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There aren’t many carmakers with the same reputation for dependability as Toyota. It is one of the main reasons why people gravitate towards the Japanese brand, even after some mishaps in recent years. Heritage is another thing Toyota is big on, not just in terms of motorsport success, but also when it comes to its SUV and truck models. The 4Runner is one of those nameplates that has been well-known for decades, dating back to 1983.
The sixth-generation 4Runner only came out in 2025, and unlike the rugged fifth-gen that was getting long in the tooth, the new model put slightly more emphasis on modern tech. But something strange is happening and my latest find on the 4Runner Lifestyle group on Facebook is the latest confirmation of that. A simple question on the forum reveals the grim reality of (some) modern Toyota SUVs and trucks. What caught my attention wasn’t the question itself (although quite valid), but rather a comment by another user saying:
I’ve seen so many used 6th gen for sale in Phoenix makes me wonder if people truly don’t like them or if there’s an issue with them.”
I decided to dig around and see what problems people have with their 2025 and newer Toyota 4Runner. The results were quite extensive and varied from minor to major issues people have with their SUVs. These are worth being aware of if you are on the market for a midsize SUV.
Main reasons why people trade in their Toyota 4Runner
Transmission problems: Some owners have reported issues with the eight-speed automatic, available on both the hybrid and non-hybrid models. There have been complaints from rough or delayed shifting, and in some cases, complete failure (although the number is still small).
The automatic transmission used in the 4Runner and other Toyota SUV and truck models is struggling with its initial adaptive learning (the process of adapting to your specific driving style). This is also the main reason for the jerky shifts. Some owners have also reported overheating during off-roading.
One Facebook user says: “Love the look. Only if the trans was a little better. Overheating issues while off-roading. Although I had a 24' Tacoma.”
Owner dissatisfaction with the powertrain
So far, the 2.4-liter i-Force and i-Force Max inline-four powertrains have proven reliable. Refinement seems to be another story, according to owners. The main complaints are from turbo lag, inconsistent performance, and unpleasant sound, compared to the outgoing 4Runner’s iconic V-6 engine.
Another gripe people have with this engine is that MPG isn’t always great, despite being a four-cylinder and (in some cases) a hybrid.
Electrical gremlins/glitches
Until recently, electrical problems and Toyota cars were two phrases you rarely saw in one sentence. Some Toyota 4Runner owners have reported memory problems with the steering and seat power-adjustment settings. False warning messages and weird power-liftgate behavior have also been reported.
Interior quality
Until recently, it was believed only Toyota could get away with extensive use of hard plastics due to the perceived reliability and the more rugged nature of SUVs, but there are limits even to that. The 4Runner interior is dominated by hard plastics, and owners are already reporting significant squeaks and rattles even at 15,000 miles.
Some 4Runner owners (and not just them) worry that Toyota’s quality isn’t what it once was. Some buyers are already flocking to comparable models like the Honda Passport, which, by the way, still offers a V-6.
The topic is quite extensive and while opinions vary, the reality is that there are plenty of used sixth-gen 4Runners sitting on lots, some with as little as 3,000 miles on the odometer. About a year ago, we saw a similar trend with the Toyota Land Cruiser J250, and it seems the 4Runner will be hit even harder, despite in many ways offering the J250’s capabilities for less money.
What is your opinion on the sixth-generation Toyota 4Runner? Do you prefer the more rugged and proven fifth generation? Perhaps a slightly used 2025 would make more sense? Let me know what you think in the comment section below.
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, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: 2026 Toyota 4Runner
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Comments
I am fine with mine and I…
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I am fine with mine and I think many of these complaints are user-errors.
I own a 2023 4Runner and…
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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.
I still have my 2011, 4…
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In reply to I own a 2023 4Runner and… by Ed (not verified)
I still have my 2011, 4 runner with very little problems. Except for regular maintenance and wear and tear.. and love it..
Thank you for publishing…
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Thank you for publishing this critique of the 2026 4Runner! I had no idea the amount of issues that the 26 model has. I was fortunate and was able to purchase a 2023 TRD PRO (metallic midnight black) and I have to say my vehicle is sort of sluggish with the 4.0 V6, but I feel fortunate that I didn’t wait to get a 2025, not only being more expensive but sounds like they’re turds (as well ugly AF)!
I am sure Toyota would fix…
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In reply to Thank you for publishing… by Bert Johnson (not verified)
I am sure Toyota would fix most of these issues through service recalls, but I guess it goes to show that all-new models can really have issues in the early years. I see it all the time, with many carmakers, but it seems Toyota, being famous for quality and reliability, gets a lot of flak in particular, primarily because people don't expect them to have a lot of issues.
If yours is sluggish I would…
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In reply to Thank you for publishing… by Bert Johnson (not verified)
If yours is sluggish I would recommend an OTT tune. My '23 OR was a pig until I had the tune done. Now acceleration is more like my '06 V8 4Runner.
Nice. This has to be a must…
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In reply to If yours is sluggish I would… by Ted (not verified)
Nice. This has to be a must for 4Runner owners or anyone who has the 2.4-liter engine
Seeing this makes me glad I…
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Seeing 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 V6 and 5 speed transmission.
Those are truly solid SUVs…
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In reply to Seeing this makes me glad I… by J.T. (not verified)
Those are truly solid SUVs. Good to hear you are enjoying yours.
Love my 2019 TRD Pro 4Runner…
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Love my 2019 TRD Pro 4Runner. Who needs a 12 inch screen and it's in the way. Who needs an 8 speed gear box. 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 hps and torque only happen when the turbo kicks in around 2500 rpm. Most of the time your around 1000 rpm or lower espec 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 espec 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.
On a personal note, I…
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In reply to Love my 2019 TRD Pro 4Runner… by Chris (not verified)
On a personal note, I totally agree with you. I love those 5th-gen 4Runners
Love my 2019 TRD Pro 4Runner…
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Love my 2019 TRD Pro 4Runner. Who needs a 12 inch screen and it's in the way. Who needs an 8 speed gear box. 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 hps and torque only happen when the turbo kicks in around 2500 rpm. Most of the time your around 1000 rpm or lower espec 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 espec 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.
i considered trading in my …
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i considered trading in my '24 TRD Off Road for a newer model but i hate the extra wear a turbo puts on your engine. Predicting unreliability when i heard of the engine change, i opted to stick with my GOOD 4runner. Now we're in a committed relationship and his name is Levi (He's a dark blue color) and i will keep him 'till i die.(along with my 96 Tracker, 67 Beetle, and '75 Honda 550B)
I'm not surprised at this…
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I'm not surprised at this news, however unfortunate it is. 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 is doesnt seem to matter 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 arent great either.
So glad I didn't fall into…
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So glad I didn't fall into the Toyota greed wanting more money for less. Love my 2020. Onto the passport unfortunately. That 4 cylinder is great for a RAV 4 and a corolla
The Honda Passport is a…
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In reply to So glad I didn't fall into… by Djaf (not verified)
The Honda Passport is a really good alternative to the 4Runner, and it has a proven V-6.
I always watch for stories…
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I always watch for stories on here just to keep up with the Toyota BAAAAD Subaru GOOOOOD bias which seems to only plague this bloggers site.
And if there isn't a Subaru model to compare to just slime Toyota any way possible.
What is glaring to me is the complete lack of comparisons to any other Japanese brands like Honda, Nissan, Mitsubishi let alone the domestic brands.
Toyota Bad Subaru good rinse and repeat.
Occasionally, we compare…
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In reply to I always watch for stories… by Dot Shplar (not verified)
Occasionally, we compare models. Personally, I treat these stories on a case-by-case basis. I don't hate Toyota, nor am I the biggest Subaru fan.
I also recognize that not everyone has problems with their new Toyota, but I (and I assume some of my colleagues on here) think it is worth reporting on issues like that.
For the most part, I love what Toyota is doing, especially with its performance cars, and to a degree with its truck and SUV models. The V-8 and V-6 engines will be missed, but it is what it is.
If it ain't broke don't fix…
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If it ain't broke don't fix it. Since 2007 until this new 6th Gen debacle the 4 runner has been pretty much bullet proof. 2002 to 2006 had head gasket issues. My 5th Gen stocknsr5 has 320 k no leaks and I still take it on long trips and in the the mountains off road all of the time. This is reliability. Who ever changed it is a fool.
I waited over 8 months for a…
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I waited over 8 months for a 2025 4Runner Limited Hybrid and purchased in May 2025. I experienced numerous problems with alignment, balance, tires and overall shaking. I kept for less than 2 months and traded in for a 2025 Land Cruiser. Totally disappointed in the new 4Runner and have been a loyal Toyota owner for 40 years.
At one point, I used to…
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In reply to I waited over 8 months for a… by James L Trujillo (not verified)
At one point, I used to think the 6th-gen 4Runner is a cut-price Land Cruiser, but it seems the LC has many fewer problems. I also prefer the J250's boxy design more, but that's just my personal taste.
I wouldn't own a sixth…
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I wouldn't own a sixth generation 4Runner if it were given to me free. The main reason is Toyota not offering the tried & true 6 cylinder and forcing you onto a 4 cylinder hybrid or 4 cylinder turbo (Both which I hate). My wife has a 2024 Toyota Hylander with the 4 cylinder turbo and it sounds horrible.., having that cheap, tinny sound in a 4Runner is laughable. Next with any big change in body design, etc, there will be numerous bugs to work out which usually takes 4, 5 or more years. Last, I'm impressed at all with the boxy design of the new 4Runners.., I prefer the more aerodynamic look of the 5th generation models. So, I'll stay with my current 2019 4Runner Limited vs buying any of the 6th generation models. If I ever want a newer model - unless Toyota makes some major changes to the 6th generation (i.e., offering maybe an updated 6 cylinder engine and making that crappy looking boxy body more sleek) I'll stick with the 5th gen models.
I love my '21, but remember…
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I love my '21, but remember the early 5th gens had a lot of very similar complaints. Electrical glitches, rough ride, ugly looks, thin and chipping paint, frame rust and weird transmission issues all made the 5th gen sound terrible. 15 years later toyo had sorted things out and and now their challenge is to do it again.
It could be the same story…
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In reply to I love my '21, but remember… by Dave (not verified)
It could be the same story here, as the early 5th gens did have some issues, too. I think the new 4Runner might be getting a bit too much flak for not having a V-6. Still, at $40,000 plus, there is no excuse for cheap plastics. Then again, the 5th-gen 4Runner interior isn't great either.
Love, love, love the…
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Love, love, love the performance and comfort of my 2025 4Runner. I have over 18,000 miles on mine, bought in July 2025 and really like it. Love the “whistle” of the turbocharger. The only gripe I have is the poor gas mileage, 20 mpg.
Being the owner of 2000…
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Being the owner of 2000 4runner brand new that year. And then upgrading to A lexis gx, 470 that I had for 17 years, with no major issues at all, when the time came to finally get rid of the Lexus, it was a no-brainer to go with another toyota 4 unner or something like it. But unfortunately, when the new model came out, I did not feel confident at all that this was going to be nearly as reliable as the older ones. So I purchased a 2018 trd pro and got a great deal on it.And I am very happy with my decision. I was hoping that toyota would come out with a six cylinder for the new truck, but it it didn't come to pass, unfortunately, I think they're becoming what they think people want to expand yet, turning away from what Toyota fans really love, which is the reliability?
We bought my wife a new…
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We bought my wife a new 4runner a couple months ago and so far she loves it. Her previous car was a Kia Stinger that she loved but she's enjoying being "tall" in the 4runner. The only thing that I don't about it is the glove box doesn't close properly. Very loose fit when closed. A little disappointing coming from Toyota but I can handle the glove over a transmission issue.
I have one, an iforcemax…
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I have one, an iforcemax hybrid 4Runner and I really like it.
Glad to hear that. It goes…
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In reply to I have one, an iforcemax… by Maj (not verified)
Glad to hear that. It goes to show that not everyone is having issues with their new 4Runner.
Early model years can often be a hit or miss. I am sure Toyota will fix the issues through various recalls.
I had a 1998 4Runner and…
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I had a 1998 4Runner and sold it to my son in 2020 because I wanted something 4WD. The '98 had about 395,000± when I sold it. It has 420,000 miles on it. I purchased a 2018 4Runner with 4WD. I love it. No problems. Toyota ever should have taken out the V6 and put a 4 cylendar in. I wouldn't buy a 4Runner with a 4 cylendar engine in it, even if it has a turbo. I do 4Wheeling and some towing. I recently towed a 6x12 UHaul trailer from San Diego to Seattle with my 2018 4Runner. I wouldn't even think of doing that with a 4Runner with a turbo 4 cylendar engine.