Delivered! HYBRID 2025 Off-Road Premium - First Impressions Review, Photos & Plans

[Jpr18]

Delivered! Hybrid 2025 Off-Road Premium - First photos, impressions, review, and plans.

DETAILS & SPECS:

This is an early build hybrid...the VIN is <300. It arrived in the US on 3/3/25 and was ready at the (nearby) dealer on 3/20/25. Mine was not one of the ones selected for a quality control hold. Spec sheet below....

Would have liked the tow tech pack (digital rear view mirror) instead of the aux switches pre-wiring, but beggars can't be choosers. I added the bronze badging all around, which includes the iForce Max badges and the TRD Off-Road on the sides.

The accessory TRD wheels came with Michelin LTX Trail in 265/70-18, which is the stock size. I'm not sure why it has Michelin and not Falken like some other TRD Off-Roads. They likely just have multiple tire suppliers.

As with all Longo sales, it was at MSRP with no dealer installed equipment or add-ons. I financed with a local specialty credit union (professional group affiliated) for 4.99%, 60mo. No trade in.

HYBRID DRIVING IMPRESSIONS:

The hybrid and gas ORP are nearly identical, equipment-wise. The only listed change is the AC power ports are 2400W vs. 400W and the option for pre-wired aux switches in the dash. As such, the only difference is in how it drives, fuel economy, and the battery in the cargo area floor. I'm not thrilled that the cargo area is smaller, but I do like the "hidden" compartments front and rear, where I can stow a jump starter, portable air compressor, recovery straps, etc. There's also an "electric boost" gauge, which shows the battery level below it.

Before deciding on a hybrid I drove a gas and hybrid Tacoma. Both seemed powerful enough for me, but I thought that gas was a little unrefined sounding. I do a fair amount of city driving, so the boost in MPG there was appreciated. I also just enjoy new tech, so the hybrid it was. I haven't driven a gas 6G 4Runner (or any other 4Runner ever, for that matter), but power is smooth and strong. There is no EV low speed mode like in a RAV4 hybrid or similar, there are no buttons to control the system. According to Toyota's online specs there is no actual stop-start system, but in practice the engine has been turning off during coasting and at lights. It restarts almost immediately upon any throttle. The website also claims the ORP doesn't have parking sensors, so who knows. I am happy with my decision to go hybrid so far, with 60 miles on the odometer.

PLANS:

I'll be installing a FitCamX dash cam, StickerFab topo dash vinyl & cargo net, 1mo Carista subscription, light window tint for the front windows, Protech screen protectors, and possibly a Trailhunter or Rival skid plate. Also considering some Toyo Open Country III or Fallen Wildpeak AT4W in the stock size. I need to find a cargo cover (no longer available at the port per my salesperson) a cargo mat, and maybe a Meso Customs key. It came with the Toyota floor liners.

I'll be taking it out ASAP to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park / Ocotillo Wells for some offroading and then later to Death Valley and the Eastern Sierras.

One last thing -- has anyone been able to get Traffic Jam Assist to work? The website claims the 4Runner has it, but there's no driver watch camera so I'm skeptical.

 

[zgreen]

Well, it's official, headed over to the dealer shortly after they opened today to pick up the first hybrid 4Runner they've received -- an Everest Off-Road Premium. Starting a new thread with some better pictures, answers to commonly asked questions, and some first impressions.

View attachment 9488

DETAILS & SPECS:

This is an early build hybrid...the VIN is <300. It arrived in the US on 3/3/25 and was ready at the (nearby) dealer on 3/20/25. Mine was not one of the ones selected for a quality control hold. Spec sheet below....

Would have liked the tow tech pack (digital rear view mirror) instead of the aux switches pre-wiring, but beggars can't be choosers. I added the bronze badging all around, which includes the iForce Max badges and the TRD Off-Road on the sides.

The accessory TRD wheels came with Michelin LTX Trail in 265/70-18, which is the stock size. I'm not sure why it has Michelin and not Falken like some other TRD Off-Roads. They likely just have multiple tire suppliers.

As with all Longo sales, it was at MSRP with no dealer installed equipment or add-ons. I financed with a local specialty credit union (professional group affiliated) for 4.99%, 60mo. No trade in.

HYBRID DRIVING IMPRESSIONS:

The hybrid and gas ORP are nearly identical, equipment-wise. The only listed change is the AC power ports are 2400W vs. 400W and the option for pre-wired aux switches in the dash. As such, the only difference is in how it drives, fuel economy, and the battery in the cargo area floor. I'm not thrilled that the cargo area is smaller, but I do like the "hidden" compartments front and rear, where I can stow a jump starter, portable air compressor, recovery straps, etc. There's also an "electric boost" gauge, which shows the battery level below it.

Before deciding on a hybrid I drove a gas and hybrid Tacoma. Both seemed powerful enough for me, but I thought that gas was a little unrefined sounding. I do a fair amount of city driving, so the boost in MPG there was appreciated. I also just enjoy new tech, so the hybrid it was. I haven't driven a gas 6G 4Runner (or any other 4Runner ever, for that matter), but power is smooth and strong. There is no EV low speed mode like in a RAV4 hybrid or similar, there are no buttons to control the system. According to Toyota's online specs there is no actual stop-start system, but in practice the engine has been turning off during coasting and at lights. It restarts almost immediately upon any throttle. The website also claims the ORP doesn't have parking sensors, so who knows. I am happy with my decision to go hybrid so far, with 60 miles on the odometer.

PLANS:

I'll be installing a FitCamX dash cam, StickerFab topo dash vinyl & cargo net, 1mo Carista subscription, light window tint for the front windows, Protech screen protectors, and possibly a Trailhunter or Rival skid plate. Also considering some Toyo Open Country III or Fallen Wildpeak AT4W in the stock size. I need to find a cargo cover (no longer available at the port per my salesperson) a cargo mat, and maybe a Meso Customs key. It came with the Toyota floor liners.


I'll be taking it out ASAP to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park / Ocotillo Wells for some offroading and then later to Death Valley and the Eastern Sierras.


One last thing -- has anyone been able to get Traffic Jam Assist to work? The website claims the 4Runner has it, but there's no driver watch camera so I'm skeptical.

Congrats! Looks incredible. Looking forward to hearing more about your impressions.

 

[Zenyx]

If it's not too much trouble, can you measure from the floor to the headliner in the trunk? I've only seen height measurements for the non-hybrid and I want to put a dog kennel and 12v fridge in the back.

 

[mars001]

Wow, thank you for your review and pictures, that's very much appreciated.

- I believe your 2400W is added options? K according to the table posted here)

- what's this "driver watch camera' that you mentioned?

- you days it doesn't have parking sensor. What is it for?

- does it use only battery when moving slowly around the parking lot? Or does it always start the engine?

Thanks!

 

[Jpr18]

Wow, thank you for your review and pictures, that's very much appreciated.

- I believe your 2400W is added options? K according to the table posted here)

- what's this "driver watch camera' that you mentioned?

- you days it doesn't have parking sensor. What is it for?

- does it use only battery when moving slowly around the parking lot? Or does it always start the engine?

Thanks!

2400W is standard on all hybrids, as far as I'm aware. Not an option.

Driver watch camera is a camera behind the steering wheel that monitors the driver's attention. Videos about traffic jam assist mention this camera prominently.

Based on the below image, I assumed I didn't have front and rear parking sensors. However, I do. No self parking feature or anything. Image also shows the "standard" TJA. I know the TJA requires a drive connect subscription, but all my trials are active.

No low-speed electric mode unless you're coasting. Touching the throttle fires up the engine after about a second delay (during which the electric motor is moving you, so there's no delay in acceleration)

 

[mars001]

Thanks! I just saw Toyota self parking on YT. That's really handy for a large SUV like 4R if it's available!

 

[mars001]

2400W is standard on all hybrids, as far as I'm aware. Not an option.

Driver watch camera is a camera behind the steering wheel that monitors the driver's attention. Videos about traffic jam assist mention this camera prominently.

Based on the below image, I assumed I didn't have front and rear parking sensors. However, I do. No self parking feature or anything. Image also shows the "standard" TJA. I know the TJA requires a drive connect subscription, but all my trials are active.

No low-speed electric mode unless you're coasting. Touching the throttle fires up the engine after about a second delay (during which the electric motor is moving you, so there's no delay in acceleration)

I would disable that auto stop/start. I'm sure it'll wear out the starter prematurely/unnecessarily...

 

[Jpr18]

I would disable that auto stop/start. I'm sure it'll wear out the starter prematurely/unnecessarily...

There's no way to. But unlike on a gas only vehicle, it's pretty invisible. They typically have a different kind of starter, I haven't heard of any issues in any other brand with that.

 

[ItsmeAlex]

Congrats on being the first Hybrid 4Runner owner here! Bronze badges make a bigger difference (positive) than I thought it would.

Please post up your trip journals, looking forward to hearing how the hybrids do out on the trail.

 

[mars001]

There's no way to. But unlike on a gas only vehicle, it's pretty invisible. They typically have a different kind of starter, I haven't heard of any issues in any other brand with that.

I thought I read it here somewhere that it could be disabled with Carista. May be that was only for gas engine.

Anyway, you said it shut off the engine when coasting, is it like when we let off the throttle when approaching red light? It shuts off everytime you let off the throttle?

 

[Hacksaw]

[...]

Based on the below image, I assumed I didn't have front and rear parking sensors. However, I do. No self parking feature or anything. Image also shows the "standard" TJA. I know the TJA requires a drive connect subscription, but all my trials are active.

Thanks for the review and photos. As far as the parking sensors, I think there's "standard" mode (i.e. progressively faster beeps as you approach objects relative to front or rear bumper sensors), and a mode in addition to that called PA with AB. So I think you just don't have that PA /AB mode. I'm not really sure what that mode does but based on the name, I presume it automatically applies your brakes if it thinks you're going to hit something/someone while you're parking. It's possible it's one of those nannies that you'd turn off if you did have it.

 

[Parker516]

Congratulations! Pretty cool you'll go down as the very first hybrid 4Runner owner in history.

 

[Hacksaw]

I would disable that auto stop/start. I'm sure it'll wear out the starter prematurely/unnecessarily...

Nope. I don't know why people think implementing Auto Start-stop (ASS) was just a simple matter of adding a 0 mph detector and shutting off the engine and calling it done. There's way more to it than that. It required some degree of redesign of the starter system, the voltage regulation, the battery, the HVAC system on both the heating and cooling sides, the automatic transmission, the brakes, and cam/crank timing to make restart instantaneous. And a lot of computer monitoring of various sensors for all the situations where the ASS system will either not be enabled (intentionally) or will automatically start the engine if sensor readings drop below a threshold.

Anything that requires pumps, hydraulic pressure, or vacuum relies on engine power (i.e. power brakes, transmission, heater, AC, but not power steering since that is electric now) and it takes a second or two after restarting a non-ASS system for those to build up again. That's too long and it needs to be instantaneous for ASS.

Specific to the starter, it had to be re-engineered for much higher longevity** and to account for the scenario where you're rolling to a stop at a red light at just the instant the engine is about to stop, the light turns green and you hit the gas (if you've ever turned the key on while a car was already running and heard that awful noise, that's essentially the scenario). For this they designed a new tandem starter with 2 solenoids vs conventional starter. It's more complicated than that but that's the main idea.

** Specific to Toyota (this is taken from a video by Car Care Nut, a long-time Toyota mechanic, explaining Toyota's ASS), the new starter for ASS systems is designed for 384,000 stop-start events (to put that into perspective, 365 days per year x 20 years x 50 start/stops per day = 365,000 so it ought to last over 20 years even under pretty intensive daily driving). Also, the computer counts all start-stop events over time and displays a message to replace the starter when it hits the longevity threshold and it disables start-stop until that is done. With non-ASS cars, it's just a crap shoot. So you don't have to guess at when it's time to replace it.

Long story short, there's no justifiable worry about the starter.

 

[CrispyTacoLover]

Delivered! Hybrid 2025 Off-Road Premium - First photos, impressions, review, and plans.

DETAILS & SPECS:

This is an early build hybrid...the VIN is <300. It arrived in the US on 3/3/25 and was ready at the (nearby) dealer on 3/20/25. Mine was not one of the ones selected for a quality control hold. Spec sheet below....

Would have liked the tow tech pack (digital rear view mirror) instead of the aux switches pre-wiring, but beggars can't be choosers. I added the bronze badging all around, which includes the iForce Max badges and the TRD Off-Road on the sides.

The accessory TRD wheels came with Michelin LTX Trail in 265/70-18, which is the stock size. I'm not sure why it has Michelin and not Falken like some other TRD Off-Roads. They likely just have multiple tire suppliers.

As with all Longo sales, it was at MSRP with no dealer installed equipment or add-ons. I financed with a local specialty credit union (professional group affiliated) for 4.99%, 60mo. No trade in.

HYBRID DRIVING IMPRESSIONS:

The hybrid and gas ORP are nearly identical, equipment-wise. The only listed change is the AC power ports are 2400W vs. 400W and the option for pre-wired aux switches in the dash. As such, the only difference is in how it drives, fuel economy, and the battery in the cargo area floor. I'm not thrilled that the cargo area is smaller, but I do like the "hidden" compartments front and rear, where I can stow a jump starter, portable air compressor, recovery straps, etc. There's also an "electric boost" gauge, which shows the battery level below it.

Before deciding on a hybrid I drove a gas and hybrid Tacoma. Both seemed powerful enough for me, but I thought that gas was a little unrefined sounding. I do a fair amount of city driving, so the boost in MPG there was appreciated. I also just enjoy new tech, so the hybrid it was. I haven't driven a gas 6G 4Runner (or any other 4Runner ever, for that matter), but power is smooth and strong. There is no EV low speed mode like in a RAV4 hybrid or similar, there are no buttons to control the system. According to Toyota's online specs there is no actual stop-start system, but in practice the engine has been turning off during coasting and at lights. It restarts almost immediately upon any throttle. The website also claims the ORP doesn't have parking sensors, so who knows. I am happy with my decision to go hybrid so far, with 60 miles on the odometer.

PLANS:

I'll be installing a FitCamX dash cam, StickerFab topo dash vinyl & cargo net, 1mo Carista subscription, light window tint for the front windows, Protech screen protectors, and possibly a Trailhunter or Rival skid plate. Also considering some Toyo Open Country III or Fallen Wildpeak AT4W in the stock size. I need to find a cargo cover (no longer available at the port per my salesperson) a cargo mat, and maybe a Meso Customs key. It came with the Toyota floor liners.

I'll be taking it out ASAP to Anza-Borrego Desert State Park / Ocotillo Wells for some offroading and then later to Death Valley and the Eastern Sierras.

One last thing -- has anyone been able to get Traffic Jam Assist to work? The website claims the 4Runner has it, but there's no driver watch camera so I'm skeptical.

I want one!

 

[CrispyTacoLover]

There's no way to. But unlike on a gas only vehicle, it's pretty invisible. They typically have a different kind of starter, I haven't heard of any issues in any other brand with that.

I am glad start stop is invisible. It definitely isn’t on our 2024 BMW X5. But on it I can override it by putting it in M Sport mode.