Car Care Nut Mechanic Reviews 2025 4Runner 6th gen

[Nodak]

MANDATORY TO WATCH.

i would expect you DIY maintenance people to watch this,

he talks about how they added quite a bit of grease zerts,

talks about if you option out the aux switch panel on the hyrid you get an alternator instead of the battery pack powering stuff.

quite a bit of good info about maintenance and long term care.





AI Summary (added by moderator):

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.

Sponsored

 

[brumey]

I look forward to watching that later. Hopefully he has a few positives to share.

 

[TallDude]

I look forward to watching that later. Hopefully he has a few positives to share.

Same

 

[nubbins_]

I wonder how much of that stiffness he attributed to AVS is due to 20" wheels wrapped in 31.5" tires. Certainly been a few people complaining about the stiffness of the suspension.

 

[Doofy]

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

 

[CrispyTacoLover]

I wonder how much of that stiffness he attributed to AVS is due to 20" wheels wrapped in 31.5" tires. Certainly been a few people complaining about the stiffness of the suspension.

Rubber matters.

 

[Hacksaw]

He repeats over and over and over in the review that 'made in Japan' quality is better than US/Mexico of Tundra/Tacoma. At one point he says even where there are the same molded plastics between the G4 Tacoma and G6 4runner, the 4runner just seems higher quality (not entirely sure what he means).
He also repeats that the ride quality in the Limited is jarring, especially considering this is the luxury model.

Generally, he thinks Toyota made good choices on what to improve and what to leave the same, compared to prior generations of 4runner.

At the end he says he thinks you'd be better off with a landcruiser for the higher trims, but I think he's only driven the Limited in higher trims so that comment probably refers just to the Limited, and is mainly about the less jarring ride in the LC.

 

[nubbins_]

He repeats over and over and over in the review that 'made in Japan' quality is better than US/Mexico of Tundra/Tacoma. At one point he says even where there are the same molded plastics between the G4 Tacoma and G6 4runner, the 4runner just seems higher quality (not entirely sure what he means).

Maybe just in terms of fit and finish. I've heard a number of reviewers say at this point that basically the same parts feel like they are put together better in 6G 4R than 4G Taco

Of course, that's incredibly subjective but whatever, remarks like that are not the reason I tune into his reviews

 

[Hacksaw]

I was hoping he'd solve the rear triangle window flex question, but he didn't address it.

Shortly after he talked about the front shocks and AVS, he moved to the back but didn't mention AVS. Are only the front shocks AVS-controlled? (makes no difference to me; I have an ORP. I'm just curious.)

 

[Positronic]

always love watching TCCN videos. Good watch here and he covers alot of positives and a some drawbacks but overall i appreciate his honesty and in depth analysis

 

[nubbins_]

Shortly after he talked about the front shocks and AVS, he moved to the back but didn't mention AVS. Are only the front shocks AVS-controlled? (makes no difference to me; I have an ORP. I'm just curious.)

It is my understanding that AVS is all 4 corners, it would be a really strange choice on any vehicle to do an adaptive setup and only opt to do the fronts.

The footage shows the actuator and wires near the bottom of the rear shock, so

 

[Archer]

Not sure how I didn't notice the spare off center before this vid but it sure will bother me from on. Can't say I thank him for that.....

 

[J. Reed]

I wonder how much of that stiffness he attributed to AVS is due to 20" wheels wrapped in 31.5" tires. Certainly been a few people complaining about the stiffness of the suspension.

I thought my sport premium was terrible driving it home from the dealership but then I put new wheels and tires And it helped dramatically

 

[jb.aubry]

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

Yep. Decided to wait a year just to let the dust come down. Anyway, I am in no hurry at the moment to get a new car.

Is it me? ...but most of the YouTube videos have those cheesy vignettes... I usually don't watch but at least his video was informative. Thanks for sharing.

 

[beungood]

I like his videos, definiely worth watching for his honesty and willingness to show different mechanical problems on video with an explanation.

Sponsored