How's the hybrid holding up?

I'm not looking at a new tacoma, but the new 4runner instead. Since they're both pretty much the same in power train and styling, I'd figure this is the best place to ask since it was out longer. I was not interested in the hybrid until I got to test drive a trailhunter tacoma. Power feels great and I think the engine is slightly quieter compared to the gas model. Correct me if I'm wrong. I didn't like how noisy the gas model sounded on the test drive. How has the hybrid system been for those of you that get snow. I live in the Midwest and am concerned if it may become an issue in the long run

 

Drives like a V8 and hauls ass when you need to. I love it.

 

The 4runner hybrids are very low in inventory and they are going for crazy premiums. So far the consensus is they are quite disappointing.

I didnt like the LC250 but once I drove a 4runner 6th gen I appreciated the LC250 (all hybrids) much more.

So far no issues with hybrid tacomas or LC 2.4 liters.

 

Consensus is disappointing? Where are you seeing that?

 

I'm curious too.

 

I think he’s just trolling. The 4Runner sites I watch aren’t reporting disappointment. It seems most of the owners are delighted with the new runner. Primarily due to the new engine and transmission, like the Tacoma. Everyone also seems pleased to be able to change to larger tires without major lifts and cutting.

 

The OR 4Runner looks tall on the road but that's probably the oem size tires.

 

I suspect your right. The 4th gen drivetrain alone sold me on the 4th gen Taco. The interior and seat comfort are both icing on the cake. Having the same drivetrain in the 6th gen 4Rnr makes it very appealing to me.

That's interesting, I've looked at them on the lot and though, "they look short and kind of low to the ground".... not necessarily a con.

 

The most consistent complaints about the 4Runner hybrid concern the cargo area. Many of the diehards seem to prefer the older model largely for this reason.

 

Could have been the angle and all the other vehicles could have been much lower. I never noticed it in pictures or the few I've seen at dealerships. Never noticed the LC 250 looking unusually tall.

 

Some go for the GX 550 for the same reason. They might not want the hybrid powertrain any how, but I think it's more of the cargo area being a complaint. I think the load floor on the hybrid is only a minor inconvenience but why settle when paying 4R prices?

 

It’s smaller, reviewers don’t like it and everyone at work isn’t impressed. Its clearly cost cutting measures to produce a cheaper product.

Of course the owners are happy, they always are, but it’s really poor value in many peoples eyes.

I’ve owned 3 4Runners Ive always preferred them.

 

Of course reviewers are going to find faults, they always do. It drives engagment.

 

Small gas tank
Unipressive MPG
No storage

Reviewers usually evaluate most new cars and compare them to other vehicles and their predecessor.

Every new generation of vehicle should do everything better than the outgoing model. Is that asking for much in today's world of AI and decades of experience in designing and manufacturing vehicles? I don't think so.

 

I haven't seen cheaper cost cutting measures at all just the opposite. This is our 6th 4Runner and this one has the quietest interior and none of the squeaks and creeks of ALL the old gen's, plus it has a great dash. The rear cargo is a non-issue for us as it simply raises the floor like the old 3rd row seats used too. The rear cargo has more space side to side, I know this as I put our cargo mat from our '23 in there and it's way too small. My main complaint about all of our Toyotas in the past was power and MPG, the Tacoma and 4Runner Hybrids we have now are excellent there! As for cost the 4Runner is a more than previous Gen's for sure, but ours was a TRD OR Hybrid with all season floor mats only, MSRP was $53639 that we paid $51k for. The MSRP on our '23 TRDORP was $51k as well but we did have the Premium trim, the Premium trim in the 6th Gen's is priced WAY to high and the reason we didn't get it.

 

That's fine. But then you don't get to complain about the cost of the new generation.


Cheap, light, strong. Pick two.

 

A big reason I'm buying a non-hybrid Taco was because I didn't want to give up the NICE amount of storage under the back seat. I'd be the same way with the 4Rnr. The non-hybrid 2.4T has plenty of power (and I've owned some fast cars).

 

I am quiet happy with the hybrid, and there might be a slight impact on fuel economy but I just really like the torque. Some of the misses were storage inside the cab and the fuel tank size as others have noted. If I were to really be picky, I dislike the hard plastic throughout. It creates a lot of 'rattles' which I hate, so I am always trying to solve the cause whether it's seatbelts not under the clips, bottles in the holder or items rolling around in the glovebox. A friend has an RHO which has a much better interior, but I'd take my taco any day over the RAM.

 

I'm only 2K miles in on my Hybrid, the engine and power is really nice, only minor nitpick is the transmission seems a bit clunky in mornings especially during the first R->D shift.

 

Has anyone with the hybrid Tacoma or 4Runner experienced a "gap" or delay in braking that occurs between when the regen brakes switch to the friction brakes? Our '21 Highlander did this for the last couple of years, and Toyota has issued two TSBs, but neither corrected the issue. Its very weird, as it didn't happen 100% of the time, so the dealers have a hard time duplicating. But its also very unnerving when it does happen, because it feels the same as losing brakes - definitely a safety issue if you have to panic stop and it happens but its also just crappy when driving regularly. We unconsciously compensated by leaving even bigger following distances (she and I are both safe / conservative drivers mostly) and anticipating it happening at all stops. Its documented all over the Highlander forums (which is where I found the first TSB, and had to show it to my dealer to perform - they had no idea it was even out there). Some people have learned to just live with it, others call it 'normal' (haha - definitely not normal as it didn't do it from day 1), and others, like me, tried for years to get Toyota to fix it. We provided input to Toyota corporate and our dealer customer rep, but they both contacted us and stated there are no fixes in the works, so we just recently traded it off for a new Passport.

I very much want a hybrid Tacoma in the future once they offer it on a long bed without the TrailHunter trim, but not if it does this with the brakes. Our Highlander was fine for 2 years with no issues, before this problem starting cropping up, so maybe its too early to tell...