those seats but they are very cozy and comfortable.
I got back in my 5th gen and it felt better to drive off in it. Still love the looks of the LC though.

The new 4Runner will be exactly the same.

When I was looking at pickups, I looked at a lot of RAMs. comparing the V6 etorque to the V8 hemi was the same. Id be worried about my wife having to pull out in traffic from a store to a main road or on a ramp up to high speed. TRying to accelerate to pass some one or not get cut off

5,000 pound curb weight is the problem. My 2003 2WD V6 is 4,035 pounds. Weight is the enemy. Why Toyota?

The most important part of that statement is "2-wheel drive". That's like a 200lb weight loss right there.

Would've been nice for weight if the new 4Runner didn't increase in length. I hate the embiggening of everything.