TRD Sport Premium long term reviews/thoughts?

[AR1978]

As time is going by I'm getting more and more tempted by the TRD Sport Premium trim of the new 4Runner with Cutting Edge Silver. I was just wondering how people are liking them as time goes by? Coming from a 2015 4Runner Trail Premium that I've updated.

Some things that I was wondering about:

1. On road driving characteristics - How is the body roll and nose dive compared to the 5th gen?

2. Are the hard plastics on the door panel (not the armrest) noticeable in day to day usage?

3. Does the hood scoop shake and if so more than the 5th gen hood scoop?

4. I've read that the TRD Off Road Premium ride gets very rough on like gravel or dirt roads, so just wondering of the Sport did that as well.

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[GoBirds]

I have 5500 miles on a sport prem. Came from a Passat and WRX which are relatively sporty and well composed cars so take my thoughts in that light.
Road characteristics- Highway is fantastic. Smooth, solid and better than the cars it replaced. My terrible local roads were a surprise because it rides like the truck it is based on. After a few weeks I don't mind the rougher ride and in some ways its useful because it just rides over the potholes, construction junk, etc. without issue. The cars would feel like something was going to break.
Hard Plastics - not an issue for me. I don't notice them despite trying to notice after reading about that complaint here.
Hood scoop - Does not rattle but I noticed that the hood seems a bit flexy but the only reason I even noticed is because I saw people talking about it here. Otherwise probably would not have noticed. Again, despite some threads here I think it is plenty quiet and the prem upgrade is worth it. Love the sound system and seats. Only complaint with the rig really is all of the electronic driving aids. I disabled 75% of the nannies because they are way too intrusive for my taste.

 

[AR1978]

My terrible local roads were a surprise because it rides like the truck it is based on. After a few weeks I don't mind the rougher ride and in some ways its useful because it just rides over the potholes, construction junk, etc. without issue. The cars would feel like something was going to break.

I mostly take mine for like camping and such and don't go rock crawling. Gravel roads or dirt roads type of thing.

Does that count as terrible local roads? Any more specifics on the rougher ride?

 

[GoBirds]

I mostly take mine for like camping and such and don't go rock crawling. Gravel roads or dirt roads type of thing.

Does that count as terrible local roads? Any more specifics on the rougher ride?

I drive gravel and dirt roads to access mountain bike trails and my opinion is the ride on those surfaces is good and like that it handles them way better than my Subaru. On local roads, the ride is just rougher/firmer/whatever than what I'm used to coming from a sedan which is only natural. I can't compare it to previous gen 4Runners but I find it hard to believe it is anything but better.

 

[AR1978]

Any more reviews out there?

 

[Bad Pete]

I have 5500 miles on a sport prem. Came from a Passat and WRX which are relatively sporty and well composed cars so take my thoughts in that light.
Road characteristics- Highway is fantastic. Smooth, solid and better than the cars it replaced. My terrible local roads were a surprise because it rides like the truck it is based on. After a few weeks I don't mind the rougher ride and in some ways its useful because it just rides over the potholes, construction junk, etc. without issue. The cars would feel like something was going to break.
Only complaint with the rig really is all of the electronic driving aids. I disabled 75% of the nannies because they are way too intrusive for my taste.

I'm interested in getting a 2025 TRD Sport Premium. Spend a lot of time on paved roads/highways. How is its ride? I have a 2015 TRD off road which I love but its rough on highways. I also tow boats a lot. Thx

 

[jjbailey930]

I am a fan after 2 months and 1500 miles. Having owned 2 full sized Rovers and recently RR Sport besides Tahoes, Yukons, for the money the Sport Premium is good around town and on the highway. A little more road feel than a RR Sport but lot less than my daughter's 2019 TRD Pro.

Handles well, steering accurate and smooth. Braking excellent - no diving or pitching. Cabin noise is good. Amenities are what I wanted -heated/ventilated seats, towing package and infotainment. Some say the plastic degrades the dash and door sills. I say after owning leather dashes, the plastic will hold up forever.

Visibility is very good and the new camera tech enhances that 100x. Cargo space is great. I have small list of upgrades - roof rack to replace just rails, louder horns, remove air dam and add skid. plate(s). Eventually, replace 20" standard wheels with 18s which should help ride.

 

[Bad Pete]

Thanks just the kind of review i was looking for. Can't wait to drive one.

 

[GoBirds]

I'm interested in getting a 2025 TRD Sport Premium. Spend a lot of time on paved roads/highways. How is its ride? I have a 2015 TRD off road which I love but its rough on highways. I also tow boats a lot. Thx

I love the ride on highways, prefer it to the cars I've had. It's super smooth, tracks straight as an arrow and is very stable. The upgraded seats on the Premium are also very comfortable IMO. Couldn't be happier with it on the highway. Towing my 5000 pound boat+trailer is no sweat though it is all super flat roads so I can't say how it would be going over a mountain but no reason to think it would be a problem.

 

[Bad Pete]

I love the ride on highways, prefer it to the cars I've had. It's super smooth, tracks straight as an arrow and is very stable. The upgraded seats on the Premium are also very comfortable IMO. Couldn't be happier with it on the highway. Towing my 5000 pound boat+trailer is no sweat though it is all super flat roads so I can't say how it would be going over a mountain but no reason to think it would be a problem.

Good to know my trailer and boat is about 4300 lbs and my 2015 trail handles it well. But in my old age I'm looking for a bit more comfort especially when I'm not towing. Sounds like the Premium seats are also a good upgrade from the cloth seats on the Sport. My cloth seats on my 2015 are not that great.

 

[FoozGrind]

I came from a 2016 SR5 Prem. The only thing I DISLIKE is the dam reverse brake sqeual they cant seem to fix it sinces March. Mine is bad, its mixed on the severity across the board for those who have it.

1. On road driving characteristics - How is the body roll and nose dive compared to the 5th gen?
It drives really nice on the highway! I even on the local roads where its smooth and passing people is way easier, i dont have to wait for people to pass me like i did in my 5th! I dont notice much nose dive and it def does not have as much body roll.

2. Are the hard plastics on the door panel (not the armrest) noticeable in day to day usage?
It really isnt a big deal after a while. I cant even remember what it was like on the 5th gen.

3. Does the hood scoop shake and if so more than the 5th gen hood scoop? I did not have a hood scoop prior. My current one shakes. It looks bad at first but i dont even notice it when driving unless i make an effort.

4. I've read that the TRD Off Road Premium ride gets very rough on like gravel or dirt roads, so just wondering of the Sport did that as well. This thing will hit hard on bumps. Ive gotten use to it

 

[ugahairydawgs]

I came from a 2016 SR5 Prem. The only thing I DISLIKE is the dam reverse brake sqeual they cant seem to fix it sinces March. Mine is bad, its mixed on the severity across the board for those who have it.

Have you taken it in for this? https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/threads/front-brake-squeal-noise-official-tsb-fix-tsb-0046-25.5534/

 

[FoozGrind]

Have you taken it in for this? https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/threads/front-brake-squeal-noise-official-tsb-fix-tsb-0046-25.5534/

Yup 2 times. 3 weeks ago and 2 days ago

 

[Tamer1122]

In a nutshell, TRD Sport is a very capable car on road and off road. Easily customizable and nice smooth ride, and affordable! I went to buy a premium and saw no reason to pay extra, especially that all the premium goodies are available from toyota and after market vendors for half the price.

 

[ugahairydawgs]

Yup 2 times. 3 weeks ago and 2 days ago

That's got to be maddening. What does the dealer say when this keeps coming back?

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