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Which trim level to go with?

Headfuel

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I'm serially in the prowl for a 6th Gen 4Runner, but I'm feeling lost which way to go. I'd love to get other input on which trim to buy.

My thoughts.
1. Trailhunter
Super nice, but test drive it and hated the snorkel

2. TRD Pro
Doesn't have the snorkel! Not a super fan of the red highlights. So love the stance and suspension.

3. TRD Off Road Premium (I-Foce)
Start at the premium base and build it the suspension, protection and lights. Honestly, I like this option because I'm really not one over by the I-Force Max Hybrid. The extra power and torque is nice, but the loss if cargo space really disappointing.

I'm sure other folks have felt the same struggle. What's the right solution?
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toothpaste22

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We decided on my ORP because I sometimes would go camping and offroad to certain fishing spots that arent accessible by car / long walk.
Also like to have big screen, softex seats, automatic rear hatch lift w/kick sensor.
Bilstein shocks and electric adjustment on steering wheels and seats is a plus.

Cant justify spending 15K more for Pro or TH, we dont utilize all its extra functions. We werent really big into the luxury that Platinum and Limited offer.

So my advice is figure out what you can afford, first. Second, what do you use the vehicle for and how often, do you want to do upgrades yourself or built-in.
 
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Headfuel

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You answered your own question…go with option 3
I may have. Option 3 was originally Plan A. But that Trailhunter sure was nice (minus that snorkel whistle.)

Do you have suggesting for suspension and tire upgrade for an OR?

My dogs sure would appreciate the extra space in the I-Force version!

2025 Toyota 4runner Which trim level to go with? 20230424_121514-02
 
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Headfuel

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We decided on my ORP because I sometimes would go camping and offroad to certain fishing spots that arent accessible by car / long walk.
Also like to have big screen, softex seats, automatic rear hatch lift w/kick sensor.
Bilstein shocks and electric adjustment on steering wheels and seats is a plus.

Cant justify spending 15K more for Pro or TH, we dont utilize all its extra functions. We werent really big into the luxury that Platinum and Limited offer.

So my advice is figure out what you can afford, first. Second, what do you use the vehicle for and how often, do you want to do upgrades yourself or built-in.
Solid advice, thx.
Real luxury would be back seats that folded flat to the floor!
 

toothpaste22

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I hear ya, first time i saw a hybrid and how much space it took up in the read, i was rather surprised! Definitely not a fan of the hybrid system, despite the gained power.
 

Mad Ghost

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I just spent 5k miles road tripping to national parks and had an OFF Road premium loaded to the max and it had all the power we needed to get to 85mph in non hybrid but all the room we needed with out the battery. Its Perfect!!!! like you at first I was like WTF I'm spending xxx to get the red lights and not the smoked lights like on the pro... why does the TRD sport get the "cooler" lights than my more expensive model... but honestly a few months later and at night they look good either way I'm over it...... but still why does the sport get those lights for less money?
2025 Toyota 4runner Which trim level to go with? IMG_0915
 

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@Headfuel Nice dogs, I have Malamutes myself :).

I recently purchased the ORP hybrid. I struggled with the same things you have, although I did not seriously consider the Trailhunter or Pro (mostly based on the additional cost and not really needing that extra). I was also considering the Ford Bronco, which in many ways I liked a lot as well.

I originally was not going to get the premium, but the regular Off Road version, but decided the stuff included with Premium were really nice (like ventilated seats, really like those!). I generally keep my vehicles forever, so amortized over its life with me (and already spending half a fortune on the vehicle in the first place!) I decided it was worth it. I got one that I found available, so is missing 1 or two things I would have selected, but they were fairly minor and one I can easily install after--and the other I can install an equivalent. The options I would have selected additionally are the built-in trailer brake controller (also adds a digital rear view mirror, which I was not aware of and would be nice) which cannot be added later (so I am told) and additional skid plates. I can add an aftermarket brake controller (although Toyota says not to, but if they don't give an option to add theirs they don't give much of an option!) if I need it. It should be fairly easy to add skid plates as well if I choose to do so (not really critical for what I do; I lived without them for many years on my previous off-road vehicles).

Cargo space: Yes, that was my biggest struggle. I hate the way the back seats roll forward to make a huge wall, although putting them as flat as possible is somewhat better in some cases. Yes, a fair amount of vertical space is lost in the rear. There is a bit of underfloor storage in front and behind the battery (perhaps 10") but it still takes vertical space. I decided I liked the idea of the hybrid--slightly better mileage (MPG-wise only a couple MPG, but that is still about 10%) but also the power is really nice--it is fun to drive. It is also nice that it generally shuts down when stopped or decelerating. Something else people often do not consider is that the hybrid system eases the load on the engine and brakes (because of regenerative braking) so can save money/wear in the long run.

Overall I have been very happy with my purchase. That said, I think if I opted for the non-hybrid I would have been happy with that as well.
 

bakutheleo

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Oh, one more thing nice about the hybrid...instead of 400W 110V inverter that runs off the small 12V starter battery, you get a 2400W inverter that runs off the hybrid system--so much bigger battery, and engine runs as needed to keep it charged.
 
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Headfuel

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Oh, one more thing nice about the hybrid...instead of 400W 110V inverter that runs off the small 12V starter battery, you get a 2400W inverter that runs off the hybrid system--so much bigger battery, and engine runs as needed to keep it charged.
The extra power, both in the engine and electrical are awesome. As a Gen 3 owner, I just think I would regret the loss of cargo space for the rest of time!... I appreciate your input. This has been a difficult choice.
 

4RunnerNobo

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I'm serially in the prowl for a 6th Gen 4Runner, but I'm feeling lost which way to go. I'd love to get other input on which trim to buy.

My thoughts.
1. Trailhunter
Super nice, but test drive it and hated the snorkel

2. TRD Pro
Doesn't have the snorkel! Not a super fan of the red highlights. So love the stance and suspension.

3. TRD Off Road Premium (I-Foce)
Start at the premium base and build it the suspension, protection and lights. Honestly, I like this option because I'm really not one over by the I-Force Max Hybrid. The extra power and torque is nice, but the loss if cargo space really disappointing.

I'm sure other folks have felt the same struggle. What's the right solution?
Picking up my Off Road Premium Hybrid tomorrow! We went hybrid since we tow a trailer. The extra torque will be very much appreciated for that purpose while also appreciating a few extra miles around town. If we weren't towing, then I would have considered the non hybrid but not sure which way I would have gone. I know the hybrid feels quicker and has more gumption off the line. Yes, a bit of cargo space is lost. With your dogs, all models you mention will have SofTex seats, so you are good there. We have two Goldens, so we will be happy with the SofTex. So cool how you can basically clean them with soap and water, and I also like the Armor All CLEANING wipes (NOT any of the protectant products). Use the wipes and then a towel to clean off the residue. Super easy. Super stoked the 4Runner now has 6K towing capacity, and the hybrid is a huge bonus for towing! You will be happy no matter your decision. For me, the TRD Pro is definitely overkill, and the Trailhunter is not my style. Good luck!
 

Mad Ghost

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Picking up my Off Road Premium Hybrid tomorrow! We went hybrid since we tow a trailer. The extra torque will be very much appreciated for that purpose while also appreciating a few extra miles around town. If we weren't towing, then I would have considered the non hybrid but not sure which way I would have gone. I know the hybrid feels quicker and has more gumption off the line. Yes, a bit of cargo space is lost. With your dogs, all models you mention will have SofTex seats, so you are good there. We have two Goldens, so we will be happy with the SofTex. So cool how you can basically clean them with soap and water, and I also like the Armor All CLEANING wipes (NOT any of the protectant products). Use the wipes and then a towel to clean off the residue. Super easy. Super stoked the 4Runner now has 6K towing capacity, and the hybrid is a huge bonus for towing! You will be happy no matter your decision. For me, the TRD Pro is definitely overkill, and the Trailhunter is not my style. Good luck!
hate to burst your bubble but the non hybrid is faster in testing.... something about the extra weight and how long the battery provides the extra power. you'll probably appreciate the power if your towing often. The ventilated seats are my favorite feature.
 

4RunnerNobo

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hate to burst your bubble but the non hybrid is faster in testing.... something about the extra weight and how long the battery provides the extra power. you'll probably appreciate the power if your towing often. The ventilated seats are my favorite feature.
No bubble bursted. I want the extra torque. The hybrid is a torque monster. Not in a hurry to go 0-60 in a SUV 😜. Ventilated seats - absolutely! Very excited about that. No more swamp arse…will feel good on hot days.
 

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hate to burst your bubble but the non hybrid is faster in testing.... something about the extra weight and how long the battery provides the extra power. you'll probably appreciate the power if your towing often. The ventilated seats are my favorite feature.
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