After weeks of teasers, the final product is finally here: the actually new, sixth generation 2025 Toyota 4Runner is even more suitable for off-road use than before, but looks impressive with significantly improved technology new looksand new Equipment variants for greater visual impact and off-road capability. It seems the new 4Runner was worth it the fourteen year wait. Read on for the full overview.
Technical data at a glance:
- Standard 2.4-liter i-Force turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine produces 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque
- Optional i-Force Max Hybrid with 326 hp, 465 lb-ft
- Standard 8-speed automatic transmission
- Available with two-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive or full-time four-wheel drive
- New stabilizer disconnect mechanism
- Up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity
- Multi-terrain system (mud, dirt, sand, crawl control) that works in both 4WD High and 4WD Low
- Electric rear window as standard, electric tailgate available
- 8-inch touchscreen standard, 14-inch touchscreen available; 7-inch instrument cluster standard, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster available
Lots of power
The sixth-generation 4Runner has two powertrain options. The first is the 2.4-liter turbocharged inline-four i-Force that makes 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, an increase of 50 hp and 74 lb-ft over the base model new Tacoma. This is the standard engine on the SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road and Limited trim levels.
If you’re more interested in becoming the owner of the most powerful 4Runner ever, then go for it the i-Force Max Hybrid. This powertrain increases your output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque (the same as the Tacoma) by combining the 2.4-liter engine with a 48-hp electric motor and a 1.87 kWh battery pack. This option is available on TRD Off-Road and Limited models and standard on TRD Pro, Trailhunter and Platinum trim levels. An 8-speed automatic transmission is the only transmission option, a huge improvement over the old 5-speed transmission.
Off-road foundations
The new 4Runner is based on Toyota’s TNGA-F truck platform, which you may find familiar with other models like the Tacoma, Tundra, Redwoodtree, and Land Cruisers. This gives you a robust, box-shaped steel ladder frame with multi-link coil springs at the rear and double wishbone front suspension. On the 4Runner, Toyota introduces a sway bar disconnect mechanism to increase suspension articulation without letting your tires leave the road. Paired with a 32-degree approach angle and a 24-degree departure angle, as well as a multi-terrain monitor that allows you to see potential obstacles from the center console, you may become the most experienced off-road rider on the trail.
You can choose between two-wheel drive (with automatic limited-slip differential), part-time four-wheel drive, or full-time four-wheel drive. The latter two feature an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range, active traction control and automatic limited-slip differential. An electronic rear differential lock is standard on the TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and Trailhunter.
Every 4Runner features Multi-Terrain Select modes to tailor your driving experience to suit the terrain, and it works in both 4WD High and 4WD Low modes. If you want a relaxed off-road ride, Crawl Control is also available, which serves as a low-speed off-road cruise control with multiple speed settings.
If you Really If you’re looking to hit the trail, Toyota has also introduced the new Trailhunter trim, described as an overlanding-style upgrade to an already capable machine. Toyota has teamed up with aftermarket off-road companies that so many overlanders already love to create your ideal machine straight from the factory this time. Your additions include 2.5-inch Old Man Emu forged shocks with external piggyback rear reservoirs, a co-developed ARB roof rack with Toyota, and 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires for additional ground clearance. They also feature skid plates, high-strength skid plates, a 20-inch LED light bar with color-selectable fog lamps, a low-profile, high-mount air intake and a 2400W AC inverter that provides power to the cabin and rear cargo area.
Luxury upgrades
If the Trailhunter trim is too Trailhunter-y for your tastes, then you’re in luck: The 2025 4Runner also has a new luxury trim called Platinum. It still has standard off-road capability, but you can also enjoy heated second-row seats, a standard tow package, a head-up display, and automatic rain-sensing wipers.
Of course you don’t have to go all The aim is to benefit from Toyota’s constantly evolving technology. You get all the usual extras, like wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a wireless charging pad, USB-C charging ports, a smart key and an optional digital key. Two screens are standard; on some models both the central touchscreen and the instrument cluster display are larger.
The look of the new 4Runner is reminiscent of the original machines, with lots of boxy extensions, hard lines and angular elements. There are “enclosing” rear side windows like those on ’80s models, and of course the 4Runner’s signature rear power windows remain. Toyota also offers the 2025 4Runner in some great colors.
2025 Toyota 4Runner Trim
- SR5: Features of the basic model
- TRD Sport: Adds sporty accents such as larger wheels and special badges
- TRD Sport Premium: TRD Sport Package with luxury features
- TRD off-road: An off-road look package that includes off-road driving modes
- TRD Off-Road Premium: An off-road trim with luxury features such as heated front seats and heated electric exterior mirrors
- Limited: The former top-of-the-line Luxury trim, which features technologies such as heated and ventilated front seats, enhanced standard safety features and a powerful speaker system
- platinum: Adds black exterior design elements, heated second-row seats, a standard tow package, a head-up display, and automatic rain-sensing wipers
- TRD Pro: The former top off-road equipment with performance shock absorbers, skid plates and more
- Trail Hunter: Essentially an overlanding rig made by Toyota, including collaboration with off-road component manufacturers
Pricing has yet to be announced, but based on previous pricing, expect the new 4Runner to start at around $43,000. That would make it about ten grand cheaper than the new Land Cruiser.
