Toyota 4Runner: Is It Underpowered? – Owner Reviews
- The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's engine swap, replacing the 4.0-liter V6 with a turbocharged four-cylinder, has ignited a debate among drivers.The new 2.4-liter i-FORCE engine boasts 317 pound-feet of...
- While the base configuration places it among Toyota's models with the least horsepower, opinions are divided.
- Whether the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is underpowered, stronger, or simply different appears subjective.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner‘s primarykeyword, the turbocharged four-cylinder engine, sparks a heated discussion about power and performance. Is it a true upgrade, or does it diminish the driving experience? The new engine offers notable torque figures, yet some drivers voice concerns about whether the secondarykeyword delivers sufficient power compared to the previous V6. Owner reviews are pouring in, revealing divided opinions: some celebrate the smooth shifting, while others miss the old-school feel. News Directory 3 dives into the heart of the debate, examining real-world performance in various conditions, from towing on the Ike Gauntlet to navigating challenging off-road trails. Discover if the new engine wins over loyalists. Discover what’s next …
Toyota 4Runner’s New Engine: A Turbocharged Upgrade or a Mistake?
Updated June 26, 2025
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner’s engine swap, replacing the 4.0-liter V6 with a turbocharged four-cylinder, has ignited a debate among drivers.The new 2.4-liter i-FORCE engine boasts 317 pound-feet of torque, while the i-FORCE MAX pushes it to 465 pound-feet. But for this body-on-frame SUV, the real-world driving experience is paramount.
While the base configuration places it among Toyota’s models with the least horsepower, opinions are divided. Some longtime 4Runner enthusiasts consider the engine swap a misstep, while others hail it as an upgrade. Online forums such as r/4Runner and 4Runner6G buzzed with driver reports and performance assessments within days of the release.
Whether the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is underpowered, stronger, or simply different appears subjective. Turbo fans tout the added torque,while V6 loyalists lament the loss of the old-school feel.ultimately, expectations shape perceptions.
Fifth-generation 4Runner owners have long noted the V6 engine required effort to tap into its power. Kevin Krieger, a Trail4Runner poster, initially skeptical of the change, was ultimately impressed. He said the new turbocharged engine and eight-speed automatic transmission deliver ample power and smooth shifting, making it drive better than previous generations.
A 2025 TRD Sport Premium owner,upgrading from a 2016 model,called it a “huge upgrade,” noting the new turbocharged engine offers more power and pickup than its V6 predecessor.
Drivers report that even the gas-powered 4Runner delivers ample power when utilizing sport mode. One 4Runner.com user highlighted its performance on Colorado’s Ike Gauntlet, towing 5,500 pounds up a 7% grade, a feat the fifth-generation struggled with even lighter loads.A Colorado local, who frequently camps and off-roads, recommends the 4Runner for unpredictable trails, citing the engine’s ability to handle steep inclines.
What’s next
As more drivers experience the 2025 Toyota 4Runner, the debate surrounding its new engine is likely to continue. Time will tell if the turbocharged four-cylinder can win over the hearts of die-hard V6 fans and solidify its place as a worthy successor.