Toyota Owners Have Spoken: The Fifth-Generation 4Runner Is A Much Better SUV Than The Sixth Gen

While some owners enjoy their sixth-generation 4Runner, many agree that it doesn't live up to the glory of the old model, and are conerned about long-term reliability.

Posted: January 20, 2026 - 7:50AM
Author: Dimitar Angelov

Toyota is one of the most talked-about car companies of late. Between the revival of iconic nameplates, Gazoo Racing’s ever-expanding line of fun performance models, and its current trucks and SUVs with downsized engines, people have a lot to say, and it isn’t always positive. This particularly concerns the brand’s larger off-road offerings, including the 4Runner, which as of 2025, is in its sixth generation.

We recently listed some key reasons why people tend to trade in their brand-new Toyota 4Runners, and this led to some owners sharing testimonies in the comment section. While I am not saying these are all the people who own the Japanese model, there is an overwhelming amount of flak towards the latest iteration of the SUV.

There is an obvious trend when it comes to modern vehicles, and we gathered a few interesting bits of information. This article serves as a confirmation to what has been happening in the automotive industry for over a decade, and that people aren’t happy about it.

The sixth-generation 4Runner had big shoes to fill

There is a reason why fifth-generation Toyota 4Runners are champions when it comes to retaining value, even if some sellers are trying to abuse that. That model was around from 2010 until 2024, and almost unanimously, people agree that the rugged simplicity and proven, normally-aspirated engine - particularly, the 1GR-FE - is a perfect combination. Not long ago, I explained why the second-generation Toyota Tundra should be your forever truck, and I have the same sentiment for the fifth-generation 4Runner.

Here are some testimonies by 4Runner owners:

Many Toyota 4Runner owners agree that the sixth-generation will never fill the outgoing model's shoes

Ed says: “I own a 2023 4Runner and looked at a 2025 when they came in. I'm tall, and the new model didn't seem to have the headroom of the old one. I don't need a huge screen, and I worry about the increased likelihood of maintenance issues with the added complexity.”

Nicol says: “I still have my 2011, 4Runner with very little problems. Except for regular maintenance and wear and tear.. and love it.”

J.T. says: “This makes me glad I got one of the last 2024 TRD Off Road Premiums in September 2024. I needed a new vehicle, but didn't trust the incoming power train. Glad I got that bulletproof V-6 and five-speed transmission.”

Chris is another fan of the fifth-generation, and he has a lot to say about the newer model:

“Love my 2019 TRD Pro 4Runner. Who needs a 12-inch screen when it's in the way? Who needs an 8-speed gearbox? The 5 plus lock-up does well. Who needs a back seat that doesn't fold flat? Who needs a rough, dinky-sounding four-cylinder engine when the V6 is fine and smooth, sounds good. Plus the economy of the new model is close to the same, especially if you push it, which you have to with a turbo engine.

And those higher horsepower and torque only happen when the turbo kicks in around 2500 rpm. Most of the time, you're around 1000 rpm or lower, especially off-road.

So then less torque(except the hybrid) and less hp. So you have a four-cylinder engine lumping a 5000lb vehicle around. Who needs a cheap plastic interior, especially switch toggles and air vents? Summary: for me, not worth the money. Buy a late model 5th gen, save money, and have a better vehicle.”

Mike V. adds that this is an unfortunate trend that most, if not all, manufacturers seem to be falling for: “We will be keeping our 2022 TRD 4runner. The V6 has plenty of power, and although the transmission seems unrefined it has never broken.

I run a 2023 2500HD Chevrolet for my business with the last year of the 6 speed. Zero issues in 80k miles. I know several customers who have 2024/2025 versions with the 10 speed and have had major issues. One in particular just had GM buy his truck back under lemon law.

My point is that it doesn't seem to matter to the manufacturer; these new "improved" transmissions with several speeds are not working as anticipated. All the turbocharged engines that leak oil everywhere or fail before 100k aren't great either.”

In the end, we can only hope that Toyota would listen to its customers and do something about it. They did once by offering the GR Supra with a manual transmission, but this may be asking a bit too much, given the ever-stringent emissions regulations. There are many debates surrounding the downsized engines, including how much more efficient they really are once you lean on the power.

Unlike Toyota’s 3.4-liter twin-turbo V-6, which recently got an extended recall, the four-cylinder i-Force (and i-Force Max) unit seems to be holding up well. People still have issues with the unrefined work of the four-cylinder engine and the fact that its fuel economy isn’t much better than the old, 4.0-liter V-6, when you actually use the power. There are also concerns about the longevity of a “boosted” inline-four, tasked with moving a large vehicle like the 4Runner.

If you have any insight on owning a 4Runner, I’d love to read about it in the comment section below. Do you like the sixth-generation of Toyota’s SUV, or are you a fan of the outgoing 4Runner?

Image source: 2026 Toyota 4Runner press release

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota and Nissan are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.