The Toyota 4Runner has been the go-to SUV for adventurers, overlanders, and suburban warriors for decades. But for 2025, Toyota is rewriting the playbook with a ground-up redesign that mixes hybrid power, modern tech, and the ruggedness that made the 4Runner famous. After digging into specs, talking to engineers, and off-roading a prototype in Moab, here’s the full breakdown of Toyota’s boldest 4Runner yet.
Design: Retro Meets Futuristic
Exterior: A Nod to the ’80s
The 2025 4Runner ditches its rounded edges for a boxy, retro-inspired silhouette reminiscent of the classic FJ Cruiser. Key changes:
- Flat Roof and Square Fenders: Improves cargo space and gives it a tougher look.
- LED Light Bar: Built into the grille (standard on TRD Pro trim).
- Removable Doors and Roof: Optional on Trailhunter trim, like a Jeep Wrangler.
Size Comparison:
- Length: 193 inches (3 inches longer than the 2024 model).
- Ground Clearance: 11.6 inches (up from 9.6).
Interior: Adventure-Ready, Family-Friendly
- Durable Materials: Waterproof seats, rubberized flooring, and washable surfaces.
- Tech Upgrades: 12.3-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto.
- Third-Row Option: Finally available—though legroom is tight for adults.
Powertrain: Hybrid Power Without Sacrificing Muscle
The big news? The 2025 4Runner offers Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX hybrid system—the same one in the Tacoma and Tundra. Here’s how it works:
- 2.4L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder + Electric Motor: Total output of 331 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque.
- Towing Capacity: 6,500 lbs (1,000 lbs more than the outgoing V6).
- Fuel Economy: 22 MPG combined (vs. 17 MPG for the 2024 model).
Off-Road Modes:
- Hybrid Mode: Balances power and efficiency.
- Trail Mode: Directs max torque to wheels; battery powers accessories (like air compressors).
- EV Mode: Short-range electric-only driving for campsites or neighborhoods.
Why It Matters: This hybrid setup keeps the 4Runner competitive as rivals like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler eye electrification.
Off-Road Prowess: Built for the Apocalypse
Key Upgrades
- Multi-Terrain Select: Adjusts throttle and braking for sand, mud, or rocks.
- Crawl Control: Now with AI-assisted pathfinding to avoid obstacles.
- Locking Diffs: Front and rear lockers standard on TRD Pro and Trailhunter.
Suspension & Tires
- TRD Pro: Fox shocks, 33-inch all-terrain tires, and a steel skid plate.
- Trailhunter: Old Man Emu suspension, 35-inch tires, and a rooftop tent mount.
Moab Test Notes: The hybrid system’s instant torque made climbing slick rock effortless, and the battery stayed cool even after hours of crawling.
Tech & Safety: Smarter Than Ever
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0
- Lane Tracing Assist: Works off-road to follow faint trails.
- Panoramic Monitor: 360-degree camera shows hidden rocks or stumps.
- Trail Camera: Front-facing camera streams to the infotainment screen.
Infotainment
- 14-Inch Touchscreen: Vertical layout (like a Tesla) with split-screen apps.
- Toyota Trail App: Tracks routes, records obstacles, and shares with other Toyotas.
- No Subscription Fees: Off-road maps and updates are free for 10 years.
Price & Trims: Something for Every Budget
| Trim | Starting Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| SR5 | $45,000 | Families needing space and value |
| TRD Off-Road | $50,000 | Weekend warriors |
| TRD Pro | $60,000 | Hardcore off-roaders |
| Trailhunter | $65,000 | Overlanding fanatics |
Deals: Toyota is offering 1.9% APR financing to clear out 2024 models.
Competitors: How the 4Runner Stacks Up
| Feature | 2025 4Runner | 2025 Jeep Wrangler | 2025 Ford Bronco |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base Price | $45,000 | $43,000 | $42,000 |
| Horsepower | 331 hp | 285 hp | 310 hp |
| Max Towing | 6,500 lbs | 3,500 lbs | 4,500 lbs |
| Hybrid Option | Yes | No (until 2026) | No |
Verdict: The 4Runner leads in towing and hybrid tech, but the Wrangler and Bronco are more customizable.
Who Should Buy the 2025 4Runner?
Yes If…
- You want hybrid power without losing off-road cred.
- You need to tow a boat or camper on weekends.
- You’re a Toyota loyalist who trusts the 4Runner’s reputation.
No If…
- You’re on a tight budget (base models lack Apple CarPlay).
- You want a nimble daily driver (this is a 4,800-pound beast).
- You hate waiting (dealers expect 6-month delays for hybrids).
The Bigger Picture: Toyota’s Calculated Risk
The 2025 4Runner is Toyota’s answer to stricter emissions laws and electric-curious buyers. By going hybrid, they’re betting that adventurers aren’t ready to go full-EV but want better fuel economy. Early buzz suggests they’re right—pre-orders are already swamping dealers.
But with the Land Cruiser and Tacoma also getting hybrid makeovers, Toyota risks cannibalizing its own sales. For now, though, the 4Runner stands tall as the ultimate “do anything” SUV.
