For the first time in 15 years, Toyota has unveiled a completely new 4Runner. While many of us may appreciate the minor facelifts and updates the SUV has seen over the past decade, this new model is built on an entirely fresh platform, showcasing both updated powertrain options and a refreshed design for the 2025 model year. You’d think new features and advancements would come hand-in-hand with a hefty price increase, but surprisingly, the base price has only jumped by $870 to $42,220. However, if you’re eyeing that sticker price, prepare for a bit of a shock when it comes to financing options. Toyota’s in-house credit service is offering interest rates starting at a staggering 9%.
This crucial detail was first reported by CarsDirect, and if you take a gander at Toyota’s payment estimator, you’ll see that even with an impressive credit score—say 720+, which Toyota proudly deems “excellent”—you’re still looking at a 9.02% interest rate for a 60-month loan. If you’re considering stretching it to 72 months, prepare for that rate to climb to 9.41%. So, if you plan on financing a 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 with the standard gas powertrain and two-wheel drive, expect to fork out a total of just over $55,000 over six years.
Now, it’s essential to remember that the 4Runner isn’t the only new vehicle facing these less-than-ideal financing terms. When you think of a vehicle that many are eager to get their hands on, you wouldn’t typically expect to see major rebates or interest rates hovering around 1.9%—that’s almost a pipedream. Still, it stings to see financing for the 4Runner so high, especially when you can snag a Tacoma—essentially a 4Runner with a pick-up bed—at an interest rate of only 5.99%. This disparity tells a story where a Tacoma with a similar MSRP as the 4Runner would ultimately cost you about $5,300 less by the end of the loan term.
I figured the hefty financing rates might just give someone a reason to lean toward the Land Cruiser instead of the new 4Runner. However, after looking closer, I found out that the financing options for the Land Cruiser are eerily similar to those for the 4Runner—9% interest rates across the board for both 60 and 72-month loans. This means if you’re one of the many who can’t shell out cash for a vehicle that crosses the $40,000 threshold, you’re probably better off exploring other lending options.
In essence, the climate for borrowing money right now feels downright disheartening. The financial landscape is changing, and for many buyers looking to purchase new vehicles, you might want to have a sit-down with some alternative lenders before committing to these sky-high APRs. No one wants to be trapped in a bad financial situation, especially when it comes to making such a significant investment like a new vehicle. Keep your options open, and don’t hesitate to shop around for the best deal that fits your budget and lifestyle.
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