The 6th generation 2025 Toyota 4Runner is a window to bigger worlds, pushing limits in luxury and extreme off-roading
Trailhunter, TRD Pro, and the Limited 4Runners staged at the Vogt Ranch in San Diego County’s eastern backcountry. (Photography courtesy of Toyota USA or as credited)
Jump To Special Features
Passion for the Nameplate
4Runner Media Drive
Is Bigger Better?
Powertrains and Fuel Economy
5 Favorite 4Runner Features
5 Observations and Considerations
2025 4Runner Pricing
Which 2025 Toyota 4Runner to Buy?
Specifications
The Toyota 4Runner is a stalwart SUV for the ages — literally. It has been 15 years since there was a full redesign of the 4Runner. Though it has worn well, 15 years is a lifetime in this age of redesigns every four to six years. Yet, the 4Runner’s lifespan is not so unusual for Toyota. This carmaker is known to build it right the first time so that it can ride for years, with timely updates.
Now in its sixth generation, the 4Runner is a throwback to the early days when SUVs took a rib from pickup trucks. And the completely reworked 2025 4Runner is reborn as a rugged ladder-frame SUV based largely on the Tacoma pickup.
Toyota used this redesign to push 4Runner farther into luxury and more extreme off-roading, with a new Trailhunter for “overlanding.” Like “Platinum” levels of pickups, the 4Runner Platinum ($64,310) is at home in the backcountry or the country club.
Overlanding to more remote destinations became popular as an escape clause from restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
As before, the 4Runner is available in rear-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, and full-time 4WD.
The 2025 4Runner went on sale Jan. 28, 2025, but all nine of the trim-level choices might be in short supply. Starting prices range from $41,000 to $70,000, including the $1,450 freight charge from Tahara, Japan. Many options are available to push the price, including quality accessories for camping and travel with pets.
Check for current pricing here.
And check all the 4Runner accessories here.
The TRD Pro in the new color of Mudbath tan.
Passion for the Nameplate
The 2025 4Runner shows how far it has evolved since the first 4Runner debuted in 1984. It was built from the Toyota Hilux pickup and was a simple two-door compact with a fiberglass shell over the bed.
Since its U.S. debut, 3 million 4Runners have been sold. It is a beloved nameplate, ranking with the Ford Mustang, VW Beetle, Nissan Z, and even the old Toyota Land Cruiser. The new 4Runner competes with competent competitors such as the Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, and Jeep Grand Cherokee.
As with any product that has succeeded for 40 years, it seems everybody has a 4Runner story. I spoke with an automotive industry professional, now with a major EV charging network, who owns a 23-year-old 4Runner. He said he loves it “so much I’ll be buried in it.”
4Runner’s last full redesign was in 2009 as a 2010 model year, but Toyota continued to make timely updates.
The 2014 model received a facelift with interior improvements. The TRD Pro trim was added, and in 2017, it was renamed TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium. In between, Toyota added more safety and advanced digital technologies and more choices for bigger wheels, audio systems, and paint colors.
The TRD Pro has SofTex-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, 8-way power-adjustable.
2025 4Runner Media Drive
Toyota was in San Diego in late January for a North American media drive of the 2025 4Runner. Journalists could have seat time in several of the nine trim levels, including a base SR5 to the new Platinum and Trailhunter. There was on-road driving and off-roading on the dirt tracks of Vogt Ranch, about 40 miles east of San Diego.
Owen Peacock, Toyota’s marketing GM, called the 4Runner a window to bigger worlds.
For fans of 4Runner, yes, the 2025 4Runner is good, but like many 40-year-olds, it is now bigger and heavier. Its exterior styling looks about the same as the 2024 4Runner but with more distinctions between trim levels.
The 4Runner Limited has premium leather-trimmed upholstery.
Toyota’s extensive Safety Sense 3.0 is standard on all trims. Active safety and advanced driving technologies now include Proactive Driving Assist.
Of interest to past and current 4Runner owners is fuel economy. Yes, the turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines get slightly better mileage than the previous V-6.
Journalists were able to have generous seat time, yet the vehicles were “preproduction.” That means they were very close to being production level, but there might be some variations in content or features.
My story is not a review but an overview of various trim levels of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner. I hope to have a test week at home soon with any of the trim levels. I was impressed by the base SR5 as the most affordable model with its voluminous cargo capacity. Details are below.
The 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster in all trims except SR5.
Is Bigger Better?
The new 4Runner feels robust and stable on the road or trail. It is built on a wheelbase that is 2.4 inches longer with a body almost 4 inches longer. The body is also 2.1 inches wider and taller by 1.1 inches, without a roof rack.
Curb weights are also up, ranging from 4,455 pounds for the rear-wheel-drive SR5 to 5,500 pounds for the Trailhunter. That poundage is 50 to 695 pounds heavier than the 2024 model.
Trailhunter is traction-capable with 33-inch Toyo all-terrain tires on 18-inch bronze-finished wheels.
Other thumbnail stats include:
- Towing capacity is now up to 6,000 pounds, a thousand more than before.
- Gone is the 4.0-liter V-6 engine, replaced by a choice of two i-Force turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains, one of which is a gasoline-electric hybrid.
- Gone is the five-speed automatic transmission, replaced by a new eight-speed automatic gearbox.
- Gone is the tidy 37.4-foot turning circle, replaced by a span 2 feet wider.
- Gone is the 23-gallon fuel tank, now four gallons smaller.
- Gone are the standard 17-inch wheels, updated to 18-inch or optional 20-inch alloy wheels.
- Off-road ground clearance is less and more for 2025. The 2024 4Runner has ground clearances of 9 or 9.6 inches, 2WD to 4WD. The new 4Runner has ground clearances of 8.1 2WD to 10.1 inches for the more extreme off-roading models, including a 1-inch lift.
The standard 278-hp T24A-FTS i-Force engine.
4Runner Powertrains and Fuel Economy
Two turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines are new for the 2025 4Runner. Both have Toyota’s D-4ST direct fuel injection and double overhead camshafts.
- Entry T24A-FTS i-Force engine has 278 horsepower and peak torque of 317 foot-pounds at 1,700 rpm. Fuel economy estimates for rear-wheel-drive models are 20/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined, but the 4Runner Limited drops to 24 mpg highway. Four-wheel drive mileage ratings are 19/25/21 mpg.
- 2.4-liter i-Force Max hybrid engine produces 326 hp and peak torque of 465 lb.-ft., also at 1,700 rpm. With standard part-time 4WD, the i-Force Max has fuel economy ratings of 24/23/23 mpg. The hybrid engine is standard on the TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum trims and optional for the TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and Limited.
Both engines run on 87-octane fuel.
The nifty side-storage port can be optioned with a palm-size flashlight ($160) or a multi-tool ($50).
5 Favorite 4Runner Features
Side LED lantern or multitool. The nifty palm-size flashlight, a $160 accessory, has several lighting modes, including a red warning light. It clicks into the end of the driver-side instrument panel and is accessible only when the door is open. Alternatively, you can opt for the Side Storage Multi-Tool, $50, which fits in the same round cutout as the lantern.
Mult-Terrain View Monitor. An indispensable asset when trail driving. The 14-inch panoramic camera monitor is the driver’s “spotter,” showing video moving forward, the front tires, rear, and underside. With cameras aimed at both front tires, it is reassuring information to avoid jagged rocks.
The 14-inch camera monitor shows video moving forward, the front tires, and the underside.
Power rear tailgate window. Back by popular demand, the power rear tailgate gives quick access to the cargo area with exterior window switches.
Locking rear differential. Off-roaders should not head to the trails without this piece of technology.
Disconnecting front stabilizer bar. This useful tech helps increase the range of motion to keep traction to the tire. It is standard on TRD Pro and Trailhunter. When will this trick move down the line as an option?
The tumble forward back seats.
5 Observations and Considerations
4Runner vs. Land Cruiser. It doesn’t seem very clear to offer a 4Runner when Toyota also positions its Land Cruiser as a superior overlanding vehicle. Both are built on the same TNGA-F global body-on-frame architecture. Both use the same hybrid powertrain, and both have full-time 4WD. And both cost around $70,000 with some desirable options and accessories.
Cargo complications. 4Runner cargo space for the gas model is a huge 44.8 cubic feet. However, cargo space in the hybrid models loses 7.6 cu.ft., compromised by the placement of the battery beneath the floor. The battery-tray packaging protrudes about 6 inches above the floor, causing a high load floor. (And that is why the hybrid has no third-row option.)
Tumble-forward back seats. Though a well-engineered design, the folded seats do not provide a contiguous flat space that overlanders could use for sleeping.
Turning circle. The off-roading mantra of tread lightly gets complicated with the 4Runner’s turning circle, which is almost 40 feet with 20-inch tires. The larger 4Runner’s front and rear tread tracks are 65.6 inches from wheel to wheel, which is 3.2 inches wider than before.
Aesthetic hood scoop. Why add a nonfunctioning hood scoop that interferes with sightlines across the hood?
Levels of stash space in the front door panels. (Mark Maynard)
2025 Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels and Pricing
All i-Force Max hybrid trim levels come standard with part-time 4WD with 2WD, 4WD-High, and 4WD-Low traction modes.
Limited and Platinum trims have full-time 4WD, an electronic locking center differential, and an adaptive variable suspension.
*Manufacturer-suggested retail pricing includes the $1,450 freight charge.
SR5 2WD: $42,220, with base engine
SR5 4WD: $44,220
Standard features include: Smart Key entry and start, 7-inch color gauge display, 8-inch multimedia screen, LED headlights and fog lights, and power liftgate window. Add a third row for $770.
TRD Sport 2WD: $48,700, with base engine
TRD Sport 4WD: $50,700
Standard features include: an 8-inch gauge display, a 12.3-inch multimedia display, wireless charging, and fabric upholstery with heated front seats. There is no choice for a third row.
Special features include: 20-inch TRD wheels, TRD sport-tuned shocks, a TRD grille, nonfunctional hood scoop, LED fog lights, and smart key system,
TRD Sport Premium 2WD: $54,060, with base engine
TRD Sport Premium 4WD: $56,060
Standard features include: kick-sensor liftgate, SofTex front-seat upholstery, eight-way power front seats heated and ventilated, driver seat memory presets, heated steering wheel, 14-inch multimedia display and panoramic camera monitor, 10-speaker JBL audio system with a removable JBL Flex Bluetooth speaker. Optional Tow Tech package, $400.
TRD Off-Road Premium: $56,420, with base engine and part-time 4WD
Standard features include: SofTex-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, 8-way power-adjustable with 2-way power lumbar support, and driver position memory function.
TRD Off-Road Premium i-Force Max: $59,220, with part-time 4WD.
Standard features include: Power liftgate with kick sensor, Homelink garage-gate opener, eight-way power front seats with driver seat memory settings, heated steering wheel, 14-inch multimedia display, 14-speaker JBL audio with removable Bluetooth speaker, SofTex front upholstery, multi-terrain rearview camera system.
The 10-speaker JBL audio system has a removable JBL Flex Bluetooth speaker.
Limited 2WD: $56,850
Limited 4WD: $58,850
Limited i-Force Max 4WD: $61,650, with full-time 4WD
Standard features include: Leather-trimmed upholstery with heated and ventilated front seats, moonroof, Homelink garage-gate opener, 12.3-inch gauge display, 14-inch multimedia and camera screen. The 14-speaker JBL audio includes a portable Bluetooth speaker.
Special features include: adaptive variable suspension, 20-inch wheels, chrome exterior accents, and running-boards. Optional third-row available on gas models.
The 4Runner Platinum ($64,310) with standard i-Force Max engine and standard full-time 4WD.
Platinum i-FORCE MAX: $64,310 with standard full-time 4WD.
Special features include: digital key, automatic folding running boards, 20-inch wheels, black chrome exterior accents, and a standard tow-tech package. Interior features include premium, quilted pattern leather upholstery, front and rear heated seats, a digital rear-view mirror, and a head-up display.
TRD Off-Road i-Force Max: $53,440, with part-time 4WD
Standard features include: fabric seats, a 12.3-inch gauge display, and 8-inch multimedia and camera display.
Special features include: Bilstein monotube remote reservoir shocks, crawl control, multi-terrain select, electronically controlled locking rear differential, electric disconnecting stabilizer system, 18-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires, black TRD grille, door handles, side mirrors, and fender override moldings.
Models with the I-Force Max engine include a 2,400-watt AC power inverter to power an inflater or blender.
The 4Runner Trailhunter in the special color of Everest Green.
Trailhunter i-Force Max: $68,350, with part-time 4WD.
Standard features include: SofTex trimmed upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, a 14-inch multimedia and camera display, and a 12-inch gauge display. The 14-speaker JBL audio includes a Bluetooth speaker. Exclusive paint colors of Mudbath (tan) and Everest (aquamarine)
Unique Trailhunter features include:
- Old Man Emu 2.5-inch monotube shocks with “piggyback” reservoirs;
- Electric stabilizer bar disconnect;
- Crawl control and multi-terrain select;
- Multi-terrain monitor
- Low-profile high-mount air intake;
- 33-inch Toyo all-terrain tires with 18-inch bronze-finished wheels;
- 1-inch lift
- On-board air compressor;
- High-mount “snorkel” air intake (makes it easy to listen to the whine of the turbocharger).
- RIGID Industries color selectable LED fog lamps;
- ARB roof rack;
- Bronze-colored “TOYOTA” heritage-inspired grille with an integrated LED Light Bar.
All trim levels have LED headlights with daytime running lights.
TRD Pro i-Force Max: $68,350, with part-time 4WD.
Standard features include: SofTex-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, 8-way power adjustable with 4-way power lumbar support.
Special features include:
- Black Toyota Heritage Grille with light bar
- Fender overriders;
- Nonfunctional hood scoop;
- 18-inch TRD Pro wheels.
- 1-inch lift;
- Fox QS3 adjustable shocks with rear remote reservoirs and TRD IFP (Internal Floating Piston) bump stops;
- TRD performance air intake;
- 33-inch Toyo all-terrain tires with 18-inch TRD Pro black alloy wheels.
4Runner cargo space for the gas model is a huge 44.8 cubic feet behind the second row.
Hybrid models have compromised cargo space because of the placement of the hybrid battery. The 6-inch deep battery hump shrinks space by 7.6 cu.ft., creating a high load floor. (Mark Maynard)
Which 2025 Toyota 4Runner to Buy?
I spent thousands of dollars and hours updating a heavy-duty 1987 Suburban to become an overlanding rig. In the long run, buying a new, fully equipped off-roader might be less expensive.
My choice today is the TRD Off-Road Premium in Everest green paint. The base engine seems to have plenty of power on the road or off, and I can live with the fuel economy estimates. Plus, I would rather have the bigger and more functional cargo area.
I’d also add all-weather floor liners ($248), a carpeted cargo mat ($130), and a cargo cover ($135). I would consider the rock rails for $990, the side-LED lantern for $160, and the Sirius satellite radio for $350 with 33 months prepaid.
All in, my TRD Off-Road Premium would cost $56,933, about what I spent buying and upfitting my Suburban over 10 years.
Automatic folding running boards help maintain ground clearance.
2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Specifications
Body style: midsize 5- to 7-seat SUV with high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame; rear- or 4-wheel-drive
Engine: 278-hp T24A-FTS i-Force turbocharged 4-cylinder with direct and port fuel injection; 317 lb.-ft. torque at 1,700 rpm.
Transmission: 8-speed automatic with sequential shift mode and uphill/downhill shift logic
Fuel economy estimates: 20/26/22 mpg city/highway/combined 2WD; 19/25/21 mpg 4WD
Parallel hybrid system: 84-hp permanent magnet synchronous motor-generator; adds 184 lb.-ft. torque
Battery: 288-volt sealed nickel-metal hydride
Tow rating: 6,000 pounds
BY THE NUMBERS
Fuel tank: 19 gallons
Cargo space: 42.6* cubic feet *i-Force Max
Front head/leg room: 39.7*/41.8 inches *w/moonroof
2nd-row head/leg room: 37.8/34.8 inches
3rd-row head/leg room: 35.3/31.8 inches
Length/wheelbase: 194.9/112.2 inches (all trims)
Width/height: 77.9*/72.6 to 75.5 inches *79.9 inches Pro and Trailhunter
Track, front/rear: 65.6/65.6 inches
Curb weight: 4,850 pounds
Turning circle: 39.4 feet
CHASSIS and BODY COMPONENTS
Brakes: 4-wheel discs, front rotors 13.4 inches; rear, 13.2 inches; electric parking brake
Steering: electronic power-assisted rack-and-pinion; turning circle 39.4 feet
Tires-wheels: TRD PRO, 18-inch matte-black TRD alloy wheels with 265/70R 18 Toyo Open Country A/T III all-terrain tires
Suspension: Front, independent double-wishbone with stabilizer bar and twin-tube shock absorbers; rear, multi-link with coil springs and outboard-mounted twin-tube shock absorbers
Rubicon equipment includes remote locking, push-button ignition, rearview camera, and an 8-speaker Pioneer audio system.
