Just picked up my brand new 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4×4 on February 1st, and I couldn’t wait to share my first impressions. Securing it at MSRP here in sunny Southern California was a win! My 4Runner is the Underground color, which looks fantastic, paired with the Boulder cloth interior. I opted for the third-row seats and aluminum running boards/side rails to maximize its utility for my needs.
Let me start with a comprehensive photo showcase to give you a visual tour of the 6th generation 4Runner. Below the images, I’ll dive into my initial thoughts and driving experience.
Driving Impressions and Performance
After putting about 100 miles on my new 4Runner SR5, I’m genuinely impressed with the driving experience. The new powertrain is surprisingly responsive, and I haven’t noticed any turbo lag or hesitation. Fuel economy has been exactly as advertised, hitting the EPA estimates right on the mark. I’m currently averaging 22.6 MPG with a mix of 50/50 highway and city driving in a hilly area. This fuel efficiency is a notable improvement and a welcome feature for daily driving.
Interior and SR5 Trim Level Analysis
The photos likely speak volumes about the interior, but the SR5 trim is undeniably utilitarian and well-built. It’s worth noting some features that were rumored to be missing in the US trim, which some reviewers initially got wrong. The SR5 does not come standard with a heated steering wheel, heated seats, or inverter plugs for the second row and trunk. While these are absent from the base SR5, adding heated seats and inverter plugs aftermarket seems quite feasible. The lack of USB-C ports in the third row is a bit peculiar, especially considering the third-row seat option is available on this trim.
What truly stands out is the inherent build quality. Having owned and driven numerous cars across different trim levels over the past five years, the 4Runner’s build quality is in a different league. The cabin is remarkably solid – absolutely zero rattles, squeaks, or creaks, even with items stored in the rear cargo floor compartment. Tire noise is minimal, and the cabin is impressively insulated from road and wind noise. If not for the cloth seats and smaller displays, you might easily mistake the SR5 for a higher trim level in terms of cabin refinement.
Third-Row Seating Practicality
The inclusion of third-row seats offers a couple of key advantages. Firstly, folding them down creates a nearly flat cargo floor, minimizing the height difference with the folded second-row seats – a great feature for car camping enthusiasts! Secondly, the third row genuinely expands passenger capacity, comfortably accommodating two children or smaller adults (around 5’8″ or less). While not something I anticipate using daily, it’s a valuable option to have and adds significant versatility to the SR5 for a modest $700 upgrade.
Payload and GVWR Information
For those interested in the practical specifications, here are the payload and GVWR figures from the door stickers:
Payload: 1160 lbs / 525 kg (reduced by 61 lbs / 28kg due to modifications as indicated by a yellow sticker).
GVWR: 6075 lbs
Adding a couple more photos in daylight to better showcase the Underground color. The 4Runner’s appearance in natural light is fantastic.
Q&A Highlights from Owner Feedback
Here are some key questions and answers compiled from initial owner inquiries:
Steering Feel: The steering is notably light, easily turned with minimal effort. Road feel is present but minimal, with lane keep assist being more prominent in feedback.
Front Seats and Seating Position: The manual seats are comfortable and durable, even in cloth. The seating position is excellent, and while the seat area is somewhat narrow compared to other large vehicles, it’s not constricting. The center console design is not intrusive or bulky.
Ride Quality: The ride quality is significantly improved and feels more agile than the previous generation 4Runner, with reduced body sway. Nose dive during hard braking is still present, typical of SUVs, but likely improvable with suspension upgrades, noting the SR5 has the base suspension setup.
Overall, my initial experience with the 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4×4 has been overwhelmingly positive. It blends rugged capability with surprising refinement and fuel efficiency. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask in the comments!
