Will the last-generation Toyota 4Runner outlast a brand new one?

It took quite a while for Toyota to redesign its pickup trucks and many of its SUVs. The Tacoma, Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, and 4Runner were all recently redesigned and brought up into the modern age with better styling, tech, comfort, and safety features. However, with these significant generational changes come issues with vehicle dependability that are typically endemic to full-scale redesigns in the automotive industry.

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Toyota has since lost its top-tier rank in the Consumer Reports car reliability study for 2024, dropping from second to third place on that illustrious list. That’s still an impressive ranking, and the issues with engine and transmission problems should be remedied via recalls, hopefully not defining the brand going forward. But only time will tell.

The venerable 4Runner has been around since the 1984 model year and is now in its sixth generation, having been redesigned last year as a 2025 model. The previous fifth-generation 4Runner debuted back in 2010, lasting a near-eternity largely unchanged during its 14-year run. It became such a highly respected and seriously dependable SUV that it is still pervasive on American roads. It might as well be the state car of Colorado.

With all of the advancements in the new 4Runner and the decrease in the brand’s overall reliability, are you actually better off buying a proven 2024 model instead of a redesigned 2025? We take a closer look at why this might be the case.

The old-school 4Runner is stupid simple

First of all, the powertrain is near-bulletproof, having been used for multiple generations without issue. The 4Runner’s 4.0-liter V6 engine, mated to a 5-speed automatic transmission, has been available in the 4Runner since the 4th generation in 2002. The powertrain has built a reputation for being immensely reliable, with many owners exceeding 300,000 miles without any trouble. That’s more than can be said for some of its competitors.

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The cabin of the 4Runner might look antiquated, but that’s also why it works so well. Those who off-road or overland in their 4Runners are likely to put their SUVs through the wringer, both inside and out, so simple physical controls and minimal electronic nannies could prove more reliable.

The plethora of large physical buttons for climate and audio, the smaller and simpler infotainment system, and the minimal reliance on advanced driver-assist features mean there’s less to break. 

The more mechanical controls instead of electronic ones reduce the likelihood of failure. The dated but stupidly simple controls in the 2024 4Runner were proven for an astounding 14 years. The fact that so many of the 4th-gen 4Runners are still on the road is a testament to their resilience.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is a more complex creature

With a full redesign into the modern age, you can expect that the 2025 4Runner will be a different animal in terms of complexity. The new SUV adopts a smaller turbocharged engine or a hybrid setup, both of which introduce more complexity, more moving parts, and potentially higher repair costs over time.

While Toyota’s engineering remains some of the best in the industry, history across numerous automotive brands has shown that simpler, naturally aspirated engines tend to have greater long-term reliability than their turbocharged or hybrid counterparts.

What’s more, the 2025 4Runner has a significantly more sophisticated tech suite, including a digital instrument panel, a big 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, over-the-air updates, and more electronic safety features and driver-assist tech than ever before, which could impact the likelihood of electrical failures over the long haul. These technologies are great to have, of course, but increased electronic complexity leaves more room for problems.

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Thankfully, Toyota kept the body-on-frame construction for 2025, but the last-gen was built on the N280 platform that was refined over many years. The new TNGA-F platform could potentially experience durability issues that can be endemic for full redesigns. Only time will tell how well or how poorly the new model will hold up.

Lower maintenance costs over the long run

Since the 2024 4Runner has been in production with minimal changes for many years, parts are widely available and relatively inexpensive. From replacement engines to suspension components, everything is easy to source which equates to lower costs and less time in the shop.

Of course, the new 4Runner’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranties should cover defects, but that doesn’t mean there will be an easy fix or replacement that will have you back on the road quickly.

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On top of that, the last 4Runner had suspension components, differentials, and a 4-wheel drive system that are easy to repair for most mechanics, further keeping long-term maintenance costs down. The more complex powertrain in the new 4 Runner could be more expensive to repair or replace, especially in the early years when aftermarket parts are limited. Toyota’s hybrids are generally reliable, but they do come with higher repair costs when battery packs or other hybrid-specific components wear out.

Final thoughts

If you’re looking for the latest technology, better fuel efficiency, and a more modern driving experience, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner will have plenty of appeal. But if you don’t care about those things and you want long-term reliability, you’re probably better off going with a 2024 model or a pre-owned 2023 4Runner due to its proven powertrain, easy mechanicals, simpler cabin, and lower maintenance costs.

4th-gen 4Runners that are still on the road after over a decade and over 200,000 miles are proof in the pudding that it’s a vehicle that lasts. Some 2025 4Runner owners are already experiencing problems, and that should be a warning shot across the bow.

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