Car Care Nut Mechanic Reviews 2025 4Runner 6th gen

[4jogger]

Just curious if anyone has tried driving this thing around without the sway bars yet and can report back.

I think they made it to drive very car like with stiff suspension and so it should resist excessive with the sway bars removed but not sure.

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[Burgi]

I was pretty set on a TRD Sport because I think it looks the best and has some nice upgrades over the SR5. I went and test drove the Sport and holy crap it was rough. I swear I could have felt a sheet of paper on the road. Even smooth roads felt like I was driving over a rutted out dirt road. I then drove a sr5 and it was way smoother. It’s a little more bouncy then the Sport but overall a more refined driving experience. Im sure 17s with 265 or bigger tires would have helped on the Sport but that initial test drive was not great.

 

[bancroftdg]

I really like the ride of my ORP and I think its better than the LC250 I test drove. Maybe the TRD wheels/Falken tires help?

 

[nubbins_]

I was pretty set on a TRD Sport because I think it looks the best and has some nice upgrades over the SR5. I went and test drove the Sport and holy crap it was rough. I swear I could have felt a sheet of paper on the road. Even smooth roads felt like I was driving over a rutted out dirt road. I then drove a sr5 and it was way smoother. It’s a little more bouncy then the Sport but overall a more refined driving experience. Im sure 17s with 265 or bigger tires would have helped on the Sport but that initial test drive was not great.

Did you have an opportunity to check the tire pressures on that Sport test drive

I can imagine that the small sidewall could have an outsized impact for 4Rs though, since the overall tire is pretty small. Most trucks these days with OEM 20s fit at least a 32-33" tire

I reckon "sport tuned suspension" means the Sport doesn't use the same shocks as the SR5 too

 

[Archer]

Tire pressure seems to be an issue, Dealerships are giving test rides and selling them with the same pressure set at the factory which is like 52.

Don't know why so many different dealerships would not do basic checks before they go to the new owners but it seems to be becoming a trend.

I took a couple different trims levels and the LC 1958 for test rides and they all rode rough, like really rough, I almost gave up until I realized what was going on.

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[anorphirith]

Tire pressure seems to be an issue, Dealerships are giving test rides and selling them with the same pressure set at the factory which is like 52.

Don't know why so many different dealerships would not do basic checks before they go to the new owners but it seems to be becoming a trend.

I took a couple different trims levels and the LC 1958 for test rides and they all rode rough, like really rough, I almost gave up until I realized what was going on.

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what it is supposed to be?

 

[4RunnerDude]

Actually he said the ride is way more refined than 5th gen but the comfort usually found in the Linited (and now Platinum) was sacrificed.

 

[kzrman]

what it is supposed to be?

I believe 32 PSI.

 

[JR1]

what it is supposed to be?

It’s on the placard on the driver’s side door jamb.

 

[bruce]

I have an SR5 and honestly I think it's a little more harsh than 5th gen, maybe because they had to account for battery weight in the hybrid. Likely used the same springs in some models so in non-hybrid, the lack of battery weight makes the springs a little too much for the truck. No evidence of this but would make sense. I'm going on a trip with peeps and gear in the next few weeks so will report my thoughts once it's been loaded down lol. I've talked to the guys at Radflo as I was going to install the 2.0 just in the rear; they said it should drastically improve the jarring nature but haven't pulled the trigger on those yet.

 

[LARIN]

I loaded my SR5 with luggage, It rode good to Florida. Let’s us know if you get the new shocks ,

 

[Joe Dirt]

I watched The Car Care Guys review of that limited 6th gen. I found it to be very informative and useful in my own evaluations. I've been to three dealerships now looking at different models. Knowing that I must have soft Tech ventilated seats, 14 inch info system because navigation is harder to read on smaller screens at my age. Also I do like the moon roof and I am a Bilstein fan. All of my 4Runners from 1999, 2016 have all been upgraded to Bilstein along with leveling kits. I found him to be really excited about the new 6th gen.

 

[SouthCoast]

Our ORP is one of the smoothest driving vehicles we've ever owned/driven. We love the power and throttle response, the interior comfort (even if I'm lacking a bit of headroom) and the handling. We tested the explorer ST, bronco, wrangler, gladiator etc, but the 4runner was everything in one package. Plus, have you seen this thing? It's beautiful!

We have no issues at all with this vehicle and couldn't be happier.

 

[20119mm]

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

What did you go with?

 

[20119mm]

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.

How can I tell if my Platinum has an alternator?

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