2025 4RUNNER IS HALF TACOMA & HALF LAND CRUISER - BEST OF BOTH WORLDS? 4RUNNER vs OTHER TNGA-Fs
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- čas přidán 13. 04. 2024
- Did you know that the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is more like half of a Tacoma (B-pillar forward), and half of a Land Cruiser (B-pillar rearward)? And did you know that the 6th Gen 4Runner's Chief Engineer is Keita Moritsu, who is also the Chief Engineer for the new Land Cruiser? (though Sheldon Brown, Chief Engineer of the new Tacoma, worked closely with Moritsu to collaborate on the 4Runner development). These are some of the interesting insights David talks about in this video, where he also provides backgrounds about other TNGA-F vehicles such as the new Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia.
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, engineering, and strategy. With over 35 years of engineering experience, David is able to review vehicles from unique perspectives utilizing technical and specialized methods. David is a board member and a director at AJAC (Automobile Journalist Association of Canada).
David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking, and travels all around the world to review vehicles and teach latest engineering methods. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston. - Auta a dopravní prostředky
David, We are happy you were invited to the 4Runner launch event which also provided a first drive opportunity for many new Toyota models. As I understand it, many CZcamsrs did not get to be there while 'certain' channels were provided with preferential treatment in regard to extra access to the new Toyotas. 🤨 Getting back to the TNGA-F comparison, with the more spacious interior and full-time 4WD, the Land Cruiser (Prado) takes the prize. We are looking forward to your driving impressions of the Land Cruiser, Hybrid Tacoma, Camry and fabulous Crown Signia wagon 🥳in the upcoming weeks. Lastly, we are still holding out hope an affordable Toyota 4X4 may be announced (for our market) in the next few months. 🤞🤞
@@thomasmagnum5702 Exact steps: offering small vehicles nobody wants, shrugging and pointing to said small vehicles when someone dares to mention the vehicle they want and have bought in the past is now double the money.
Wish they could bring the 4x4 hiace
Too much youtubers. All good channels seems to be there.
Almost all of my favorite CZcamsrs were at the Vogt ranch to review the Taco, 4Runner and LC, except the Car Care Nut, probably he was invited as well, but he has run he's shop for sure 😅
More in depth Land Cruiser vs 4Runner video please!
There aren't many differences! LC looks better, but. . .
Well produced video David! Great Job 👏🏼
Gee I can't wait for the 7 Gen 4 Runner so we can hear about all the power from it's 2 cylinder engine...I am so glad I kept my tried and true "18 and purchased a '23 with its bullet proof reliable
V6.
Fantastic video and information!
Beautiful vehicle & very informative review!!
Great stuff as always. I’ve seen many of these 4runner preview videos and was excited to see yours pop up today.
Good afternoon. Your channel is very informative and enjoy your details as well as recommendations.
Thank you.
Amazing video as always!!
Thank you for putting together a great video as always David! I’m very excited to see this new 4Runner once they go on sale. All I hope is that these will remain proven to be among the best in quality and reliability. I am very confident they will be!
Awesome review as always David!
I respect whoever it was in toyota that fought to keep the Sequoia. Because I plan on buying one in the future. Thank you. Interestingly for all the haters on the back seat rear cargo area, the first gen sequoia had a similar setup.
That's why Doug Demuro bought the sequoia. He had to replace 4 cars that he sold with the sequoia. Considering it was about to be axed, he may have had to buy another 200 series or even a tougher choice if the sequoia wasn't here.
I refused to watch any other 2025 4Runner video until I could see yours or possibly AMD's first. Thanks for the quick rundown and really looking forward to your deep dive. Now on to some other channels to see what they have to say. Thanks again David!
I have a serious issue with the 4runner still not getting a flat floor with seats down. Same with the tundra back floor not being flat. Completely changes how well you can stack cargo/ dog kennels ext.
Not to mention usefulness as a camper / sleeper / overlander.... Before adolescent fanboys knee jerk "that's what tents are for," not nearly everyone wants to have to always erect a tent, especially on the roof (!?!) or elsewhere, when tent camping, per se, maybe isn't particularly the objective... depending the situation, whether it be because of inclement weather complicating set-up, trailhead'ing before and after a hike, rest area'ing or literal car camping--especially one-overnight'ing per site. That and - the previous 4Runner's seats folded flat, relatively, allowing an unfettered (near) 6-foot straight. And, let's not forget, slid fore-and-aft accommodating apportioning priorities. We get it about the hybrid battery, taking up space blah blah,... figure something else out or jetison the idea. You're spending $45 to $75,000 on a 4Runner (or Land Cruiser...or Tundra for that matter.), presumably a good portion the (at least design) purpose of which is adventuring, whether it's mild forest back roads or more serious forays into the outback..... even though, yes, we know that a good number of these will (actually) be also used as mall cruisers..... Nevertheless you paid a lot of money for a type of vehicle that usually can be camped in and easy to haul with. Wth? It's like they didn't design or beta test at all with actual "classical" outdoors 4Runner users in mind, but instead focus group'd with some newbie Gen Z or younger Y'ers with different priorities, or suburban first timers.
Agreed. My 4th Gen 4/Runner you just flip the bottom of the rear seats to towards the front seats and the back part of the second row then goes flat. It is almost even with the back area…just a slight slope upwards, It is so handy when hauling items or for me….letting the dog walk around in his own flat space for car rides….
That’s a great way to put it - front half is Tacoma, back half is Land Cruiser.
Reminds me of the old song, the front is like a car, the back is like a truck, the front is where you drive, the back is where you - - - El Camino!
i have a strong feeling if u take off the 4runner body the frame and suspension underneath is the exact same as the landcruiser prado/gx 550. all 3 are technically built in the same factory, on the same assembly line
David great video 👍👍 love the new look four runner and built in Japan👍👍👍
David you the man! Sticking it to the algorithm so you get more views! 😂
David, thank you for staying on top of all the new information on 6th gen 4-Runner! Two questions. Can you provide photos in the future of interior with all seats folded down for transporting cargo, with measurements? Second, Will the various models have different towing capacity, and if so can you provide that information? Thank You for what you do!
I was waiting on a video from David to get his thoughts on the new 4runner!!!
This guy and his ‘gaps.’ 🤣🤣🤣
Great review David. I would stick with your plan to purchase the Land Cruiser. 👌
Hi Dave, can you comment on a few things: 1) what is the largest tire that can be put on the 4Runner. 2) Has Toyota addressed any of the rust issues for us in the rust belt 3) Can the tailgate be opened from inside the cabin for us who camp in their 4Runners. and 4) do the roof rails state a max load?
Thank you!
Thanks David for the update. Too many choices! I have never owned a Land Cruiser and would love too. Currently have the 2023 4Runner and love. Stick with the Land Cruiser unless that doesn’t work out. Looking forward to my next Toyota! Just don’t know which one it’ll be.
So sick! Can’t wait to get one
👍👍 Thanks David❤
Great overview David with a great perspective. Th a nk you for showing the 4 runner platinum, that will be our choice if not the Land Cruiser
Same choice here. I loved my Tacoma, wish I had a LC. But I’ve always wanted a 4Runner Full Time 4WD. I will take the Platinum, add front and rear lockers, and upgrade suspension, wheels and tires for an overlanding rig!
I can't wait to see these in person
Hi David, I enjoy your channel especially the calm-informative way in which you present and contrast information and details. I believe you've yet to drive the new 4 cylinder i-force max engine (?) which will be in the new Land Cruisers and TRD Pro 4 Runners, however do you have any preliminarily thoughts on which vehicle might be more suited to that engine? I know a lot of people have questions/doubts about this engine having sufficient power and long term durability in these vehicles. Thank-you,
I strongly believe this 4 runner will become the SUV best seller in the country.
I want that new 4Runner TRD Pro...and that color is perfect.
I mentioned on one of your other videos once that the 4Runner paint wasn’t good. I said that because mine chipped so easy. Worst that any other vehicle I had. It’s my favorite vehicle but I didn’t like the “thin” paint. Glad you think this paint job is better
Definitely not as bad as my 23 civic. Thing has so many chips and it’s not even a year old. Way more than my 20 4Runner
@@antthedad8342I got a 2012 civic and that paint is still like new
@@AndreBeckford oh I bet! I had an 89 accord before and that thing never chipped. It was a beast
Invest in paint protection film.
I'll just keep driving and enjoying my 2006 4Runner V8 Sport Edition!
David, Thank you for your insight. I'm 3 to 4 years out from a new purchase. I drive a 2017 Highlander and best vehicle I have ever owned. I want to go toward the Land Cruiser or the 4 runner next not sold on the hybrid yet. Please educate me.
David - Toyota should’ve gone TTV6 and optional EKDSS on Land Cruiser. I know that’s GX but LC is more GX than 4R which is more similar to Tacoma. Need more to distinguish the 2 otherwise that’s a lot to pay for different styling and full time 4WD
They should put the v6 in it with regular fuel it would be the choice of the three in that case. Biggest negative of the GX is premium required. Biggest neg of LC is the hybrid + battery hump.
1000% agree! I’d buy one in a heartbeat!
And a standard rear locker. 4Runner has never previously offered both full time 4WD and locker at the same time. To get both at once in the GX550 you have to go a lot higher than the base model.
Next purchase will be the 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium. Currently have a 2013 4Runner. A bonus with all the similar parts between the Taco and 4Runner is they can get most of the bugs out with the Taco before the 4Runner production.
shout out to moritsu he did an awesome job 👏🏽
David, I really enjoyed your review of the TNGA-F vehicles. I do wish you can post a review of the Land Cruiser J250 when you are able to drive and evaluate. I also have my dealer going to get me a Heritage Blue Model 6167 when they get the necessary allocation. Thanks again
Great comparison analysis, David. Thank you. I’d like to hear your honest opinion and thoughts on the (apparently) very high level of platform overlap between new 4-Runner and Landcruiser 250, and consequently whether the fairly high cost difference is justified between the two models.
So many variant & trim , my choice :
1. Lexus GX 550 Overtrail +
2. Grand Hilander ( best mileage)
3. Tacoma TRD off road or Trailhunter. 😊
David, if I had not previously bought a Land Cruiser, I would definitely buy the Land Cruiser instead of any of the other vehicles.
David these are some exciting times at Toyota. Last time Toyota had some many new exciting products out in the market was in the 1990s.
Damn that Tacoma Trailhunter looks so impressive, best looking midsize
I can’t wait to see a platinum in person😊😊😊😊😊😊😊
I like your game plan: Landcruiser 1st choice then fall back to 4Runner if that doesn’t work out. 4Runner vs Landcruiser is going to be very tough choice going forward. So much shared dna now. I’m going with LC in the LC trim for now. Hoping it lands stateside sometime mid to late summer.
I wonder why they went for the piano shining black on the wheel flares instead of the camo; let’s see how good will hold up.
Great job and you have so many great cars. I can’t decide which one is better. GX vs LC vs 4Runner. It seems like a 3 way tie. 4 Runner looks the best. GX has better options. LC is big on cool factor. All are capable. GX has an edge on build quality. 😢😂😢 it’s a good problem to have and perhaps that’s the way Toyota wants it to be. Give us essentially the same thing in a variety of ways so that the choice becomes which Toyota product to buy not which brand… congratulations Toyota! You win!
Your channel should be 10x what it is. Stay true...don't change for likes. Honest true content will always be more appreciated.
So what then is the difference between the Land Cruiser and 4Runner, other than height and full time four wheel drive in the Land Cruiser?
So the new 4Runner TRD PRO does not have ventilated/heat seats function, and the seats are Softex just like previous gen?
Finally, Dave, you’re in😅
Edit
I think they invited you is because you say very good things about Toyota!
David, I specifically want to know some stats on the various models. Specifically the off-road premium, and what features we expect on that model.
Very impressive
The new 4Runner TRD Pro is so awesome !!! But not so much information available for the Platinum because she looks sensational too !!! 👍👍👍❤️❤️❤️❤️
Thanks! Is the 4Runner more spacious for passengers than the LC?
Will the 4Runner trdpro offer full-time 4wheel drive? I only saw it on the limited model
@AutomotivePress: why is the payload on the 4Runner so low? It is under 1,000 lbs?
Great review. I would go with the 4Runner Trail Hunter in the new unique color or the new GX550 in Incognito.
great review, I work for Toyota of Hollywood in FL, I would buy NEW GX, due to high price for Land Cruiser Prado..., otherwise like to said, depending on PRICE I think 4runner maybe the way to go!!!
It has a lot of highlander as well. It looks like the roof is lower and more sports like than previous gens. The windows seem smaller. It's like they flattened the top. Is there less headroom now? Kind of like how the highlanders used to be more upright and then they made them flatter with less headroom, cargo space, and sporty. Then they had to come out with the Grand Highlanders that seemed to have a shape more like the old style..boxy and truck like. Looks like you sit lower and the hood seems high. I liked the older styles that you sat more upright like an old truck or even van. You get a better view of the road and front. I think the Land Cruiser and GX have that style from what I can see. I like 4 runners best but I wish the roof was higher and seating position was not so sports car or cockpit type. More open and roomy inside like the Land Cruiser seems to be. Tough call between them. Both are very nice. If money was no problem the GX with the V6 overland + has more cargo space, stronger engine and very nice design.
The Land Cruiser is like the modern, grown up version of the FJ.
Is the foot rail body mounted, or frame mounted?
agree with you about 4Runner TRD PRO and also that it's better having normal seats
Is that the area where Mash the tv show was filmed. At least opening shots?
I always appreciate the unique perspective and insider info you give. My wife and I are Toyota fanatics who currently own 4 including a 2013 Landcruiser, 2013 Lexus is350C, 2022 Tacoma TRD Pro and 2021 Venza. I'm planning to get either the new LC or the Lexus GX 550 when it comes out in the Hybrid version. Can you tell me if the Hybrid GX550 will have the 3rd row seat option? I'm not sure if they can with the battery in the rear, but that's what I'm hoping for because the LC won't have the 3rd row. Thanks, Dean
It probably won't because the sequoia has that issue already.
@@normanli7085 Thanks for that thought. Did I hear correctly that the 2025 4Runner will offered in a 3 row version? Isn't it all hybrid?
@geezersgotgame9767 it will and like the TTV6 GX 550, it's on some trim levels. The 250 series land cruiser is standard hybrid so that's why it doesn't get it
Love them they look great,the only unknown is the turbo 4 cylinder longevity-time will tell
I like what Toyota has done with the New 4 runner it's scaled very well. And is appealing to the onlooker.
I think the price will kill the sales of all these new trucks. I just don't think a majority of the population will be able to afford 50k plus prices. It's cool to see all these new trucks but I hear so many people say they wish they didn't buy their expensive truck just months after the purchase.
Ford and Dodge maybe, but no one ever regrets their Toyota truck purchase. There's a reason so many older Toyotas are still on the road. Legendary reliability and resale.
It's just you they will sale
How’s the leg room in the rear for the 4Runner compared to the Land Cruiser? I’m sure lots of people will be cross shopping between the two
@AutomotivePress: Is that the new TRD Pro color for 2025 that we see on the 4Runner? It resembles Quicksand from back in the past.
Most likely. Color is called Mud Bath.
How to decide between the new trailhunter 4Runner vs. TRD Pro 4Runner? I cannot decide which would better fit my lifestyle.
Hey David, what happened to the consideration of buying a Nissan Frontier?
I’m waiting for the Land Cruiser Mini (FJ/ Land hopper). 😉
Thanks David. Question: Does the Land Cruiser have a heavier frame (and perhaps some components) than the 4Runner? There HAS to be something that differentiates the two, other than overall styling.
Just wondering if this will fit in my garage like the 2020 premium…..🤔
I would love to know why the grab handle is not on the driver side of the new 4Runner and Tacoma. I see they have one on the new Land Cruiser and also on the new Lexus GX. All 4Runners had them on driver side till 2009. The've been missing since 2010. I think it makes the interior in the front look unbalanced. Meanwhile the 4Runner based Lexus GX has had the driver side grab handle since it first came out. One other thing I wish Toyota continued with the amber rear turn signals on the new 4Runner. Not a fan of all red tail lights , that's more a American thing.
Can the rear seats in the 4Runner Premium slide back like they do in the 2024 model? Is the rear legroom different between model years?
No and Yes.
I'm waiting for your GX over trail if everything goes well I'm getting one in Feb 2025
Premium gas or regular for LC and 4 R ??
I think I'd go with the 4Runner Trailhunter over the 4Runner TRD Pro version; both look amazing though!
What about the 3.4 spinning main bearings ?
Looks like David prefers the 5th generation over the 6th. I'll keep the 2021 5th generation for my kids and grandkids. Solid vehicle, robust and less plastics. Hopefully the 6th stands the test of time with this new engine.
Love the look and direction Toyota going here. Gonna come down to gx 550, 4 runner or x5 for me. Gx might be too big and cumbersome. We shall see. 👍🏻
Chao san,will You anytime expand your expertise about European Japanese vehicles??tx u
They are cousins as you said! Would be interested in knowing what spec engine you would be getting with land cruiser which you have ordered and the reasons for same.
we are getting tons of details about the differences of the Tacoma variants….are these the same as the 4Runner variants? How do these compare to what we get on the LC? Is the LC better in some why to justify the heavier price tag?
Which is better and more comfortable ? Also fun to drive on road and off road. Can’t decide
Hi. I would like to know why a particular plant makes a difference regarding the gap between various body parts. Screws holes ensure 2 body part come together only 1 possible way in my opinion so how can workers of a specific ethnicity (in this case Mexico, Japan and the us) make any difference. Thank you for enlightening me.
At a guess not ethnicity but rather cultural. Examples of this can be seen in train videos from Japan where the staff are very meticulous about doing everything in an obvious way - the pointing at things, etc - that simply doesn't happen in Europe or North America.
And it isn't simply screw holes - the holes are often "stretched" to allow adjustments to fit, which can be seen in body shop videos when they adjust doors or even in David's video where he comments that the prototype 4Runner hood wasn't on quite correctly with a difference in the gap on the right vs left side.
Reliability we need since the engine in the tundra should be getting details 😎
How about the 4runner SR5 trim?
Hope you get one of each
Did Toyota mention the possibility of a plug-in hybrid? Is that 2026 or 27? Or is PHEV not economically feasible?
David, can you explain to us what is going on with the 895lb maximum vehicle payload of the iForce Max TRD PRO and Trailhunter models? Is this a joke? How is it even useable for normal duties with passengers and a reasonable amount of luggage?
Is there an in-depth discussion of Mexico's manufacturability quality for the Taco? David says its good but 4Runner being made in Japan is gotta be better right? My concern is longevity of the Taco now
The 4runner looks great! The cost is outrageous and the performance is subpar, compared with the 5th gen. Big let down.
Really curious about the differences between the LC250 and the new 4R now. They both seem to be very similar though the 4R clearly has a more off-road focus, but, I’d love to see a deeper comparison between the two now.
LC250 = Full time 4WD, center and rear lockers standard. Probably greater interior space and quality of interior would be superior. Hybrid powertrain standard on LC as well.
Appreciate your informed but all too brief comparison of Toyota’s TNGA-F platform offerings. The Landcruiser is a real looker and I hope you succeed in getting one. That will leave an extra 4Runner to put my name on. Awaiting more info to decide on model. Initially wanted the Tacoma but don’t really need the bed space anymore.
Toyota’s intro party did no one any favors. Isn’t Japan the land of the rising sun, not settling sun?
The sunset makes you stare towards Japan !
Saya menilai 2025 toyota 4runnet lebih gagah dari pada land cruiser J250. Body 4runner seluruhnya bener bener berotot dan tampak kuat. Gril depan juga terlihat sangat cocok. Semoga 4 Runnet 2025 bisa masuk secara resmi di Indonesia
Not sure how you figure that TRD Pro will be cheaper than the Landcruiser, Msrp was already high 50’s on the TRD Pro right where Landcruiser starts and you know this will be bumped up $5k or so at least
just worried about I-max turbos long term
4-cylinder engine from Lexus-NX?
Like that the Land Cruiser has full time AWD. Does the 4R have it on lesser trims ?
I think the Platinum or Limited has full time 4wd. Definitely not the TRD Pro or Trailhunter (I believe).
@@AutotadCorrect! It’s so strange that only the road trims of the 4R have them. In snow country with rain mixed in, thus with roads with patches of ice, snow, asphalt the full time 4WD is nice to have. I wish the Trailhunter would have it, or at least give it as an option.
That forces one to go for LC or Lexus if wanted.
@@OldelCpt I think Toyota knows exactly what they’re doing, they want us to spend more for the LC! If the trailhunter had full time 4wd, that would probably be my choice. But I’m really leaning towards the LC LC now… but need to figure out the financials haha
Bravo on many choices of body on frame vehicles. Toyota is doing a great job. Something for everyone. I’d love to have the GX with twin turbo 6 and no hybrid battery to worry about.
You know Toyota warranties that hybrid battery for 150,000 miles, right? They’ve been doing hybrid batteries for 27 years. I don’t think you have much to worry about
@@sammyjammy6647 Yes I’m very well aware of Toyota hybrids. I also keep vehicles for a long time (30+ years)… I don’t want to worry about a multi thousand dollar battery. Thank you ☺️
@@StubProductionsif you keep vehicles 30 years, you’ve got a lot to worry about. I’m sure they did a great job with the new powertrains, but the turbos might not last 30 years on the V6, for example. Plenty of chance for heagaskets and main seals and such in that much time.
@@thatoneotherotherguy I know right?? Keeping a car 30+ years is kinda obnoxious. But to each their own. Also, why would somebody who would keep a car that long be interested in watching any car reviews? I would think that would be the last thing that would interest you.
@@sammyjammy6647 I mean I get it. My winter/camping vehicle was a 1999 4Runner until last year. But I couldn't imagine driving a 1994 4Runner right now, especially as an only vehicle. No thanks.