Trailhunter-40 hours into ownership-need input!

[megsytakesahike]

Like others here, I researched and over-researched 6th Gen models since last year. Was between the Trailhunter (that Everest color with those rims, wow) and Pro, then the snorkel reviews scared me off. Had a deposit down on a white Pro with red interior but had misgivings (does that really "go" with my lifestyle and the purpose of this vehicle?). Then a white Trailhunter came in and lasted a week untouched at local dealer. Drove it Monday and actually didn't mind the snorkel noise. It's somehow appealing. I dunno. However, I am ending up feeling torn still (and I'm within the 7 days of return/exchange window). My dealer also has a Off-Road Premium in Everest on site.....

I've only driven a 4Runner for 2 weeks previously on a PNW hiking trip, so I have FAR less experience than probably 90% of you guys.

How does everyone feel about driving their 6th Gen vs 5th Gen? I was thoroughly impressed with the ride in both 6th Gen's I tried out, as compared to what I have test driven/rented previously. Some observations: I can't believe how much window space they've taken away all around - it *looks* sporty but kind of takes away from the whole outdoorsy feel. The 14 in screen honestly annoys me. It's almost too much. Same with all the digital options - they can feel a bit overwhelming. I assume most of you who've driven 4Runners for years can agree with simplicity being attractive? And YES, I KNOW all of this was known before I purchased. Just would like to hear from longtime loyalists.

Did your Trailhunters and/or Pro's come with very minimal off road mats in the back seat, which didn't extend over the middle?

Also, who has driven both iForce engines (hybrid vs non), and what were your thoughts? Any comparisons between the Off Road Premium vs the TH/Pro?

Lastly - how do you all feel about the coverage of the wipers on front and rear windows? Also surprising.

I know I probably sound nitpicky, but after suffering through a Pathfinder for 2 and a half years, I have a little PTSD, ha! Thanks for any input!

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[Mudbath]

I did over 60k in a 2018 Pro 4Runner.

The 6th Gen is superior in every measurable way. The drivetrain is so much smoother that you can't even describe it. I also live in the PNW (north of Seattle) and drive over I90 and US2 often. The 5G required a ton of revs to make power and was often turning 4-5k while climbing, and the old 5sp transmission was always shifting up and down, so much that I would manually deactivate the overdrive feature so it wouldn't do that. The new drivetrain just climbs climbs climbs. No drama, no revs, just tons of torque down low. It is so much more relaxed, and quieter. But of course, it is, the 5g was rolled out in 2009!

Anyone who ever owned a 5g 4R will tell you how sketchy they were during a panic stop. If you ever had to slam on the brakes, say from a speed of 40mph or higher, hold on to your mocha. The truck would stink bug, and the rear end was all over the place. The new truck stays firm and planted.

A common gripe from the luddites is that the turbo 4 won't go 200/300k (I just saw someone say 500k). Who cares? Nobody is driving a car that much anymore. Who can afford to? If you're that guy who wants to wrench their own stuff, perhaps it's not the truck for you. For the rest of us, we have warranties.

I have driven the non-hybrid 2.4 turbo engine, but not in the 4R. I think it would be fine unless you were going to haul or tow, then I think it would be underpowered.

The great thing about Toyotas, and especially 4Runners, is that they hold their value. I drove my 2018 for 62k miles and 6.5 years and traded it on a new Land Cruiser (RIP) and got 80% of what I paid for it back.

This was my old truck, Roadrunner.

 

[Cloudblazer]

I have a white Trailhunter. I'm a fan, but I understand your worries. I never drove the non-hybrids, but compared to my 5th gen I really enjoy this new engine.

The floor mats do seem thin, they're kind of cool but thin.

I also noticed the wipers not really going across the full front windsheild. That's dumb but I'm moving on.

The screen is much bigger and there is less window space.

If you don't like the screen, tech, complexity of the 6 gen, perhaps consider picking up a 5thgen. But the engine is very VERY different. I absolutely loved my 5gen. Was sad to trade it in. But i wanted all the new tech and screen and such. so easy call for me.

Good luck on your decission.

 

[megsytakesahike]

I did over 60k in a 2018 Pro 4Runner.

The 6th Gen is superior in every measurable way. The drivetrain is so much smoother that you can't even describe it. I also live in the PNW (north of Seattle) and drive over I90 and US2 often. The 5G required a ton of revs to make power and was often turning 4-5k while climbing, and the old 5sp transmission was always shifting up and down, so much that I would manually deactivate the overdrive feature so it wouldn't do that. The new drivetrain just climbs climbs climbs. No drama, no revs, just tons of torque down low. It is so much more relaxed, and quieter. But of course, it is, the 5g was rolled out in 2009!

Anyone who ever owned a 5g 4R will tell you how sketchy they were during a panic stop. If you ever had to slam on the brakes, say from a speed of 40mph or higher, hold on to your mocha. The truck would stink bug, and the rear end was all over the place. The new truck stays firm and planted.

A common gripe from the luddites is that the turbo 4 won't go 200/300k (I just saw someone say 500k). Who cares? Nobody is driving a car that much anymore. Who can afford to? If you're that guy who wants to wrench their own stuff, perhaps it's not the truck for you. For the rest of us, we have warranties.

I have driven the non-hybrid 2.4 turbo engine, but not in the 4R. I think it would be fine unless you were going to haul or tow, then I think it would be underpowered.

The great thing about Toyotas, and especially 4Runners, is that they hold their value. I drove my 2018 for 62k miles and 6.5 years and traded it on a new Land Cruiser (RIP) and got 80% of what I paid for it back.

This was my old truck, Roadrunner.

Thank you! Great answer and confirms the good points of my drive thus far. I specifically noticed the braking compared to other 4R and honestly many other vehicles I've driven recently. WOW.

I don't plan on towing, and yes, I love the value toyota holds. I regretted every day not buying it 2.5 years ago, when I was very close to doing so. I do plenty of off-roading, but honestly I kind of knew the Pro or TH were probably overkill for my specific needs, but I did it anyway.

I'm glad to hear how thoroughly improved and redesigned the drivetrain is - again, another thing that wowed me from my limited experience with 5th gen.

P.S. lucky you, living in PNW, I'm east coast but had my first visit to PNW last summer. Hope to return this fall.

 

[megsytakesahike]

I have a white Trailhunter. I'm a fan, but I understand your worries. I never drove the non-hybrids, but compared to my 5th gen I really enjoy this new engine.

The floor mats do seem thin, they're kind of cool but thin.

I also noticed the wipers not really going across the full front windsheild. That's dumb but I'm moving on.

The screen is much bigger and there is less window space.

If you don't like the screen, tech, complexity of the 6 gen, perhaps consider picking up a 5thgen. But the engine is very VERY different. I absolutely loved my 5gen. Was sad to trade it in. But i wanted all the new tech and screen and such. so easy call for me.

Good luck on your decission.

Twins! At least, for now, lol. Wipers on rear window - have they always stopped at like 2/3 of the window, and the 1/3 left is on the driver's side? So odd and a bit silly when you have not only rain, but off road dust to deal with.

Appreciate all the feedback. I'm just super interested in hearing from you all.

 

[Drizzt]

Do you guys know of any steps that can be bolted to the rock rails

 

[scorp]

How does everyone feel about
Did your Trailhunters and/or Pro's come with very minimal off road mats in the back seat, which didn't extend over the middle?

I noticed the same, the Trailhunter mats are laughable in terms of coverage. I also wish the 14" screen provided more functionality other than music. The few vehicle settings it supports are not that useful.

If you're on the fence, consider how you're going to use the vehicle. The Trailhunter might be overkill if you're not planning to take it off pavement much.

 

[SC4Runner]

Still waiting to take delivery of what will be my first 4Runner. I’ve always been a fan but didn’t care much for the fuel mileage until the 6g came along. The technology is absolutely incredible, and I was hooked on the test drive. I ordered a TRD ORP in Heritage Blue.

The Trailhunter was too much for me. I just don’t see myself being that into off-roading to need a snorkel, and it’s pretty expensive! My wife and I talked about the hybrid, drove a LC with that option, a 5g and finally just the 4 cylinder and agreed it had plenty of power.

Regarding the floor mats, I had ordered them but had the dealership remove them from my order after I saw the LasFit in these forums and ordered those.

I’ve never had a vehicle with so much technology, so it’s going to be overwhelming for a while. Even though I’m technically inclined and work in IT, I am sure I’ll be in discovery mode for a few months!

This will be my second “must have, dream” vehicle in my life, so I am super excited! I ordered it with almost all the features I wanted. The only immediate things I want to add will be a hidden bumper with a winch and window tinting.

Good luck on your decision. All the best!

 

[Nodak]

Do you guys know of any steps that can be bolted to the rock rails

the only thing off the top of my head is nfab rkr rock rails, but you have to purchase the addon steps additionally

true rock sliders are usually welded to the frame and negate the use of steps most of the time since the mount so close to the body. they usually do this since its welded to the frame and dont flex like bolted rock sliders

 

[carpartsclemons]

The Trailhunter trim will be more desirable in the future. If you're already have possession of it you should keep the TH.

 

[toyomoLC]

The new tech in the 6th Gen 4Rs is TSS 3.0. I got to know that tech and the 14” display screen in a 2025 Crown Signia I owned and drove for 6 months. Loved and hated it at the same time.

The TSS 3.0 tech is admirably useful on the road, especially road trips or congested traffic conditions. It’s just short of self-driving. However, it is not always intuitive, there are dependencies on its function which are often not obvious, and the learning curve is steep and protracted. A wonderful car and a great tech step forward for Toyota.
However, it was all that tech that drove me to sell the Signia. I decided on a 4R as its successor, so drove 6th Gen 4R ORP, with iForce, a couple of new LCs -both several times. I liked the drivetrain and interior, but could see that the new tech was much more than I wanted, especially off road. I tow occasionally and knew, because of my 3rd Gen Tacoma ORP that the 5th Gen 4R would handle that easily.
i searched for a 5th Gen 4R for several months, drove about 15 of those, including TRD Pros, until I found a low mile 2024 TRD ORP 4R. I’m driving that truck now and extremely satisfied with my choice. Enough power, enough tech, ORP options hit all the spots needed for me and still allows for any upgrades I might want to add.
BTW, I saved $10-15K over a 6th Gen TRD ORP and chose what I wanted. I can put that money to upgrades on the 4R and into finishing my 1978 FJ40 LC.
I see the TRD ORP - both 5th and 6th Gen as the sweetspot 4R, except for possibly the truly hardcore desert racer or habitual rock crawler. YMMV

 

[Nightscaper]

Like others here, I researched and over-researched 6th Gen models since last year. Was between the Trailhunter (that Everest color with those rims, wow) and Pro, then the snorkel reviews scared me off. Had a deposit down on a white Pro with red interior but had misgivings (does that really "go" with my lifestyle and the purpose of this vehicle?). Then a white Trailhunter came in and lasted a week untouched at local dealer. Drove it Monday and actually didn't mind the snorkel noise. It's somehow appealing. I dunno. However, I am ending up feeling torn still (and I'm within the 7 days of return/exchange window). My dealer also has a Off-Road Premium in Everest on site.....

I've only driven a 4Runner for 2 weeks previously on a PNW hiking trip, so I have FAR less experience than probably 90% of you guys.

How does everyone feel about driving their 6th Gen vs 5th Gen? I was thoroughly impressed with the ride in both 6th Gen's I tried out, as compared to what I have test driven/rented previously. Some observations: I can't believe how much window space they've taken away all around - it *looks* sporty but kind of takes away from the whole outdoorsy feel. The 14 in screen honestly annoys me. It's almost too much. Same with all the digital options - they can feel a bit overwhelming. I assume most of you who've driven 4Runners for years can agree with simplicity being attractive? And YES, I KNOW all of this was known before I purchased. Just would like to hear from longtime loyalists.

Did your Trailhunters and/or Pro's come with very minimal off road mats in the back seat, which didn't extend over the middle?

Also, who has driven both iForce engines (hybrid vs non), and what were your thoughts? Any comparisons between the Off Road Premium vs the TH/Pro?

Lastly - how do you all feel about the coverage of the wipers on front and rear windows? Also surprising.

I know I probably sound nitpicky, but after suffering through a Pathfinder for 2 and a half years, I have a little PTSD, ha! Thanks for any input!

I have driven 4runners for a long time. I have had 2 5th gens. I ADORE my 6th gen Sport Pro. Its roomer inside (I converted mine to a camper by removing the rear seat and building a rack from 80/20 that rests on the third row things). It's punchier, when you need to pass on the freeway it gets it done! The new surround camera and the overall safety intelligence are good for me - trust me on that. Only my bodyshop guys knows for sure. I changed out to 18inch tundra wheels with an off road tire. I can see just as well out of the windows, but I have less need to because of the surround cameras. The ARB rack is excellent. No leaking from 3rd party installs. I say just keep it and love it. I also tow a horse trailer, the 6K capacity paired with the integrated controller is fantastic!! Plus I now have tow haul. This is the perfect truck for me.

 

[bvlaw]

I’ve had my Trailhunter (identical to yours) for three weeks and have driven it approximately 750 miles. This is my first 4Runner and first Toyota.

I love everything about it, including the snorkel sounds. Much prefer this over the fake piped in sound utilized by so many other manufacturers.

My only concern is the busyness of the hybrid system, constantly turning the gas motor on and off. Somewhat worried about longevity, but at the same time I trust Toyota engineering.

No regrets whatsoever with the purchase and feel very fortunate to have secured one.

 

[Coldwiz]

I thought I would be disappointed with the OR non-premium's screen size and stereo but I am very happy with it after living with it for 3000 miles. But I was also fine with the screen size in my 22 Tacoma so it isn't surprising. I can see how the 14" screen could be a little much.

I am also glad I don't have to fight with the power liftgate either. I would prefer power seats but it didn't bother me that my 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gens didn't have these so that shouldn't bother me now. The one thing that I'll say that I miss the most is the sunroof.

 

[kekecarioca]

I Second MUDBATH's comments above:

- The floor mats, especially in the rear seats are a bit poor in coverage. They keep the originality and uniqueness of Trailhunter. If $$$ is not an issue, replace w/ weather tech or something good and save originals as collectible value i guess.

- Wipers...strange....but its a 4runner after all..

Here is an analogy for those who might know and experienced it :
The jump from 2nd gen to 3rd gen was astronomical in every way, yet it remained true to 4runner DNA ( not acknowledged at first). Well the jump from 5th to 6th feels quite close.....

It's quite lovely to daily drive it! Can't wait to go on a multi day Trip around the country!

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