2024 TRD Pro Versus 2025 TRD Pro, Which is the better buy?

[Blackteqrunner]

Now that we are getting closer to the new Generation 4Runner hitting dealerships, I still wrestle with the idea of which Generation 4Runner would be the better purchase. Recently I was on Autotrader and saw quite a few Terra 2024 TRD Pro 4Runners for sale, either brand new or with minimal miles on them. I never considered the Terra color until I saw it in person and man does this color look great in all types of lighting. I was also shocked by the price, I couldn't find one within 200 miles of me in Souther California for under $60k.

Now with the pricing release of the 6th Generation, this really puts things into perspective in which vehicle to choose. For only $6k more, you can get the brand new generation with all the extra horsepower, 8 speed transmission, better fuel economy, but unproven engine. I really thought the Pro was going to priced at or above $70k, and now seeing the price of the old dinosaur generation so close in price to the new one with all the added tech makes you think. Is this price difference so close because the old 5th Gen is worth it? Or is it because Toyota knows the new generation is not? Let me know your thoughts!

 

[JLJ]

The close pricing between the outgoing 5th Generation and the new 6th Generation likely reflects a strategic balance by Toyota, aiming to maximize sales across different buyer demographics while managing the inherent risks of introducing a new platform. Here's a breakdown of the key factors at play:

Positioning of the 5th Generation

• The 5th Gen has established itself as a rugged, dependable platform with a proven engine, transmission, and off-road capabilities. It's essentially the "safe choice" for buyers who value reliability and are wary of first-year model issues.
• By pricing it close to the new 6th Gen, Toyota may signal that the outgoing model still holds substantial value for those prioritizing tried-and-tested reliability over cutting-edge features.

6th Generation's Competitive Pricing

• For only $6k more, the new 6th Gen offers advancements like more horsepower, an 8-speed transmission, better fuel economy, and modern tech. This makes it attractive for those who want the latest and greatest.
• However, Toyota likely priced it competitively to account for consumer hesitation around the "unproven engine." The narrow price gap might encourage buyers to take a chance on the new model rather than defaulting to the older one.

Consumer Psychology and Toyota's Market Insight

• Toyota understands that a significant price disparity could polarize the market. A narrow price gap creates a nuanced choice: pay more for innovation or stick with reliability. This encourages thoughtful decision-making, potentially reducing buyer's remorse.
• By pricing the new model close to the outgoing one, Toyota also ensures a smoother transition for dealerships looking to clear out 5th-generation inventory without steep discounts.

Is the 5th Gen "Worth It"?

• The 5th Gen's value lies in its established reputation and simplicity. It remains a strong contender for buyers prioritizing off-road performance and reliability without concern for cutting-edge features.
• However, its proximity in price to the 6th Gen makes its value proposition feel slightly diminished, especially since the newer model brings tangible improvements for a relatively modest price increase.

Is Toyota Cautious About the 6th Gen?

• The pricing could reflect Toyota is hedging its bets on the new platform. First-year models often come with unforeseen issues, and Toyota may anticipate some hesitation from loyalists who are skeptical about the unproven engine and latest tech.
• Alternatively, Toyota's confidence in the 6th Gen could be underpinned by competitive pricing to encourage adoption and validate their engineering and design choices.

The pricing strategy caters to both cautious traditionalists and forward-looking early adopters. If the 6th Gen proves its durability and reliability, it will likely justify the price increase and make the 5th Gen feel outdated. However, for those prioritizing long-term dependability and avoiding first-year risks, the 5th Gen still holds appeal. The fundamental determinant will be how the 6th Gen performs in the market and real-world conditions.

 

[Blackteqrunner]

The close pricing between the outgoing 5th Generation and the new 6th Generation likely reflects a strategic balance by Toyota, aiming to maximize sales across different buyer demographics while managing the inherent risks of introducing a new platform. Here's a breakdown of the key factors at play:

Positioning of the 5th Generation

• The 5th Gen has established itself as a rugged, dependable platform with a proven engine, transmission, and off-road capabilities. It's essentially the "safe choice" for buyers who value reliability and are wary of first-year model issues.
• By pricing it close to the new 6th Gen, Toyota may signal that the outgoing model still holds substantial value for those prioritizing tried-and-tested reliability over cutting-edge features.

6th Generation's Competitive Pricing

• For only $6k more, the new 6th Gen offers advancements like more horsepower, an 8-speed transmission, better fuel economy, and modern tech. This makes it attractive for those who want the latest and greatest.
• However, Toyota likely priced it competitively to account for consumer hesitation around the "unproven engine." The narrow price gap might encourage buyers to take a chance on the new model rather than defaulting to the older one.

Consumer Psychology and Toyota's Market Insight

• Toyota understands that a significant price disparity could polarize the market. A narrow price gap creates a nuanced choice: pay more for innovation or stick with reliability. This encourages thoughtful decision-making, potentially reducing buyer's remorse.
• By pricing the new model close to the outgoing one, Toyota also ensures a smoother transition for dealerships looking to clear out 5th-generation inventory without steep discounts.

Is the 5th Gen "Worth It"?

• The 5th Gen's value lies in its established reputation and simplicity. It remains a strong contender for buyers prioritizing off-road performance and reliability without concern for cutting-edge features.
• However, its proximity in price to the 6th Gen makes its value proposition feel slightly diminished, especially since the newer model brings tangible improvements for a relatively modest price increase.

Is Toyota Cautious About the 6th Gen?

• The pricing could reflect Toyota is hedging its bets on the new platform. First-year models often come with unforeseen issues, and Toyota may anticipate some hesitation from loyalists who are skeptical about the unproven engine and latest tech.
• Alternatively, Toyota's confidence in the 6th Gen could be underpinned by competitive pricing to encourage adoption and validate their engineering and design choices.

The pricing strategy caters to both cautious traditionalists and forward-looking early adopters. If the 6th Gen proves its durability and reliability, it will likely justify the price increase and make the 5th Gen feel outdated. However, for those prioritizing long-term dependability and avoiding first-year risks, the 5th Gen still holds appeal. The fundamental determinant will be how the 6th Gen performs in the market and real-world conditions.

Fantastic stuff there JLJ! It does really seem like Toyota was trying to fill the price gap between the new Land Cruiser and the Tacoma. It's really fascinating to consider all of the nuances and thought that goes into something like pricing. What do you drive?

 

[JLJ]

Here's my build so far. 2022 4Runner TRD Pro. There are a few other bits you can't see in the pics, such as recovery points, bump stop, rear diff breather, etc.

 

[Badger_Erich]

Here's my build so far. 2022 4Runner TRD Pro. There are a few other bits you can't see in the pics, such as recovery points, bump stop, rear diff breather, etc. View attachment 864View attachment 865View attachment 866View attachment 867View attachment 868View attachment 869View attachment 870

Awesome rig. If you have a chance can you post a list of everything you have in it including electronics etc?

 

[Bernie]

The close pricing between the outgoing 5th Generation and the new 6th Generation likely reflects a strategic balance by Toyota, aiming to maximize sales across different buyer demographics while managing the inherent risks of introducing a new platform. Here's a breakdown of the key factors at play:

Positioning of the 5th Generation

• The 5th Gen has established itself as a rugged, dependable platform with a proven engine, transmission, and off-road capabilities. It's essentially the "safe choice" for buyers who value reliability and are wary of first-year model issues.
• By pricing it close to the new 6th Gen, Toyota may signal that the outgoing model still holds substantial value for those prioritizing tried-and-tested reliability over cutting-edge features.

6th Generation's Competitive Pricing

• For only $6k more, the new 6th Gen offers advancements like more horsepower, an 8-speed transmission, better fuel economy, and modern tech. This makes it attractive for those who want the latest and greatest.
• However, Toyota likely priced it competitively to account for consumer hesitation around the "unproven engine." The narrow price gap might encourage buyers to take a chance on the new model rather than defaulting to the older one.

Consumer Psychology and Toyota's Market Insight

• Toyota understands that a significant price disparity could polarize the market. A narrow price gap creates a nuanced choice: pay more for innovation or stick with reliability. This encourages thoughtful decision-making, potentially reducing buyer's remorse.
• By pricing the new model close to the outgoing one, Toyota also ensures a smoother transition for dealerships looking to clear out 5th-generation inventory without steep discounts.

Is the 5th Gen "Worth It"?

• The 5th Gen's value lies in its established reputation and simplicity. It remains a strong contender for buyers prioritizing off-road performance and reliability without concern for cutting-edge features.
• However, its proximity in price to the 6th Gen makes its value proposition feel slightly diminished, especially since the newer model brings tangible improvements for a relatively modest price increase.

Is Toyota Cautious About the 6th Gen?

• The pricing could reflect Toyota is hedging its bets on the new platform. First-year models often come with unforeseen issues, and Toyota may anticipate some hesitation from loyalists who are skeptical about the unproven engine and latest tech.
• Alternatively, Toyota's confidence in the 6th Gen could be underpinned by competitive pricing to encourage adoption and validate their engineering and design choices.

The pricing strategy caters to both cautious traditionalists and forward-looking early adopters. If the 6th Gen proves its durability and reliability, it will likely justify the price increase and make the 5th Gen feel outdated. However, for those prioritizing long-term dependability and avoiding first-year risks, the 5th Gen still holds appeal. The fundamental determinant will be how the 6th Gen performs in the market and real-world conditions.

If I understand it correctly, the hybrid engine has been in use by Toyota in the Tacoma and other vehicles for quite some time. That being the case, I think it's a bit of a stretch to call it unproven just because it hasn't been deployed in older 4Runners.