First Test Drive today - Engine is noisy at low rpm, thoughts?

[g2turbo]

Hi all, new to the forum but long time car enthusiast here. I've did a short test drive today (2025 SR5) and everything felt pretty good. That said I'm really picky and couldn't help but notice the engine was pretty noisy at low rpm on acceleration. Almost sounded like a diesel at times.

I'm going to test drive again before buying, but wanted to get thoughts from current owners. Do you also hear this?

I've searched and see that there is also artificial noise pumped into cabin, but this sounds more mechanical. Maybe injectors?

Thanks!

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[JayTech]

Completely normal. The direct injectors sit right on top of the motor, and do not have anything covering them so they tend to be noisy. It sounding like a diesel is 100% because of this. Its nothing to worry about and isn't noticeable unless driving really slow with the windows down or up against the side of a building(ie: going through a drive thru).

 

[Nodak]

toyota engines in general have a injector tick, more so during cold weather than summer.

you get use to the sound after a while.

and yes its normal and has been a features since ??? and ive had toyota's since 1984

its mostly due to the high pressure fuel injectors


and yes, i can always tells when a tacoma, 4unner, tundra engine starts, its very distinct. my neighbor has a taco, my dr next door has a late 5th gen 4R, and the blonde on the corner just traded her everest green 5th gen for a solar octane tundra pro.

i can hear that specific engine start up sound and i dont even have to look to know its a toyota

 

[Nodak]

once you get use to that sound, when it changes volume/tone/pitch, you will notice it and that is your que to be concerned

 

[Nodak]

and wait until you hear a motor whir during the night (or about 5-6 hrs after ignition off)

 

[g2turbo]

Thanks for all of the replies. Much appreciated.

I'm going to test drive again soon, first impression was positive though

 

[828findadventure]

I have seen an engine cover a company made for these, you can also get a under hood insulation kit like they put on the TRD Pro and Land cruiser. I have gotten used to it after a few months. I am coming from a 21 Tundra 5.7 and a modified 17 GTI. LOL

 

[kekecarioca]

Toyota totally left this one Truck like : no fancy insulation there. That D4s direct injection is awesome! Loads of low end torque. This 2.4 is almost a Diesel built engine inside out.

 

[4RunnerTony]

I have a 2025 TRD Sport Premium and it comes with insulation attached under the hood. I do not recall hearing this noise, but living in FL I always have the windows up, the A/C on and music playing.

 

[bowhun2r]

Car Nut on YT did an excellent review on the 2.4 non hybrid.

Regarding noise skip to 2:09. He explains why it may sound like a diesel truck.

 

[Bad Pete]

That guy did one of the best reviews I've seen

 

[JayTech]

That guy did one of the best reviews I've seen

Mechanics usually would offer some of the best reviews. But his are great. He is really thorough and explains things with a lot of detail. Having a very strong mechanical understanding helps to know where there might be any inherent flaws or weak points which helps to either put peoples minds at ease or make them reconsider buying.

 

[bowhun2r]

Right! I've been enjoying his reviews and insights for a few years now and his editing skills are getting to the same level as his content . I also learned the non-hybrid setup gets a much less complex brake booster compared to the hybrid system. Small insights like these are really helpful (at least to me). I enjoy a less complex vehicle and this would have been something I likely would have overlooked.

 

[Bad Pete]

After 10 years (I have a 2015 TRD off road) I'm in the market finally for a new 4 runner. This guy's review convinced me to stay away from the hybrid trims. I like the simplicity of the gas only trims. The mpg savings is not worth it. I'm looking at the TRD Sport and the TRD Sport Premium. Mainly for boat towing and highway. I used my off road package 1x in 10 years on my 2015.

 

[CO/ZA]

Coming from BMW world, yeah the Toyota 2.4 is a bit coarse sounding - but I do think it suits the vehicle.

Sounds like a diesel, which is fun in a way, but you don't have to deal with the heavy engine up front or the clattery noise.

The 2.4 GD6 diesel Fortuner I rented in Cape Town last year drove similar to this engine, but was definitely more smelly.

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