After a long 15-year wait, the all-new sixth-generation Toyota 4Runner has finally arrived, marking a significant 4runner Redesign. This highly anticipated model has stirred considerable debate within the automotive community, becoming one of the most talked-about new vehicles of the year. Our team recently acquired a 2025 4Runner TRD Off-Road to thoroughly assess these changes and determine if the criticisms surrounding this 4Runner redesign are justified.
We’ve put our new 4Runner through rigorous testing, from tackling the challenging terrains of Moab alongside the new Land Cruiser 250 Series, to pushing its limits on the Ike Gauntlet. These real-world experiences, coupled with comprehensive evaluations, provide valuable insights into this pivotal model in Toyota’s lineup. The previous fifth-generation 4Runner consistently achieved impressive sales figures, often exceeding 100,000 units annually since 2016, highlighting the importance of this 4Runner redesign to Toyota’s continued success.
2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited in Heritage Blue showcasing its updated exterior design
Side view of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited in Heritage Blue highlighting its redesigned profile
Close-up of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited in Heritage Blue emphasizing the new front grille and headlight design
Addressing the Controversy: Why the Skepticism Around the 4Runner Redesign?
A primary point of contention in this 4Runner redesign is the engine. Toyota has replaced the venerable 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V6 with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. For over two decades, the 1GR-FE V6 served the 4Runner faithfully, earning a reputation for exceptional reliability and durability. Many loyal 4Runner enthusiasts express reluctance to part with this proven powertrain, vowing to keep their fifth-generation models running indefinitely.
However, it’s crucial to consider the context behind this engine change in the 4Runner redesign. The previous V6, while reliable, was undeniably underpowered and inefficient, especially at higher altitudes or when paired with off-road modifications. Its outdated 5-speed automatic transmission further contributed to sluggish performance and poor fuel economy, often struggling to exceed 18 mpg even under optimal driving conditions.
The new turbocharged engine and 8-speed automatic transmission in this 4Runner redesign promise significant improvements in both performance and fuel efficiency. The standard turbo engine delivers 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, while a hybrid variant boosts output to an impressive 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. This represents a substantial increase in power compared to the previous V6. While fuel economy figures for the hybrid in such a large SUV may not be dramatically higher, the standard turbo version is expected to achieve mileage in the 20s, a notable improvement. Although the four-cylinder engine’s sound may not be as appealing to some as the V6, the older engine was not particularly aurally inspiring either.
Interior of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited showcasing the redesigned dashboard and brown leather seats
Beyond the Engine: Evaluating the Overall 4Runner Redesign
The engine is just one aspect of the broader 4Runner redesign that has sparked debate. The comprehensive nature of the changes is a double-edged sword. While it offers a modern and updated vehicle, a significant departure from the long-running fifth generation may alienate purists who preferred the familiar formula. The fourth-generation 4Runner, with its similar powertrain and overall feel to the early fifth-gen models, highlights the evolutionary rather than revolutionary approach of previous updates.
This 4Runner redesign utilizes Toyota’s robust TNGA-F platform, shared with other modern Toyota trucks and SUVs. Stylistically, the new 4Runner leans more towards the new Tacoma pickup, a departure from previous generations that were closer in design to the Land Cruiser Prado and Hilux. Whether this styling direction is appealing is subjective, depending on individual preferences for the Tacoma’s aesthetics. Inside, the 4Runner redesign brings a more comfortable and technologically advanced cabin with improved materials, updated technology, and enhanced ergonomics compared to its predecessor.
However, this extensive 4Runner redesign comes at a cost. While a more affordable entry price might have softened the blow of the engine change for some, the reality is that the 2025 4Runner SR5 starts at $42,220. Furthermore, the base model omits desirable features, pushing buyers towards higher trims like the TRD Off-Road Premium, which can reach upwards of $58,000 without the hybrid powertrain. Although the base price is comparable to the outgoing model, the overall cost escalates rapidly with trim level upgrades. Despite the enhanced daily usability offered by this 4Runner redesign, the increased price reflects the general trend of rising vehicle costs in recent years.
In conclusion, the 4Runner redesign for 2025 represents a significant shift for this iconic SUV. While the changes, particularly the engine downsizing and price increase, have generated controversy, the new model offers tangible improvements in performance, fuel efficiency, and interior refinement. Whether these advancements outweigh the concerns of traditionalists remains to be seen as the 6th generation 4Runner enters the market and proves itself in the hands of consumers.
