2025 TOYOTA 4RUNNER HYBRID DEBUTS WITH 326 HORSEPOWER AND ITS CLASSIC ROLL-DOWN REAR WINDOW

The Toyota 4Runner is old. No, we don't just mean the nameplate, but the current generation of the 4Runner has been on sale since the 2010 model year. That means that in 2024, the current 4Runner is already a teenager, which in automotive terms means it's very old and in need of an upgrade. Thankfully, Toyota has just done that for the upcoming 2025 model year, and the best part is that Toyota hasn't messed up the formula that made the 4Runner successful.

Instead, Toyota has built upon what makes the 4Runner so good--apart from its bulletproof reliability, but also making it a vehicle that, on paper, is a helluva lot better to drive, and with its available 326-horsepower i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, plenty powerful as well. Say hello to the 2025 Toyota 4Runner, which has been completely redesigned from the oil pan to the roof panel and is better in every single way.

Model Overview

2024 Toyota 4Runner: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

Aside from its wide selection of trims, and available drivetrain configurations, find out why the old-school 4Runner continues to remain a popular 4x4

Hybrid Is Indeed The Way To Go

You better be familiar at this point that hybrid sales are absolutely amazing at the moment, and Toyota is a huge beneficiary of this surge in hybrid sales. With the arrival of the new 4Runner in dealerships by the fall of 2024, expect Toyota to continue laughing all the way to the bank. That's because while a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder is standard across all nine variants, it's the one that's augmented by an electric motor that's the way to go for the 4Runner.

326 Electrified Horses

By opting for the i-Force Max 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder gasoline engine that's augmented by an electric motor, this parallel hybrid system has a total system output of 326 horsepower and a stout 465 pound-feet of torque. This is sent through all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, because with this electrified powertrain, four-wheel drive (4WD) is already a prerequisite. If this powertrain sounds familiar to you, that's because this is the same parallel hybrid system that's also used in the Tacoma.

For reference, the non-hybrid i-Force 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder produces 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, which is sent either to the rear wheels or optionally, on all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic. Unlike in the Tacoma, the lower-tuned version of the i-Force engine is not available, as this caters mostly to fleet-oriented Tacoma models, while those who want a manual will be disappointed as the 4Runner is only available with an automatic.

Old Dog, New Tricks

The 4Runner name may not be new to everyone, but that doesn't mean this old dog can't learn new tricks. Underneath the 4Runner's fresh sheet metal is the TNGA-F platform that also underpins the Tacoma and a host of new body-on-frame Toyota and Lexus models. That TNGA-F platform introduces a host of new improvements that will result in improved on- and off-road driving.

Some of the highlights of the new 4Runner include the new, optionally-available Stabilizer Bar Disconnect. The stabilizer bar is supposed to mitigate body roll when driving on pavement, but when going over uneven trails, disconnecting the stabilizer bar with a push of a button allows the vehicle to flex while helping keep the tires in contact with the ground. Speaking of trails, depending on the variant, the 4Runner has up to 32 degrees of approach and 24 degrees of departure angles.

While 4WD is standard in the i-Force Max hybrid models, the electronic locking rear differential is offered on the TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter grades. The luxury-oriented Limited and Platinum grades, on the other hand, come with full-time 4WD with a center-locking differential. Finally, the 4Runner also now comes with a quieter Crawl Control function (basically cruise control for off-road use), along with a Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system that lets you view obstacles and hazards from the main infotainment screen.

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Familiar But Highly-Improved Looks

The now-14-year-old current-generation of the 4Runner has already built a solid identity for itself because of its sheer age. Therefore, Toyota has no room to mess up the 4Runner's looks for this new, sixth-generation model. Well, thankfully, Toyota has pulled that off really well in bringing the easily identifiable looks of the 4Runner into the modern age without radically transforming the design formula.

All It Needs Are A Few Proportional Adjustments

The Michigan-based CALTY design team spearheaded the design of the all-new 4Runner, and oh boy can they have the privilege to call it all-new. That's because it has been literally redesigned from every corner and bolt. I mean, if the current generation lasted for 14 years, then you better take your time to make it an excellent vehicle, right? Designers pulled inspiration from the past while also focusing on the future, and that's thanks in part to the new 4Runner being designed alongside the Tacoma. The two rugged vehicles share the same family resemblance whilst still possessing a unique identity.

Proportional adjustments were only needed to make the 4Runner a more modern midsize SUV. For instance, the windshield is more steeply raked and has a more rounded profile to make it more aerodynamic. The side profile with its thick C-pillar separating the two main windows from the third-row window now has a kink that rises, giving its side a more dynamic appearance.

Finally, that rear third-row window is now a “wrap over” quarter glass, which is a nod to the second-generation 4Runner, and the popular roll-down rear glass remains etched into the vehicle’s DNA. The latter feature is standard on all variants, while a powered tailgate is only on selected variants, in which Toyota will reveal the full specs of each variant closer to its on-sale date.

A Variant And Trim For Everyone

Adding to the appeal of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is the wide variety of trims and variants to choose from. In fact, with nine variants to choose from, there's literally a 4Runner to fit every budget and taste. However, not all variants will be able to get the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain and is instead limited to the top six out of the available nine variants, which are:

While Toyota has yet to reveal the nitty-gritty details of each trim and spec level, what's worth highlighting here are the Trailhunter (as shown in dark green) and Platinum variants. Starting with the Trailhunter, this variant focuses on those who want to use their 4Runner for outdoor activities--most especially overlanding. The rugged Trailhunter comes with ARB's Old Man Emu (OME) 2.5-inch forged shocks with rear external piggyback remote reservoirs, along with a uniquely co-designed ARB Roof Rack.

The OME shocks and the 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires increase the vehicle's ground clearance by two inches at the front and an inch and a half at the rear. To help you in your off-road trails, the Trailhunter comes with a low-profile high-mount air intake, high-strength steel skid plates, an integrated 20-inch LED light bar, and color-selectable RIGID LED fog lamps. Finally, for all of your overlanding needs, the Trailhunter comes with a powerful 2400W AC inverter, and this variant is also ready for customization with other Toyota accessories.

But what if you wanted something fancy out of your 4Runner? Well, Toyota has got you covered with the first-ever, highly-luxurious Platinum variant. The Platinum trim sits above the Limited (as shown in blue), and it makes the 4Runner as luxurious as it could possibly be. This is evident from its black exterior styling elements and high-end interior features that will be discussed further.

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An Interior That's Modern And Tough

Equally important is the interior of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner, because this is where you'll be spending most of your time anyway. Toyota has also thoughtfully redesigned the interior in such a way that it can take abuse whilst having plenty of the modern features you can expect in 2024.

Have It Rugged Or Luxurious

Despite the toughness of the materials used, the 4Runner's interior can be rugged, as you'll see in the TRD Pro and Trailhunter, or decked out in finer materials as seen in the Limited in these photos. Toyota has cleverly chosen materials and interior colors to match the variant that a customer is choosing.

Though Toyota has not yet revealed the specific interior features of each variant, we're seeing features like heated and cooled seats in these three variants being showcased, along with a large 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia infotainment with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a 12.3-inch fully-digital instrument cluster, and what seems to be leather upholstery (or possibly synthetic ones likes in the Tacoma). A powered tailgate is fitted on higher variants, but the aforementioned roll-down rear window is standard on all variants.

The 4Runner Looks Out For You

Not only is the interior a rugged or luxurious sanctuary, but it's also a safe space for you and your family. That's because the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) suite of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) is fitted as standard on all 4Runner variants. TSS 3.0 comes with the following ADAS features:

TSS 3.0 comes on top of the available 360-degree camera, along with a Blind Spot Monitor and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert that's fitted as standard on certain variants.

2.4-liter i-Force	2.4-liter i-Force Max Hybrid
Horsepower	278 hp	326 hp
Torque	317 lb-ft	465 lb-ft