Towing With the 6th Gen 4Runner Initial Impressions

[Trail4R]

I had to go pick up an axle for my crawler project, and the only thing I had was my 20' PJ trailer since my Tacoma is in the shop finishing a long travel project, so I got to test out the performance of the 4Runner towing some actual weight.

The trailer is about 3800lbs, and the axle is about 500 lbs (Dodge Dana 60 kingpin), so the total load is just over 4000lbs.

More information on towing and weights:

• Towing Guidelines: 2025 (6th Gen) 4Runner Trailer Towing Guidelines
• Weights & Capacity: Curb Weight, GVWR, and Towing Capacity

5th Gen Vs. 6th Gen​

The 6th Gen 4Runner hybrid has a noticeable amount of power performance over the 5th Gen 4Runner. I've towed this trailer with my 5th Gen, and it really struggles on grades and off the line. There is absolutely zero torque performance down low on the 5th Gen and it's gutless over grades.

The 6th Gen hybrid, however, really gets on it off the line. I can still feel the weight for sure, but noticeably stronger off the line, and does incredibly well with pulls up grades when passing larger trucks. The confidence towing with the 6th Gen hybrid is miles beyond the 5th Gen. With the 6th Gen 4Runner, I didn't notice nearly as much sway as the 5th Gen 4Runner. Overall, it just felt safer, more controlled, and more planted.

Genuine Toyota Trailer Brake Controller​

There are a ton of towing features on the 6th Gen, including Tow/Haul mode and the integrated Toyota trailer brake controller. For those unfamiliar, the trailer brakes can now be controlled directly through the 7-pin connector. You can select your brake type (electric or electric over hydraulic) and set the gain to your preferred sensitivity (here is a video on how to set the gain on your trailer's brakes). Once the gain is set, you don’t need to use the manual brake slider every time you stop. It’s mainly for setting up the brake gain or applying the trailer brakes manually if needed. When you press the vehicle’s brake pedal, the controller automatically applies the set gain to the trailer’s brakes. Having an integrated controller in the 4Runner is a huge win over the 5th Gen without one or having to install one. But not all 6th Gen 4Runners get the trailer brake controller. I believe it only comes on the hybrid models. Stopping performance is night and day over the 5th Gen 4Runner without a trailer brake, which is what I was used to before, and it just feels safer overall. I didn't ever really feel the need to manually hit the trailer brakes. I set the gain and let the 4Runner do the rest. It works pretty damn well.

Tow/Haul mode​

I drove for about 20 miles with Tow/Haul mode on, about 20 miles with Tow/Haul mode off, and then turned it back on for the remainder of the drive, which was about 3 hours round trip from Sacramento up grades towards North Lake Tahoe and back down the hill.

Tow/Haul mode is designed to optimize the transmission, engine, and throttle response to provide better control and power delivery when towing. This mode also enhances engine braking, which is particularly useful when coming down grades or if you're approaching vehicles too fast at stops.

Tow/Haul mode definitely adds more control, and braking response - even if you're not using the trailer brake controllers manual slider.

I have another 3 hour drive to deliver my axle to a shop this week, so I'll continue testing everything and keep the thread updated for anyone interested. I just wanted to give a little comparison of the 6th Gen Vs. 5th Gen for towing and point out that the built-in trailer brake is pretty amazing. The 6th Gen blows the 5th Gen out of the water for towing. More torque, integrated trailer brake, tow/haul mode, better wheelbase, everything is just better on the 6th Gen.

Adding a Trailer​

Toyota makes it super easy to add your trailer. Once you plug in the 7-pin connector, Toyota automatically senses that there is a Trailer, and you just follow the instructions on the screen. Then you can proceed to set the gain on your built in trailer brake controller.

Random Photos​

 

[ClarkeBar]

I think the thing I really wanted was the trailer backup assist, which wasn't included on my Sport Premium even tho I asked multiple times...I have a Sea Doo Switch and will take all the help I can backing up LOL

 

[Gordon]

Thank you for that awesome write up. Just got my ORP with trailer tech package. Underground color, Moon roof, aux switches and trailer tech were 4 must haves on my build. Local dealers couldn’t find that configuration anywhere in their 5 state area. I was starting to thinking I’d have to give up on trailer tech but then I found the complete package at a dealer outside of that 5 state area. Had to catch a flight from FL to VA to pick it up, but glad I did now.

 

[5G6G4R]

I’ve had multiple 5th Gen 4Runners over the years, a few SR5s and TRD ORPs, and now a 2025 TRD OR. I pull a 3000 lb car trailer, and just returned from a 4,000-mile trip after towing my side by side (Polaris RZR XP 1000), a lot of it up steep grades, and regular highway driving. My only complaint was the 5th Gens were slugs between 1500 and 2500 RPM. The 6th Gen fixes that, and some. It tows my trailer and side by side like a champ. The new trailer brake on the 6th Gen works incredibly well down grades and coming up on stopped traffic. The overall feel is much more controlled and composed where the 5th Gen was a bit sketchy. You REALLY had to pay attention in the 5G towing without a trailer brake. I eventually got a red arc in the 5G but the integrated trailer brake in the 6G is so nice. I was obviously happy with my 5th Gen, but even happier with my 6th Gen.