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Sufficient Power In the 2025 Gas Motor?

ModernDay4Runner

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Here’s the deal with the hybrid…. 10 year warranty. If it breaks at anytime, you’re not stuck. It’s meant to supplement the engine, give you additional HP. So, if you’re at year 12, and it gives out, you have a gas powered vehicle if you choose to not fix it. Look into it if you’re on the fence. If I had known more about it at the time, I might have gone with the hybrid. However, with what I’m recently learning about the performance tuning, I’m glad I didn’t! It’s not that I feel it’s currently underpowered, I just want it to be bada$$! This is my first 4Runner, and my first gas powered with a turbo (owned a Dodge Ram with a Cummins diesel before). Don’t let anyone make you believe the performance tune voids your warranty either. If the OTT is professionally done, it won’t void your warranty.
Saw this on the interweb so....it must be 100% true and accurate

AI Overview


In general, installing an aftermarket sport tune on your 2025 Toyota 4Runner is
very likely to void your engine and powertrain warranty if the dealership can prove the tune was the cause of a failure. The Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act protects consumers from having their entire warranty canceled just for using aftermarket parts, but it does not protect you if the modification directly causes the damage.

What a dealership must prove
Under the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act, the burden of proof is on Toyota or the dealership, but an engine control unit (ECU) tune makes their case much stronger.
  • The tune caused the failure: To deny a claim, the dealer must show that the aftermarket tune directly caused the engine or transmission problem you are claiming under warranty. If you have an engine issue, the link is much easier to prove than if you have a suspension or air conditioning problem.
  • Evidence of the tune: When facing a serious engine or powertrain warranty claim, dealerships will scan your vehicle's ECU. They can check the flash counter, which records how many times the ECU has been reprogrammed. This can indicate that an aftermarket tune was installed, even if you flash it back to the stock software.

Risks of an aftermarket tune
  • Engine and powertrain coverage: By modifying the engine control software, you are risking the most expensive components of your vehicle. The powertrain warranty (60 months/60,000 miles) is what protects you from catastrophic engine or transmission failures. An aftermarket tune is a direct modification to that system.
  • "Undetectable" tunes: Some tuners may claim their software is "undetectable." However, with modern diagnostic tools, a manufacturer can almost always find a record of the non-factory software, especially during a high-cost warranty claim.
  • Catastrophic failure: In the event of a total engine failure, you could be on the hook for tens of thousands of dollars in repair costs. If you are not prepared to pay for a new engine out of pocket, an aftermarket tune is a significant risk.

Safe alternatives
If preserving your warranty is a priority, consider these options instead:
  • Stick with genuine parts and software: The safest option is to avoid performance tunes and modifications that could affect the powertrain.
  • Choose warranty-friendly upgrades: Cosmetic upgrades, audio systems, and even some suspension or bolt-on parts are less likely to cause a warranty issue, as long as they are not related to the component that fails.
  • Use a Toyota-approved tuner: In some cases, a manufacturer may offer or approve a tune. One dealer even mentioned being told to get an OTT tune by a tech, though this is anecdotal. However, the official Toyota parts warranty outlines that unauthorized modifications can void coverage for the impacted system.
The decision to install an aftermarket sport tune is a trade-off between performance gains and financial risk. While it won't void your entire vehicle's warranty, it creates a high risk of voiding your engine and powertrain coverage.
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drNick

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This is not made to be a race car. However, it has a punchy and strong engine with plenty of torque. The only downside is that it is noisy and unrefined. But for an off-roader it is perfect, and will outlive many Jeeps and Broncos…
 
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tufftrucks14

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Well I have purchased the gas motor and now have 10,000 kms on it. I have to say I love the vehicle. Plenty of power for highway driving and for anyone asking the same question…… don’t. The vehicle is great. Thank you all
For the replies as it is greatly appreciated and merry Christmas to everyone out there!
 

John2112

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Well I have purchased the gas motor and now have 10,000 kms on it. I have to say I love the vehicle. Plenty of power for highway driving and for anyone asking the same question…… don’t. The vehicle is great. Thank you all
For the replies as it is greatly appreciated and merry Christmas to everyone out there!
I went with the hybrid which by the way is also gasoline, the extra power is tremendous and very helpful at high altitude especially when towing of 5,000 lb trailer.
 

brumey

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I have the SR5, stock and in eco 95% of the time. Came from a twin turbo ecoboost ford.

I find the power (HP and Torque) great. Driving in the city or highway, never been short of power. I don’t drive at 100+ so cannot speak to that. As a daily driver its more than adequate.

As others have stated, its not a sports car or luxury SUV. If I wanted those attributes, I would buy a different vehicle.

I don’t have or intend on using performance mods and I am so happy I did not get the hybrid and its extra cost.

I don’t intend to use the 4R for towing. I know it can but its really not a tow vehicle. I have a diesel truck for that. My unproven theory is that towing frequently or at weight limit max, will cause premature wear and tear. Some folk may not care and buy a new vehicle every few years. I tend to to keep them 10 years plus o look at longevity.

Around town, I get a consistent 22.5-23.5 mpg. On a highway trip, 26 mpg. All in eco mode. I could probably get more on the highway of I tried. Usually 70MPH +


My slight disappointment is the interior trim in the SR5. Lots of hard plastic. Also, after 4000 miles, its developing interior noise. I know its the low end model so I put up with it.

My $0.02.
 
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Desmolicious

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Coming from a Wrangler w the Pentastar V6, I find the power in the regular 6Gen to be more than plenty! What is key in both the normal and the hybrid models is not the peak torque number, but where that is. 1800rpms is awesome compared to a naturally aspirated v6 where it would be about 3800-4000 rpms.
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