2025 Toyota 4Runner Off-Road Premium - POV First Driving Impressions

[@hellokyle_]

My uncle's 2007 4Runner had over 250,000 miles on it. He recently got a 2024 model vs the 2025. I thought he was crazy but then I realized how amazing that 4.0 V6 engine is and it made sense.

[@Icehawks7]

250,000 is nothing on those 4th gen 4Runners. I’m in a Facebook group for 4th gen’s and there is multiple people in there with well over 500,000 miles on them. Original drivetrains too. Me personally, I have 225,000 on mine. It’s still just being broken in.

[@ebersolejoshua]

Time will tell on the reliability of the 2025+, but honestly, the new platform is so much better in all regards missing out on a lot of improvements. The ride quality, handling, structural rigidity, and power (especially at elevation) are substantial reasons to go with the new generation. I have a 2025 Land Cruiser, essentially the same underneath, and the improvement from the last gen 4 Runner is drastic. The thing I don’t get is the pricing here, this is the same price as a Land Cruiser 1958, which in many regards is better equipped. Me personally, I think the Land Cruiser looks better inside and out, and has the same cargo height or more with the hybrid powertrain. I don't get the existence of the two models side by side and the weird pricing overlap between them. But I ramble on. To your point, I’m thinking these are going to be very reliable power trains, overbuilt and detuned with both port and direct injection. But time will tell. There’s a buy that does 10,000 miles a month as a medical courier with a 2024 Land Cruiser, he’s two months in, will be interesting to see how it holds up, should be at 120,000 miles next December.

[@James-t3c]

4.0 is so slow. No power.

[@SgtZen]

@@Icehawks7 I had 350k on my Land Cruiser before it was stolen.

[@Icehawks7]

@@SgtZen ok

[@michaelperry3091]

No auto start/stop? Its a miracle!

[@StubProductions]

Thank you Jesus! I will buy one just because of this! Lol!!

[@TPowell12]

It's amazing most other reviewers never even covered this but of course they mention the silly little flashlight. No auto start/stop is a huge plus.

[@Ben.N]

even on the Toyotas with auto start/stop you can avoid it if you don't push the brake pedal down fully I think

[@BcuzRacecar]

limited still has it but not any other trim edit: 2wd sr5 and trd sport have it too

[@ytj22]

Can auto start/stop be turned off on other models that have it?

[@casweeden]

Wild how Toyota can make such fuel-efficient vehicles and then still pump out a 19mpg 4cyl.

[@Fadic4]

They could’ve kept the 4.0 V6 and mated it to the 8 or 10 speed and probably gotten similar fuel economy. I think the issue is emissions.

[@Avanchent]

I always say the same thing. The 5.0 v8 f150 gets similar gas mileage and it’s a bigger truck. I don’t understand how Toyota is always so lacking in MPG in their trucks, but I would still choose them over the others.

[@Chris-hw4mq]

Its a small cylinder in a huge car, fuel economy cant be good. Toyota should use a N/A V8 for reliability

[@faheemabbas3965]

@@Chris-hw4mq a shame emissions prevents that. Or Toyota isn’t trying hard enough to go around them.

[@Chris-hw4mq]

@@faheemabbas3965 How are emission preventing that and cadillac or chevy have V8s ? Its not sold in the EU

[@Myrdoc]

My 2011 is closing in on 180k miles. It'll still go 8000 miles in between oil changes without burning or even dirtying any oil, amazing Toyota Engineering.

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

Yep, it's quite the overbuilt understressed engine. It's slow, it's thirsty, and I'm not afraid of the new generation powertrains, but I do love my 2023's 4.0L in my own irrational way.

[@Myrdoc]

@@thatoneotherotherguy Welp, that's the Toyota way. Their engines aren't the most powerful, efficient or flashy. But dammit if they don't last a million miles.

[@rightlanehog3151]

Chris, Thanks for taking us on a tour of downtown San Diego. As a public service to current 4Runner owners who are about to upgrade to the new model, it should be mentioned that the roll down tailgate window was preserved 😄but the versatile 40/20/40 rear seat has been dropped. ☹

[@kellythomas7090]

Really liked that 40/20/40 rear seat!!!

[@frankenelimtangco2400]

Trd off road bare bone without the premium is now the sweet spot. 🤣

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

Yep. It's like $7k cheaper than a no-extra-options Offroad Premium. Crazy prices if you want ALL the goodies. I don't need a power liftgate or billion inch screen or offroad cameras in my almost-affordable offroad SUV.

[@NewIdeas226]

Toyota is losing their mind with these prices. Wouldn’t even consider buying this vehicle now that an off road is priced the same as a TRD pro only a few years ago.

[@damronatkins1542]

Thank you for the driving impressions video. Definitely leaning towards the Off-Road Premium.

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

I would also consider a regular TRD Offroad, around $7,000 cheaper. The cost of that moonroof, power liftgate, steps, softex seats, heated steering wheel, and bigger interior screen add up.

[@BigdogLarry]

If he can afford it the extra 7k, why not? 🤷🏻‍♂️ Me personally, I would go for the same. I like all the extra amenities and definitely need that power lift gate.

[@YeoldeOrange]

The molds for these interior door panels are getting insane

[@djplonghead5403]

Those climate controls are very tempting... I love physical buttons.

[@tpolerex7282]

Not my type of vehicle (truck) but they did a great job here with the re-design and I’m always up for a Topher review. Fun to see the drive from downtown San Diego where I live just a mile up the hill to my route to my favorite canyon carving road in my ‘02 WRX wagon.

[@Dusty_617]

Now this is what I’ve been waiting for

[@jcrbama]

That price is really hard to swallow. Seems nice and all, but how the heck is it creeping up to $60k?

[@johnnybravo5044]

Made in Mexico. 😂😂😂😂😂

[@ro0ster648]

@@johnnybravo5044 all 4runners are made in Japan, and that has not changed

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

@@johnnybravo5044 Japan.

[@dawsongranger4940]

@@johnnybravo50444Runners are till made in Japan

[@chibbyylol]

@@johnnybravo5044 Not this one, made in Tahara plant in japan

[@naashuman5503]

Awesome dash design 👏🏻 👌🏻 TOYOTA did good! It's just awesome!

[@alexmseu]

Sounds like a RAV4 with turbo whistle.

[@erinsutherland1195]

I love love the heritage blue...very pretty

[@mrvwbug4423]

They renamed it. It was called Cavalry blue, my 2019 Tacoma is in the same color. And very tempted to get a 2025 4Runner in that color.

[@kevineureka6996]

You never disappoint

[@juanorcera3198]

Would love to see a video on the 2026 Honda Passport when it comes out comparing it to the 4Runner. Love your videos!

[@mrvwbug4423]

There's nothing to compare, not the same class of vehicle, and nobody is cross shopping them. You buy a 4Runner because you expect to use it off road, you buy a Passport or Pilot because you want the space and AWD for winter, but have zero plans to use it off road.

[@The1SSGrant]

@@mrvwbug4423tell that to the 10, yes 10, 4Runner owners I know that never take them off-road. One of which is going to look at the Passport 😂 The market for these vehicles isn’t always what the manufacturer intends.

[@roketfingers]

For just regular driving, this engine seems to live in much higher rpms than the v6, my 5th gen rarely touches 2000 rpm during normal driving

[@mrvwbug4423]

You must live in the flatlands. Here in Colorado, the 4.0s basically live in the upper reaches of their rev range as they gear hunt their way up the hills. Or you're crawling up hills at 20+ under the speed limit. I've driven a 2024 Tacoma back to back with my 2019 Tacoma (which has better low end torque than the 5th gen 4Runners) and the turbo mill was definitely turning lower revs in general.

[@roketfingers]

@@mrvwbug4423 true, i never climb hills, but that would be an annoyance of the 5 speed transmission, not the engine

[@guymann4016]

Earn $165k/yr - no debt. And I won’t be participating in the new car prices. Maybe buy one in 8yrs.(not that anyone cares lol) Can’t wait to see how crazy the prior gen with 1GR get

[@thomas77597]

Dealership where I bought mine reaches out quite often for me to trade mine in.

[@Kiss__Kiss]

The exterior is growing on me, with the exception of the tail lights. Overall a good driving impression, Chris..... I like the fact that even with a forced induced engine, Toyota kept the tuning to a simple 87octane rating.

[@tuckerhiggins4336]

Ikr. Those tail lights look like aftermarket 5th gen 4runner Morimotos. Awfully ugly

[@Delvy787]

I would save the money and buy a used 5th gen. All new vehicles are a scam with these prices and rates lol.

[@thomas77597]

I will buy another 5th gen for sure

[@NawMan357]

Are these built in Japan?

[@TheTopher]

Yes, same Tahara plant as Land Cruiser and GX

[@buffalOMsoldier]

Excellent video! Very informative and delivered concisely, eloquently, and intelligently. Thank you!

[@Fadic4]

Toyota: We are going to share a common platform across many of our body on frame vehicles, this will reduce cost and improve quality. Also Toyota: Increases prices and reduces quality.

[@RCFTE]

Typical comment from a bitter angry dead broke troll who can not afford one.

[@Fadic4]

@@RCFTE I had a 2023 TRD Off Road Premium, just sold it a few months ago. Want pics? I’ve gotten a few comments like this, can you blind Toyota fans think for yourselves and actually look at the pricing?

[@MHounan]

​@@RCFTEwithout a doubt the quality is way way down. My new tundra platinum has ridiculously bad build quality. So much worse than my second gen

[@James-t3c]

@@MHounanI agree. The build quality and materials on Tundra are awful.

[@RCFTE]

@ Keep on babbling.

[@taesu8]

Thank you for the review. Your drive and comment was very insightful.

[@06Pine]

Single zone climate?

[@dand2334]

Ridiculous at that price point

[@danieldotter6077]

The video I have been waiting for

[@eartha911]

Nice review. I think I might have to keep my 2016 Trail Premium. Not into gadgets, and I really hate the sound of a Rav-4 for that kind of $$$$.

[@10cpaul]

10:30 thought that GMC was going to whack you! The rearview mirror is very clear!

[@JamartaviusWebber]

I'll keep commenting this as often as I can: I'm not paying what used to be luxury, naturally aspirated V8 SUV prices for a 4-cylinder!

[@Fay-Hen]

This ia the spec i wanted to see, thank you!!

[@zachb9541]

Think i may have seen you driving in Rancho SD, great looking car!

[@RCFTE]

Absolutely love the color. Nice looking 4 runner.

[@billyhughes9776]

The frontend looks almost exactly like a Tacoma, which is fine, but the previous gens of the 4Runner always distinguished itself looks-wise. I would ace those side steps immediately, they look terrible on an "off-road capable" vehicle. The black cladding is gonna age poorly. This TRD Off-Road does seem like the sweet spot,...man, the turbo 4 banger doesn't sound great IMO, but definitely better pull/acceleration. We'll see how well it ages reliability-wise. My daily is a '15 TRD Pro. I will not be rushing out to replace it -- mine has low miles and has been paid off for while. Great review as always, thanks.

[@James-t3c]

Nobody off-roads these though. Such a waste for a daily driver.

[@billyhughes9776]

@@James-t3c Sure, I'd agree it's kind of a waste for a daily, but, I like the way it feels and drives. It's comfortable, but yeah, makes more sense to drive a Honda Civic as my "daily".

[@sinfam7756]

What is the max speed you can drive at, in 4H ? For example driving on highway in snowy conditions.

[@igoresque]

That is one handsome truck, and with some pretty color!

[@rpm773]

No engine cover? Curious...

[@James-t3c]

Cost cutting.

[@pro_boy_ricardo]

Love a Topher Toyota video!

[@saturnworld1840]

Here’s the thing with Toyota now. Who the hell wants a 4 Runner with a 4 cylinder engine?

[@RCFTE]

You don’t have to worry because you can not afford one.

[@MHounan]

No one has ever bought a 4Runner for it's engine.

[@James-t3c]

Better than the V6 slug.

[@longboardguy]

@@James-t3cnot really it’s going to be less reliable and more expensive to fix especially with time and mileage

[@RCFTE]

@@longboardguy Keep on babbling.

[@i1794]

Is the engine noise being pumped in? I have a 2025 Land Cruiser and it does not sound like this.

[@Glideslopes]

Nice POV.

[@desertdrz]

As a loyal gm customer I'm intrigued in this new toyota 4runner specifically the base engine without the hybrid. I'm curious how the power is compared to the chevy/gmc traverse/acadia turbo 4 cyl. Thanks for the review, I enjoy your content far more than the other reviewers in this segment.

[@mrvwbug4423]

The Traverse/Acadia has slightly more power and torque, but it's an apples to oranges comparison. The 4Runner is a body on frame off road capable SUV. The Traverse is a unibody mall crawler

[@sansinutube]

How does the TRD Off-road drive on the highway compared to the SR5 and the Limited/Platinum? Is the Off-road suspension bouncy and harsh on the way?

[@brianw9475]

Interior looks nice.

[@sansinutube]

How does it compare to the Land Cruiser in terms of highway driving comfort and smoothness?

[@James-t3c]

LC is very noisy due to harsh wind noise. Very annoying! Talking on the phone, many will get annoyed with background wind noise. You definitely have to talk loud to passengers on highway. Feels like an 80’s vehicle with no insulation.

[@James-t3c]

LC is very noisy due to harsh wind noise. Very annoying! Talking on the phone, many will get annoyed with background wind noise. You definitely have to talk loud to passengers on highway. Feels like an 80’s vehicle with no insulation. These are not about luxury and comfort. It’s about brand loyalty.

[@kingofthenerds7925]

Joe Raiti’s review of the platinum iForce-max 4 runner said that there was no turbo lag in the power delivery, so maybe there isn’t as much of an issue as thought before.

[@ytj22]

The electric motor provides torque fill which will mask any turbo lag.

[@kingofthenerds7925]

@ Yeah exactly

[@retirementOwl]

I have an order on a 2025 Lexus GX 550 Overtrail, but I'm kinda considering the 4Runner Off-Road Premium. Can you give your opinion how they compare in terms of on road enjoyment? I've driven the GX a couple times and waiting to drive the 4R. I didn't like the LC and I don't want a hybrid.

[@mikewellington2738]

Can you make up the big jump in price for the TRD Pro with resale value? Because if not, then I would have to lean heavily toward the off-road premium as compared to the pro.

[@James-t3c]

Pros will be marked up to 80k. Wait!

[@Pharaoh5611]

Remember when people used to laugh at 4 bangers and now everything from SUVs to Pickups has one😂

[@Jay-sb2xs]

Love the new design but I do miss the V6!

[@Tyler.Reigns]

How’s the leg room for the driver?

[@CurtisPittman-t2r]

How do you get into this career? I love cars and this would be a dream job. How do you start?

[@user-zw4wh1tm9x]

3:08 Topher's ghost stuck in the center console, release thetopher!

[@maiderchang8768]

How does it compare to the Tacoma Trailhunter ride, wind, and comfort?

[@James-t3c]

It’s a boxy truck. Wind noise will be a lot.

[@dig494]

I have a 2021 T4R ORP. Like it alot since new. $43K at the time. Very few mods and it does what I want it to do up here in AK and YK. What about the Ranger Raptor in your fleet? Not apples to apples but for long distance traveling and off road chops, Raptor a better value for a few more bux?

[@aknadiri2520]

I liked 5th gen most, that think looked like legit tank

[@--Bride]

That yellow Evo😊

[@osemuohan-smarties5203]

Toyota never disappoints!

[@James-t3c]

65k for cloth and plastic interiors. Only 4 cylinder. Yikes!

[@Anomize23]

I’ll take this as sarcasm😂

[@TallalSalim]

Beautiful vehicle, i owned 2017 and 2022 toyota runner trd off-road, loved them, if 2025 2.4L 4 cyclinder is as reliable as the 4.0L V6, then i would probably go for it.

[@seabiscuit726142]

It can't be. Any over-stressed engine has less reliability.

[@TallalSalim]

@seabiscuit726142 We will have to wait and see, plus the first gen 4 runner is a 2.4L 4-cylinder, still running strong 💪

[@seabiscuit726142]

@@TallalSalim Sure, it was also 700 lbs. lighter, had simpler emission systems that strain the engine, less electronics, etc.

[@TallalSalim]

@seabiscuit726142 I'm sure Toyota is smart enough to think of that, just like with the Tundras, they had a turbo issue, they figured it out, did a recall, and replaced all the engines, now it's a reliable engine, and if the new engine does become an issue, Toyota will take care of it free of charge, Toyota engines are not the only thing that's known to be reliable, the company itself is on top of things, they are reliable when it comes to major issues.

[@seabiscuit726142]

@@TallalSalim Well, here's the problem right there: "a smart enough" manufacturer wouldn't need to replace thousands of engines in the first place.

[@ebersolejoshua]

Did you run that red light at 4:16?

[@TheTopher]

Flashing red = stop sign

[@williamtaylor3091]

Great vehicle, but Toyota needs to sit down with their dealers and talk about markups. My local dealer doesn’t even have any on the lot and their website is showing 12K markups on their incoming.

[@suttongriffin8154]

The single zone climate control is surprising for that price

[@vitreoushumor]

That price and mpgs tho...

[@Thatguy8134]

Look, I get it’s an improvement over the last gen in some aspects but the price tags are getting out of control.

[@kentstructures4388]

rear overhang is huge

[@DevrajBiswakarma-t3o]

very nice video 👍❤

[@1kaaa]

I want the 4Runner, but very nervous about driving something this big of a car from driving a Crosstrek.

[@JoeMACofNAC]

Toyota should have given an option for the LS drivetrain with the V6 hybrid. That would have been the best of both worlds.

[@johnnybravo5044]

The turbo configuration is going kill Toyota's dependability for the truck segment.

[@JoeMACofNAC]

@@johnnybravo5044for real. It was supposed to be about fuel economy but it’s not much better than last generation.

[@iiBulleTz]

Right outside petco I miss living in San Diego

[@MustafaElCamino]

No grab handle on the driver’s side a pillar just show how Toyota is missing the mark on many things.

[@thomas77597]

Yeah that’s crazy. Put em in the back too!!!

[@xikefocus]

My guess is that the next RAV4 will be good.

[@donjohnson2428]

I can live with the 4 cylinder engine. The power output is impressive and the MPG savings on the highway is nice. I can live with the giant, glued on iPad screen in the infotainment. The UI looks fluid and aesthetically pleasing, and we still have physical controls for HVAC. I can live with the updated exterior design. I think it looks good enough and carries on the 4runner legacy well. I cannot live with the rear seats not folding down flat. That is such a huge letdown and a major swing and a miss from Toyota. It's one of my favorite things about my 2006, and part of what makes the 4runner the ultimate adventure vehicle. The tumble forward seats are a really bad idea and ruined an amazing part of the 4runner that set it apart from the competition.

[@RoadBoundPOV]

Drove the prev gen 4 runner and was surprised by how light/numb the steering felt, seems like this one is the same but expected something more substantial

[@roketfingers]

The new one has electronic power steering, nothing like previous gen

[@sblopez9617]

Completely unrelated to the SUV, but what city are you in?

[@mambi74]

he said San Diego - don't know the time of day, but it had '28 days later' vibes to me...

[@user-FTRU6GJ]

Beautiful San Diego

[@9002-bv9xz]

No pumped in engine sound

[@Anomize23]

Man, they sure made it so easy for me to get a V6 again to enjoy. If I really wanted a 4cylinder, I would be driving a RAV4. The mile per gallon savings is not even that drastic either and forget that turbo. NO THANK YOU ✋ time will tell and we will all say we told you so

[@archstanton664]

Appreciate showcasing the TRDORP version when everyone else is just showing the higher trims, which I have no interest in.

[@joshwise6127]

I had such hopes… then Toyota turned into GM in the 1990s. Premium prices for what’s standard on other brands and design compromises…

[@James-t3c]

Toyota knows their brand loyalist will still buy them. So they get away with it.

[@davidf9027]

Nice vid, thx. But as with the 5th-gen the ‘S’ in the tranny is ‘sequential’, not sport, which is why it doesn’t immediately follow your upshift/command. The number your dash shows just displays the max you’re allowing it to go to.

[@T0xiczombies]

glad everyone in the comments knows more about the 4runner powertrain than Toyota.

[@NomenClature-o8s]

They are ALL experts in 4 cylinder turbo hybrid powertrains. 😂

[@GBcommander]

Haha, you gotta love it. For those who love the v6, there's tons of 5th gens out there. Everyone else is moving on.

[@BoredLikeHelI]

@@GBcommander the only reason everyone is moving on is because they are forced to move on because of emissions. The bigger displacement engines are unquestionably more reliable, dependable, powerful, etc. You're drinking the kool aid and thinking you're the smart one.

[@GBcommander]

@BoredLikeHell Cool. Like I said, you can keep driving your anemic v6 engine. There's no shortage of them. Who cares if it's reliable if it's boring as shit to drive?

[@BoredLikeHelI]

@@GBcommander moving the goalposts... The ONLY reason people bought Toyotas was for reliability smarty pants. V6s are way more fun to drive than 4cyls.

[@nickyoceansyde]

Hate the fact that the plastic looks thinner inside, and it’s not different from the Tacoma at ALL. It has no identity now

[@1UR-FE]

Looks like Sid from Ice Age looking at it from the front.

[@DerkVanKuiken]

4 cylinder. Ugh. Miss my old 4.7 V8. It was like buddah.

[@CaptainFriedRice]

To be honest idk I’d have to see it in person but it looks substantially smaller than the 5th gen interior wise looks similar to the 4th gen in size which I own and it is smaller.

[@zahf6484]

If you did this POV test drive with Tacoma and passed it off as a 4runner, I don't think a single person would know.

[@SansooIan]

This Price for a 4cyl Turbo 4Runner makes the Subaru Ascent Onyx Edition with Waterproofed seats (41,000) a Better Deal for the money.

[@WilgiovanCordero]

I like this pick-up

[@jamietyler9505]

Still rather have the 24 model

[@thatoneotherotherguy]

Buy one, lots lightly used on lots, almost suspiciously so. 2023's are exactly the same on equipment.

[@sammydavis991]

Live in the now.

[@James-t3c]

10k off of 2024’s. Massive deals on them now.

[@Math-zl8kq]

Thanks Toyota Canada you need to go all the way up to a platinium to get a trailer brake controler.

[@NoDak1776]

the throaty sound from the engine is piped in via the speakers. you will need carista or techstream to turn it off. we turned it off on our 23 tundra, the fake sound is very misleading

[@dand2334]

No auto or dual climate control at that price point? WTH, for that price I’ll buy a ranger raptor

[@FINALV8]

Having grown up with 4-cylinder Toyota products (Camrys, RAV4s, etc), it's hard to stomach $50k+ for something that sounds the same in 2025. More torque, more power, and better MPGs are all good but at this price point you expect a degree of NVH that the Land Cruiser, Tacoma, 4Runner, RX, etc. just can't provide with that engine. Rhaspy, loud, and, well... it sounds like a 4-cylinder. Otherwise I like this new 4Runner a lot.

[@ConfirmedPatriot]

That’s a tough sell with the Land Cruiser starting at $56,000 and that has full time AWD vs part time. You can get full time AWD in the Limiteds but you’re getting close to around $60,000.

[@seabiscuit726142]

Part-time 4x4 is for the non-hybrid versions only. However, part-time is better off-road than full-time because the transmission is sturdier due to the lack of the central differential.

[@gothops154]

Toyota should put B58s in all their cars. They would have more power AND be more fuel efficient 😂 not to mention more reliable too

[@James-t3c]

I wish it had a flat load floor.

[@frb7603]

The black fender flares scream cheap.

[@mshdev-n1g]

The turbo sound at 4:10

[@thatgugybcfunvd]

yo can u please help me out with ideas my mom said she will buy me and car for under 17,000 and i really want a truck but she won't by a used car with more then 70000 miles on it and it has to be all wheel drive can i please have some recommendations

[@tommyroan298]

Why did Toyota put that plastic on the dashboard? For the price that is absolutely absurd.