6th gen owners - why did you jump on a year 1 model of the refresh?

[Nodak]

toyota already bump the price by $500 for the 2025+ 4Runner.

toyota is being more fluid and reactive than before on price increases. i saw this happen on the 23, 24 and now 25 tundra.

some of the price increases where in the middle of a model year at times

the original DPH for the 22 tundra MY ws 1795, then jumped to 1850, then jumped again to 1945

22 > 23 tundra increase was about $1000

The 2023 Toyota Tundra saw price increases ranging from approximately $1,000 to over $1,085 compared to the 2022 model year, with the exact amount varying by trim level. For example, the 2023 Tundra SR had an MSRP of $38,760, a $1,015 increase from its 2022 price of $37,745. Higher trims, such as the Platinum, saw a $1,085 increase, reaching a starting price of $60,570.

2023 Tundra SR: $38,760 (+$1,015 from 2022)
2023 Tundra Platinum: $60,570 (+$1,085 from 2022)
2023 Tundra 1794 Edition: $61,255 (+$1,070 from 2022)
2023 Tundra Hybrid (overall): Increased by a more uniform $1,015 across the board

23 > 24 tundra increase was about 1000-1200 for the higher trims, 3100-3400 for the high volume trims

The 2024 Toyota Tundra saw a price increase over the 2023 model, with most trims increasing by approximately $1,000, though some popular trims, like the SR5 and Limited, experienced larger jumps of up to $3,400. The price hikes occurred across almost all trim levels, with the 2024 model generally starting at a higher price than its 2023 counterpart.

Base SR Trim: The price increased by approximately $1,000 for the 2024 model year.
SR5 Trim: A larger increase of about $3,080 was seen for the 2024 SR5 model.
Limited Trim: This trim saw a jump of around $3,340 for the 2024 model year.
Platinum Trim: The Platinum trim also experienced an increase of about $1,000.

24-25 DPH went from 1850 to 1945,

SR: Increased by $125, starting at $40,090 for the 2025 model.
SR5: Increased by $460, starting at $45,960 for 2025.
Limited: Increased by $2,450, starting at $54,305 for the 2025 model.
Platinum: Increased by $1,900, starting at $63,675 for 2025.
1794 Edition: Increased by $1,900, starting at $64,360 for 2025.
TRD Pro: Increased by $380, starting at $72,510 for 2025.
Capstone: Increased by $1,880, starting at $80,725 for 2025.

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[bird]

Conventional wisdom has often been to skip year one of a new refresh of a vehicle. For everyone who has decided to go against this to purchase a 2025 year model of the new 4Runner, what made you decide to go against that prevailing wisdom?

I visited the Toyota dealer to check out the new gen 4R -- seriously, just to look -- and they had a TRD ORP sitting on the lot that someone had ordered, gotten delivered, but failed to successfully finance. It was even the same color I was hoping to find. The salesman slithered out from behind it, offered me a test drive, and the rest was history.

It wasn't really a factor I considered when buying, but I probably should have given it some more thought. That being said, because it's a Toyota, I am not too worried. Currently at ~9k miles, and aside from the brake squeal issue which only happens intermittently for a second while the car is cold and reversing, everything has been holding up great.

Plus, we knew tariffs/price hikes were happening and they are now kicking in, so I got it for cheaper than it would cost today. No regrets.

 

[John2112]

4Runners are a lifestyle. They have been since day one. There is no risk in buying a 2025 4Runner. Toyota is the largest seller of vehicles on the planet. Japan's Tahara automotive plant is legendary in the automotive industry. How could you not purchase a Gen 6 that styles itself to a classic look from the past, yet comes in a hybrid with all of the latest technology?

I only regret that I couldn't buy the first (production model #1) new Gen 6 Platinum trim to come off the line.

As to the tariffs, or lack thereof, it doesn't matter. Surely everyone noticed the substantial increase over the last few years. The shortage of chips drove price increases, not tariffs.
It's all relative. Higher tariff income can lead to decreased personal income tax, which leaves more money in the pocket to pay the Toyota price increase.

The price of all vehicles has gone insane. Don't get me started on housing.

Humorous explanation on tariffs, which are actually attacks on the American people. No I'm sure the money coming in for the soon to be declared illegal tariffs are going for refurbishing 747s and other nonsense. That being said, as a financial person, I bought the new Trailhunter because the tariffs at the time that were announced but Taco pulled back on would have raised the price 17K and I wasn't willing to do that. I also bought the Trailhunter because I don't buy American built vehicles for obvious reasons, trying to keep the Trailhunter Plus all of its accessories as offshore build as I can. I want it to last as long as my generation 1 4Runner, 21 years.

 

[JayTech]

I have never owned a 4Runner before, but I did own a few Tacomas and loved the body on frame platform. I wanted something that offered more seat space in the rear while still having usable cargo and towing capacity. When I test drove a new one I fell in love with it. Decided on buying one right away. Sure its got some cheap materials used here and there but I plan on fixing that(One of the benefits for working for Toyota).

 

[Ahmad310]

My 2104 Limited is at 255k miles, zero issues during ownership outside of routine maintenance. I have the new car itch for things like better tech, MPG, looks. Wanted the LC, but waited for 4runner to come out to compare. I test drove both twice, back to back and was conflicted. Just made a pros/cons list of things on both to include mods id likely do and the 4R won. Being that I wanted a Platinum, and those being very hard to come by in black, i decided to jump on an allocation coming in Oct. Only thing I may back out of it for is if the 2026 is announced before mine arrives and there are new things Id like to have.

Like most, I'd prefer not to buy a first year model but as stated by many here, not worried about it being a Toyota and if there are any issues, they will make it right.

 

[ugahairydawgs]

I have never owned a 4Runner before, but I did own a few Tacomas and loved the body on frame platform. I wanted something that offered more seat space in the rear while still having usable cargo and towing capacity. When I test drove a new one I fell in love with it. Decided on buying one right away. Sure its got some cheap materials used here and there but I plan on fixing that(One of the benefits for working for Toyota).

What are some of the cheap materials you’ll be able to swap out?

 

[JayTech]

What are some of the cheap materials you’ll be able to swap out?

I am replacing the door panels with the ones off a higher trim(Either Platinum or TRD Pro) so instead of all hard plastic, they have the soft arm rest portion. I am getting the dash trim out of a Platinum instead of the Greyish/Silver trim it has. I am also going to be testing to see if the headlamps from a TRD Pro are plug and play on the Off Road Premium or not. Essentially I am making a non hybrid TRD Pro out of the Off Road, which even after all the mods will still save me thousands.

 

[ugahairydawgs]

I am replacing the door panels with the ones off a higher trim(Either Platinum or TRD Pro) so instead of all hard plastic, they have the soft arm rest portion. I am getting the dash trim out of a Platinum instead of the Greyish/Silver trim it has. I am also going to be testing to see if the headlamps from a TRD Pro are plug and play on the Off Road Premium or not. Essentially I am making a non hybrid TRD Pro out of the Off Road, which even after all the mods will still save me thousands.

How much do you think the door panels would run to replace? I’m looking at a TRD Sport Premium and would like the soft touch on the top of the door as well. Is that something that is easily bought through Toyota Parts?

 

[Everybodyduck]

Humorous explanation on tariffs, which are actually attacks on the American people. No I'm sure the money coming in for the soon to be declared illegal tariffs are going for refurbishing 747s and other nonsense. That being said, as a financial person, I bought the new Trailhunter because the tariffs at the time that were announced but Taco pulled back on would have raised the price 17K and I wasn't willing to do that. I also bought the Trailhunter because I don't buy American built vehicles for obvious reasons, trying to keep the Trailhunter Plus all of its accessories as offshore build as I can. I want it to last as long as my generation 1 4Runner, 21 years.

Not sure you understood my point about tariffs being a non-factor in my decision to purchase a 2025 4Runner. As to tariffs being an attack on the American people, I'm thinking this isn't the forum to excise the demon of TDS.

As to the speculation that a 4Runner would cost 17K more, it didn't. But if it did, I would have paid it. As a non-financial person, I have somehow managed to acquire the resources to manage the incredible rise in vehicle cost that has been increasingly obscene since my first base trim 4Runner Gen 1, 1988, 22RE, with the removable top. I got 400K out of that truck. I remember in 1987 thinking the 4Runner was the most functional, coolest vehicle ever built, but I thought, How in the world is anyone ever going to be able to afford to buy one? It was true then, it is true today.

 

[K2mia]

Conventional wisdom has often been to skip year one of a new refresh of a vehicle. For everyone who has decided to go against this to purchase a 2025 year model of the new 4Runner, what made you decide to go against that prevailing wisdom? Have you run into any strange first gen issues? Has there been anything that has caused you to regret taking the plunge?

I am currently in the market now for one and was close to pulling the trigger on the purchase, but the brake squeal issue, and Toyota’s seeming inability to find a lasting fix for the problem, has given me some pause.

I have never owned a 4runner, my only Toyota was a Prius which I owned many years ago for about 6 years and loved it but grew out of it when my family grew. The build quality was amazing, never had an issue and this caused me to trust in Toyota's hybrid tech.

My children are grown and my son and I are wanting to do more off-roading, camping, overlanding and the 4runner has a great reputation for this. I trust Toyota to make quality products and am willing to stick out any first-new-gen-year issues that come up. My son thinks the Trailhunter is awesome, his friends are all car/truck guys/mechanics and they also recommended it highly. None of them shied away from the first new-gen year.

2+ months in my Trailhunter and I am absolutely loving it, no issues so far and am building it up to be the overlanding beast that I had dreamed it would be.

 

[JayTech]

How much do you think the door panels would run to replace? I’m looking at a TRD Sport Premium and would like the soft touch on the top of the door as well. Is that something that is easily bought through Toyota Parts?

Easily bought? Yes. Cheap? No. Retail, these run around $1700 CAD each. So to do just the front 2 you would be around $4000 CAD after taxes. Only reason I am doing it is because I work at the dealer and get discounts which makes this a lot more affordable.

 

[kekecarioca]

Yeah never ever buy the first year of a redesign is what I always say! But I guess I forgot lol. I had a Tundra with 37s and really wanted something that got better gas mileage and having had 4 other 4Runners, I was really excited about the new one so I went for it. Since the Land Cruiser and Tacoma came out in 2024, and use the same engines (LC being hybrid only of course) and drivetrain, I wasn't really worried about any quality issues. I am 12k in since May and haven't had any issues. I have heard a faint squeal from the brakes a couple of times.

Similar comfort here too. I was DDing a 99' 3rd gen manual for 7 years and was ready for an upgrade (comfort). Did not wan to wait any longer..... 6th gen Hybrid rides super good and the drivetrain is a mazing. With Taco and LC already out being built in two parts of the globe, I figured mechanically it's solid and so far I'm well impressed. Plenty of time to iron things out.
The t24-fts is been around in some form since 2021 and Toyota knows Hybrids well by now.
I was ok to deal with quirk fit & finish from 1st year but so far nothing to loose my mind about and yes I have the brake squeal too.

 

[kekecarioca]

My 2104 Limited is at 255k miles, zero issues during ownership outside of routine maintenance. I have the new car itch for things like better tech, MPG, looks. Wanted the LC, but waited for 4runner to come out to compare. I test drove both twice, back to back and was conflicted. Just made a pros/cons list of things on both to include mods id likely do and the 4R won. Being that I wanted a Platinum, and those being very hard to come by in black, i decided to jump on an allocation coming in Oct. Only thing I may back out of it for is if the 2026 is announced before mine arrives and there are new things Id like to have.

Like most, I'd prefer not to buy a first year model but as stated by many here, not worried about it being a Toyota and if there are any issues, they will make it right.

You go for that allocation !
I won't hold my breath, but doubt nothing significant will change from MY25-26 besides price...

 

[Ahmad310]

You go for that allocation !
I won't hold my breath, but doubt nothing significant will change from MY25-26 besides price...

Really the only thing that would make me switch is if the Platinum would get an Black interior option instead of the blue, I'm still on the fence of how I'll like it being I've ever seen it in person and likely wont until mine arrives. No local dealers around me have and any Platinum allocations arrive or id go look just to see. And I doubt that will be a change for 2026, I bet it happens down the road a few more years or with some "Nightshade" package.

 

[kekecarioca]

Really the only thing that would make me switch is if the Platinum would get an Black interior option instead of the blue, I'm still on the fence of how I'll like it being I've ever seen it in person and likely wont until mine arrives. No local dealers around me have and any Platinum allocations arrive or id go look just to see. And I doubt that will be a change for 2026, I bet it happens down the road a few more years or with some "Nightshade" package.

Good point on the "nightshade" options down the years.
Yes, it seems Platinums are very scarce.
I bet you would love it once you see it!

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