2025 Toyota 4Runner is Electrified and More Adventurous Than Ever
The 40-year-old Toyota 4Runner is a household name that’s managed to sell over 3 million units. Now, following a fifth generation that spanned a decade and a half, here comes the sixth, which is seriously more sophisticated, more capable and more technologically advanced than ever.
The brand new 2025 Toyota 4Runner, set to go on sale this fall, naturally follows in the footsteps of the Tacoma midsize pickup in terms of design, features and powertrain options. It’s built on the Japanese automaker’s TNGA-F truck platform that utilizes a high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame and features a multi-link coil rear and double wishbone front suspension for improved ride and handling.
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Inspired from the desert racing scene, the “rugged-with-a-purpose” exterior (those are Toyota’s words) doesn’t forget about the past. In a nod to the first and second generations, designers were able to bring back the “wrap over” quarter glass. Meanwhile, a power roll-down window in the rear comes standard across the line.
Turbocharged and Electrified
As a replacement for the old 4.0-litre V6 (270 hp, 278 lb-ft), Toyota offers the same two new options as with the Tacoma, starting with a turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine that delivers 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.
The alternative is an i-FORCE MAX hybrid system that pairs the turbo-four with an electric motor for a total of 326 hp and, more importantly, 465 lb-ft of torque. How about that? This powertrain combined with the new chassis allows the 4Runner to tow up to 6,000 lbs. By the way, no fuel consumption ratings are available yet.
In Canada, all 4Runner models will come standard with a 4WD system featuring an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and an automatic limited-slip differential. The Multi-Terrain Select system now functions in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low. Elsewhere, the newly available Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism increases suspension articulation at the push of a button, which will work well with the increased approach and departure angles.
First-Ever 4Runner Trailhunter
An electronic locking rear differential is standard on TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and new-for-2025 Trailhunter models. With the latter, Toyota once again took a page from the Tacoma, providing adventure seekers a turnkey solution with a manufacturer-developed overland rig straight from the factory.
Highlights include an ARB roof rack, 2.5-inch ARB Old Man Emu shocks, 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires, 2 inches of extra ground clearance in the front and 1.5 inches in the rear, plus a low-profile, snorkel-type air intake on the front right A-pillar.
Of course, the 4Runner Trailhunter also adds protection that includes rock rails and high-strength steel skid plates. An integrated 20-inch LED light bar is complemented by colour-selectable RIGID LED fog lamps. Inside the cabin, a powerful 2,400W AC inverter provides juice to two locations.
Keeping Up With the Times
Unlike its predecessor, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner boasts state-of-the-art technology and connectivity. The centre touchscreen—8 inches or 14 inches in size depending on the trim level—is powered by Toyota’s new multimedia system, which offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. A USB-C port is even built into the right side of the display. More of these can be found in the first row and, optionally, in the second row. There’s an available wireless smartphone charging pad, too.
Facing the driver is a 7- or 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. Push-button start is standard on all 4Runners, while an available Digital Key on select models also allows users to start the vehicle. Said key can be remotely shared with others to give more control over vehicle access.
Finally, you should know that Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, the company’s most advanced and comprehensive suite of active safety and assistance systems, is standard across the line. It includes
A Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams and Proactive Driving Assist. That last feature uses the vehicle’s camera and radar to provide gentle braking and/or steering to support certain driving tasks.
The Car Guide will have more coverage of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner including a first-drive review coming up soon. As for prices, they will inevitably go up, but Toyota needs to maintain enough separation with the new Land Cruiser slotting right above.
