The big question: engine aside, is the 6G less robust than the 5G?

[Relented]

And is Toyota using less robust parts on some 6G trims but not others?

I’m seeing assertions that the new SR5 is less robust than both the 5G version and the new OR trims. It’s said that Toyota cheaped out on areas like axles, the transfer case, suspension components. (We know the shocks are different but that’s always been the case and is easily remedied for not much money).

It used to be the case that all 5G trims were essentially equal in robustness, with the OR and Pro trims adding better shocks and off road features like diff locks and crawl control. Thus, an SR5 could be turned into an off road beast with relatively modest mods.

But now? If the new SR5 really has lighter duty axles, transfer cases and suspension components its value proposition changes completely.

And what about the new Limited and Platinum? Are these also running less robust axles, transfer cases etc than the new ORs? And also less robust than their 5G counterparts?

If so this is a huge deal.

 

[Trail4R]

And is Toyota using less robust parts on some 6G trims but not others?

The SR5 is now the base of base model… and I don’t even think it qualifies as a base anymore. In my opinion, the new Sport model is the new SR5. The new 6th Gen SR5 doesn’t even get a premium trim. The premium option trim doesn't kick in until the Sport. So I believe the Sport will be the new SR5 that we know and love. Pretty much all the creature comforts that anyone would “need” on the new 4Runner will be found available on the sport premium model/trim.

For drivetrain, the Hybrids are the only models that get the bigger 9.5” axle housing whereas all other non-hybrid models will get the 8.2” axles. Not sure about transfer case differences or gearing yet.

For guys really looking to wheel harder or looking for the most “robust” models, the hybrid models are clearly designed to handle more weight (likely because of the batteries) and more abuse overtime.

Is the 6th Gen less robust than the 5G? In terms of initial reliability… yeah I’d say it’s less robust just because it’s not proven. In terms of strength… I’d say no just because the new 6th Gen gets a 9.5” axle housing on the hybrid models. That’s a massive upgrade compared to the current 8.25” housing on the 5th Gen.

 

[Relented]

The SR5 is now the base of base model… and I don’t even think it qualifies as a base anymore. In my opinion, the new Sport model is the new SR5. The new 6th Gen SR5 doesn’t even get a premium trim. The premium option trim doesn't kick in until the Sport. So I believe the Sport will be the new SR5 that we know and love. Pretty much all the creature comforts that anyone would “need” on the new 4Runner will be found available on the sport premium model/trim.

For drivetrain, the Hybrids are the only models that get the bigger 9.5” axle housing whereas all other non-hybrid models will get the 8.2” axles. Not sure about transfer case differences or gearing yet.

For guys really looking to wheel harder or looking for the most “robust” models, the hybrid models are clearly designed to handle more weight (likely because of the batteries) and more abuse overtime.

Is the 6th Gen less robust than the 5G? In terms of initial reliability… yeah I’d say it’s less robust just because it’s not proven. In terms of strength… I’d say no just because the new 6th Gen gets a 9.5” axle housing on the hybrid models. That’s a massive upgrade compared to the current 8.25” housing on the 5th Gen.

Thanks. While I'd be considering the non-hybrid Limited instead, I actually find the feature content and interior of the SR5 to be solid for its price. With 4WD and third row it costs 45K with Destination fee. That seems like a good deal if the thing is as durable as the 5G version.

I had been assuming that the 6G was delivering the same robustness as the 5G, with the added benefit of the new and more rust resistant TGNA architecture, with the only question marks being the new engine and trans.

But if it's the case that the suspension mounts and knuckles and transfer case and axles have all been downgraded, that would really make me think twice.

If I understand what you're saying correctly, that is not true for the rear axle. They've gotten beefier than the 5G for the hybrid models, presumably because of all the extra weight and torque, which makes good sense, but not gotten weaker for the non-hybrid trims.

Yet I keep seeing references to this being a concern overall, including with respect to suspension components and the transfer case. It would be really great to have definitive comparisons of all these components, 6G vs 5G.

Anyway, thanks again.