About this episode
The redesigned 2025 Toyota 4Runner marks a significant update after 15 years, featuring a turbocharged four-cylinder engine and various trim options. The hosts discuss their experience with the SR-5 trim, highlighting its off-road capabilities and unique personality despite some handling and ride quality drawbacks. They also delve into the vehicle's interior features, including the simplistic controls and lack of modern amenities like powered seats. While the 4Runner appeals to its cult following, the hosts express concerns about its price and overall refinement, suggesting potential buyers consider their specific needs for an off-road SUV.
This week, we share our impressions of the redesigned 2025 Toyota 4Runner. Now in its sixth generation, the 4Runner retains its body-on-frame platform, preserving its rugged off-road identity while introducing some modern updates. We break down what Toyota got right—like easier access and more comfortable seating—as well as where the redesign falls short. Plus, we answer audience questions about vehicle drive modes and which manufacturers make the best physical controls.
Test results here: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers: https://www.consumerreports.org/jointalkingcars/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YTT4?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Talking Cars Archive: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/cars-driving/talking-cars-podcast-archive-a1439738009/?EXTKEW=YSOCIAL_YT
2025 Toyota 4Runner: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/4runner/2025/overview/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
First Drive: 2025 Toyota 4Runner: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/suvs/2025-toyota-4runner-review-a3128307508/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Toyota 4Runner by Generation: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/4runner/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Toyota Brand Overview: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
Tested: Does Eco Mode Really Save Gas?: https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/fuel-economy-efficiency/does-eco-mode-really-save-gas-a6653523930/?EXTKEY=YSOCIAL_YT
SHOW NOTES:
0:00: Intro
0:18: 2025 Toyota 4Runner Overview
1:29: What we love about the 4Runner
11:49: What we dislike about the 4Runner
22:56: Audience questions
23:17: Question #1: What does the Econ drive mode actually do?
26:22: Question #2: Which vehicles have easy-to-use controls? Will we ever see full voice-activated controls?
Toyota 4Runner
"...y we are talking about the redesigned 2025 Toyota 4Runner. And here's what you need to know about it and wh..."
Toyota Highlander
"...nd of driving. That's why it's not like driving a highlander. Highlander's fantastic vehicle, but it's an on-r..."
Jeep Wrangler
"...ell on-road. Like this is compromised, right? The Wrangler, the Bronco, this thing. I appreciate the fact I'..."
Ford Bronco
"...ike this is compromised, right? The Wrangler, the Bronco, this thing. I appreciate the fact I'm still maki..."
Toyota Land Cruiser
"...et 30 miles per gallon. No, you saw that with the land cruiser. Right. It has the same thing. Great power, but t..."
Toyota Prius
"... This isn't trying to turn the four runner into a Prius and get 30 miles per gallon. No, you saw that wit..."
Toyota Tacoma
"... step up that awkward little bit. Right. Like the Tacoma. Yeah. It's not the, you know, the unibody like t..."
Subaru Outback
"...s from a few brands like VW, Subaru, their new 26 Outback is going to have their climate controls back as h..."
Honda Passport
"...at for me to get, because it's simple. We did the passport. I got in the other day and I was like, this is s..."
Chevrolet Equinox
"...that we have. A 2024 Buick in Vista, the 25 Chevy Equinox, the 24 Chevy Tracks, the 25 Ford F-150, and the ..."
Envista Buick In Vista
"...is from the list of vehicles that we have. A 2024 Buick in Vista, the 25 Chevy Equinox, the 24 Chevy Tracks, the 2..."
Jeep Compass
"... Chevy Tracks, the 25 Ford F-150, and the 25 Jeep Compass. I'll have traditional climate controls with a lo..."
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