2025 TOYOTA 4RUNNER: EVERYTHING REPORTED SO FAR
The Toyota 4Runner has been in the family for over 40 years, gaining popularity around its adventurous character. With a remarkable 15-year run for the fifth generation, it's now time for the new kid on the block to make its appearance. While the newly designed 4Runner will have some big shoes to fill, it's safe to assume it's going to be legendary. With Toyota's recent reveal, the 4Runner looks to exceed the prior generations with its new features and looks. Toyota has taken the 4Runner to higher extremes, creating systems to handle any terrain that is thrown in its way. Reliability is another characteristic sticking around and looks to be the fundamental basis of the SUV.
The 4Runner shares the TNGA-F platform that we've seen in other Toyota vehicles, such as the Tacoma, Land Cruiser, and Tundra. You know something packs a punch or brings the heat when it's abbreviated. Toyota's TNGA-F program changes the architecture of their vehicles through basic performance and product appeal. Developed around structural innovations, the 4Runner will have a steel ladder frame, multi-link coil rear, and double-wishbone front suspension.
Those are some confusing terms, but it's basically engineered around a strong and comfortable ride. These systems all tie back into Toyota's goal of bringing reliable vehicles to the road. It's only a matter of months until the 4Runner hits the streets, and Fall couldn't be here any quicker.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from Toyota.
2025 Toyota 4Runner: Everything Confirmed So Far
Like other models from Toyota, the 4Runner will be one of the more anticipated vehicles to hit the showroom floor, jump on the road, and enter trails.The 4Runner Now Features A Hybrid Engine Under The Hood
A Huge Step In The Right Direction
It's only fitting that the 4Runner gets a massive overhaul underneath its hood. You'll have a choice of two variants of Toyota's current i-Force engines that will come as standard depending on the trim. The 4Runner might've dropped two cylinders, but it still packs a punch.
Performance Specifications
| i-Force 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder | i-Force Max 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder | |
| Horsepower | 278 horsepower | 326 horsepower |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft | 465 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic | 8-speed automatic |
| Driveline | 2WD, part-time 4WD, 4WD | 2WD, part-time 4WD, 4WD |
| Estimated 0-60 | 6.0-7.0 seconds | 6.0-7.0 seconds |
| Towing Capacity | 6,500 lbs | 6,000 lbs |
(Data was collected from Toyota)
The 4Runner's powertrain leaves prior generations in the dust by delivering performance, fuel efficiency, and reliability. A powerful turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine will be the base powertrain in the 4Runner. You might've heard those statistics elsewhere. That's because it shares the same powerhouses as the current Toyota Tacoma.
The base i-Force engine will be offered in the SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Limited. Unlike the Tacoma, the six-speed manual transmission will not be available for the 4Runner. Although it would be the cherry on top, the eight-speed automatic is more than capable of handling anything thrown in its way. Here comes the twist: hybrids are becoming so intuitive that manufacturers like Toyota pair their higher sportier trims with a hybrid configuration.
The TRD Off-Road and Limited have the option to house the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain and come stock in the TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum. So, what's different between the two? They will all share the same powertrain, but the hybrid will be paired with a 48-horsepower electric motor. Toyota is a leading industry when it comes to hybrids.
One of the first cars that comes to people's minds when discussing Hybrids is the Toyota Prius. There's a reason Toyota excels in its hybrid division. If you're interested in an aesthetically pleasing SUV with performance and fuel economy, look no further.
It Is Now A Lot More Off-Road Capable
Toyota Has Added Some More Off-road Equipment In The New 4Runner
For decades, the 4Runner has maintained an image of being an off-road machine that many outdoor enthusiasts love. It's no surprise Toyota put some thought into its trims based on its off-road capabilities. The 4Runner comes equipped with modern off-road technologies to create a reliable off-road experience.
Important Off-Road Upgrades
- A Multi-Terrain Select: This system now works with both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low. This system is a lifesaver when the 4Runner is stuck in various terrains such as mud, dirt, and sand.
- Electronic Rear Differential: Standard on the TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. This system helps when traction is extremely limited, allowing the differential to split its power (50:50) on the rear wheels.
- Downhill Assist Control: Helps the driver navigate descents by slowing the vehicle's speed.
If you're in the market for an SUV that can look good while getting dirty, then the 4Runner may be your pick. While Toyota hasn't fully disclosed what bits and features are available for certain trims, it's safe to assume many of the off-road systems will be on the off-road variants. The 4Runner will be offered in 2WD, part-time 4WD, or Full-time 4WD. The 2WD will come paired with an automatic limited-slip differential, and the 4WD models have an Active Traction Control and Auto LSD.
Some systems have carried over from previous generations, such as crawl control. Toyota heard the feedback and reworked it to be quieter when operating the system. The Trailhunter comes with 33" tires, but other off-road focused trims will likely have all-terrain tires as well. From the look of some of the trims, it's apparent that these models aren't destined to be pavement princesses.
The 2025 4Runner Will Be Offered In Nine Trims And Variants
Toyota offers a wide variety of grades on the 4Runner to match the customer's personality. Whether it's luxury, reliable, or sporty, Toyota has a trim for everyone. Here are all the trims Toyota has offered this time around:
- SR5
- TRD Sport
- TRD Sport Premium
- TRD Off-road
- TRD Off-road Premium
- Limited
- Platinum
- TRD Off-road
- Trailhunter
While many grades have carried over from previous generations, a new one takes its abilities further. The Trailhunter grade has been added to the 4Runner lineup and developed for adventure seekers. Toyota collaborated with several off-road companies to build this off-road monster. ARB's Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged shocks are paired with 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T Tires as standard on the Trailhunter.
This configuration raises the front by two inches and the rear by one and a half inches. If you're worried about damaging the undercarriage, Toyota has taken care of that through rock rails and high-strength steel skid plates. The standard features in the Trailhunter sound impressive, but there's more. Toyota offers more customization and add-ons to improve your off-road driving experience. The 4Runner was engineered to handle extreme conditions with ease.
2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro Off-Road Equipment Detailed
With the top-spec 2024 Toyota Tacoma TRD Pro hitting showrooms in Spring 2024, here's a detailed look at the class-leading off-roading specifications.No Dearth Of Tech Features In Here
The newly designed sixth generation brings a breath of fresh air with up-to-date technology. It's been a while since the 4Runner had an overhaul, but so far, things are looking top-notch.
The 4Runner will receive the latest technology implemented in the fourth-generation Tacoma. Toyota ate and left no crumbs when updating their in-car technology. There wouldn't be a redesign if bigger multimedia screens weren't available. A standard eight-inch or an available giant 14-inch multimedia touchscreen display are just some modern touches Toyota has implemented.
Speaking of screens, the 4Runner has a new 12.3-inch screen for the gauge cluster. While displaying your speed, the screen can be configured to display maps, music, and many other options. The last screen on the 4Runner will be your rearview mirror. That's a lot of screens for one SUV, but the rearview mirror is the cherry on top. With a flick of the switch, your rearview mirror will digitally show the field of vision behind your car. Toyota has brought all the bells and whistles and allows the driver to customize what technology they want their 4Runner to come with.
Safety Technology
- Pre-Collision System: Detects pedestrians, bicyclists, and motorists.
- Lane Departure Alert: Provides steering assistance along with enhanced lane recognitions.
- Dynamic Rader Cruise Control: Full-speed range capabilities along with tracking vehicle following distances. Detects preceding vehicles in adjacent lanes.
- Lane Tracing Assist: Helps keep the vehicle centered in the lane, providing minor steering adjustments.
- Emergency Driving Stop System: This new function monitors the driver's input to determine whether they're nonresponsive or inattentive. If detected, the system will bring the vehicle to a stop.
- Road Sign Assist: designed to display speed limit signs, stop signs, yield signs, and warning signs on the Multi-Information Display.
The Same Old Rugged Looks With Few Upgrades
The Toyota 4Runner showcases its history from previous generations along with its new designs to show it differs from the rest. The aggressive exterior and interior are dead giveaways that it is down to get dirty while looking pretty. Similar to the first models, the sixth-generation rear glass paneling curves from the side toward the top of the roof, acknowledging the 4Runner's legacy. Depending on the trim, the 4Runner will have no hood scoop, a moderate hood scoop, or an aggressive hood scoop. Optional carbon fiber paneling is seen on some 4Runner variants.
The Interior Comes With Practical Upgrades, Too
- Integrated pocket storage is found in several locations throughout the cabin.
- The cargo area has removable flooring that houses several small storage compartments.
- Old-school race switches and bulky dials operate the climate control.
- The 4Runner comfortably seats five adults due to its spacious cabin.