We finally got our hands on the Brand New Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro! Before we start the massive build-out, we’re breaking down our honest first impressions with our Top 5 Pros and Cons. We are beyond excited to take this truck to the next level. This is just the beginning of the journey—stay tuned for the mods, trails, and the ultimate offroad setup!
Also posted on the 6th Gen 4Runner Forum (6G4R.com).
This video is not a comprehensive review of all the detailed specs, interior/exterior deep‑dives, because you can find that in many other blog posts and videos. Instead, we focus solely on the five highlighted advantages and five drawbacks from our experience with this truck after the first 1,000 miles of driving.
Pros
1. Styling & Exterior Details
- The TRD Pro’s styling is a major draw: distinctive headlights, a unique “under‑brow” TRD Pro light, and blacked‑out accents.
- Wide, aggressive fenders give the truck a muscular look and accommodate larger tires.
- Blacked‑out trim, handles, roof rack, and a sporty TRD hood enhance the visual appeal.
- The rear “taillet” badge is exclusive to TRD Pro models.
- New paint color “Mud Bath” offers a fine sparkle in sunlight with a subtle brown‑tannish side tone, making it modification‑friendly.
2. Interior Comfort & Practicality
- Seats are comfortable, with the TRD Pro‑specific seat offering a snug, supportive feel for both city driving and off‑road thrills.
- An armrest (standard across Toyota off‑road models) provides a convenient place to rest your arm during long drives.
- Abundant storage: multiple cup holders, front pocket, side pocket, and numerous “Molly” panels with additional compartments throughout the cabin.
- Red accents (lettering, shifter, steering‑wheel stitching, buttons) reinforce the Pro branding.
- Seats feature a cool camo‑style underlayment, adding a unique visual touch.
3. Heavy‑Duty Rear Differential
- Equipped with a 9½‑inch rear differential. That is the same size used on full‑size Land Cruisers. It is paired with a robust 32‑spline axle shaft.
- This upgrade delivers significantly stronger durability compared with the older 8‑inch units found on previous midsize SUVs, reducing the risk of differential failure under heavy load.
4. Suspension & Off‑Road Capability
- Fox suspension works “out of the box,” providing a comfortable ride on both desert terrain and rough trails without immediate need for aftermarket upgrades.
- The suspension is a proven, decade‑long Toyota‑Fox partnership, tuned for everyday use yet capable of handling rock crawling and off‑road challenges.
- Ride quality remains comfortable for passengers. It is neither overly bouncy nor too soft.
5. Powertrain & Performance
- Turbocharged engine produces 326 hp and 465 ft·lb of torque, delivering strong acceleration and hill‑climbing ability.
- Sport mode adds extra excitement, with quick spool‑up of the turbos and smooth power delivery even at low speeds.
- The power is ample for both daily driving and off‑road situations, offering a fun, engaging driving experience.
Cons
1. Bouncy Hood
- The large sport hood tends to bounce noticeably over imperfect road surfaces, creating a distracting “jumping” sensation for the driver.
- We suspect that the weight‑saving measures may have compromised rigidity.
2. Flimsy Rear Bumper & Components
- The rear bumper feels lightweight and lacks solid stiffness; it flexes noticeably when pressed, giving a “paper‑thin” impression despite the vehicle’s $70 k price tag.
- Overall, some rear‑end components feel less robust than expected for a truck of this class.
3. Missing Additional Trip Meter
- The instrument cluster only displays a single total‑mileage odometer.
- There is no dedicated button or setting to reset a secondary trip meter for tracking fuel economy, oil‑change intervals, or individual journeys.
- We couldn’t locate such a feature in the manual, but others say that we have to dig around more. We’ll see.
4. Laggy Wireless CarPlay / Lack of Wired Option
- While wireless Apple CarPlay works, it suffers from noticeable audio lag and delayed video response.
- No wired CarPlay option is provided, forcing reliance on the laggy wireless connection, which frustrates us because when compared to competitors, they still offer a wired hookup.
5. Persistent “Drone” Hum at Highway Speeds
- At steady cruising speeds (~65 mph) the turbocharged engine produces a low‑frequency, bass‑heavy drone sound that becomes irritating over time.
- The drone sound persists even at modest RPMs (just above 1,000 rpm) and cannot be easily mitigated, detracting from long‑distance comfort.
If you’re in the area, feel free to stop by the Stellar Built headquarters at 2270 Dale Ave, Sacramento, CA. This 4Runner TRD Pro is parked there most days, and you can take a close look at it in person while we walk you through the other projects we have underway. We’d love to hear your thoughts and answer any additional questions you might have, so feel free to reach out to us at (916) 882-0333 or comment away on the YouTube video.
