After a lengthy production run of the fifth generation, the Toyota 4Runner has finally received a complete redesign for the 2025 model year. This iconic off-road SUV enters its sixth generation with modernized features while maintaining its legendary capability and reliability. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner represents a significant evolution in the model’s history, blending traditional ruggedness with contemporary technology and efficiency improvements that today’s adventure-seeking drivers demand.
The All-New 2025 Toyota 4Runner: Key Highlights
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner marks the first complete redesign since 2009, making this one of the most anticipated SUV releases in recent years. Toyota has carefully balanced preserving the 4Runner’s off-road DNA while addressing previous shortcomings in technology, efficiency, and on-road comfort.
Major highlights for the 2025 model include:
- Completely redesigned exterior with modern styling cues
- New powertrain options with improved fuel efficiency
- Updated interior with the latest technology features
- Enhanced off-road capability with new terrain management systems
- Improved on-road driving dynamics
- Advanced safety features standard across all trim levels
Let’s dive deeper into what makes the 2025 Toyota 4Runner a compelling option for adventure enthusiasts and everyday drivers alike.
Exterior Design: Modern Ruggedness
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner features a bold redesign that maintains its unmistakable identity while bringing the aesthetic firmly into the present day. The exterior design combines angular lines with muscular proportions that signal its capability.
Key exterior design elements include:
- A more prominent front grille with integrated LED headlights
- Sculptured hood with functional air intake
- Squared-off wheel arches housing larger wheel options (17-20 inches)
- Available power-retractable running boards on higher trims
- Redesigned rear fascia with distinctive LED taillights
- Improved approach and departure angles for enhanced off-road capability
Toyota offers the 2025 4Runner in several new exterior colors, including Lunar Rock, Lime Rush, and Celestial Silver Metallic, alongside traditional options like Super White and Midnight Black Metallic.
The TRD Pro trim receives exclusive design elements, including a heritage-inspired grille with “TOYOTA” lettering, unique 17-inch matte black TRD wheels, a roof rack, and additional underbody protection for serious off-road adventures.
Powertrain: New Options for the 2025 4Runner
Perhaps the most significant update for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is under the hood. The aging 4.0-liter V6 engine has been retired in favor of more modern and efficient powertrains:
Standard Powertrain
The base engine is now a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing approximately 275 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, replacing the previous five-speed automatic. The new powertrain significantly improves fuel economy while delivering comparable performance to the outgoing V6.
Estimated fuel economy:
- 4×2: 20 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 22 mpg combined
- 4×4: 19 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 21 mpg combined
Hybrid Option
For the first time, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner offers a hybrid powertrain option. This system combines the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine with an electric motor for a combined output of approximately 340 horsepower. The hybrid model delivers improved acceleration and significantly better fuel economy.
Estimated hybrid fuel economy:
- 4×4: 24 mpg city / 28 mpg highway / 26 mpg combined
The hybrid system is designed to enhance off-road performance as well, with the electric motor providing immediate torque at low speeds—ideal for technical trail driving.
All 2025 4Runner models maintain a respectable towing capacity of up to 5,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Off-Road Capability: The 4Runner’s Core Identity
True to its heritage, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner continues to excel off the beaten path. Toyota has enhanced the model’s legendary capability with several new features:
- Multi-Terrain Select system with expanded drive modes
- Crawl Control with five speed settings for navigating difficult terrain
- Available electronic-locking rear differential
- Improved Multi-Terrain Monitor with underbody camera views
- Enhanced suspension travel and articulation
- Reinforced ladder frame with additional skid plates
The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models feature FOX internal bypass shocks, while the TRD Pro receives a specialized lift kit with increased ground clearance. All 4×4 models come with a two-speed transfer case with low range, essential for serious off-road driving.
Interior and Technology: A Modern Cabin Experience
The interior of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner receives a complete overhaul, addressing one of the primary criticisms of the previous generation. The new cabin features:
- Redesigned dashboard with soft-touch materials
- Available 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster
- Standard 8-inch or available 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Toyota’s latest multimedia system with natural voice commands
- Available wireless charging pad
- USB-A and USB-C ports throughout the cabin
- Improved sound insulation for a quieter ride
Seating comfort has been enhanced with redesigned seats offering better support for both on and off-road driving. Premium materials are available on higher trims, including leather upholstery and genuine wood or aluminum accents.
The 2025 4Runner maintains its practical interior with up to 74.2 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded. The optional power-sliding rear cargo deck remains a unique feature in the segment, making loading heavy items easier.
2025 Toyota 4Runner Trim Levels
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is available in multiple trim levels to suit different needs and preferences:
SR5
The base SR5 model includes:
- 2.4-liter turbocharged engine
- 8-inch touchscreen
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
- 18-inch alloy wheels
- LED headlights and fog lights
- Power-adjustable driver’s seat
- Fabric upholstery
SR5 Premium
Building on the SR5, the Premium adds:
- SofTex-trimmed seats
- Heated front seats
- 14-inch touchscreen
- Power moonroof
- Power liftgate
TRD Sport
The TRD Sport offers:
- Sport-tuned suspension
- 20-inch machine-finished alloy wheels
- Hood scoop
- Color-keyed exterior accents
- TRD interior trim
TRD Off-Road
Focused on trail capability, this trim includes:
- Multi-terrain Select and Crawl Control
- Locking rear differential
- 17-inch wheels with all-terrain tires
- TRD-tuned suspension
- Unique exterior badging
TRD Off-Road Premium
Combines off-road features with premium amenities:
- TRD Off-Road equipment
- Premium interior features
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- Premium audio system
Limited
The luxury-oriented Limited includes:
- 20-inch premium wheels
- Leather-trimmed interior
- Heated and ventilated front seats
- JBL Premium Audio system
- 360-degree camera system
- Chrome exterior accents
TRD Pro
The flagship off-road model features:
- TRD Pro-specific suspension with FOX shocks
- Additional ground clearance
- All-terrain tires
- Unique heritage grille
- Front skid plate
- Roof rack
- Standard hybrid powertrain
Hybrid Options
The hybrid powertrain is available on Limited and TRD Pro trims, with the possibility of expansion to other trims in future model years.
Safety Features: Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a comprehensive suite of active safety features including:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Proactive Driving Assist
Additional safety features include:
- Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert
- Front and Rear Parking Assist with Automatic Braking
- Ten airbags
- Enhanced vehicle stability control
- Multi-terrain ABS
Driving Experience: Improved On-Road Manners
While maintaining its off-road prowess, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner shows significant improvements in on-road driving dynamics. The new model features:
- Electric power steering with improved feedback
- Refined suspension tuning for better ride quality
- Reduced body roll through corners
- Enhanced sound insulation for quieter cabin
- Improved braking performance
These enhancements make the 2025 4Runner more comfortable for daily driving without compromising its capability when the pavement ends.
Conclusion: The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Carries the Torch Forward
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner successfully modernizes this iconic SUV while preserving the capability, reliability, and rugged character that have made it a favorite among outdoor enthusiasts for nearly four decades. The addition of modern powertrains—particularly the hybrid option—brings the 4Runner into the present day with improved efficiency without sacrificing performance.
With its enhanced technology features, refined on-road manners, and persistent off-road capability, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner continues to occupy a unique position in the market. It bridges the gap between daily driver comfort and genuine trail-conquering ability in a way few competitors can match.
For buyers seeking a versatile, durable SUV that can handle everything from the school run to remote backcountry exploration, the completely redesigned 2025 Toyota 4Runner remains an excellent, albeit premium-priced, option. Its legendary reliability and strong resale value continue to make it a smart long-term investment for adventure-minded drivers.