Overall a good truck, but a big Fail and a bit of a miss

[Hypogeum]

I have to agree with the rear seat tumble, I miss having the little bit of space underneath the backseat, and the old design just made way more sense in terms of maximizing the cargo space and giving a nice level surface. After owning the 3rd gen Tundra, playing around with the 4th gen Taco, then ultimately going back to a 4Runner, it seems like for every 3 awesome things Toyota did, they make one weird ass design change..... example the awful strap uses a button snap to hold the Tacoma rear seat up.

Sponsored

 

[John2112]

I went from a generation one 4Runner to the Trailhunter (with a 15-year gap)I can't complain about anything in the 6th gen because it's better in every single way. I know the back seats aren't perfect for some but compared to the first gen that had rear fixed seats that wouldn't move or fold down, it's an improvement.

 

[SouthCoast]

Regarding the second row seats, they probably thought it would be easier access for passengers to get to the third row seats. But, who the F gets the third row seats in a Fing 4runner??? Get a sequoia if you need more seating…

Huge design fail that only accommodates what, 1 or 2% of 4runner buyers?

 

[Hypogeum]

I went from a generation one 4Runner to the Trailhunter (with a 15-year gap)I can't complain about anything in the 6th gen because it's better in every single way. I know the back seats aren't perfect for some but compared to the first gen that had rear fixed seats that wouldn't move or fold down, it's an improvement.

I'll back up what you say about it being a far better vehicle. This is my fourth 4Runner, I had a used 1992 V6, a used 1996 SR5, a 2018 TRDOR, and this 2025 TRDORP both brand new. The first two I owned when I was young in my early twenties, it was the early 2000's when I had them and I thought everything was awesome about them. I remember getting the 1996 and it was easily one of my favorite vehicles I have owned. I got the 2018 and it was certainly a stout vehicle, I purchased it new and took one with absolutely zero options, it was great. I purchased this new one on Halloween after spending about two hours of wheel time with one in September and immediately noticed the level of refinement. Yes of course it's 2025, there's tech, engineering advancements, etc. but all the extra features aside, if we look at the most basic bare bones 6th gen SR5, its an awesome vehicle with a great powertrain and everything, including the feel, that all of the generations of 4Runner have had. I still think the tumble seats are a poop though.... super small potatoes if I am honest.

 

[watchbuzz]

I did the 3 row and it lays pretty close to flat. I lose some cargo space, but it’s all good.

I need a 3rd row once a week or so, but I have no interest in a sequoia.

I’m happy with the set up

 

[MikeD]

I went from a generation one 4Runner to the Trailhunter (with a 15-year gap)I can't complain about anything in the 6th gen because it's better in every single way. I know the back seats aren't perfect for some but compared to the first gen that had rear fixed seats that wouldn't move or fold down, it's an improvement.

Wow. So you drove that G14R for 21 years? (1989 (last G1) to 2025 = 36 years less 15 year gap).
cool. I guess I was in similar boat - 22 years and 297Kmiles for my 2003 Sequoia. My G24R only made it 11 years before trading for the Sequoia as the family grew.

 

[John2112]

Wow. So you drove that G14R for 21 years? (1989 (last G1) to 2025 = 36 years less 15 year gap).
cool. I guess I was in similar boat - 22 years and 297Kmiles for my 2003 Sequoia. My G24R only made it 11 years before trading for the Sequoia as the family grew.

Main reason for selling it was rust. No matter how well I took care of it it was just falling apart although the engine and drivetrain were fine. But in 1985 it was awesome. After moving away from the Texas coast I bought a Toyota Matrix in December of 2005, it just turned 20 and is in absolutely perfect condition. No rust and the only repair was an alternator. This 4Runner Trailhunter I just bought will be the last vehicle I ever purchased hopefully. I feel confident with it all Toyota garage.

Sponsored