2025 Toyota 4Runner: The Long-Awaited Revolution

Strong points
  • Beautiful modern/retro mix
  • Excellent powertrain options
  • Smooth ride
  • Impressive off-road capability
Weak points
  • Expensive high-end models
  • No manual gearbox (the Tacoma offers one)
  • Limited rear-seat space
Full report

San Diego, California—Fifteen years is an eternity in today’s auto industry. Yet that’s how long it took for the sixth-generation Toyota 4Runner to arrive. Granted, the reboot of this venerable off-roader was not a priority for the maker of the RAV4, Camry and other consumer favourites, especially considering that sales remained strong year after year.

But the 4Runner is much more than a Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco fighter. As Toyota's oldest SUV—excluding the legendary Land Cruiser—it is a model of durability and reliability. According to the folks at Toyota Canada, most of the 180,000 units that have been sold since 1984 are still on the road. High residual value is another reason why so many customers—and thieves—are drawn to it.

The Car Guide was recently invited to California to test drive the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner, which follows last year’s Tacoma redesign. Here’s what we found about the 40-year-old (and counting) Japanese icon.

Photo: Vincent Aubé

Fifth Platform Sibling

The new 4Runner is based on the TNGA-F platform—just like the latest Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser and Tacoma—and specifically engineered to cater to the needs of off-road enthusiasts and other adventure-minded drivers.  

It’s longer, wider and taller than its predecessor, while the longer wheelbase matches the Land Cruiser’s. Not only that, but the cheaper 4Runner is available with the same i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain as its big brother. Won’t that be bad for Land Cruiser sales? Apparently, no. Toyota firmly believes that customers will view them as two different products, with those seeking extra prestige having no problem spending more money on the Landie.

Photo: Vincent Aubé

Speaking of which, the mechanical and technological gap between the fifth- and sixth-gen 4Runners is reflected in the prices. The 2025 model carries a base MSRP of $54,200, a modest increase of $1,350 from 2024. However, if you go with a Limited model, prepare to pay $68,999, or $8,599 above last year’s MSRP. Ouch.

A 2024 4Runner TRD Off-Road used to cost $57,360, but the equivalent 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium retails for $63,702. The same model can be specified with the hybrid powertrain, bumping the retail price to $67,336.    

What about the fearsome 4Runner TRD Pro? Here, the MSRP has increased from $68,200 a year ago to a whopping $80,502 for 2025, mainly because this model now comes standard with the hybrid system. But wait, there’s an even more expensive 4Runner to choose from, namely the new Trailhunter at $84,201.

Photo: Vincent Aubé

Unrecognizable

If there's one thing to take away from this redesign, it's that the 2025 4Runner has nothing in common with the previous generation. Oh, it still has that body-on-frame architecture, but you only have to drive a few minutes to realize that the ride is way smoother than before, almost as smooth as a modern crossover.

The old 4Runner was not so easy to drive with its heavy and vague steering, stiff suspension and outdated powertrain. Hybrid or not, the 2025 model is simpler to live with on all counts, and it also proves more engaging than most car-based crossovers. The suspension, which is more compliant than in the past, continues to bounce a little when hitting potholes. That’s not surprising given the truck chassis it’s fitted to. Body roll is still noticeable when cornering at higher speeds. What’s more, in Sport mode, the jerkiness of the eight-speed automatic transmission is amplified.

Photo: Vincent Aubé

The soundtrack is another strong departure from the previous 4Runner. As indestructible as it was, the obsolete 4.0-litre V6’s acceleration wasn't very impressive. The new turbocharged 2.4-litre four-cylinder engine is a spirited performer with 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Of course, the real star is the i-FORCE MAX hybrid system, which increases output to 326 horsepower and, most importantly, generates a remarkable 465 lb-ft of torque.

The latter uses a single electric motor and a 1.87kWh battery for extra motivation in straight lines or when an off-road situation calls for more torque. Efficiency is another part of the equation, naturally. Overall, the new 4Runner is an amazingly competent and docile SUV on the road.  

Photo: Toyota

What About Off-Road Performance?

The drive event in California took place in the same location where the Tacoma made its debut last year—the VOGT Ranch, which is a paradise for motocross enthusiasts. Having all that space and all those different terrain conditions and obstacles really allowed us to assess the new capabilities of the 2025 4Runner, more specifically the TRD Pro and Trailhunter models designed for serious off-roading and overlanding.

The first one excels in high-speed desert action, much like the race versions used for the Baja 1000 down in Mexico. The Fox shock absorbers are not only super-sturdy but also adjustable—if you're willing to lean under the vehicle to turn the knob. A couple of jumps, which we experienced while riding shotgun, demonstrated the effectiveness of this suspension.

Photo: Vincent Aubé

There’s an available set of Old Man EMU dampers that can support additional weight, making them perfect for multi-day treks in the backcountry, far from civilization. But it’s not just the suspension: the reinforced roof rack can accommodate up to 770 lbs of gear. Setting up a roof-top tent won't be a problem.

Unsurprisingly, the two most capable 4Runner models made short work of the special off-road course that Toyota put us through. With so many options available when going off-road (drive modes, terrain selection, 2WD/4WD/4WD Low, sway bar disconnect, limited-slip differential and more), they have everything you need to challenge the best 4x4s on the market.

Photo: Vincent Aubé

Which One Should You Choose?

This is certainly the question on every shopper’s mind when it comes to finding their next vehicle. Pricing is one thing, but you also need to consider equipment, configuration, powertrain and intended use. For example, only two 4Runner models (SR5 and Limited) offer third-row seats, which could make the difference for some people. Then again, that third row is pretty cramped. If rear-seat space is important, you’ll be better served by the Grand Highlander or the full-size Sequoia.

The TRD Off-Road model is the only one that can be specified with either powertrain, while the higher-end TRD Pro, Trailhunter and Platinum are extremely well equipped. With as many as eight 4Runner models to choose from, picking the right one is not that easy, but at least Toyota made sure to cover all the bases.

Watch: 2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter Overview

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