2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD - POV Driving Impressions

[@TheTopher]

Correction: it looks like heated seats are not standard on the SR5, you have to move up to the SofTex trimmed heated and ventilated seats in the TRD Sport/Off Road Premium and higher trims. This was a pre-production SR5, hence the discrepancy. Too bad, that would've been nice to have!

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

You can get heated cloth in ordinary TRD Offroad.

[@Watchreviewblog]

@@TheTopher just to add to this, heated seats and third row is standard on the new SR5 in Canada.

[@Jay-sb2xs]

@@TheTopher you have to go premium

[@InPursuit2023]

@@thatoneotherotherguy And heated cloth in the Sport.

[@InPursuit2023]

No heated seats on SR5, all others (even with cloth) get heated seats.

[@UESide]

Thank you for driving the base model!!

[@jumpjet897]

I see TheTopher video pop up on my KZbin feed during lunchtime and I threw the biggest "F yeah!" My gf got scared.

[@OutdoorHorizonsWK2]

I broke out and got straight into a 2L of Mountain Dew, a Butterfinger and a bag of BBQ chips when I saw this video was uploaded.

[@BoostedLunar]

Probably the best driving review of the new 4Runner I've seen Topher! Finally someone who's giving the 4Runner some speed so we can see passing power and how the new power train really is from a drivers POV.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Chris, I am thrilled to see the affordable SR5 still comes with sensible 17" rims. 🤩🤩

[@joeblow-xy3oz]

Lol show us where 20 inch wheels touched you?

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

Unfortunately they downsized the tire size from prior, though. Like 30.5" narrower crossover tire size now compared to the 31.6" P265/70R17 size that nearly all 5th gen trims came on. It is annoying that the Offroad models went to 18" wheels up an inch from prior, but at least the tire also got the same 1" larger for an equal sidewall height.

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

@@joeblow-xy3oz just so you're aware, in the 5th gen 4Runner community, making fun of the Limited trim's 20" wheels was pretty widespread. It's an offroad SUV, not a background prop in a 2004 rap video.

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@thatoneotherotherguy 🤣😂

[@rightlanehog3151]

@@thatoneotherotherguy Agreed!

[@Veyronp87]

i like the basicness and ruggedness of this sr5 model. as long as this turbo motor can hold up, this should last forever

[@ArthropodSpidey]

Turbos dont last forever

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

@@ArthropodSpidey sure, nothing does, but with basic proper engineering and manufacturing you can easily have turbochargers last the full lifespan of the vehicle. Turbos are not some death knell for longevity, unless the company does a very poor job.

[@ArthropodSpidey]

@@thatoneotherotherguyyes, because Toyota has done a fantastic job with turbos so far. Get real

[@ZACH_95_]

@@ArthropodSpideywell this is the first generation of all of these new Toyota engines dumb dumb. They’re going to have some issues, they’ll work on them and they’ll be just fine.

[@ytj22]

​@@ArthropodSpidey This one has been out for a few years now, no issues so far

[@BLR653]

Dude drove it like he stole it. Well done!

[@whitegoodman7465]

No power seats, no heated seats, no memory seats and a 4 cylinder..great upgrades! 👍👍

[@MrGrandetaco707]

Its a base model

[@julioc.guevara3658]

I must say Toyota did a great job with making sure that the base trims looked great on the exterior. I am really impressed with the SR5 and how it looks on the road. The interior amenities and options are subjective to what ppl feel is/are important to them. Hope to get my hands on a 4Runner some day!

[@DylanTK]

As per usual, Toyota knows exactly what they're doing with the product stack and trim levels (buyer satisfaction aside). Basically, the TRD Off Road Premium is where the best cost/benefit is IMO (TRD Sport Premium would be worth mentioning if it wasn't nearly the same price for the 4WD with less features).

[@jameskocks4734]

thanks for doing this video. i have been waiting for this one.

[@billyhughes9776]

As a '15 TRD Pro owner and watching several reviews of the new trims of the '25 4Runner, if I were to go for a new one this would be the one for me. Great review Topher. Thanks!

[@YeoldeOrange]

Base model honestly looks the best, it’s what Toyota has always done well… No gimmicks and useless crap we don’t need to inflate the price tag.

[@vin_sr5]

Screen is way more digestible than the 14” option. Appears to be actually integrated into the design rather than stuck on. Doubt it will happen, but the whispers of a manual transmission would make this the perfect spec imo. Also, next time you review near there, look up Cafe 94 for food!

[@whitegoodman7465]

Its not built into the dash whatsoever.

[@vin_sr5]

@@whitegoodman7465 Was just saying it ‘appears’ more integrated in this video than what I’ve seen in others with the larger screen.

[@LAKingfish24]

thanks for this review. they are gonna sell a ton of these.

[@fitzgerald3968]

dont know if you remember me but im back bro!!!i love these!!!!

[@Chvili_C]

“This interior with the blue” 16:45 “That’s interesting” 😂. My thoughts as well… 😅

[@InPursuit2023]

LOL! I laughed so hard at his attempt to cover up his.......surprise.

[@blvckspectrvm5398]

That thing is sweet I would buy it the same exact way! Simple and reliable

[@ArthropodSpidey]

Toyota: How big do you want the screen bezels? Toyota: Yes

[@brandondannys-menary3678]

For a four cylinder it actually doesn’t sound that bad. Sounds a lot better than the Tacoma 3.5 l engines from the past haha.

[@smellyfish36]

interior looks awesome imo, love how clunky it is

[@tinhinnh]

4Runner = budget LC?

[@ValkenDnB]

Yep, I feel like once you get into the premium sport/offroad you’re better off just getting a Land Cruiser since your touching the same price point.

[@jask320]

I was waiting for your 4runner review!

[@levonyoung3749]

I love the Topehr! I wish we could go riding around in my 2012 Volvo S60 and talk about it. This new 4 runner is looking fresh and it was much needed. I personally would not get it as I have no need for an off road capable car but if I did I would seriously consider this.

[@LukeO-1234]

If I could get the SR5 with power, front seat and auto climate control that's what I would buy 100%

[@itslucien]

Went on the builder and looks like the heated seats are unfortunately not available on the SR5 for final production

[@andregonsalvez9244]

Great review and show ! I am glad you are reviewing the basic 4Runner. I hope a V6 will come now the emissions are being relaxed . 😊

[@ericd1632]

Don't hold your breath

[@joeamith838]

Do the rear seats fold down flat at all?..or just fold up/away to access third row/back area?..nevermind I just saw the SR5 seats lock in the flat position for a second.Surprised no one has put seats completely flat in any of these reviews to show sleeping space.

[@lubosimaboshe]

wow nice video the roads look like need for speed the run.awesome video

[@gothops154]

0:40 who doesn’t love a base 4Runner? People who don’t want to pay premium car prices (OVER $40k) and receive features and materials found on $20k vehicles. Toyota fans will do their thing and buy it but I have no idea why you’d subject yourself to that kind of abuse. Spec the car appropriately for the price or price the car appropriately for the spec. The margins on Toyota trucks are insane

[@Scott-mu4xw]

Comparing two totally different vehicles would you rather have a 4Runner or GR Corolla? Price wise they are about the same.

[@sansinutube]

1:45 The load floor appears to be removable. Is there storage space under the floor?

[@Omnisci314]

Why isn't anyone doing the 0 to 60 tests?

[@ytj22]

Likely because Toyota does not want them to for this event. My guess is 7.5 - 8sec in this trim.

[@Omnisci314]

@ytj22 as in - you'd guess the higher trims would be faster?

[@ytj22]

@@Omnisci314 No, they'd be heavier so in my opinion, not faster.

[@ViewlessSquid]

Video stopped when you said it cost 41k. Thanks for the quick video.

[@ToyotaChrisWI]

I really hope the SR5 includes the heated seats, because all of the Toyota information I received says there’s no heated seats in the SR5. 🤷‍♂️

[@InPursuit2023]

The $40k starting price sounds great on paper, but to get a 4wd, it will cost us $44,220 after delivery, processing, and handling. To get heated seats and 4wd, you're looking at a minimum $50,640 (TRD Off-road) or $50,700 after delivery, for a Sport. Ugh.

[@hassandawudi4810]

Plus Toyota always ships their cars with a $5000 "premium package". This is their new scam to trick people

[@mark8684]

Does the non-hybrid ICE model have auto start/stop defeat button? I haven’t seen it on any version. Of course, I understand the hybrid won’t have auto start/stop.

[@ytj22]

I don't believe the non-hybrid even has auto start-stop in the first place.

[@chuckwalla2967]

This SR5 or the Forester Touring for similar cost?

[@cyborg2048]

Sr5

[@kylegriffin3778]

kudos to Toyota for not making the center console just a huge screen. This is exactly what a new car dash should look like. Does the gauge cluster have customization?

[@MCGaar]

Look at that spaghetti mess. 3:06 Are we sure Fiat didn’t turbo it? 😂 V6 and V8 four Runner gang all day.

[@ytj22]

Guess what, the V6 and V8 are a spaghetti mess too when you remove the engine cover. You'd rather an unnecessary, heat trapping engine cover just to make it "look pretty" for when you top up your washer fluid?

[@MCGaar]

@@ytj22 turbo will not outlast a V6 dummy

[@ytj22]

@@MCGaar I'm the dummy? What are you even responding to? A comment about an engine cover?

[@buffalOMsoldier]

would love to know if driving experience is similar to the TRD Off Road you just drove!

[@muramasa870]

Does it have crawl control mode?

[@daveybro]

nice! POV, looking for honest opinion here: which one drives smaller, this base 4runner vs 1958 LC?

[@retirementOwl]

Enjoyed, thank you!

[@bradley_hilton]

This is the one to get.

[@christiantaylor9873]

Can you please do a trst drive of the mitsubishi mirage g4

[@KittRembo]

What are those shelf things in the cargo area in the sides? Looks like they would impede space

[@BroMan360Bro]

Does this come with a rear locker? If it does it’s perfect

[@user-bs1lj3kv7h]

Does the base model still have a 400w inverter in the rear cargo area or is the larger inverter an option?

[@Slickpete83]

*NO spare tire* ???

[@ytj22]

Yes, under the rear of the vehicle.

[@vojtik1234]

Looks like upgraded Dacia Duster from outside

[@ArtieMcYardie]

How is the comfortability of the rear seats? My wife keeps making comments on how uncomfortable they look she calls them airliner seat seats can you please validate and talk about the comfortability of the back seats thank you in advance.

[@tommyistommy]

I never liked the 5th gen. I still can't get behind this. It's not the powertrain for me, it's the price, packaging and horrible capabilities. The lack of properly folding rear seat is comical at best, my 1985 suburban has flat folding rear seats! To get a sunroof, for example, its locked behind 14k in packages. That's obscene. The ground clearance sucks, tons of low hanging suspension parts , really no consideration for actual off road use. The weight is ridiculous, the interior is tight in all these small tgna f vehicles and the use of hard plastics on everything would be criminal on a vehicle half it's price. I hated the V6, it was underpowered when new (in 2003) and never fuel efficient. Somehow they managed to make less power with the same fuel economy despite DI, turbo, 8 gears and 40% less displacement. That's an engineering marvel. The hybrid and LC are even dumber, the 326hp is clearly bullshit, a GX with 20 more HP is 2 seconds faster to 60. The whole platform is bad. The weight and compromises in interior space and capabilies off road are inexcusable. Buying this over anything else in the class is insane.

[@sniffmapoopi]

These Toyota prices are getting out of hand.

[@Jonathan-bk3dq]

The sound of that 4 cylinder does not fit the vehicle to me. I dislike that automakers are discontinuing V6's. The 4 cylinder sounds grainy and unrefined. The rest of the 4Runner I do like though.

[@PaixFN]

can the normal sr5 get softex seats

[@JM-fk5hh]

no, only on offroad premium and sport premium.

[@tuckerhiggins4336]

245/70r17? Smaller than the last gen lol. I was curious how that mpg was so good

[@danmurphy1994]

See if the seats turn into beds if you take the head rest off and lean if forward then back. Many japanese cars do this, pertinent feature for camping.

[@Jay-sb2xs]

SR5 is my spec with JBL sound system

[@ytj22]

Is that possible?

[@Jay-sb2xs]

@ premium pack gives you that

[@fanboiahoy260]

@@Jay-sb2xsnot on first model year

[@Chemistrydivinity]

Hope you like paying subscription fee fees for remote start

[@GoodSarsaparilla]

Unfortunately no heated seats standard or optional on SR5.

[@Anomize23]

Literally why I got a sr5 premium 5th gen. these people are getting so screwed with the price of the new gen models it’s not even funny how much less they are getting. It’s such an afterthought vehicle everything else becomes questionable.

[@KonriVTuber]

What made the 1GR so durable is that it was underpowered and overbuilt, which seems like the opposite of the new hybrid and non-hybrid turbo 4s. Pack it with boost, small displacement, makes great numbers, but I'd be curious how bulletproof it still is after years and miles. My 4th-gen hit 210k and has fewer problems than my wife's 50k-mile 2019 Mazda

[@fanboiahoy260]

So you don’t know the definition of the word “efficiency”. The 1gr wasn’t underpowered, that’s a complete lie. It couldn’t make 400hp reliably without catastrophic failure.

[@vojtik1234]

2:08 duuuuude!!! You are spitting everywhere

[@stevelouie5928]

The only thing i wish they would offer is an optional tire package. The current tires on it look way too small. For 40k it'd be perfect with off road tires.

[@bencarpenter-j2m]

Will we get the TRD off road premium video soon? That's the one I wanna see!

[@auggith]

been up for a while 😁 kzbin.info/www/bejne/opO0q41rdpmSopIsi=yI7KNJPE32GAV5LG

[@bencarpenter-j2m]

@@auggith Oh thanks. I saw that video but didn't put it together in my brain.lol

[@ebenezercunningham9073]

When can we start getting cars again that don't look like they were styled by demons?

[@poppa_da_corn]

Such a beautiful truck but sounds sooo bad. Very disappointing powertrain. Sounds worst than aN vW Rabbit.

[@iandeleon8132]

Gotta figure in dealership markups though

[@ericd1632]

There won't be markups. Maybe on the TRD pro but I doubt it on the other trim levels

[@iandeleon8132]

@@ericd1632 If not markups, then it will be overpriced add ons. I'm already seeing some SR5's here in the Houston area for $46K and $51K

[@cashmoney9300]

do the 2025 q5 s line!!

[@bryanvlogs1421]

We getting an offroad review ?

[@minifunkable]

Base model with 4x4 is best 👌its really cheap

[@tuckerhiggins4336]

Man thag 4cyl is vomit. It sounds so rattley and unrefined

[@dirkcurritzki9585]

Really no point switching out the old 4.0

[@joeyschmoey9138]

What this thing really had going for it was the reliability easily expecting 300k miles. With the added turbo that now comes into question.

[@sammyjammy6647]

Not everybody keeps a vehicle for 20 years. Longevity is not a selling point for everybody.

[@joeyschmoey9138]

@@sammyjammy6647 No but anyone that buys THIS vehicle is considering it's reliability and consequently extremely high resale value when purchasing. No one buys Toyota because they are fun to drive.

[@fanboiahoy260]

Only 4% of 5th gen’s even made it past 200k. You’re just delusional. It used to sell well bc it was capable and affordable. The Tesla model 3 sells 5x as well because it doesn’t cheap out on features like Toyota

[@joeyschmoey9138]

Do you have a source? Probably not. People buy Toyota for longevity reliability and resale value. Sure it's capable but it's not the cheapest and it won't break down on you aka reliable.

[@ICU306]

I’d get this because it’s non-hybrid

[@johnnybravo5044]

This all you really need to get the job done. No ugly black gloss!

[@Sledgehammer0224]

i need that blackwing twin

[@TvWebNews]

Hear that turbo 4 cylinder working hard? That doesn't sound so great to me. Sure, you got more initial torque, but the ongoing work the engine has to do to keep up doesn't sound great. What will it be like after 20-30 k of driving I really want to know. But listening to this drive didn't increase my confidence at all - I have a v6 4 Runner, and that sounds way better than this.

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

A lot of what you're hearing is the piped in fake engine noise. This engine works less than the 4.0L in the outgoing 4Runner did. If you own a 4.0L 4Runner like I do, then you know that it's an absolute dog in the mountains. Constantly straining, reaching for 4000RPM.

[@ZACH_95_]

That’s the piped in engine noise. The old 4.0 had to work a lot harder to do anything.

[@fanboiahoy260]

I’ve seen 6 cylinder bmw’s making 700hp at 50k miles. You’re just old and don’t understand how engineering works. This engine is wayyyyy more efficient

[@differenttigers]

Have you noticed a difference in build quality/panel gap/fit and finish in the Japanese made 4Runner compared to the Mexican made Taco? I've always wanted a Tacoma but would go for the 4Runner if the quality seemed better. Looking forward to checking out both Edit: just finished the video, thanks for answering my question haha

[@sunnyvalentino]

Like this, just missing a rear locker

[@EO1025]

Looks weird. Previous 4Runner looks badass

[@stuckinthepast]

Ridiculously early

[@adv.013]

Try to do a previous gen 4runner and current gen 4runner comparison video

[@roydaone]

it’s over(angry duck face)

[@ericd1632]

That's pretty neat

[@PAMCMLXXXV]

Wish it came with no carpets like an fj.

[@IJBCI]

I don’t see this engine being as reliable as the v6. I want to be wrong

[@georgetown8986]

That new engine is outstanding. The Hybrid engine in the Land Cruiser is absolutely great as well. Very quick and enormous torque.

[@skoolynugenator1802]

But not reliable like the previous ones.

[@Mycameron2323]

It came out a year ago, you have no data. Stop crying ​@@skoolynugenator1802

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

@@skoolynugenator1802 that's a fuddy duddy scared guess that's not backed up by anything tangible. Live and see. Anybody terrified of turbos simply has to get out of the way for the hordes of people that are going to happy buy this.

[@MrCovert23]

This new 4 runner looks better than the previous exterior wise but for some reason it feels like a temu version of the real one

[@Jay-sb2xs]

You had a SR5 before

[@mikomccanie4827]

Black color does not look as good, it seems.

[@DoSum4Me]

I like this spec, but the interior looks cheap (regardless of trim) and the 4 cylinder is not ideal.

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

Good value. Although, it still annoys me that they went to MPG and cost-cutting measures like going down an inch to a 30.5" narrower tire for SR5 (now 245/70R17, previously 265/70R17), and dumbing down the full-size spare for a spacesaver. The base TRD Offroad seems like the best value in the lineup.

[@ToyotaJim1]

Looks the same as a 2024 Tacoma SR5.

[@PANDAAZN]

Literally just a taco with enclosed space now. The previous gen atleast had different appearances and engines and interiors. Damn the future 😂

[@joeblow-xy3oz]

Not different engines, that was the 4th gen

[@sammyjammy6647]

Well the enclosed space helps not hearing the rattle of a pick up bed. Also the 4Runner is made in Japan. I’d rather that then the taco made in Mexico 🇲🇽

[@gabe6959]

40k? absolutely not. I'd rather buy a 2022 GX 460 for around that much.

[@timflint25]

I bet it's almost impossible to sleep back there with those dumb tumble-forward seats instead of the typical folding seats. Toyota has really ruined the packaging on this and the Sequoia!

[@sammyjammy6647]

Sorry, but with the four-wheel-drive, it’s not 41,000. Also, if you’re getting the SR5, you might as well get the third row seat, even if you don’t use it. So with the four-wheel-drive and the third row seat you’re at 45,000. Don’t you reviewers do your basic research?

[@PinkKitten12470]

everything is plastic, i get the price point and cost cutting, but they could've added a little more colored plastic or something

[@Anomize23]

Not impressed with the cheap material feel/drive and then the rear cargo area that can’t stay flat. 5th gen again it is for me. absolutely nothing is impressive when it comes to that price jump. if I really wanted a 4cylinder, it would be a RAV4 I’m driving.

[@jonathanseibert761]

Who is buying these shitboxes

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

100-150k people a year in the US.

[@Watchreviewblog]

People who enjoy a nice quality body on frame suv

[@ericd1632]

Get lost troll

[@jonathanseibert761]

@ you apparently