Looking for ownership feedbacks! Finally about to joining the 4Runner family!

[simama]

Hello folks!

Being an careful and thoughtful shopper (sometimes too much...) in the past 20 years, I am finally about to purchase a 2026 4Runner in the TRD Off Road Premium trim. Initially I was pretty much dead certain on buying the hybrid version because of a test driving experience of a brand new 5th gen 5 years ago. After been driving a Solara V6 SLE in the past 20 years, though I knew that 5th gen will last forever, I did feel that it was a little sluggish (that slight feeling of the driving train "dragging" the body of the car if you know what I mean)

I live in Vancouver, Canada and the hybrid version has been hard to come by so what the heck, l test drove a non-hybrid version yesterday. Between a hybrid and non-hybrid, my only concern for a non-hybrid was that the driving experience might feel sluggish. However, it was far from what I expected. It was fast, powerful, refined enough and most importantly to me, drove like a "whole solid unit" which I like. For the first time since I have been planning to purchase a 6th gen 4Runner, I felt that the non-hybrid is a legitimate contender and I would not regret if I were to purchase a non-hybrid.

Lucky for me that there was also a 2nd hand 2025 Trail hunter available to be test driven yesterday. Good lord it was a beautiful monster. I test drove it and immediately felt that though I have no issue or complaint with the non-hybrid at around 0-50km/hr, this hybrid engine clearly felt more powerful, though not drastically, at around this speed range. The gap of hybrid and non-hybrid starts to close at speed above that range, but it was only my subjective feeling.

I thoroughly enjoyed test driving both vehicles but have problems making a decision. I do not buy new cars frequently so most likely this car will be with me for at least the next 10 years. Should I buy a hybrid or non-hybrid? I have watched enough YouTube videos about the hybrid vs non-hybrid but I would very much appreciate your opinion and experience as actual owners.

Sorry for the long write up for such simple question and thanks for your comments in advance!

Sponsored

 

[20119mm]

I have the hybrid and would recommend it.

 

[spyder40]

I like my hybrid ORP but got it for pulling a ~4000lb tandem trailer with a SxS. It's a beast compared to my 3rd and 5th gens. If you're not pulling not sure a hybrid gets you anything other than fun factor. That said this 6th gen is everything I wanted in my other ones

 

[HVLA]

To me the hybrid is worth it for both the increased power and the reduced brake wear.

 

[pmedicj]

Recently traded my Ram 2500 Power wagon for a TRD Pro and won’t ever look back again.
Also had plenty of Tacomas and a couple of Tundras over the years before the Ram but this 6th gen hybrid takes the cake and is awesome! So happy to be back in a Toyota.

 

[Weeble]

I traded a pretty fast sports car for a non-hybrid 4runner. I am fairly impressed with the acceleration and handling thus far. I would only consider the hybrid if you plan on towing or kitting out your ride with a lot of extra weight. I think the hybrid adds 400+ pounds and impacts your cargo volume. My advice is only get it if you need it. A quality tune is an easy way to get more power out of either engine.

 

[bakutheleo]

There is a lot of discussion on this forum about hybrid/non-hybrid. There is even a similar one in the last week from someone else planning a first-time new purchase. So, search those out. I will summarize some of my comments I made there and elsewhere:

FIrst, the comments above are very good. I ended up getting the ORP Hybrid and am very happy with it. I do not currently have any major large trailer plans, but could in the future (I tend to keep my vehicles a long time as well; I had my first for just shy of 30 years and my previous one was 27 years old). It does give a bit better mileage. For me the only downside is the amount of space it takes in the cargo area--you lose about 6-8" of height. There is some storage in the front and rear of the bed which helps a little. As you have seen both the hybrid and non-hybrid do have good power, but the hybrid definitely adds responsiveness. I decided the upsides won:

Slightly better MPG
Increased power and (especially) torque
Less wear on the engine and brakes
Air conditioner runs on an electric motor instead of pulley, so still runs when the gas engine does not
Although I have not used them yet, the 2400W 120V power outlets are nice to have
It is just nice, when sitting at a stop or in a parking lot or whatever, that in general the gas engine shuts down--quiet, no vibration
And I am sure others I neglect to mention

That all said, I suspect you would be happy with either. It really is a great vehicle.

 

[NotApplicable]

Love the non-hybrid. It’s why I went 4Runner rather than LC, in fact.

Sponsored