- We just drove several trim versions of the first new Toyota 4Runner in 16 years.
- Before setting off, we asked what you wanted to know about this off-road SUV.
- Today, we’re answering your questions, with detailed written and video insights.
The all-new Toyota 4Runner is finally here and we’ve just driven it. In fact, we piloted it from sunny San Diego about an hour southeast to a ranch near the Mexico border. There, we tested it off-road, over jumps, and across rocky creek beds. In the end, we came away with the knowledge that this is indeed the best 4Runner ever.
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Part of that comes down to just how flexible the trim lineup is. Part of it comes down to the new powertrains available that offer more power and better fuel economy than were available in the previous generation. Before we headed out though, we asked what you wanted to know about Toyota’s latest off-road toy. Your questions were vast and pointed. Today, we’re giving you the answers.
Which trim drives the best on the road?
Most 4Runner trims get their own special suspension setup so it’s not surprising that the Limited and Platinum are best suited for on-road driving. That said, our time in the Limited trim didn’t feel like we were piloting a super soft highway cruiser.
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This is still a body-on-frame SUV and road imperfections are noticeable in the cabin. Off-road, the 4Runner feels incredibly capable and that’s the case for basically every trim with 4WD equipped. The top-end versions like the TRD Pro and Trailhunter are even more capable.
How does it compare to the latest Toyota Tacoma?
When we drove the Tacoma back in April of 2024, it was on these same roads and on these same trails. That said, it’s easy to compare the two and the result is that they feel identical. If anything, the truck feels a touch stiffer while the 4Runner feels more insulated, quiet, and composed on the road. Off-road, they’re even harder to separate.
Can anyone older than five fit in the back seats?
This is a reference to the hilariously tight back seats in the new Tacoma. Thankfully, the answer here is yes. The back seats in the 4Runner are far more spacious. In fact, there is enough space in this SUV that the non-hybrid versions are available with a cramped third row!
What’s the best trim for daily driving?
That’ll depend on how much you plan to go off-road. Toyota, like most big automakers, sells this SUV on the promise of what you could do, not necessarily what you will do. I’d recommend being more modest and buying something that fits one’s lifestyle. If that’s rock crawling or overlanding every weekend then the Trailhunter or TRD Pro makes sense. If it’s anything else, the Limited and Platinum will be far more comfortable. For those truly practical people, the TRD Sport or even the SR5 will do just fine and still be very capable off-road.
Is there something ultra-compelling about buying one of the high-end trims over something like the Honda Passport?
Off-road capability is that ultra-compelling reason. The Passport is a unibody vehicle so it’ll be far more comfortable on the road. Honestly, for most people, that’s the more practical purchase.
What’s better between the 4Runner and the Lexus GX?
I haven’t driven the GX but based on content and pricing alone, it’s tough to justify the 4Runner TRD Pro or Trailhunter. The Lexus GX has a more luxurious cabin, a bigger more powerful engine, and some extra off-road features like the ability to automatically disconnect the sway bar. In fact, the Land Cruiser is probably an even better buy unless you really need three rows. For those willing to spend $70,000, the GX is probably the winning ticket.
Is the hood scoop functional?
No. But that’s sort of in keeping with other 4Runners in the past.
How does the adaptive suspension in the Limited and Platinum trims feel?
We didn’t get a chance to drive the Platinum trim but the adaptive suspension in the Limited is the same. To us, it felt fine but wasn’t wildly impressive. It does smooth out bumps better than in trims like the TRD Sport Premium or SR5 but the difference is groundbreaking.
Does it look ugly in person?
I don’t think so but everyone will draw their own conclusions. It’s very clearly a 4Runner from every angle which is a good thing. I don’t like the fake hood scoop and at times the crease at the back of the front fender looks like a dent. Otherwise, it’s built to look rugged and macho which I think it pulls off quite well.
Does it have the real off-road capability that its predecessors had?
Absolutely. This is unquestionably the most capable 4Runner to ever come out of Toyota. It’s very expensive and it has a lot of competitors both inside and outside of the family though. Frankly, this is a new golden age of off-roading and the 4Runner is proof of it. Watch us jump it in our video! If we missed any of your questions, mention them below and we’ll answer them in the comments!
