2025 Toyota 4Runner Road Test and Review

2025 Toyota 4Runner ・ Photo by Ron Sessions

Gravity is a funny thing. It helps us stay grounded on this planet. But sometimes we want to reach a bit higher or venture a bit farther – not as a regular thing, but knowing that we could do so if we wanted. 

Leaping into the forefront of Toyota’s extensive SUV lineup this year is an all-new sixth-generation version of Toyota’s long-running 4Runner. Four decades ago, Toyota spun the first 4Runner off the Hi Lux pickup, cobbling together a two-door SUV with removable back seats and a fiberglass top. The 2025 model, now a four-door with an all-steel body and a tough ladder frame, stays true to its rugged mid-size truck-based architecture. 

This 4Runner TRD Pro seen stretching its legs a bit and catching some air during a recent test drive near San Diego, California, is the most expressive and most expensive version of the new 4Runner, which shares its underbody structure and mechanical bits with the Land Cruiser and Sequoia SUVs and Tacoma and Tundra pickups. The 4Runner TRD Pro sports long-travel suspension with Baja trophy truck-inspired Fox 2.5-inch internal-bypass shocks, 33-inch diameter 265/70R18 all-terrain tires, a locking rear differential, a reinforced frame, underbody skid plates, and 10.1 inches of ground clearance. Despite the acrobatic possibilities, a Spandex suit, boots, and a cape aren’t required to hop behind the wheel of this very capable mid-size SUV.

The Package

Long renowned for its durability, simplicity, and longevity, the 2025 4Runner gets a major dose of modern technology and much-needed refinement. Model selection expands to nine choices this year, with a new luxury-laden Platinum and overlander-focused Trailhunter joining the existing base SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro trims. The SR5, TRD Sport, and Limited are available with a choice of rear-wheel or four-wheel drive, while the rest are only available with 4WD. The new Trailhunter is unique with its factory-installed aftermarket equipment such as off-road suspension upgrades, underbody shields, tires, and wheels, along with accessories including steel rock rails, an ARB roof rack, high-mounted snorkel engine air intake, and an auxiliary air compressor. 4Runner prices range from the low $40,000s to the mid $60,000s.

Sizewise, the all-new mid-size 4Runner grows slightly in overall length, width, and height but still slots into Toyota’s lineup between the Highlander and Grand Highlander. However, unlike the car-based Highlander and Grand Highlander, the 4Runner is built on a rugged truck chassis.

After negotiating an exciting off-road course peppered with slides, whumps, and jumps in the range-topping TRD Pro, I spent the most time in what is now the second least-expensive 4Runner offering, the TRD Sport. The TRD Sport adds some pizazz with 20-inch wheels, body-color wheel flares, and a sport-tuned suspension.  

The 2025 model brings back wrap-over rear quarter glass, a design cue from some previous-generation 4Runners.

2025 Toyota 4Runner ・ Photo by Ron Sessions

Two All-New Powertrains

Like the mid-size Tacoma pickup it shares many components with, the new 4Runner now has two 2.4-liter four-cylinder powertrains: the i-Force with a turbocharger and 278 horsepower, and the i-Force Max with a turbo, integrated electric-drive hybrid propulsion motor, and 326 hp. Last year’s 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 is gone. A new eight-speed automatic replaces last year’s five-speed. There is no manual-transmission offered. EPA fuel-economy jumps an impressive 4-6 mpg in combined city/highway driving.

Although zero-to-60 mph performance of the four-cylinder turbo and electrified turbo powertrains remains in the 7-second range as with last year’s model, both deliver good low speed torque, increasing from 278 pound-feet last year to 317 for the i-Force and a stump-pulling 465 lb-ft in the i-Force Max. Towing capacity increases as well to 6,000 pounds, up from 5,000 pounds in last year’s model.

The two powertrain offerings work seamlessly, albeit hidden under a convoluted mass of hoses, cables, and ducts. Ready for prime time, however, is the new 4Runner’s decorative gloss black hood scoop bulging proudly on TRD Sport and TRD Pro models.

2025 Toyota 4Runner ・ Photo by Ron Sessions

User-Friendly Dash

Largely shared with the Tacoma, the new 4Runner’s dash is handsome and modern with easy-to-locate and logical-to-operate controls ergonomically nestled within easy reach. Climate controls front and center on the dash are simple analog knobs and physical buttons, with a bank of dash buttons for auxiliary controls to the left of the steering column and 4WD controls nestled on the center console.

The SR5 gets basic color dash gauges in a 7-inch binnacle. TRD Sport and higher trims gain a 12.3-inch driver-configurable digital meter. All trims include a standard leather-wrapped tilt-and-telescope steering wheel, smart key entry, pushbutton start, air conditioning, and power windows and door locks. Console storage up front includes dual cup holders, open trays in front of and to the right of the transmission shifter, and a deep cubby under the padded center armrest. A wireless charger is included with all but the base SR5 model.

2025 Toyota 4Runner ・ Photo by Ron Sessions

Staying in Touch

The SR5, TRD Sport, and TRD Off-Road models get an 8-inch infotainment screen, the same size as in recent years but now in a free-standing design with an AM/FM stereo pumping eight speakers. All other 4Runner models upgrade to a free-standing 14-inch touchscreen and a
rich-sounding 14-speaker JBL premium audio system with a bonus portable Bluetooth speaker that should be great for picnics and tailgate parties. A 90-day trial of SiriusXM satellite radio is included with both systems, which also run Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia technology developed at the company’s Dallas, Texas, headquarters with Google features built-in. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are onboard as well. There are up to five USB-C ports for connecting devices. A 4G wireless hotspot is available by subscription.

2025 Toyota 4Runner ・ Photo by Ron Sessions

Command and Control

As shown here in the nicely equipped under $50K TRD Sport model, the 4Runner’s front seats are inviting. Although available in higher trims with faux or real leather, ventilation, and power adjustments, the TRD Sport’s heated, manually adjustable front bucket seats offer grippy, durable-looking two-tone cloth coverings that feel premium to the touch. The two-way lumbar-adjustable buckets balance comfort and just-right bolstering for thighs and lower torsos that offer good support for the everyday commute, longer highway slogs or back-country adventures. They look sharp, too.

The driving position is elevated, aiding outward visibility. Step-in height is also elevated but not overly so. Fixed running boards are included with TRD Off-Road, Limited, and Platinum models, and optional on the base SR5. Limited and Platinum can be optioned with power-operated running boards that retract when the transmission is shifted out of Park.

2025 Toyota 4Runner ・ Photo by Ron Sessions

Back Seat Accommodations

Toyota put the greater wheelbase and overall length of the 2025 4Runner to good use. This year, rear seat space increased, with rear legroom boosted by nearly 2 inches, although falling shy of that in Toyota’s mid-size Highlander by almost 4 inches. Still, I was able to fit my 6-foot, 2-inch frame in the second row, albeit snugly, with the driver’s seat adjusted to my preferred position. And my head was brushing lightly against the headliner. The 60/40 split bench includes a fold-down center armrest with cup holders, and reclines for passenger comfort or stargazing out of the available power tilt and slide moon roof. Also aiding comfort are standard rear seat climate control air ventilation ducts on all models. The new Platinum model also gets heated outboard cushions.

Third-row seating in the form of a 50/50 split folding bench is only available as an option on non-hybrid-powered versions of the base SR5 model and uplevel Limited. Although it offers 2.5 inches more legroom than that available in the 2024 model, the third-row bench is still cramped and only suitable for kids for short distances. If you want a more useful third row in the Toyota showroom and don’t need the more rugged capability or off-road chops of the 4Runner, look to the Grand Highlander.

2025 Toyota 4Runner ・ Photo by Ron Sessions

Cargo Considerations

The sliding cargo tray available in 2010-2024 4Runners that theoretically eased loading and unloading has been discontinued. But total cargo space is increased marginally in the 2025 model, at least on non-hybrid models. The hybrid propulsion battery under the cargo floor on models with the I-Force Max powertrain steals about 5-7 cubic feet of room, however.

Several bins and storage cubbies line the sides of the cargo compartment. If the rear seat has no passengers, additional cargo space is available by tumbling the rear seat bottom cushions forward.

The TRD Sport test vehicle was equipped with a durable-looking, non-slip rubber cargo mat that should help contain outdoor crud and spills as well as a detachable net at the rear of the cargo compartment.

Access is eased by a standard power-operated lift gate window that can be motored up or down independently of the lift gate door via a pair of up/down buttons adjacent to the license plate housing. All but the lowest trims include a standard hands-free power lift gate. There’s also a window shade-type cargo cover to keep items out of view.

2025 Toyota 4Runner ・ Photo by Ron Sessions

Playing it Safe

After being a laggard in advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) in recent years, the 2025 4Runner gets some significant upgrades. Aside from nine airbags and a backup camera, the new 4Runner moves to the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 full suite of advanced driver assistance systems, including adaptive cruise control with lane-centering, forward collision warning with pedestrian detection, lane-keeping with steering assist, road-sign assist, automatic high
beams, and Proactive Drive Assist. In addition to TSS 3.0, the 2025 4Runner adds standard blind-spot monitoring with trailer coverage, rear cross-traffic alert, front cross-traffic alert, and traffic jam assist.

Also, the TRD Pro, Limited, and new Platinum and Trailhunter trims come with front and rear parking sensors with automatic braking, a big deal when maneuvering in tight spaces due to the 4Runner’s tall hood and limited rear sightlines. TRD Sport Premium, Limited, and Platinum models get a 360-degree overhead monitor, and Platinum comes with a head-up display.

2025 Toyota 4Runner ・ Photo by Ron Sessions

Driving the 4Runner TRD Sport

While the previous iteration of the 4Runner enjoyed a well-earned reputation for long-term durability and reliability, it drove like an older truck. The vintage 4.0-liter V6 had to be revved to make decent power and torque, the five-speed automatic transmission’s shift cadence was less than enthusiastic, and the chassis responses to driver inputs uneven.

With the new 4Runner, responsiveness is significantly improved. The new turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes its peak torque starting at parking lot speeds, making the new-generation SUV more responsive in everyday driving. And the new eight-speed automatic’s greater number of ratios makes for smaller steps between shifts and a smoother power flow.

The i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, available in higher 4Runner trims, delivers even punchier response at lower engine speeds, but not much of a boost in fuel economy.

On the road, the new 4Runner TRD Sport exhibits a pleasing balance of ride comfort and control. With its 265/55R20 tires (upgraded from the base SR5 model’s 245/70R18 rubber) and sport-tuned suspension, the TRD Sport’s highway demeanor is planted and stable. Top-of-pedal brake response is crisp and confidence-inspiring, with none of the nose dive exhibited by previous iterations. Ride motions are well-controlled but never choppy and body lean is minimized in corners. Steering is pleasingly precise and nicely weighted.

2025 Toyota 4Runner ・ Photo by Ron Sessions

Conclusion

Solidly built and ready for action, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner blends the best of its rugged past with newfound efficiency and refinement, as well as the latest safety, driver assistance, and infotainment technology. With nine versions of 4Runner for buyers to choose from, the selection has never been better. From the luxury-oriented Limited and Platinum, to the off-road focused TRD Pro, Trailhunter, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Off-road Premium, to the well-equipped base SR5 and sporty TRD Sport and TRD Sport Premium, there’s a 4Runner for a wide range of purses and purposes.

2025 Toyota 4Runner ・ Photo by Ron Sessions