Curious if a new 4runner would be a good option

[Nostik21]

Hello all

I currently own a 2018 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon JLU. We built it up and have a 2.5 inch lift, 37 inch tires, added a soft top, etc. Its built for rock crawling. The problem is, I didn't end up enjoying rock crawling. Expensive way to find that out right?

I love driving in the snow, I do love moderate trails and have a feeling that I would enjoy some of the faster paced stuff on dirt/sand. More than anything, I'm looking for a better daily driver that has some solid capability that will allow me to enjoy driving again.

The wrangler has a fairly rough ride, has quite a lot of road noise, and I'm worried about longevity.

So I'm curious about the new 4runners in a few areas. They seem like the perfect middle ground that would allow for me to delve into the offroad hobby while still allowing a much better on road experience.

My questions/thoughts are the following:
1. If anyone has migrated from a wrangler, is the ride better? I've seen some feedback that the ride can still be a little rough but the wrangler is definitely known for that, so I'd be curious how that compares (I might just need to test drive one)
2. How is the sound system? I like a decent amount of bass and I know the one Im looking at (TRD Off Road Premium) has a sub woofer, I'm curious if it actually pumps out good sound or if its lackluster.
3. I know these 4runners are brand new but Toyota is known for vehicles that last a long time, jeep is not and I only have 30k miles on my jeep but already see some issues.
4. I guess just over all does it seem like this is would be a good fit? I don't want to do a build again. Most of the upgrades were frustrating more than fun on my jeep and outside of the lift and tires, all of them had some sort of drawback.

Any feedback is appreciated!

Cheers all! If this was supposed to be in the vs the competition sub forum, feel free to move it Mods.

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[OffRoadUSA.com]

I can totally relate to where you're coming from, I've gone back and forth between 4Runners and Jeeps for years. I haven’t driven the 2025 4Runner yet so I can’t speak to it directly, but all the previous generations have been massively better than Jeeps when it comes to daily driving, comfort, and reliability.

You’re spot on about the Wrangler, it's great off road but not the most enjoyable daily.

The 4Runner has always felt like the perfect middle ground. Solid capability right out of the box, great in the snow and on trails, and enjoyable to drive every day. It's not a luxury car by any means, but compared to a Wrangler, it’s a huge step up in ride quality, noise, and comfort.

 

[Nostik21]

I can totally relate to where you're coming from, I've gone back and forth between 4Runners and Jeeps for years. I haven’t driven the 2025 4Runner yet so I can’t speak to it directly, but all the previous generations have been massively better than Jeeps when it comes to daily driving, comfort, and reliability.

You’re spot on about the Wrangler, it's great off road but not the most enjoyable daily.

The 4Runner has always felt like the perfect middle ground. Solid capability right out of the box, great in the snow and on trails, and enjoyable to drive every day. It's not a luxury car by any means, but compared to a Wrangler, it’s a huge step up in ride quality, noise, and comfort.

Agreed 100%. The wrangler is limited by my comfort level and we haven't even touched its potential and definitely wont.

I have a feeling the 4runner would give me what I'm looking for. I've never owned a Toyota before, the new 6th gen looks great. Plus I already have a 2.0L Turbo in the Jeep, so the engine isn't something I'm worried about.

 

[DustyLens]

If I could afford a dedicated off-roader, it would be a Wrangler, and I would only have a Wrangler if it were a dedicated off-roader. I see no use for other Jeep-branded vehicles.

I bought my first 4Runner in 1997 and I chose it over the Explorer and Grand Cherokee.

My 4Runners have been my daily drivers.
I live in the desert Southwest (U.S.), so I don't often choose to drive in snow.

 

[GoBirds]

2. How is the sound system? I like a decent amount of bass and I know the one Im looking at (TRD Off Road Premium) has a sub woofer, I'm curious if it actually pumps out good sound or if its lackluster.

I have managed to own 2 different Gen6 4Runners (long story). Had the stock Toyota system in the first truck and it was fine with half of my music library (streamed from Tidal) and the other half sounded sounded off with whacky EQ. Traded that back and now have a Sport Premium with the JBL sound system and it is much, much better. Everything sounds good now. EQ sounds about right, enough bass for my taste and no need/desire to upgrade it. It irked me to fork over the extra cash for the Sport Premium but the upgrades over the lower trim made a huge difference and is worth doing IMO.

 

[alpa_chino]

Still waiting for my 4Runner to come in but Ive had a 3rd gen 4Runner and JKU Wrangler. I got rid of the Wrangler after about 3 years. 4Runner is going to be a better vehicle and sounds like the kind of suv you are looking for. I started to get issues in my jeep and once I lifted it the ride was never the same. 4Runner also doesnt have the solid front axle so drive should be way better than what youre used to.

 

[TRD_Alex]

As someone who came from a 2014 Jeep JKU Willys, I can confidently say the 4Runner is an upgrade in every single aspect. Sure, you lose the ability to remove your doors and roof which is fun but 98% of driving I had them on anyways.

The ride is a massive improvement. Compared to the Jeep, the 4Runner is like driving on a cloud. Don't get me wrong it's not like driving a 70's Cadillac, but compared to the Jeep you might as well have been.

The JBL system was a decent surprise. The OEM Jeep sound system blows chunks. I had a custom high end system installed in my Jeep because of that. Comparatively the JBL system isn't as crystal clear as my Jeep's system, but the all around sound is very well balanced with some nice kick in the low end, but lacks sub-bass coverage. Seems to be tuned for drum heavy rock/club style EDM.

If you're a Rubicon owner now, check out the TRD Off Road Premium or TRD Pro.

 

[Nostik21]

As someone who came from a 2014 Jeep JKU Willys, I can confidently say the 4Runner is an upgrade in every single aspect. Sure, you lose the ability to remove your doors and roof which is fun but 98% of driving I had them on anyways.

The ride is a massive improvement. Compared to the Jeep, the 4Runner is like driving on a cloud. Don't get me wrong it's not like driving a 70's Cadillac, but compared to the Jeep you might as well have been.

The JBL system was a decent surprise. The OEM Jeep sound system blows chunks. I had a custom high end system installed in my Jeep because of that. Comparatively the JBL system isn't as crystal clear as my Jeep's system, but the all around sound is very well balanced with some nice kick in the low end, but lacks sub-bass coverage. Seems to be tuned for drum heavy rock/club style EDM.

If you're a Rubicon owner now, check out the TRD Off Road Premium or TRD Pro.

TRD Off Road Premium is the trim Im looking at, TRD Pro is too expensive.

Thank you for the feedback (no pun intended) on the sound system, I have a feeling Ill be good with the system in the 4runner, at worst upgrading the sub.

One question I do have for anyone that can answer, I noticed dual zone climate control is not standard on the Off Road Premium (crazy considering the price tag), but I have seen some noting that it can be added on the Off Road Premium. Is that part of a package that's not obvious? I didn't see it as an option on the Toyota site. Maybe I'm blind? Or maybe the dealership site I saw mislabeled it.

 

[AR1978]

TRD Off Road Premium is the trim Im looking at, TRD Pro is too expensive.

Thank you for the feedback (no pun intended) on the sound system, I have a feeling Ill be good with the system in the 4runner, at worst upgrading the sub.

One question I do have for anyone that can answer, I noticed dual zone climate control is not standard on the Off Road Premium (crazy considering the price tag), but I have seen some noting that it can be added on the Off Road Premium. Is that part of a package that's not obvious? I didn't see it as an option on the Toyota site. Maybe I'm blind? Or maybe the dealership site I saw mislabeled it.

Dual zone climate control is not an option on the ORP in the 2025 4Runner. Only single zone auto climate control if you go to the specifications on the website (see attached screenshot).

I've had manual climate control, dual zone, and single zone and honestly it doesn't make that much of a difference so I would not let that stop you from buying the new 4Runner.

 

[nubbins_]

Dual zone climate control is not an option on the ORP in the 2025 4Runner. Only single zone auto climate control if you go to the specifications on the website (see attached screenshot).

I've had manual climate control, dual zone, and single zone and honestly it doesn't make that much of a difference so I would not let that stop you from buying the new 4Runner.

How's Toyota's manual climate in your experience? Easy to use? That is one of my only real concerns as I haven't had completely manual A/C in a fvery long time.

 

[Nostik21]

Dual zone climate control is not an option on the ORP in the 2025 4Runner. Only single zone auto climate control if you go to the specifications on the website (see attached screenshot).

I've had manual climate control, dual zone, and single zone and honestly it doesn't make that much of a difference so I would not let that stop you from buying the new 4Runner.

Thats what I thought was the case. One of the dealers had it listed on an ORP on their site which made me curious.

Its not a deal breaker at all.

What has been interesting is seeing how few have the moonroof option in inventories right now. That's the only thing I want to add to the base ORP. Even fewer in Cutting Edge color.

 

[AR1978]

Just a thought, but have you looked at a slightly used 5th gen 4Runner?

The 2023 ORP has a lot of nice options like a heated steering wheel/blind spot monitoring, and lots of options aftermarket to make the 4Runner whatever you want it to be.

 

[Nostik21]

Just a thought, but have you looked at a slightly used 5th gen 4Runner?

The 2023 ORP has a lot of nice options like a heated steering wheel/blind spot monitoring, and lots of options aftermarket to make the 4Runner whatever you want it to be.

I could but I like the look of the 6th gen a bit better and I really am not looking to do a build like I did with my jeep.

 

[Nostik21]

Well, I now have a deposit on an ORP, Underground

You’re all bad influences

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