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.

 

[buster]

Not sure if they've found a solution to this yet. Transmissions are overheating in the new 4Runners.

https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...look-at-transmission-overheating-in-4hi.6684/

"We’ve been following the discussions around transmission overheating—particularly when operating in 4Hi—as highlighted in these threads and others:

• 2024 Tacoma Transmission Overheating on Long Climbs Off-Road
• Transmission Overheating in 4Hi When Going Uphill – Toyota’s Answer (or Non-Answer)
• 2025 4Runner Transmission Overheating on Climbs Off-Road

We (OTT) want to take a deeper dive into this issue, as it’s clearly affecting a number of owners in the community. While adding a transmission cooler is certainly one part of the equation, we’re also exploring whether software-oriented changes could provide a meaningful improvement or potential "fix".

We've been evaluating some changes behind the scenes, but we'd like to better understand where/how this happened to you. As such, we’d love to gather more real-world data from those of you who have personally experienced the overheat condition in 4Hi (or 2Hi if applicable). If you’re willing to share, the following details would be extremely helpful:"

 

[4wd]

Not sure if they've found a solution to this yet. Transmissions are overheating in the new 4Runners.

https://www.4runner6g.com/forum/thr...look-at-transmission-overheating-in-4hi.6684/

"We’ve been following the discussions around transmission overheating—particularly when operating in 4Hi—as highlighted in these threads and others:

• 2024 Tacoma Transmission Overheating on Long Climbs Off-Road
• Transmission Overheating in 4Hi When Going Uphill – Toyota’s Answer (or Non-Answer)
• 2025 4Runner Transmission Overheating on Climbs Off-Road

We (OTT) want to take a deeper dive into this issue, as it’s clearly affecting a number of owners in the community. While adding a transmission cooler is certainly one part of the equation, we’re also exploring whether software-oriented changes could provide a meaningful improvement or potential "fix".

We've been evaluating some changes behind the scenes, but we'd like to better understand where/how this happened to you. As such, we’d love to gather more real-world data from those of you who have personally experienced the overheat condition in 4Hi (or 2Hi if applicable). If you’re willing to share, the following details would be extremely helpful:"

Oh man - I’m a big believer in a few degrees means allot more than a few extra miles. That would drive me nuts …

 

[RBT]

I think they will turn out to be good trucks. However, Toyota has had to re-engineer virtually all of their powertrains the last few years, and with that there comes a higher risk of problems. Toyota is reputable, so they will get them sorted out, but I would rather them sort them out on someone else’s time, particularly given the prices these things now fetch. When I am due for a new rig in four or so years, these will be on my list.

 

[Astro14]

Well...the majority of motors have not been recalled. But yea-time will tell how catastrophic it will really be. Some of the motors have been recalled because of internal(metal scrap) issues (no turbo problems) while others have been recalled for the wastegate issues. I have yet to see where there is actual design defect related to the motor itself.

The Tundra engines have been recalled and “machining debris” has been the stated problem, but the engines are still failing.

I’m suspect about that stated cause. Looks more like spun bearings, which is a low oil pressure problem.

Time will tell.

 

[edyvw]

I think they will turn out to be good trucks. However, Toyota has had to re-engineer virtually all of their powertrains the last few years, and with that there comes a higher risk of problems. Toyota is reputable, so they will get them sorted out, but I would rather them sort them out on someone else’s time, particularly given the prices these things now fetch. When I am due for a new rig in four or so years, these will be on my list.

Their V35 issues have been going on for 8 years. Don't hold your breath.

 

[RBT]

Their V35 issues have been going on for 8 years. Don't hold your breath.

I understand but I was thinking about the 4Runner. I think that has the turbo four mill. On the V6 I think they ignored the issue.

 

[The Critic]

I understand but I was thinking about the 4Runner. I think that has the turbo four mill. On the V6 I think they ignored the issue.

What issue? The turbo 4 has been fine.

 

[02SE]

I understand but I was thinking about the 4Runner. I think that has the turbo four mill. On the V6 I think they ignored the issue.

The 6th gen 4Runner is either the Turbo 4-cylinder by itself, or paired with a Hybrid system. I haven't heard of any bearing issues in the Turbo 4-cylinder, to date. I will say that it's not a refined sounding or feeling engine, at least in comparison to the old 5th gen Dual VVTi 1GR-FE.

The rest of the 6th gen also feels much cheaper throughout. It's also a larger vehicle than the 5th gen, but is more cramped in the interior. Also those stupid tumble-forward rear seats instead of the traditional Toyota seat bottom flips forward, and seatback folds flat.

I've looked at and driven all of the variants. I can't bring myself to part with our very low mileage 5th gen TRD ORP, which continues to appreciate in value, while the 6th gens are now available used in ever-increasing numbers.

A neighbor had a 5th gen TRD ORP, and sold it and bought a new 6th gen TRD ORP non-hybrid. In his same driving routine, he's getting virtually the same MPG. The 6th gen has a smaller gas tank because it was expected to get better MPG to compensate for the smaller tank capacity. My neighbor has confided in me that he regrets buying the 6th gen.

All of this is to say make very sure if you can live with a 6th gen, before buying one.

 

[The Critic]

The 6th gen 4Runner is either the Turbo 4-cylinder by itself, or paired with a Hybrid system. I haven't heard of any bearing issues in the Turbo 4-cylinder, to date. I will say that it's not a refined sounding or feeling engine, at least in comparison to the old 5th gen Dual VVTi 1GR-FE.

The sound track isn't the greatest, but the driveability and performance are miles ahead of the ancient 1GR-FE.

 

[edyvw]

I understand but I was thinking about the 4Runner. I think that has the turbo four mill. On the V6 I think they ignored the issue.

Head gaskets on thrid cylinder seem to be talk, with overheating transmissions.

 

[02SE]

The sound track isn't the greatest, but the driveability and performance are miles ahead of the ancient 1GR-FE.

I don't know, I've driven them extensively, after driving the 5th gen to the Dealer, so I can compare them directly. The 5th gen DOES have a lazy throttle response intended to improve your MPG, and to aid smooth throttle inputs in tricky 4wd situations. Step on the pedal more forcefully, and it responds much better. There's also the Pedal Commander type devices to improve throttle response, as I'm sure you know.

The biggest difference is the 8-speed transmission. But there have been reported issues with those, such as failing at very low miles. Possible overheating issues, but at this point until proven otherwise, I think that's more driver error, wherein the driver should be in low range, but is still slogging along in high range.

In that light, the A750F and it's nearly indestructible reliability, looks much better.

A 4Runner is definitely not a high performance vehicle. But then I've never felt the need for any of the Toyota trucks or SUV's I've owned to act like one.

For it's intended purpose, a BOF 4wd SUV that is incredibly reliable, which is what you want on some desolate dirt road 100 miles from civilization, I am still preferring the ancient 5th gen, over the 6th gen.

 

[dlundblad]

I’m trying to like them. Most models need some meatier tires and better looking wheels. This Pro looked good, but it was $71k.

The debate on them is still out for me. Fuel economy especially in relation to the vehicle size/ capability is laughable as a Ford 3.5 EB with ~375 hp can do the same if not better.