5,000 Mile Report - 2025 4Runner Trailhunter

• 1995 2nd gen
• 2005 4th gen (V8)
• 2016 5th gen
• 2025 6th gen (Trailhunter)

• I live at an altitude of 7,500 feet and we average 23 feet of snow each year.
• Engage 4x4 ~100 days each year, snow and off-road summertime.
• Drive an average of 20,000 miles per year.
• Typically sell my vehicles with 200,000+ miles

• Like many of us, I was concerned about going to 4 cylinders and a hybrid system. I researched and studied the LC, TH and GX 550 Overland.
• Having gone from a V8 in my 2005 4Runner to a V6 in my 2016, I always felt the 2016 was a little underpowered and I was going to avoid that situation again.
• Thus, I test drove three trucks (LC, TACO and 4R) with the 2.4L i-FORCE MAX engine. I did not consider the 2.4L i-FORCE (non-hybrid) engine.
• I also test drove the GX 550 (V6)
• My wants and needs dictate that the vehicle must be set up for deep snow and off-roading. (Note, I clearly recognize that wanting something does not mean I need something, Haha!)
• Some of the things I considered when comparing the Trailhunter to the GX 550 (no particular order):
• There is no question that the GX 550 is a high-end luxury vehicle and drives and rides accordingly.
• There is no question that the Trailhunter is better set up for off-roading and drives and rides accordingly.
• GX 550 has less ground clearance and lower approach angle.
• Trailhunter skid plates are complete and steel.
• Trailhunter has stock air compressor, rock rails etc.
• Trailhunter - 23 mpg EPA combined, 19 gal. tank (regular) = range 437
• GX 550 - 17 mpg EPA combined, 21.1 gal. tank (premium) = range 359
• GX 550 has a better powertrain, other than noted above.
• I should point out that I’m going to be 70 years old and now have the financial resources to buy what I want, with no concern about future resale value.
• The GX 550 is a great vehicle but honestly, I did not want a luxury vehicle and purchased the Trailhunter. Expensive yes, but you do get a lot!

• The first thing I did was to remove the rubber ‘plug’ on the air filter box (reduce snorkel noise)
• The second thing I did was remove the two small screws at the end of the snorkel and remove the end piece. I then took a golf towel (one with a brass grommet) and made a tight ball and shoved the towel down the snorkel securing the towel in place with a black zip tie connected to the small support that holds/ connects the snorkel to the truck. This greatly reduced the snorkel noise, and the noise is now just fine with the window down. (Note, both things can be easily ‘reversed’ when needed!).
• Prior to test driving, my biggest fear was that the 2.4L i-FORCE MAX engine would struggle with only four cylinders. Only after purchase, did I fully appreciate the powertrain and the awesome torque it has! No problem with acceleration and RPMs are generally very low.
• The Trailhunter takes a little getting use to with the hybrid system. At times the engine will shut off and run on battery power.
• The road to my house is a twisty turny, highly variable road with sharp steep hair pin turns at 7500’. The Trailhunter does what it was designed for and is constantly trying to optimize engine RPMs, turbo speed, hybrid battery power and tranny gearing. On a twisty turny road there is a lot going on with the powertrain. I found a very single way to ‘smooth’ this situation out. Simply push the Tow/Haul button and powertrain settles down and is awesome! (Note: the Tow/Haul setting cause the tranny to hold a lower gear longer, all but eliminates the engine from shutting off and overall provides more consistent power to the wheels. This setting can also be used in difficult stop and go traffic.
• At times, I use the Sport mode just to have a little more fun!
• No regrets purchasing the Trailhunter.

• I perform all basic maintenance myself (all fluids, filters etc.)
• On a new vehicle I change the oil at ~1,000 miles and then historically at 7,500-mile intervals (5th gen).
• On the Trailhunter, I may reduce the oil change interval to closer to 5,000 miles, depending on Blackstone oil analysis. During the winter, I tend to be ‘hard’ on vehicles.
• I have never had any engine or tranny issues with any of my 4runners.

fire_blade said:

Thank you very much for sharing that tip about reducing Snorkel noise. The tip will be really helpful for many users who finds the noises annoying

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sliver said:

Great write up!

I just passed the 4000 miles mark on my Trailhunter, It's my 1st 4Runner, and I love it. Only been offroad once so far, it played very well in the mud. My only gripe so far, is not the snorkel but the MPG, I can't get above 16.5 MPG Most of my miles are on the highway too... I tried upgrading to 89 Fuel (just filled up) see if that changes anything... Otherwise, loving it, and planning to keep this tank a long time.

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odins_beer'd said:

Great write up, curious to hear your thoughts on the skid plates? I'm between the trailhunter set and victory 4x4.

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MikeUtah said:

I'm currently averaging 18 mpg+ with very little highway miles and lots of hills and twisty turny roads. I'm assuming you are not running in Sports Mode all the time. Does your truck run on battery power when at some traffic lights and flat or downhill driving?

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