The Toyota 4Runner has cemented its legacy over four decades as a formidable and recognizable name in the SUV market, particularly renowned for its off-road prowess. Staying true to its roots while embracing modern advancements, the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner is poised to redefine the segment once again. This sixth-generation model doesn’t just carry forward the 4Runner’s established reputation; it elevates it, introducing a bolder design, cutting-edge technology, enhanced materials, and advanced safety features. The 2025 4Runner is engineered to offer unmatched go-anywhere capability combined with a new level of refinement, ensuring it remains a top choice for adventurers and daily drivers alike. Production of the 2025 4Runner will take place at Toyota Motor Corporation’s Tahara plant in Japan, with its highly anticipated arrival in the U.S. slated for late 2024.
Dave Christ, Toyota group vice president and general manager, emphasizes the 4Runner’s significance within Toyota’s truck lineup, stating, “This all-new 4Runner has incredible versatility and capability that nicely rounds out our truck family story. We’ve sold over 3 million in the 40 years it has been on sale, and this sixth-generation model offers a cool new look and incredible features, yet retains the rugged style and capability our customers love about this icon of adventure.”
Built on a Solid Foundation: The TNGA-F Platform
The 2025 4Runner marks a significant engineering overhaul, built from the ground up on Toyota’s robust TNGA-F global truck platform. This platform, shared with other formidable Toyota vehicles like the Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia, is the cornerstone of the 4Runner’s enhanced capabilities. It features a high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame coupled with a multi-link coil rear suspension and double wishbone front suspension.
The integration of the TNGA-F platform is pivotal, not only increasing structural rigidity but also significantly improving ride comfort and on-road handling. Passengers will immediately notice the smoother ride quality, even when utilizing the available third-row seating. Furthermore, this enhanced frame, when paired with the potent i-FORCE MAX powertrain, empowers the 4Runner with a substantial towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds.
Evolving the Legacy: Design and Interior
The design philosophy behind the 2025 4Runner was to honor its celebrated heritage while pushing towards a modern aesthetic that resonates with adventure and capability. Kevin Hunter, President of Calty, explains the design ethos: “Designing the legendary 4Runner began with identifying its unique and memorable aspects linked to fun, outdoor recreation. Inspired by Baja desert racing, the high lift, lean body, big tire, rugged athleticism defines the core of 4Runner’s go anywhere purpose”.
The CALTY design team based in Michigan took the lead in shaping the new 4Runner, drawing inspiration from both past 4Runner generations and contemporary design trends. While designed alongside the Tacoma, the 4Runner maintains its distinct identity, both sharing a rugged, purposeful appearance influenced by desert racing. A nostalgic nod to the first and second-generation models is evident in the return of the “wrap over” quarter glass, and the iconic roll-down rear window remains a signature feature.
Inside, the design team focused on creating an intuitive and functional interface, balancing modern sophistication with rugged authenticity. Features like the second-row tumble seats enhance the interior’s versatility, optimizing cargo space and usability.
i-FORCE Power MAXed: Engine Options
The 2025 4Runner offers two advanced 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged powertrains, both engineered for power and efficiency. The standard i-FORCE engine delivers an impressive 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine comes standard on SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited grades.
For those seeking even more power and enhanced efficiency, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain is available on TRD Off-Road and Limited models, and standard on TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum trims. This hybrid system combines the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into the eight-speed transmission, powered by a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack. The result is a total system output of up to 326 horsepower and a remarkable 465 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful powertrain ever offered in a 4Runner.
Trail Ready: Off-Road Capabilities
The 4Runner’s reputation is deeply rooted in its exceptional off-road prowess, and the 2025 model takes this legacy even further. A newly available Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism enhances suspension articulation at the touch of a button, allowing for greater wheel travel and improved tire contact on uneven terrain. The 4Runner boasts impressive approach and departure angles, with up to 32-degree approach and 24-degree departure angles. The available Multi-Terrain Monitor system further assists drivers by providing real-time views of potential obstacles on the central display.
Drivetrain options include 2WD, part-time 4WD, or full-time 4WD. 2WD models are equipped with an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD), while 4WD models feature an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), and Auto LSD. An electronic locking rear differential is standard on TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter grades. The Limited grade offers an available full-time four-wheel-drive system with a center locking differential on i-FORCE MAX models, which is standard on the Platinum grade.
The Multi-Terrain Select system now operates in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low, offering optimized settings for various terrains like Mud, Dirt, and Sand. The 4Runner also incorporates the quieter CRAWL Control function, acting as an off-road cruise control for low-speed navigation. For extreme low-traction situations, an available electronically activated locking rear differential can distribute power 50/50 to the rear wheels. Downhill Assist Control is another valuable feature for controlled descents.
A Grade for Everyone: Trim Levels
The 2025 4Runner expands its lineup to offer nine distinct grades, catering to a wider range of preferences and needs. The available grades include SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off Road, TRD Off Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and the all-new Trailhunter.
The Trailhunter grade is specifically designed for overlanding enthusiasts, offering a factory-developed, turnkey solution for off-grid adventures. Toyota partnered with leading off-road equipment manufacturers like ARB®, Old Man Emu® (OME), and RIGID Industries® to equip the Trailhunter with top-tier components. Features include ARB’s OME 2.5-inch forged shocks with rear external piggyback remote reservoirs, a co-designed ARB Roof Rack, 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires, rock rails, and high-strength steel skid plates. The Trailhunter also features a heritage grill with bronze “TOYOTA” lettering, an integrated 20-inch LED light bar, color-selectable RIGID LED fog lamps, and a powerful 2400W AC inverter. Pre-wired auxiliary switches provide easy customization with additional Toyota accessories.
Introducing a new level of luxury to the 4Runner lineup, the Platinum grade sits above the Limited, offering premium features and sophisticated styling. Platinum exclusive features include unique black exterior accents, heated second-row seats, a standard tow tech package, Head-Up Display, and automatic rain-sensing wipers.
Latest Tech: Connectivity and Displays
The 2025 4Runner is equipped with Toyota’s latest technology, featuring new screen options including a standard 8-inch or an available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen. This system runs Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system, developed by Toyota’s Connected Technologies team in Texas. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility and includes an available Qi wireless charging pad with enhanced power output. USB-C ports are conveniently located in the front and rear rows. A 7-inch gauge cluster is standard on lower grades, while a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard on higher trims.
Smart Key System with push-button start is standard across all grades. Available Digital Key, through an active Remote Connect subscription, allows smartphone-based vehicle entry and starting. This digital key can also be shared remotely for enhanced vehicle access management.
Rugged Choice: Completing Toyota’s Truck Lineup
The dynamic and youthful 2025 4Runner enhances Toyota’s already robust lineup of body-on-frame vehicles. From the full-size Tundra to the legendary Land Cruiser, Toyota now offers a comprehensive selection of five modern trucks, providing customers with diverse options to match their lifestyles and adventure needs. These vehicles are engineered to handle challenging conditions and empower owners to explore and discover.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Standard
Safety is paramount in the 2025 4Runner, with all models coming standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), Toyota’s suite of active safety and convenience systems. TSS 3.0 includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Proactive Driving Assist
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA), a new addition to TSS, uses the vehicle’s camera and radar to provide gentle braking and/or steering support for tasks like distance control and curve negotiation. The Pre-Collision System now features enhanced detection capabilities, including motorcyclist detection and improved intersection support. Lane Departure Alert now includes Steering Assist and enhanced lane recognition. Dynamic Radar Cruise Control now has Full-Speed Range capability and an additional following distance setting, with improved vehicle detection. Lane Tracing Assist and Road Sign Assist also feature enhanced lane recognition and sign detection. A new Emergency Driving Stop System is incorporated into Lane Tracing Assist, designed to bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver becomes unresponsive.
Additional available safety features include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), along with standard Hill Start Assist Control (HAC).
Beyond Zero Vision
Reflecting Toyota’s commitment to a carbon-neutral future, the 2025 4Runner joins Toyota’s expanding hybrid lineup, wearing the Beyond Zero badge. Toyota is rapidly increasing its electrified vehicle offerings, aiming to provide customers with more choices to reduce their carbon footprint.
Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare
The 2025 4Runner is backed by Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty, with powertrain coverage for 60 months/60,000 miles and corrosion perforation coverage for 60 months with no mileage limit. Hybrid components are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, and the hybrid battery for 10 years/150,000 miles. ToyotaCare, a complimentary maintenance plan, covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, and includes 2 years of Roadside Assistance.
Updated June 27, 2024.
