The 2025 Toyota 4Runner marks the beginning of the sixth generation of this iconic SUV, and as a new owner of the SR5 4×4 trim, I’m excited to share my initial impressions and experiences. Picked up my Underground 2025 4Runner SR5 4×4 from a dealership in Southern California just recently for MSRP, and equipped it with the Boulder cloth interior, the convenient third-row seating, and practical aluminum running boards/side rails. After putting around 100 miles on the odometer, I’m ready to delve into what this new 4Runner offers.
To give you a comprehensive visual overview, let’s start with a detailed photo gallery showcasing the exterior and interior of my 2025 4Runner SR5.
Initial Driving Impressions and Performance
After putting some miles on the 2025 4Runner SR5, the new powertrain has proven to be surprisingly robust. Concerns about it feeling underpowered are unfounded, as I experienced no noticeable turbo lag or hesitation. The engine feels responsive and provides ample power for both city driving and highway cruising.
Fuel efficiency has also been impressive, aligning precisely with EPA estimates. I’m currently averaging 22.6 MPG with a mix of 50% highway and 50% hilly city driving in Southern California. This fuel economy is a significant improvement compared to previous generation 4Runners, making it a more practical daily driver.
SR5 Trim Utilitarian Features and Interior Comfort
The SR5 trim of the 2025 4Runner emphasizes utilitarian functionality. While some reviewers initially speculated about features like a heated steering wheel, heated seats, and inverter plugs in the US trim, my SR5 does not include these as standard. However, these are features that could potentially be added aftermarket, with the exception of the heated steering wheel which might be more complex. It’s also noteworthy that despite having the third-row seat option, the SR5 lacks USB-C ports in the rear, which seems like an oversight for a family-oriented SUV.
Despite being the base trim, the build quality of the 2025 4Runner SR5 is exceptional. Having owned and driven numerous vehicles across different trims in recent years, the 4Runner stands out for its solid construction. The cabin is remarkably quiet, free from rattles, squeaks, or creaks, even when carrying cargo. Road noise and wind noise are minimal, contributing to a comfortable and refined driving experience. If not for the cloth seats and smaller displays, it would be easy to mistake the SR5 for a higher trim level in terms of cabin quietness and overall feel.
Third-Row Seating Practicality
The inclusion of third-row seats in the SR5 offers dual benefits. Firstly, it creates a more even cargo floor when the second-row seats are folded down, which is advantageous for car camping or hauling larger items. Secondly, the third row expands passenger capacity, accommodating two additional children or smaller adults (ideally under 5’8″). While not something I anticipate using frequently, it’s a valuable feature to have for occasional extra passengers and a significant value addition for the SR5 trim, considering the modest cost increase.
Payload and GVWR Specifications
For those interested in the practical aspects, the door stickers on my 2025 4Runner SR5 4×4 reveal the following payload and GVWR figures:
Payload: 1160 lbs / 525 kg (reduced by 61 lbs / 28kg due to modifications, as indicated by a yellow sticker)
GVWR: 6075 lbs
Daylight Exterior Views
To further showcase the Underground color and the overall aesthetics, here are a couple of daylight photos of the 2025 4Runner SR5:
Addressing Common Questions: Steering, Seating, and Ride Quality
Based on questions from online forums, here are answers to some common queries about the 2025 4Runner SR5:
Steering Feel: The steering is indeed light, easily maneuverable with minimal effort. Road feel is present but subtle, with the lane keep assist being more noticeable. While light, it’s not a negative aspect, but something to be aware of.
Front Seats and Seating Position: The manual seats are comfortable and durable, even in cloth. The seating position is excellent, accommodating taller drivers (I’m 6’2″) without issue. The center console is well-designed and doesn’t intrude on legroom.
Ride Quality: The ride quality is significantly improved over the previous generation, feeling more refined and agile with reduced body sway. Nose dive during braking is still present, typical of SUVs, but likely improvable with suspension upgrades. Keep in mind the SR5 has the standard suspension setup.
Conclusion
Overall, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4×4 is a compelling SUV that successfully blends rugged capability with modern improvements. The new powertrain delivers satisfying performance and improved fuel economy, while the build quality and interior refinement are commendable for the base trim. The addition of the third-row seat enhances its practicality, making it a versatile option for families or those needing extra passenger space occasionally. While it may lack some premium features in the SR5 trim, the core qualities of the 2025 4Runner shine through, making it a worthy successor to the legendary 4Runner lineage.
