After eagerly anticipating its arrival, I finally picked up my 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4×4 from a dealership in Southern California. Opting for the Underground exterior color paired with the Boulder cloth interior, along with the added third-row seats and aluminum running boards, this configuration seemed to perfectly blend practicality and style. Having now driven the new 4Runner for over 100 miles, it’s time to share my initial impressions of this latest generation SUV.
The first thing that struck me was the powertrain. Concerns about whether it would feel underpowered were immediately put to rest. The engine feels responsive, with absolutely no noticeable turbo lag or hesitation. Fuel efficiency has also been noteworthy. In a mix of highway and hilly city driving around Southern California, the 2025 4Runner is precisely hitting the EPA estimated MPG, averaging around 22.6 MPG. This real-world fuel economy is a welcome surprise and a significant improvement over previous generations.
Moving to the interior, the SR5 trim is undeniably utilitarian, but in a good way. It’s built for purpose and durability. Contrary to some reviews, my specific USA trim SR5 did not include heated seats or a heated steering wheel as standard, nor did it have inverter plugs in the second row or trunk. These are features that could be added aftermarket, with the exception of the heated steering wheel. Interestingly, despite having the third-row seat option, there are no USB-C ports for third-row passengers, a slightly odd omission.
What truly stands out is the exceptional build quality. Having owned and driven numerous vehicles across different trims in recent years, the 2025 4Runner SR5’s build quality is in a different league. The cabin is remarkably solid and quiet, free from rattles, squeaks, or creaks, even when carrying items in the rear storage. Road and wind noise are impressively isolated, contributing to a refined driving experience. If not for the cloth seats and smaller display screens, it would be easy to believe you were in a higher trim level.
The inclusion of third-row seats offers practical benefits. Firstly, they create a flatter cargo floor when folded down, minimizing the height difference with the second-row seats – ideal for car camping. Secondly, they expand passenger capacity, accommodating two additional children or smaller adults (under 5’8″) when needed. While not a feature I anticipate using daily, the third row adds significant versatility to the SR5, especially considering its modest cost.
Payload and GVWR figures from the door stickers are also important for prospective owners. The payload capacity is listed at 1160 lbs, reduced by 61 lbs due to modifications, and the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is 6075 lbs. These figures are essential for understanding the vehicle’s load-carrying capabilities.
The Underground color truly shines in daylight, enhancing the rugged yet refined aesthetics of the 2025 4Runner.
Addressing some common questions: The steering feel is light and easy, perhaps even with one-finger maneuverability, making parking and low-speed driving effortless. Road feel is present but minimal, with lane keep assist being more noticeable than direct road feedback. The seating position is excellent, and the manual seats are convenient for shared drivers. The cloth seats are comfortable and feel durable, and even at 6’2″, the center console and seat box dimensions are not restrictive. Ride quality is significantly improved over the previous generation, feeling more agile and planted with reduced body roll. While nose dive is still present during hard braking, it is likely addressable with suspension upgrades. Notably, the SR5 trim has the standard suspension setup in the 2025 4Runner lineup.
In conclusion, my initial experience with the 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4×4 has been overwhelmingly positive. It delivers on practicality, build quality, and fuel efficiency, exceeding expectations for a base trim model. For those seeking a reliable and capable SUV without unnecessary frills, the 2025 4Runner SR5 is definitely worth considering.
