Car Care Nut Mechanic Reviews 2025 4Runner 6th gen

[CrispyTacoLover]

Does anyone have a non AI summary of this video?

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[beungood]

Non ai summary??

 

[jb.aubry]

Does anyone have a non AI summary of this video?

First half part is very interesting as he goes through the mechanical aspect of the 4Runner. Second half is very subjective as he gives is comments about the exterior and interior.

At the end, he gives his impressions on the driving.

I'd say the first part is very nice as this is something you can not much check when going to a dealer and looking at a new unit. However, driving experience and interior expectations are very personal matters that can only be answered by experiencing the vehicle.

 

[nubbins_]

Does anyone have a non AI summary of this video?

I can't be as comprehensive as AI, but here's some of my main takeaways from the exterior part - the previous LC, GX and Tacoma videos covered a lot of common TNGA-F and powertrain details:

• D-4ST injectors are loud
• Quick disconnect coolant fittings, potential annoyance/concern shared with Tacoma
• Good looking front and rear driveshafts, greasable U-joints, unlike Tacoma
• AVS is better than X-REAS but not impressed with stiff ride and still expensive to replace
• Some suspension changes and alu
• Possibly more durable plastic fender liner parts
• Cutout in body to better access the top bolt on the coilovers/shocks
• Brake lines running on the top of the frame rails like LC
• Apparently nicer and beefier clips on front brake calipers
• Different design of brake rotor cooling fins
• Good visual/physical quality under the car, except for plastic skid plates as expected
• Tow hitch is part of the frame like other TNGA-F
• Power liftgate motors and wiring external and accessible
• Offset spare tire OCD trigger

The latter half going over the interior I didn't pay too much attention to, it seems to be the same old we've already heard from reviewers a million times. It's the technical stuff that I watch TCCN for

Maybe it's just me but I don't mind the offset spare. It's offset to the "correct side" at least - I would imagine the TNGA-F design does a better job of preventing L-R lean than some domestic truck designs (where the weight of the driver + front driveline + gas tank + spare tire are all stacked on the left side of the vehicle). Hate Toyota/Chevy lean infinitely more than a non center spare tire

 

[Frcefed579]

I literally just traded in my 24 Pro Taco for a 25 Pro 4runner yesterday.

For reference, I owned three 5th gen 4runners before. Two black Off-Roads (2018, 2021) and a solar octane TRD Pro.

My taco had 18000 km's (11,000 miles) and it was within the VIN range for the transmission Issue..it drove like shyte. Rattles, clunks, fit and finish wasn't the worse, but it wasn't great by any means. I honestly couldn't stand the truck, especially for the price they are charging for it.

ISO Dynamic seats... I hated them, I found them uncomfortable, noisy and clunky as all hell and the lack of adjustment for the backrest really sucked compared to the electric back rest in the 4runner. I really hope Toyota makes them an option one day. My dealer said they've had a few people asking if they could switch the seats out for the regular ones. Dealer won't do it and if I'm not mistaken, I don't think it could be done regardless.

The 4runner IMO is night and day compared to the taco. It's quiet, no rattles, shift are smooth like butter, plastic used are nicer and the fit and finish is a lot better. The fender flares have a better fitment. The seats are AMAZING compared to the ISO's and the soft tex feels nicer too. The carpet in the 4runner is nicer material and fitment is better.

I had both suspensions on the softest setting and the 4runner feels a lot better, but that could be because it's a SUV vs a hiccup truck (I didn't have any weight in the back).

After driving the 4runner a 152 miles, I'm completely in love with it. You couldn't smack the smile off my face.

So with that being said, I totally agree with the Car Care Nut, there is most definitely a difference between made in Japan and made in Mexico. IMO, I feel the Pro 4runner is worth the price.

**I feel like I need to say that this is obviously my opinion, but I'm sure I'll get some flak from some Pro taco owners that take stuff like this personally. No disrespect, but the Pro 4runner is leaps and bounds ahead to the Pro taco**

 

[LARIN]

He is correct about the ride, my SR5 rides rough, looking for a cheap way to improve it other than trading for a Land Cruiser

 

[E.T.]

Here's an AI summary in case anyone would rather read:


? Summary: Comprehensive Analysis
? Powertrain & Engineering Philosophy

• The iconic 1GR-FE V6 is replaced by the 2.4L T24A-FTS turbocharged 4-cylinder. It delivers more torque and power but demands strict maintenance (frequent oil changes, high-quality filters). The engine design is technically simple and DIY-friendly—with dual timing chains, D4S dual injection, and vacuum-operated wastegate turbo.
• A hybrid variant features the 1MHV system: a parallel architecture focused on boost, not just efficiency. Battery fallback is cleverly engineered—models with an alternator can run as non-hybrids if the hybrid system fails.

? Transmission & Drivetrain

• The AL80 8-speed auto offers closer ratios and smoother transitions. Full-time, part-time, and 2WD variants exist. Toyota retains mechanical actuation (DC motors) for 4WD systems, maintaining robustness and serviceability.
• The rear differential is solid and mostly unchanged but better integrated, with features like a locking rear diff available. Driveshafts retain grease fittings, a rare maintenance-friendly trait today.

? Chassis, Suspension & Brakes

• Electric power steering replaces hydraulic—enhancing responsiveness and eliminating fluid maintenance. Suspension varies dramatically: SR5 gets twin-tube shocks, TRD Off-Road gets Bilstein, Limited/Platinum gets AVS (noted for jarring ride), and TRD Pro/Trail Hunter offer high-end Fox and Old Man Emu setups.
• KDSS is gone—replaced with more reliable mechanical sway bar disconnects. Braking improvements include thicker rotors, offset 4-piston front calipers, and electronic parking brake (which is now easy to service).

? Exterior Build & Undercarriage

• Japanese production yields excellent paint, welds, and materials. Frame routing is improved for durability. Gone are thick metal skid plates in Limited models; lightweight fabric covers now ease access but trade off protection.
• The 4Runner is deliberately rugged even in luxury trims. This includes a stiffer suspension and a strong tow focus—with features like integrated trailer light check and standard frame-mounted hitches.

? Interior, Tech & Utility

• Interior quality, though visually similar to the Tacoma, is higher thanks to better materials and Japanese assembly. Everything essential is operated with physical buttons—HVAC, lights, drive modes—preserving tactile usability.
• Tech includes wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, optional 14" screen, and standard headlight height adjustment. Towing features mirror those in the Tundra, offering advanced assistance like trailer blind spot and backup assist.

? Passenger Space & Usability

• Headroom improves through roof design tweaks. A third-row seat is optional (but not available in hybrids). With the third row in place, cargo space shrinks, but overall utility is strong.
• Hybrid models gain twin 2400W outlets—ideal for overlanding, camping, or powering tools. Gas models retain 400W outlets.

? Critical Evaluations & Trade-Offs
Strengths

• Massive mechanical improvement over the 14-year-old fifth-gen
• Modernized but remains intuitive for loyal Toyota owners
• Exceptional build quality (better than Tacoma and even Land Cruiser in some aspects)
• Highly serviceable for DIYers
• Real off-road and towing performance

Weaknesses

• Ride comfort is sacrificed—AVS suspension on Limited is jarring
• Hybrid trims become expensive fast with diminishing returns
• Not as smooth or family-friendly as one would expect from a top-trim SUV
• Strategic confusion with Land Cruiser overlapping in price/features

? Strategic Perspective

• Toyota appears to have reversed roles: the 4Runner, traditionally the family SUV with some off-road chops, is now a hardcore off-roader even in Limited trim. Meanwhile, the Land Cruiser has become smoother and more refined, though it's meant to be the legendary off-roader.
• This strategy may alienate some of the traditional 4Runner buyer base who want rugged reliability and ride comfort.

? Final Thoughts

• This is a fundamentally better SUV than its predecessor—but it’s not a smoother one.
• For those seeking off-road dominance and robust mechanicals, it’s a great buy. For comfort seekers? The Land Cruiser may be more logical.
• Most importantly, this marks a clear pivot: from neglected workhorse to a sophisticated, feature-rich platform—if maintained properly.

 

[Nodak]

so anyone know what hybrids actually come with an alternator or just the ones that options out the aux switch bank feature?

 

[outdoorCO]

He is correct about the ride, my SR5 rides rough, looking for a cheap way to improve it other than trading for a Land Cruiser

Have you driven the LC250? I drove one on a test drive on bumpy side streets and didn't find it smooth, found it to feel like a truck feel as well.

 

[LARIN]

Yes drove one not the 1958, the more expensive one, drove very nice

 

[DangItsDen]

The 1958 LC I drove felt very much like a truck. Not smoother than my ORP in my opinion. I'm not sure what suspension the sr5 and limited have on them but these Bilsteins are about as smooth as I would expect from a body on frame 4x4 SUV from the factory... I would absolutely ditch the 20" wheels and get some sidewall under you if you are looking for a softer ride though.

 

[Burgi]

I wonder why the 4Runner has grease fittings on the u joints but the Tacoma does not.

 

[nubbins_]

I wonder why the 4Runner has grease fittings on the u joints but the Tacoma does not.

iirc both driveshafts might be shared with the LC, very similar if not identical as to grease fittings

Taco wheelbase would be different

 

[2222CareBearStare]

i dont have my 6th Gen 4R yet, but this review is good. It also doesn't change my decision to order ...and wait...and wait.

seriously, this toyota ordering system sucks even worse for Canada, where we get drips of inventory across the entire country

Make sure to test drive one first. I was all set to buy a limited until I drove one...jarring is an understatement. Went with a TRD ORP instead and am quite happy with it. IMO drove a lot better than the limited.

 

[hammerhead]

so anyone know what hybrids actually come with an alternator or just the ones that options out the aux switch bank feature?

I had the same question after watching the video, seemed a key point for long term owners but if aux switches required then a more niche offering.

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