I was reminded in a rental car during a recent vacation that "base" isn't always a bad thing.
More often than not, it's really all you need (even if I do like my creature comforts).
The problem with me and SUVs: I’m too practical. I’m not swayed by marketing, TV commercials or influencers.
I realize that most SUVs are just tall wagons–and usually inefficient tall wagons regarding interior space. If I wanted something wagon-like that could go off road, I’d just buy a Subaru.
But if I needed a real SUV–something that could do SUV things–I think I’d start my quest with a Toyota 4Runner.
The 4Runner SR5 that we recently sampled might be all the SUV that I need. It doesn’t have every option. Only 18-inch wheels. It doesn’t even automatically open the tailgate.
Then I checked the price tag: Is it me or does $41,115 for a modern Toyota SUV seem reasonable these days? A Dodge Durango starts at $38k. You can spend more on a Mitsubishi Outlander.
The 4Runner is new for 2025. It can only be had with turbocharged four-cylinder engines. Ours had the base i-Force engine: 278 horsepower along with 317 lb.-ft. of torque. It didn’t feel pokey. The 4Runner menu also offers the i-Force Max: 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Either way, you get an eight-speed automatic that shifted smoothly.
The SR5 is the base spec, so we didn’t get all of the bells and whistles–which is good because we banned that term. The base engine offered plenty of power. The base seats felt comfortable. The base interior felt purposeful.
What did we get? A simple, rugged SUV that felt the right size. I think I could happily live with this one.
I was reminded in a rental car during a recent vacation that "base" isn't always a bad thing.
More often than not, it's really all you need (even if I do like my creature comforts).
I like the looks of the new one, but wish they kept the 6 vs a turbo 4. Call me old school but I think the last generation will hold value specifically because of it having the 6 that runs forever.
Often–too often, to be honest–I look at the window sticker and wince.
I was surprised by the final number on the 4Runner but for opposite reasons. $40k is still $40k, but we also drive a lot of $50k cars that are meh.
Agreed on above. The other thing is that for most people, the level of interior plushness is inversely proportional to the likelihood that it will get used for actual utility/offroad use. I remember taking a nice 4-runner on a non-technical section of the Rubicon trail and being terrified of what the terrain could do to to the rocker panels and underside within a heartbeat. OTOH, my $2,000 Nissan pickup got run hard, put away wet and never let me down.
I don't have the 4 Runner, I have the Tacoma. I think they share a lot of the underpinnings. I can say that the 4 cylinder Turbo is an excellent engine, the 8 speed transmission shifts great. I have towed a camper at full rated capacity 5 times (for ~100 miles each time). It has never seemed under powered at all. It is also great around town for just commuting.
I also agree the SR5 seems to have just enough features for me. Solid chance that a 4 Runner could be the next vehicle we purchase.
Steve_Jones said:I like the looks of the new one, but wish they kept the 6 vs a turbo 4. Call me old school but I think the last generation will hold value specifically because of it having the 6 that runs forever.
I very much regret years ago letting my now ex-wife trade in the '08 4x4 V8 Limited 4Runner that had every single option except I think rear air suspension? She didn't like it after I got the BRZ so we got her a sedan.
I scoured the country for weeks trying to find that specific year range (the "facelift" of that generation) since it got the upgraded transmission and such. It was such a nice ride.
When our 300e Benz blew a head gasket, SWMBO decided to get an SUV. "Anyone that wants $75 for a distributor cap I don't want to mess with".
We bought a 1994 4-Runner with a stick. LOVED IT! When it got so rusty that it wouldn't pass the annual inspection (we missed the new frame deal by 4 months); I sold it to our son for $1 and he ran it in CT where there is no inspection.
Not the actual car, but it was shiny when we sold it.
Oof, turbo 4 replacing the V6? Not sure I love that. I'm sure it's more efficient and is sufficient for 99% of drivers and situations since these are mostly mall crawlers/pavement princesses, but I can't help but imagine that the low end torque you'd expect from an SUV is missing.
Okay, you all made me look at the specs.
2024 4Runner
4.0L V6
270 horsepower at 5600 rpm
278 lb.-ft. at 4400 rpm
EPA: 16/19/17
2025 4Runner
2.4L iForce
278 horsepower at 6000 rpm
317 lb.-ft. at 1700 rpm
EPA ranges depending on model and drivetrain, but the worst for this engine is 19/25/21
2.4L i-Force Max
326 horsepower at 6000 rpm
465 lbs.-ft. at 1700 rpm
EPA: 23/24/23
I lucked into an awesome deal on my 03 sr5 v8. It has all the common issues, but is still an absolute unit of a rig. The new ones seem very appealing, but the price difference for what you get is pretty crazy. When mine finally rusts away into unusable, I know id still make back all the money I have into it on the parts alone, so it'll keep getting driven til it can't.
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