I wanted to capture some thoughts on the 2024 versus 2025 4Runner while this is all still fresh in my head…
We started looking at new vehicle recently, but we’re probably not going to pick something up until later in the year. I want something better for “overlanding” (light off-roading and camping) than my 2022 Ram 1500 Rebel or 1997 Jeep Wrangler. The Ram is great for long road trips, but gets about 16 miles per gallon and is very large for off-roading (poor breakover geometry, large turning radius, etc.). My Wrangler is a great off-road rig, but not great on freeways, still has poor gas mileage, very little cargo space, and I worry about its reliability (vehicle built in 1997 with over 200,000 miles on it).
I’d like something that is reliable, comfortable for long road trips, good on freeways and trails, has decent cargo space, and I can mount a rooftop tent on. I narrowed my search down to the 4Runner, 4-door Wrangler, and 4-door Bronco based on numerous features and price point. Out of these three platforms, the 4Runner is the only one with a solid, non-removable top, which is best for a rooftop tent. It’s also generally recognized that Toyota has a better reputation for reliability over the other two platforms. I was still considering a Wrangler in a Rubicon trim (non-hybrid) since that platform has better trail specifications (front and rear lockers, 4.10 gear ratio on Dana 44s, solid front axel for better articulation, etc.). But Stellantis has turned me away from their brands by not standing behind their Ram products and warranties, so that helps push me towards another brand. Sad, because I love my 1997 Jeep and I’m rooting for Stellantis to turn things around.
I had focused on the 2025 4Runner in the Off-Road trim, however as of February 2025, it’s still difficult (maybe) impossible to find these on dealer lots. But I had the opportunity to test drive a 2025 4Runner Sport Premium today. This is not the trim level I want, but it has the same non-hybrid powertrain I want, so I figured it would be worthwhile to test drive.
Before I test drove the 2025 model, I wanted to drive a 2024 model first to compare the difference in road-feel, handling, and power train (naturally aspirated 6-cylinder 4-liter versus turbo 4-cyliner 2.4 liter). I read a lot of reviews between these two engines from both professionals, owners, and plenty of opinions from people that appeared to have not driven the new engine yet, but they wanted to make clear how much better their 5th generation Toyota will turn out to be. I read about turbo lag, weird turbo engine sounds, etc. and a lot of reviews reaching the conclusion that the new powertrain is better in every way.
I drove the 2024 model first (Off-Road trim). It was very comfortable (similar to my old 2003 4Runner limited, v8, which was a great vehicle). The 2024 4Runner drove very smooth at around-town speeds. Cornering was a little “mushy”, but better than a lot of vehicles I’ve driven in the past. I wouldn’t have even noticed if I wasn’t looking for these kinds of things. The automatic transmission was harsh shifting between gears getting up to speed at rapid acceleration, but I would not normally rapidly accelerate a vehicle like this. I mainly wanted to see how the transmission would perform under certain “stressful” conditions. Overall, I had no worries about this 4Runner and I think that it would be a perfect choice for what we “need”.
Next, I drove the 2025 model for comparison (Sport Premium trim). The first thing I noticed was the tighter feel while cornering, and a little more of a “connection to the road” feel. I don’t know how much of this was due to improved suspension in general, or how the suspension is tuned between the Off-Road and Sport trims. The 2025 model also accelerated with ease and was a significant improvement over the 2024 model. The improvement in overall power and shifting was very noticeable, with no awkward gear shifts combined with over-revving of the engine. I listened carefully for the tell-tail turbo engine sounds, which I could hear a little, but didn’t care about. The turbo lag (time between pushing down the accelerator petal to feeling the acceleration) was slightly noticeable if I decided to rapidly accelerate, but it was a fraction of a second, and not something I will probably normally notice.
One thing I liked about the 2024 model over the 2025 model was the room in the back. The 2025 cargo area with the back seat pushed forward was shorter in overall length than the 2024 model. This was enough to notice a significant difference lying down in the back and imagining sleeping in the vehicle. I’m about 5′ 11″ and I think I’d be OK in the 2025 model (definitely cramped), but a little happier sleeping in the 2024 model.
The other features I was impressed with in the 2025 model over the 2024 model had more to do with the “Premium” trim level than the model year, so there’s no point in comparing. However, getting to see the larger screen and camera view features in person (as well as testing out the heated/ventilated seats) allowed me to see the value in this package. I think I could live without the premium features, but Laurie test drove the 2025 model too and got to see these features, so I think we’re planning to get the Off-Road “Premium” now.
All this is moot right now because nobody has what we want on the lot (and we have some other planning that effects finances in the next couple months, so we’re happy to wait). I’d consider trading in the truck but it’s still supposedly under warranty (unfortunately warranty hasn’t covered any of the issues its had). When inventory is available and we’re ready to buy, I’ll probably focus on the 2025 4Runner Off-Road Premium trim level. I’m not worried about the color, but Laurie likes all the color options, except “Atomic Red”, and has an overall preference for “Everest” (green), followed by their legacy blue color (same color as the one we test drove).
I also looked at a 2025 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon recently, but didn’t test drive it. They look like great vehicles, but I felt their $70K price tag was a bit much for what they are, especially given the their downsides versus the 4Runner, and my experience with Stellantis not standing behind their products and warranties. I’d love to buy a newer Jeep some day, but I don’t feel comfortable buying another Stellantis brand vehicle right now. I’m rooting for them to get their act together in the future. On the plus side, I like the looks of the Rubicon over the 4Runner, the Rubicon had a better cargo area in the 2025 model comparison, and there were a few other things I liked about it. But if anything goes wrong (and it likely will) I would be dealing with a company that doesn’t stand behind their products. So it’s a dumb gamble. But it’s still a Jeep so I understand why others make that dumb emotional gamble on an iconic brand that everyone is rooting for.