2025 TOYOTA 4RUNNER DEBUTS WITH ALL THE TACOMA'S TOYS
- 2025 Toyota 4Runner revealed with up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
- New Trailhunter trim increases off-road ability.
- Buyers can choose from nine trims and either 2WD, part-time 4WD, or permanent 4WD.
- Arrives at dealers in the fall.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner has arrived at last, and as expected, it's got all the best bits from the latest Toyota Tacoma plus a few of its own, including a delightfully retro styling touch in the rear, where "wrap over" quarter glass gives a nod to the first and second generations of the SUV. A powered rolling rear window also reappears.
As predicted, the Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia have shared their TNGA-F platform with the 4Runner, and that means a choice of two 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines. The base option is the i-FORCE engine that will be available on the SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims, while the TRD Pro and the new Trailhunter and Platinum trims will get access to the 2.4-liter turbocharged i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain.
The former offers 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, while the latter adds a 48-hp electric motor and a 1.87-kWh battery pack for a total of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. As a result, the 4Runner is capable of towing up to 6,000 pounds. Either option is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission.
Off-Road Ready
Like the Ford Bronco, the 4Runner gets a stabilizer disconnect system. It's also capable of approaching inclines up to 32 degrees and has a departure angle of 24 degrees, while an optional Multi-Terrain Monitor helps to keep an eye on any obstacles you encounter as you overcome them. Naturally, not everyone needs the ultimate in off-road features, so various options will be available.
4WD Vs. AWD - Knowing the Difference
How they differ, which is better, and which you should buy.2WD, part-time 4WD, and full-time 4WD options will be offered, with the 2WD models getting an automatic limited-slip differential and the 4WD models getting that and more, including an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high and low range, and Active Traction Control, which automatically brakes the wheel that has no traction. On TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims (we'll get to the latter shortly), an electronic locking rear diff is standard, while Limited models with the hybrid powertrain get a center locking diff, which is standard on Platinum models.
In addition, the Multi-Terrain Select system now works in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low mode, and CRAWL Control (low-speed off-road cruise control) has been added.
Nine Variants
For the 2025 model year, the Toyota 4Runner is available in SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off Road, TRD Off Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims. Much like the Trailhunter version of the Tacoma, the 4Runner Trailhunter is effectively a factory-equipped overlander with parts from ARB, Old Man Emu, and Rigid Industries. Specifically, it gets 2.5-inch forged shock absorbers with rear external piggyback remote reservoirs, an ARB roof rack, 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires, a low-profile high-mount air intake, a heritage grille with a bronze Toyota script, an integrated 20-inch light bar, and color selectable Rigid LED fog lamps. There are also two outlets for an onboard 2,400-watt AC inverter. The Trailhunter is two inches taller than a regular 4Runner in front and 1.5 inches taller in the rear.
Toyota 4Runner Generations: Everything You Need To Know In One Place
The Toyota 4Runner has been with us for four decades and across five generations. Here's what changed in that time.For those who prefer a more luxurious off-roader, the Platinum grade is new and sits above the Limited trim with unique black exterior accents, heated seats in the second row, a head-up display, automatic rain-sensing wipers, and a standard tow tech package.
Technology
As standard, the 2025 4Runner gets a new eight-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but a 14-inch display is also available, as is a Qi wireless charging pad. A nifty inclusion is a USB-C charging and data port on the side of the infotainment screen, while rear-seat passengers get a pair of their own charge ports. Base models get a seven-inch driver display, while higher grades get a 12.3-inch screen. All variants get keyless start, but if you want a digital key (only available on some models), you'll need to pay a subscription.
Best Years For The Toyota 4Runner: The Standout Years And Those to Avoid
Spoiler alert: there really isn't a bad one.Because Toyota wants to keep its customers alive, all 2025 4Runners get Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a suite of driver assists that now includes Proactive Driving Assist. This new system uses camera and radar inputs to gently brake and/or steer the vehicle for light-duty tasks like maintaining a distance between another vehicle, cyclist, or pedestrian (similar to but not the same as Pre-Collision, which operates in different scenarios). Proactive Driving Assist can also gently brake into curves. Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Lane Tracing Assist have all been comprehensively improved, too.
Pricing and a full breakdown of each trim are yet to be announced, but Toyota says that the 2025 4Runner goes on sale in the fall, so we won't have much longer to wait. Unfortunately, we know dealers like to take advantage of in-demand Toyotas, so prepare for markups.