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This episode of the Off Road Podcast is Sponsored by Colby Valve.

 

Tonight, Aaron huffs some paint, Coy drives around cones, & Ben goes shopping

 

Welcome to the off-road podcast. A podcast about everything off-road. We cover the news, review products, and interview people in the off road industry.  Your hosts tonight are Aaron, Coy and my name is Ben.  Welcome to the show.

 

Coy – race car stuff

Aaron – Got the parts in for the rear brakes on the Frontier.  Couldn’t install them because they were the wrong color.  Cleaned the old shop in preparation for moving my stuff out of it and into my new shop.

Ben – bought a new fridge

 
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News brought to you by Colby Valve

 

• • Auto Evolution – Ram Launches 5 New Trucks
    • The release of the new models is considered by the company a true milestone in the evolution of its trucks, but most importantly for us it marks “the arrival of the most capable, most affordable off-road truck lineup in the industry.”

• The changes Ram prepared for us apply to both the light- and heavy-duty family of trucks. Three of the new releases have to do with the 1500, and the rest refer to the 2500. All are described as the “most off-road models Ram has offered.”

• • 2025 Ram 1500 RHO ($69,995)
    • 3.0-liter H/O SST Hurricane twin-turbo engine with 540 HP & 521 TQ
    • Bilstein Black Hawk e2 adaptive performance shocks, a five-link coil system, and the company’s Active Terrain Dynamics suspension management system
    • offers 40 percent more rear-wheel travel than the rest of the 1500 lineup and a ground clearance of 11.8 inches
    • The overall ride height is two inches taller than the rest of the 1500s and it rides on 35-inch tires
  • 2025 Ram 1500 Rebel X ($64,195)
    • The suite of extras hidden under this name includes the Rebel Level 2 Equipment Group that throws into the mix the Uconnect 5 system with its 14.5-inch touchscreen, a dual-pane sunroof, power tailgate, and a 19-speaker Harman Kardon premium sound system, among others.
    • The Ram 1500 Rebel X is available in a color that’s exclusive to this model, Mojave Sand, a hue that’s made even more impressive by the black elements fitted on the body, including the grille, the bumper with its skidplate, and the bezel on the headlamps.
    • the truck offers one inch more ride height, 33-inch tires wrapped around 17-inch wheels, and Bilstein shocks.
    • Powered by a 3.0-liter Hurricane Standard Output SST engine rated at 420 HP and 469 TQ, controlled by an eight-speed automatic transmission.
    • The Ram 1500 Rebel X offers something no other truck in the company’s lineup presently has, and that’s the Rough Road Cruise Control feature.  Imagine doing an off road ghost ride!!
  • 2025 Ram 1500 Warlock ($54,260)
    • a half-ton that’s meant to pay tribute to the pickup trucks by the same name that made the rounds in the 1970s.
    • The model sets itself apart from the rest of the crowd through its 18-inch wheels that are painted black (backed by Bilstein shocks that help provide a one-inch lift), distinct exterior badges, and unique decals.
    • Powered by a 3.0-liter Hurricane Standard Output SST engine that delivers 420 horsepower and 469 lb.-ft. of torque, handled with the help of an eight-speed automatic transmission.
  • 2024 Ram 2500 Power Wagon ($68,470)
    • In its 2024 incarnation the model relies on a unique suspension system setup that pairs Bilstein shocks with modified control arms and spring rates to give the truck a two-inch lift.
    • Because it’s meant for hardcore use, the truck is also equipped with locking differentials and a 12,000-pound Warn winch.
    • powered by the mighty 6.4-liter HEMI engine, linked to an eight-speed automatic transmission.
    • The powerplant spins wheels shod in 33-inch Goodyear Wrangler DuraTrac tires.
  • 2024 Ram 2500 Heavy Duty Rebel ($68,965)
    • Offered with a choice between two engines: the 6.7-liter Cummins turbo diesel (370 hp and 850 lb.-ft. of torque), or the 6.4-liter HEMI that comes as standard (410 horsepower and 429 lb.-ft. of torque).
    • The Rebel shares a lot of styling cues with the Power Wagon, but setting it apart visually are the unique badging and the sportier hood.
    • The truck rides on large 20-inch wheels wrapped in 33-inch tires, and comes complete with a 12,000-pound Warn winch and a towing capacity of  16,870 pounds.
    • The truck can only be had as a crew cab with a six-foot, four-inch bed

 

Main Topic  

 

On episode 410 and 427 we did shows about the New Toyota Tacoma & Land Cruiser.  Now Toyota has released details about the new 4Runner.  We’re gonna break it down to get you all the juicy details and comparisons that you want to know.

 

The last model of the 4runner, the 5th Gen ran from 2010 to 2024…15 model years!!  (almost as long as the 2nd generation Nissan Frontier 2005-2021 17 years!!)  I would say that we were overdue for a new one.

 

Outside:

• The 2025 4Runner will be offered in no fewer than nine trims:
  • SR5
  • TRD Sport
  • TRD Sport Premium
  • Trailhunter
  • TRD Off-Road
  • TRD Off-Road Premium
  • TRD Pro
  • Limited
  • Platinum
• More closely related to the Land Cruiser and global Land Cruiser Prado than before, the 4Runner now rides on the same 112.2 “golden ratio” wheelbase, up from 109.8 inches
• It grows similarly in overall length, adding more than 3.5 inches nose to tail, and in width where it expands by two inches.
• TRD Pro and Trailhunter get exaggerated fender flares in black (gloss TRD Pro, matte Trailhunter)
• While it might appear the harder-core off-road models are wider still, this is a visual trick created by painting the fender flares black, trimming them up a bit, and fitting fatter all-terrain tires.
• The exterior styling is heavily influenced by the new Tacoma’s while the interior is nearly identical
• Longtime fans will be delighted to know the power roll-down rear window returns, and aging fans will appreciate that the liftgate itself can also be powered.
• OG fans who remember the first-gen 4Runner of the 1980s will love the return of the “wrap over” rear quarter windows that curve onto the roof for a bit of a safari look.
• Toyota designers have hidden Easter eggs in the new 4Runner’s headlight assemblies. On most trims, an illuminated “4Runner” appears in the bottom corner. On Trailhunters, the passenger headlight features the compass logo while the driver headlight says “Trailhunter.” The TRD Pro says “TRD” in the passenger headlight and “Pro” in the driver headlight. TRD Pro models also replace the “4Runner” badge on the tailgate with “TRD Pro.”
• TRD Pro gets raised roof rails in place of the more substantial metal platform-type rack of the last version – the Trailhunter now sports the biggest rack. The Limited gets no rack, which makes it look a bit bald.

 

Interior:

• If you’ve seen the inside of the new Tacoma, you’ve seen the inside of the new 4Runner. The design is identical and parallels the same trim level changes in trim materials and accent colors.
• An 8.0-inch center infotainment screen and 7.0-inch instrument cluster screen are standard; higher trims have 14.0-inch infotainment and 12.3-inch instrument cluster screens.
• Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 suite of active and passive safety systems is on every new 4Runner, bringing everything from adaptive cruise control to steering assistance. Platinum models also get a head-up display and automatic wipers.
• Dirt-focused models also get Toyota’s full arsenal of off-road driver aids. The Multi-Terrain Select system and all its drive modes now work in both 4Hi and 4Low, while Crawl Control, effectively off-road cruise control, is now quieter.
• You can spec the Multi-Terrain Monitor system on most models as well, including 360-degree cameras that “look” under the vehicle by cleverly stitching together video inputs.
• wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• There’s an interior Easter egg as well, yet another bit cribbed from the Tacoma. On the driver’s side of the dash, accessible only when the door is open, is a circular hidden compartment with a lid that reads “Accessory Ready” in Morse code. It’s only about two inches deep and six inches in diameter, so we still don’t know what you’re supposed to put in there.
• There’s even an optional third row, which even Toyota admits is a last resort when you really need to give another kid or two a ride home from soccer practice.  (Ben, it’s time to sell the minivan and 4th gen and buy a 6th gen!  It even comes in sand color!)
• You can’t get the third row with the hybrid. The battery and third row occupy the same space in the cargo area.
• Digital Rear view mirror
• three USB-C ports up front, more available in the rear, and wireless charging added to upper trim levels
•  All variants get keyless start, but if you want a digital key (only available on some models), you’ll need to pay a subscription.

 

Chassis:

• TNGA-F global body-on-frame architecture that underpins the new Toyota Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, and Tundra, as well as the Lexus GX and LX.
• 1000 more pounds of towing capacity, up from 5000lbs
• Payload of Trailhunter is 895lbs (thats five 179lb people)
  • 2006 4runner = 950lbs
  • 2010 FJ Cruiser = 1,130lbs
• Ground clearance is listed at 9.2 inches, but it’s unclear how that may differ with various trim levels. The old one had different specs for 2WD (9.0 inches) and 4WD (9.6) before.
• approaching angle of 32 degrees and a departure angle of 24 degrees
• None of the articles we read mentioned the weight of the new 4Runner.  That means Toyota didn’t publish it.  That means it is a porker.

 

Drivetrain:

• Lower trims use Toyota’s 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder with 278 HP and 317 TQ; this engine works through an eight-speed automatic and two-speed four-wheel drive transfer case with low range.
• Higher trims get a hybrid version of the same that inserts a 48-hp electric motor between the engine and transmission and jettisons the starter motor. With the electric boost, total combined output rises to 326 HP and 425 TQ.
  • The old 4.0-liter V6 produced 270 hp and 278 lb-ft, but it also had a five-speed automatic
• The battery stores only 1.9 kWh.
• If it’s anything like the new Tundra, this hybrid system will be tuned for performance, not fuel economy.
• Toyota doesn’t have numbers for us yet, but we hope it’ll improve meaningfully on the old model’s 16/19/17 mpg city/highway/combined numbers. The hybrid Tundra and GX, though, don’t give us a lot of hope.
• The extra power and ratios likely drop the 0–60-mph time from 8.0 seconds to roughly 7.0 without the hybrid system and 6.0 seconds with it.
• Rear-wheel-drive variants get a limited-slip rear differential, and the Limited and new range-topping Platinum luxury trims can be equipped with a full-time four-wheel-drive system with locking center and rear differentials borrowed from the Land Cruiser.

 

Compare TRD models:

Trailhunter

• The more powerful hybrid powertrain is standard
• locking rear differential
• electronically locking and unlocking front anti-roll bar
• Shocks are Old Man Emu 2.5-inch external reservoirs
• front upper control arms are forged aluminum pieces colored green and etched with the Trailhunter logo
• 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T all-terrain tires on bronze 18-inch wheels
• 2-inch front and 1.5-inch rear lift. 
• Skid plates and rock rails
• Rigid Industries LED fog lights that can cycle between yellow and white light.
• grille-mounted LED light bar has been borrowed from the Tacoma and Tundra and, as on those trucks, can only be activated when the high beams are active
• Desert air intake—not a snorkel, as it’s not waterproof
• ARB roof rack
• built-in air compressor lives in the cargo area; it’s a Trailhunter-exclusive right now but likely will become an option on the TRD Pro
• 120-volt, 2,400-watt three-prong outlet back there that comes with all hybrid 2025 4Runners. 
• Three auxiliary switches are pre-wired so you can add more goodies down the road.

 

A- TRD Pro

• The more powerful hybrid powertrain is standard
• locking rear differential
• electronically locking and unlocking front anti-roll bar
• Fox Racing internal bypass units
• The springs are tuned for bigger bumps, and the forged upper control arms are red and say TRD. 
• The front skid plate also gets TRD branding, as do the black-and-red 18-inch wheels. 
• 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/Ts
• ground clearance is 9.2 inches.
• also gets white-light Rigid fog lamps and the LED lightbar in the grill
• “functional” hood scoop that allows air in but doesn’t really do anything with it

 

TRD Sport

• has its own TRD sport-tuned suspension for more on-road goings
• gets the same 20-inch wheels as the Limited

 

Pricing:

• Pricing will be announced closer to its on-sale date this fall. 

 

4Runner VS Land Cruiser:

• Land Cruiser comes standard with the more powerful engine that is only available on the higher spec 4Runner models.
• Both use an 8 speed automatic
• 4Runner comes as 2wd, part time 4wd, & full time 4wd.  Land Cruiser only comes in full time 4wd
• Both have 6,000lb towing capacities
• Both have the same 112.2” wheelbase and presumably the same track width.
• The land Cruiser is 5.3” taller
• The 4Runner is 1.1 inch longer than the Land Cruiser.
• The 4Runner has slightly better clearances, with an approach angle of 32 degrees and a departure angle of 24 degrees. The Land Cruiser is a little behind, a 31-degree approach angle and 22 degrees of departure.
• The 4Runner also has 9.2” of ground clearance versus the Cruiser’s 8.7”.
• The Land Cruiser offers a more commanding seating position and a better view out over the hood and to the sides compared with the new Tacoma (or anything closely related to it, such as the new 4Runner).
• Cargo space should be better in a Cruiser too, although that theory may not hold with a non-hybrid 4Runner that doesn’t have to carve out space for an underfloor battery. 
• On the flip side, all Land Cruisers are five-passenger machines because they all carry said hybrid battery. Meanwhile, some 4Runners offer three rows of seating.

So guys, your current rig just got totalled or stolen and the insurance company is giving you a payout of 50k.  Are you gonna buy a new 4runner?

 

Sources:

https://carbuzz.com/old-vs-new-2025-toyota-4runner-vs-2024-toyota-4runner/

https://www.caranddriver.com/news/a60442127/2025-toyota-4runner-2024-toyota-land-cruiser-compared

https://carbuzz.com/40-years-toyota-4runner-history/

https://carbuzz.com/2025-toyota-4runner-reveal/

https://www.autoblog.com/article/2025-toyota-4runner-finally-revealed-new-trailhunter-is-extremely-cool/

https://www.autoblog.com/2024/04/09/2025-toyota-4runner-comparison-land-cruiser-old-4runner/

https://www.motortrend.com/reviews/2025-toyota-4runner-interior-review/

https://www.motortrend.com/news/2025-toyota-4runner-first-look-review/

 

Next Week:  Florida Trail Teams

 

Closing Statements

Thanks everyone who listens to us weekly and also to those who watch us live on YouTube.  We really appreciate you.  Please share us with your friends and help us grow.  God bless America!

Don’t forget to visit Patriot Patch and join the Patch of the Month club. Check out our Gaia affiliate link for up to 40% off. Also, don’t forget to head over to Warn, Colby Valve, and 4Patriots to see all of their great products. We are a proud part of the Firearms Radio Network. Got a question or comment?  Send it to us through our Linktree account or by searching for Off Road Podcast.  Also, you can listen to us live at overlandradio.com Mondays at 7 pm Pacific.  When off-road please remember to have fun, tread lightly, and be safe and courteous. Thanks for listening.