Former 5G owner thinking about getting a 6G. Looking forward to the comments….

[KnightfallXV]

Good evening all.

Fairly straightforward post and I really look forward to reading everyone’s comments on here.

I owned a 2022 TRD Off-Road for 2 years, I put about 45k miles on it. I really liked certain things about it, the size (bigger than a Wrangler but not quite a full size SUV), Toyota’s Crawl Control for off road, roll down rear window, etc. There were also things I did not like: the fuel economy was really bad, about 14 mpg highway, and this was with pretty bad factory tires (Nitto Terra-Grapplers, which let me down once disappointingly once). The small fuel tank made the poor fuel economy a bigger pain, and the short wheelbase definitely hurt towing and affected the ride quality.

I traded the truck for a 3/4 ton Ram with the 6.4L Hemi. And yes, this truck actually does get better fuel economy (about 20mpg highway) than the 4Runner. But I miss having a smaller vehicle and I miss having an SUV. I need off road capability, durability, and decent highway fuel economy for work (and some leisure). Most full size SUV’s are too luxury or not off road capable enough especially in base levels for what I need.

That said, do yall think the 6G 4Runner might be the vehicle for me? Is the fuel economy better? I don’t have bias against turbocharged engines as long as the performance is there. Looking forward to all comments.

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[Dead Horse]

The engine, even the non-hybrid, drives miles better than the 5th gen. It's a whole different thing to feel...Peppy...In a 4Runner LOL. This isn't a slight against the 5th gen. That thing will still be the GOAT long after I'm dead. But that bulletproof engine was pretty...Not peppy.

The hybrid is just some icing on the cake.

Check the MPG threads, not a lot of difference between the hybrid/non. Most of us routinely get over 20 on the highway (even on some trails!). Lots of people saying as high as 26, but I haven't hit that. The fuel tank is still tiny. I usually get 300ish+ miles per tank around town before the light comes on.

Durability? None of us have any idea. We're all betting on their track record LOL

 

[NotApplicable]

Based on what you didn’t like about the 5th gen, it doesn’t sound like a 6th gen is the right choice for you.

if your primary issues with the 5th gen were the lack of responsiveness in powertrain or lack of modern technological features, that’d be different…

fuel efficiency, refined ride, large fuel tank, etc… these are not things you buy a 4Runner for.

 

[Dead Horse]

Based on what you didn’t like about the 5th gen, it doesn’t sound like a 6th gen is the right choice for you.

if your primary issues with the 5th gen were the lack of responsiveness in powertrain or lack of modern technological features, that’d be different…

fuel efficiency, refined ride, large fuel tank, etc… these are not things you buy a 4Runner for.

Depends...Dude was in a 3/4 ton Ram. Those things ride like dump trucks LOL

I came from a Tundra crewmax and the 4Runner rides better than it did. Goes further on a tank of gas too.

 

[KnightfallXV]

Depends...Dude was in a 3/4 ton Ram. Those things ride like dump trucks LOL

I came from a Tundra crewmax and the 4Runner rides better than it did. Goes further on a tank of gas too.

Oh yeah, I’m not picky about ride quality per se, though Rams have coil springs in the back (even the 3/4 tons) and it’s fine for a big truck.

The 5G 4Runner I understand was indestructible. But it was really slow and the fuel economy was almost Hummer H2 bad. The Jeep Wrangler has a bigger tank and gets better mileage than a 5G at least. But I don’t need to remove the doors and roof, I actually really liked the roll down rear window. And the 6G has a slightly longer wheelbase which I know will help with ride and towing. So my interest is definitely piqued.

 

[Joe Dirt]

Yeah I went the same route sold my fifth gen regretfully bought a Mercedes brand new for my retirement present.

Corporate bought it back because it was a lemon.
Then everything fell into place and the new 4Runners were being released.
I went the gas route TRD premium.

I have to have ventilated seats now after having the Mercedes.
But I would not compare. You will like the 6th gen very much.
Sure there's some issues like small fuel tank! Rear seats that don't fold down like the 5th gen! But those are nothing compared to the easy DIY features like front coilovers, oil filters (back to the canister type), very easy to work on lots of room. Would never go back to a small infotainment screen, and we get more plastic! Just my two cents

 

[Gator 22]

I have the same 4runner as you do with Goodyear Ultra terrains and I get better than 14 mpg when towing my 2k lb boat at 70 mph. Not sure why you are getting 14 on the highway.
That said i will bet getting a 27 early next year.

 

[Silver Bullet]

Simply put. The things you don’t like about the 5th Gen, is made up on the 6th Gen in every facet.

Sounds you liked your 5th gen, and seems like the 6th Gen would be for you! There’s already enough info given to help you make your choice. But, will say this… My first test drive in a 6th Gen, I was sold on it. That’s just me…

 

[zgreen]

Hey Knightfall. Welcome to the forum. I recently had a 2025 TRD Pro, my first Toyota, and really liked it. I came from a 2018 Grand Cherokee Overland High Altitude, which I loved. The Pro was a lot of fun to drive and if you're comparing with the 5G, it seems there are plenty of benefits. In the summer in MT at 3,500 ft, I was averaging around 22 MPG. In the winter, I was down to around 18/19. While for me there was a lot to like, it was a bit cramped inside, especially in the backseat with two 6 ft plus adults. Also, there was a lot of road noise and wind noise, but for some people that's not a worry. Besides that, it was a fun vehicle for sure and really capable.

It seems I am going the other way, as I just sold the Pro last week and have an order in for a '27 Ram RHO, which should arrive at the end of October. I wanted something a bit bigger, a bit more upscale on the inside, quieter, etc. Best of luck with your search and if you haven't driven one yet, definitely go for a test drive and/or rent one on Turo for a day or two to really get a feel. Have fun!

 

[a_double]

I actually own both but my 5th Gen is at my vacation home. Every time I go back, I'm giddy about driving the 5th Gen. It feels like a truck, while the 6th feels like a bigger Rav4, a crossover. Not a dig, just my opinion.

While I agree the 6th Gen engine is more peppy, IMO it has more throttle lag, which I hate.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

I have had my TRD OR for a few months now. It rides a little harshly, but that’s to be expected. My overall average MPG is hovering at 22.1-2, so I’m guessing that I’m probably around 24-25 MPG Highway. Range is roughly 375 miles on the road.

I went with the OR, because we live in snow country, and that is the first trim level that offers a locking rear differential. I’m a rough dirt road wanderer, not an off road type. If it can get me into chukar country (and my driveway), I’m happy.

The seats comfortable, but they are manual adjustment, so not as versatile as in the ORP. Road noise levels are OK. My biggest whine is about the gauge and multimedia setup. If you’re tall, don’t get the running boards.

 

[4Everest]

I owned a 2022 TRD Off-Road for 2 years, I put about 45k miles on it. I really liked certain things about it, the size (bigger than a Wrangler but not quite a full size SUV), Toyota’s Crawl Control for off road, roll down rear window, etc. There were also things I did not like: the fuel economy was really bad, about 14 mpg highway, and this was with pretty bad factory tires (Nitto Terra-Grapplers, which let me down once disappointingly once). The small fuel tank made the poor fuel economy a bigger pain, and the short wheelbase definitely hurt towing and affected the ride quality.

All the things you liked about the 5th gen are still intact.

The fuel economy is noticeably better in either engine option, but the fuel tank remains small. After fillups, I usually see 330 miles of range (mine's a hybrid), and I get 20-22 mpg on the highway, depending on terrain. To me, getting better mileage AND much more power/torque is a huge win.

The wheelbase is increased 2.4 inches and we have a 6k lb tow rating, BUT keep in mind payload limits vs tongue weights. The payload on the hybrid is only 895 lb, though this would improve if you plan on lifts with higher load ratings, especially on the rear.

Good luck choosing!

 

[johnbplus9]

Hi KnightfallXV, only my 2nd post since joining the forum, but I'm jumping in. For me 6th Gen TRD Offroad Premium with base iForce engine is as iconic a truck as Toyota has ever made. Recommend taking for a test drive. We're a 4runner family, having had or still have 2nd, 3rd, and 5th gen in various trims. Wasn't shopping for a 6th gen. In June received a 2026 SR5 4WD as an Avis rental when out in home town Santa Barbara CA for a couple of weeks. Drove it all over the place including freeway back and forth to LA, several days in the city. Although larger still tidy enough to maneuver and park. Biggest change is refinement of the powertrain. 2.4 turbo and 8 AT is a great pairing. While in S.B. drove across West Camino Cielo and was comfortably, confidently well within SR5's capability. TORP builds on the charming SR5 with capability and amenities. Sold my Audi sedan daily and bought one. Love this thing.. Try it - you will like` it!

 

[photorunner]

I’ve owned both a 4th and 5th gen and now I’m at 17,500+ miles on my 2025. I had the same complaints regarding the power train on the 5th - which was the same as I had on my 2007 4th gen. I was getting around 16 mpg with a lot of in town driving. It was okay when my 4Runners were my second vehicle, but when my 2021 became my primary it sucked. I would completely accept that mpg number if there were some actual performance reasons for it, but it was just kind of a dog. A bulletproof reliable dog, but still a dog. The 5th gen was better off road in my opinion, but the 6th is miles better for daily driving and highway use. I’m one of the people who was able to get 26 mpg on the highway with a non hybrid. Plus it’s easier to run 33’s, which is more of a big deal than you’d think. I definitely wouldn’t go back to a 5th- unless it was just for weekend fun.

 

[plukaz]

I own both a 23 5th Gen Limited and a '26 6th Gen SR5. Different trim levels, but I can honestly say the '26 is better on the road in all aspects. I drove nearly all the '26 trim levels before deciding to keep it simple and get the SR5. There is a difference in ride in '26 trim levels, and I, personally, think the SR5 is softer than even the Limited on road. I don't plan to use the SR5 much off road, just some rough dirt trails on property I own in Eastern TN. In comparison, the '23 is like driving a classic car. The ride dynamics are of a 10+ year old suspension design and a V6 with an ancient transmission design. It's a durable vehicle in every sense and reflects Toyota's build-like-a-tank philosophy in the early 2000s. I'll never sell that vehicle as it puts a smile on my face every time, but for any trip over 50 miles, I'll happily drive the '26

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