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 with Boulder cloth interior, I also included the third-row seating and aluminum running boards as additional features. Having spent the first 100 miles behind the wheel, I’m ready to share my initial impressions of this latest generation 4Runner.
The powertrain in this 2025 4Runner feels remarkably responsive. Concerns about turbo lag or any sluggishness have been completely unfounded in my experience. The engine delivers power smoothly and efficiently, making for a confident driving experience whether on the highway or navigating city streets. Fuel economy has also been surprisingly accurate to EPA estimates. I’m currently observing an average of 22.6 MPG with a balanced mix of highway and city driving in a somewhat hilly area.
The SR5 trim, while considered the base model, offers a genuinely utilitarian feel. It’s worth noting some initial reviews suggested certain features would be missing in the US trim, but I can confirm details regarding heated seats, heated steering wheel, and inverter plugs. As delivered, my SR5 does not include these as standard. While the heated steering wheel might be a more complex addition, heated seats and inverter plugs seem like straightforward aftermarket upgrades for those interested. Interestingly, despite having the optional third-row seating, USB-C ports are absent for those rear passengers, which feels like an odd omission.
One aspect that truly stands out is the inherent build quality of this SUV. Having owned and driven numerous vehicles across various trims over the past few years, the 4Runner’s solidity is exceptional. The cabin is impressively quiet, devoid of rattles, squeaks, or creaks, even with items stored in the rear cargo area. Road and wind noise are minimal, creating a refined driving environment. Were it not for the cloth seats and smaller infotainment displays specific to the SR5, one might easily mistake this for a higher trim level in terms of cabin ambiance and noise isolation.
The inclusion of third-row seats brings practical advantages. Firstly, they create a nearly flat cargo floor when folded down, which is a boon for anyone considering using the 4Runner for camping or hauling gear. The minimal height difference between the folded second and third rows significantly improves usability. Secondly, the third row expands passenger capacity, accommodating two additional children or smaller adults (under 5’8″ approximately). While not a feature I anticipate using daily, it’s a valuable option to have, especially considering its relatively modest cost.
In response to some initial questions regarding driving dynamics: the steering feel is light and responsive, making maneuvering easy. Road feedback is present but subtle; the lane keep assist is more noticeable than direct road feel. The front seats are comfortable and supportive, even on longer drives. At 6’2″, I find the seating position excellent, and the center console doesn’t intrude on legroom. Ride quality is noticeably improved over previous generations, feeling more planted and agile, though some nose dive is still present during hard braking, typical for SUVs in this class and likely adjustable with suspension upgrades.
Payload and GVWR figures from the door stickers indicate a payload capacity of 1160 lbs (reduced by 61 lbs due to modifications) and a GVWR of 6075 lbs. These figures are important for owners planning to utilize the 4Runner for towing or carrying heavy loads.
Overall, my initial experience with the 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4×4 has been overwhelmingly positive. It delivers on the promise of a robust and reliable SUV, with a comfortable ride, improved powertrain, and impressive build quality, even in the base trim. For those considering the new 4Runner, the SR5 represents a strong value proposition, offering essential features and Toyota’s renowned durability.
