Car Care Nut Reviews 2025 Runner Limited (6th Gen)

8

88Center

Member
This guy probably the most respected Toyota mechanic out there. He finally reviewed the new 2025 4Runner.

Regarding ride...

"This was a shocker to me, how unsmooth this is. Very jarring, very rough, not smooth at all."

"This is a lot more capable offroad than previous gen."

Regarding engine...

"This engine, you can't just neglect it and expect it to last like the 1GR."

Regarding price...

"Why pay over 60k for this, when you can have the Landcruiser?"

"They made the 4runner so offroad and towing focus, it's not smooth...but then the Landcruiser is softer than this, less capable than this offroad, and it's a Landcruiser."

"But when you get into the higher trims, buy the Landcruiser."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB8UjzNbb8I
 
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I saw reviews of LX 700h and they were beating the drum on redundancy with inclusion of starter and alternator in case hybrid system fails. So Runner has the same redundancy? This is the first time I’m hearing about it. Any other hybrid trucks have same redundancy?
 
mtnslyr said:
I saw reviews of LX 700h and they were beating the drum on redundancy with inclusion of starter and alternator in case hybrid system fails. So Runner has the same redundancy? This is the first time I’m hearing about it. Any other hybrid trucks have same redundancy?
Click to expand...

Just watch the vid. He explains this in detail.

From Video

1. Two timing chains
2. Two timing covers
3. Four port injectors
4. Four direct injectors (very loud when running)
5. Cooling fan is electric instead of mechanical
6. Vacuum operated wastegate on the turbo (old school way)

Hybrid models

1. Battery is nickel-metal hydride, not lithium ion.

2. Only difference between the 4runner and the Tacoma, if you option the 4runner with the additional auxiliary switches, the hybrid motor will get an alternator. And if the hybrid battery fails in a 4runner that has the alternator, the alternator will start charging and vehicle runs normal as a non hybrid.

3. Hybrid versions come with a starter.
 
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This guy is great. Love his content.

I hate the way cars are going. It seems to me cars peaked in the 90's. I'm aging myself:)

Things like plastic valve covers, 'hybrid' systems, 4 banger turbo in a truck/suv? Great in my mr2 but a 4wd? There is no replacement for displacement when it comes to torque and longevity/reliability, imo. Particularly if you're out in the bush. Hybrid systems just more complicated and extra weight/failure points. Maybe in a city car...

I'll stick with my 3rd gens. I just hope they keep making parts...
 
NachoRunner said:
[MENTION=167083]shine[/MENTION], really? Think things like cv boots, seals, gaskets etc. Nothing lasts forever...
Click to expand...

He-he, sorry, but that setup was just too perfect...

I drive a 4th gen and I appreciate the simplicity and the relative ease of working on it. It's not without its faults, I really don't like how the 1GR-FE needs needs to rev the engine to get me up any hill at speed, but I also cannot find a reason to replace it. It's taken me on many great adventures and out of so many self-inflicted bad spots.
 
88Center said:
This guy probably the most respected Toyota mechanic out there. He finally reviewed the new 2025 4Runner.

Regarding ride...

"This was a shocker to me, how unsmooth this is. Very jarring, very rough, not smooth at all."

"This is a lot more capable offroad than previous gen."

Regarding engine...

"This engine, you can't just neglect it and expect it to last like the 1GR."

Regarding price...

"Why pay over 60k for this, when you can have the Landcruiser?"

"They made the 4runner so offroad and towing focus, it's not smooth...but then the Landcruiser is softer than this, less capable than this offroad, and it's a Landcruiser."

"But when you get into the higher trims, buy the Landcruiser."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TB8UjzNbb8I
Click to expand...


Has anyone here got a 6th Gen Limited and replacing the 20" rims and wheels with 17s? I would imagine that might go a long way in softening up the ride. Given how capable the 5th Generation Limited was off-road, I think the a 6th Gen with better tires and wheels might be a pretty compelling buy if it solves the crashiness while increasing off road traction. ATRAC and 4LO will take you 80-90% of where a TRD Off-Road will go.
 
This is precisely why I refuse to buy any more Toyota 4x4's past 2023.

How do we NOT get the 70 series here in the States??? Bare bones, super capable, retro looks, solid axles, and built like tanks!

I'll just stick to building the old 90's Toyota's and reminiscing of the good ole' days.
 
Reading the replies to this thread makes me wonder what the average age of the users of this forum is. I'm all about nostalgia, etc., but man, some of these replies are downright depressing.

I love the 6G 4R. It looks amazing, and the capability is fantastic. I currently have a deposit for the Trailhunter after cross shopping it with the Landcruiser and the GX. Car Care Nut reached the conclusion that you should buy those rather than a higher trim 4R, but I'd argue otherwise. I don't want smooth, I don't want luxurious. I want capable. This is why I chose the 4Runner.

By the way, this is coming from someone who would've never considered a 4R in the past. The 5th gen especially was so outdated by the end of its run, it looked like a museum piece. I'm glad Toyota finally gave us something appealing and modern.
 
generic.user said:
Reading the replies to this thread makes me wonder what the average age of the users of this forum is. I'm all about nostalgia, etc., but man, some of these replies are downright depressing.

I love the 6G 4R. It looks amazing, and the capability is fantastic. I currently have a deposit for the Trailhunter after cross shopping it with the Landcruiser and the GX. Car Care Nut reached the conclusion that you should buy those rather than a higher trim 4R, but I'd argue otherwise. I don't want smooth, I don't want luxurious. I want capable. This is why I chose the 4Runner.

By the way, this is coming from someone who would've never considered a 4R in the past. The 5th gen especially was so outdated by the end of its run, it looked like a museum piece. I'm glad Toyota finally gave us something appealing and modern.
Click to expand...

How about increasing the offroad capability of the Land Cruiser? But that def adds cost to an already expensive and overpriced vehicle.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVwK9GJjzCA


Land Cruiser Moab Edition

maxresdefault.jpg


Some good looking custom Land Cruisers out there.

Just a moment...

man-doesn-t-do-a-lot-of-off-roading-goes-and-buy-modifies-2024-toyota-land-cruiser-239523-7.jpg.webp
 
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As you said, cost is a factor. Spending that same money on a 4Runner gets you a better car. Also, I personally prefer the look of the 4Runner, and one of my favorite features is the rear window that rolls down; can't get that in the LC
 
generic.user said:
Reading the replies to this thread makes me wonder what the average age of the users of this forum is. I'm all about nostalgia, etc., but man, some of these replies are downright depressing.

I love the 6G 4R. It looks amazing, and the capability is fantastic. I currently have a deposit for the Trailhunter after cross shopping it with the Landcruiser and the GX. Car Care Nut reached the conclusion that you should buy those rather than a higher trim 4R, but I'd argue otherwise. I don't want smooth, I don't want luxurious. I want capable. This is why I chose the 4Runner.

By the way, this is coming from someone who would've never considered a 4R in the past. The 5th gen especially was so outdated by the end of its run, it looked like a museum piece. I'm glad Toyota finally gave us something appealing and modern.
Click to expand...
My 4runner, with 3 inch lift, goes to the grocery store with the best of them.
 
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