After eagerly anticipating its arrival, I finally picked up my 2025 4Runner SR5 4×4 on February 1st from a local Southern California dealer at MSRP. Opting for the Underground exterior with Boulder cloth interior, this model is also equipped with the highly practical third-row seats and durable aluminum running boards/side rails.
Let me start by sharing a comprehensive photo collection of my new ride, followed by my initial driving impressions and key observations.
After putting about 100 miles on the odometer, my initial impressions of the 2025 4Runner are overwhelmingly positive. The new powertrain is a standout – it feels far from underpowered, and I’ve experienced zero turbo lag or hesitation. Fuel economy is also precisely as advertised, consistently achieving 22.6 MPG in a mix of highway and hilly city driving conditions here in Southern California.
The photos likely speak volumes about the SR5 trim’s utilitarian nature. Addressing some pre-release concerns, it’s true that the US SR5 trim does omit features like a heated steering wheel, heated seats, and inverter plugs in both the second row and trunk as standard. However, these seem like features that could be added aftermarket, with the exception of the heated steering wheel. It’s also worth noting the absence of third-row USB-C ports, a somewhat unusual omission given this trim offers the third-row seat option.
It’s hard to fully capture the inherent build quality in words, but having owned numerous vehicles across various trims over the last few years, the 2025 4Runner SR5’s build quality is truly exceptional. The cabin is remarkably solid – absolutely no rattles, squeaks, or creaks, even with items stored in the rear under-floor compartment. Tire noise is minimal, and the cabin effectively isolates road and wind noise. Were it not for the cloth seats and smaller displays, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were in a higher trim level.
The optional third-row seating adds unexpected versatility. Firstly, it creates a nearly flat cargo floor when folded down, ideal for car camping. Secondly, it expands passenger capacity, comfortably accommodating two additional children or smaller adults (up to around 5’8″). While not a feature I anticipate using daily, it’s a valuable addition for occasional needs, especially considering its modest $700 upgrade cost on the SR5.
To provide further detail, here are the payload and GVWR figures from the door stickers:
Payload: 1160 lbs / 525 kg (reduced 61 lbs / 28kg by modifications – per yellow sticker)
GVWR: 6075 lbs
Finally, some daylight photos to better showcase the Underground color:
Addressing common questions:
- Steering Feel: The steering is light and easy, requiring minimal effort even with one finger. Road feel is subtle; the lane keep assist is more noticeable than direct road feedback.
- Front Seats and Seating Position: The manual seats are comfortable and durable, and the seating position is excellent for a taller driver (6’2″). The center console is not intrusive or bulky.
- Ride Quality: Ride quality is significantly improved over the previous generation, feeling more agile and stable. Nose dive during braking is still present but could likely be addressed with suspension upgrades.
Overall, the 2025 4Runner SR5 is proving to be an exceptionally well-rounded and high-quality SUV, exceeding initial expectations in key areas like powertrain performance, fuel economy, and build quality.
