2025 4Runner

[02SE]

The 22RET was a stop gap until they had the 3.slow ready to go. crap turbo and barely any power. The v6 was crap until the 3.4L rolled around.

I saw and worked on all three engines you mention, as a Toyota Master Tech during that era. I saw no real issues with the 22R-TE. It definitely over-powered the NA 22RE.

The 3.0 V6 3ZVE had some headgasket issues, but was fixed with revised headgaskets. The 3.4 5VZ-FE also had some initial 95.5 in Tacomas- to early '97 headgasket issues, but was also fixed with a revised design. I owned a 3VZE powered SR5 Hilux Xtra-cab pickup that I swapped the headgaskets on, under warranty. I also owned a late '97 SR5 4Runner with the 5VZ-FE, manual transmission, locking rear diff, factory leather, etc. I owned it for 22+ years, with no issues at all, except for needing to replace a hydraulic clutch hose. Approx $20.00, and an hour of my time.

All of those engines will feel underpowered compared to what is available today. But at the time they were sold, they were competitive with what was offered by competing brands.

 

[dfarr67]

I saw and worked on all three engines you mention, as a Toyota Master Tech during that era. I saw no real issues with the 22R-TE. It definitely over-powered the NA 22RE.

The 3.0 V6 3ZVE had some headgasket issues, but was fixed with revised headgaskets. The 3.4 5VZ-FE also had some initial 95.5 in Tacomas- to early '97 headgasket issues, but was also fixed with a revised design. I owned a 3VZE powered SR5 Hilux Xtra-cab pickup that I swapped the headgaskets on, under warranty. I also owned a late '97 SR5 4Runner with the 5VZ-FE, manual transmission, locking rear diff, factory leather, etc. I owned it for 22+ years, with no issues at all, except for needing to replace a hydraulic clutch hose. Approx $20.00, and an hour of my time.

All of those engines will feel underpowered compared to what is available today. But at the time they were sold, they were competitive with what was offered by competing brands.

I still own a 1990 4runner 22RE SR5 5mt 4x4, such a slug I had to throw a turbo at it and a standalone ecu. Still a DD with a bit better hp. Lets face the fact that these engines were so under powered that why they lasted. 110hp 2.4, 135hp RET, 145hp 3.slow.

 

[loneryder]

Plastic fantastic interior. A lot of money for a vehicle that an avg guy barely fits in the back seat.

 

[02SE]

I still own a 1990 4runner 22RE SR5 5mt 4x4, such a slug I had to throw a turbo at it and a standalone ecu. Still a DD with a bit better hp. Lets face the fact that these engines were so under powered that why they lasted. 110hp 2.4, 135hp RET, 145hp 3.slow.

Yes, they had low power output, especially compared to what is available today. But they were comparable in output to the other small trucks and SUV's of the era. Toyota also had excellent engine blocks with a high nickel content, which rarely wore out.

200k+ miles on an engine that had been abused with infrequent oil changes, and likely no coolant changes, has a headgasket let go due to the now-acidic coolant deteriorating the headgasket. While the head(s) are off, checking the bores the crosshatch is still clearly visible, and no wear ridge. A marked contrast from domestic V8 blocks which often had a nice ridge at similar or even much less mileage, due to softer block material.

 

[Greenbeforeblue]

Does the current 4 Runner share any of the Tacoma transmission issues?

 

[02SE]

Does the current 4 Runner share any of the Tacoma transmission issues?

Well, it is the same transmission, so I guess we'll see if any issues have been addressed. I like to think the 2025 4Runner release was pushed back, because they were addressing any issues seen in the Tacoma.

 

[Delta]

Does the current 4 Runner share any of the Tacoma transmission issues?

It could, however whatever the issue was seems to have "disappeared". I have not seen any new cases pop up in a while looking at the various forums. I believe Toyota knows a closer range of affected units, but threw that TSB out there as a CYA.

Mine is on that vin list and still trucking along at almost 7K miles.

 

[tvaughn]

I wouldn't have considered the last gen 4Runner (as reliable as it was) but would consider this new one, the TRD Off-Road for $49k would be the one I would take. The 8-speed auto and a turbo will be nice at elevation.