Another Toyota icon has been completely redesigned for the first time in what feels like forever.
On Tuesday, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner debuted with an available hybrid powertrain, modern technology and new Trailhunter and Platinum trims, while maintaining the core design and features that make the 4Runner an icon.
When it goes on sale later this year, the 2025 4Runner lineup will expand with a dizzying array of nine trim levels, including SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off Road, TRD Off Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and Trail Hunter.
Pricing will be announced closer to the 4Runner’s on-sale date.
Unveiling the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
2025 4Runner downsizes to turbo-4
Say goodbye to the tried and tested 4.0 liter V6. Every 2025 4Runner will be powered by a turbo-4 powertrain, but some will be hybrids.
Most models are powered by a 2.4-liter turbo-4 producing 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. But the TRD Pro, Trailhunter and Platinum models will come standard with a hybrid version of this engine, which combines an electric motor with the transmission for a combined output of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can purchase the hybrid engine as an option on the TRD Off-Road and Limited models. Every 4Runner will have an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Unveiling the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Unveiling the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Unveiling the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Unveiling the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
The Toyota 4Runner aims to go off-road
The 4Runner has been modernized, but apparently not at the expense of off-road capability.
The ninth-generation 4Runner remains a body-on-frame SUV, but now rides on a modern frame. The TNGA-F platform that the 4Runner now rides on is shared with the Lexus GX, Toyota SUV And Sequoia SUVs along with the Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks. The new powertrains with their improved performance enable a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds.
As before, rear-wheel drive will be standard, while part-time or full-time all-wheel drive will be available. At the start of this century, the 4Runner’s all-wheel drive was activated electronically via a switch. Most 4Runners have a locking rear differential, but TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and Trailhunter models have a locking rear differential. Confusingly, only the high-zoot Platinum models have full-time four-wheel drive with a limited-slip differential, which is completely optional on the Limited models.
The 4Runner retains its independent front suspension and rear coil springs paired with a solid rear axle. TRD Pro models use 2.5-inch diameter Fox shocks with external reservoirs to combat heat dissipation.
The new Trailhunter model rides ARB Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged shocks with external piggyback remote reservoirs. A full set of skid plates under the Trailhunter cover everything from the front bumper to behind the transfer case should the underside of the 4Runner come into contact with the ground. The shocks paired with 33-inch Toyo Open Country All Terrain tires give the Trailhunter 2.0 inches of lift over standard 4Runners.
With up to 9.2 inches of ground clearance, a 32-degree approach angle, and a 24-degree departure angle, the latest 4Runner is a mixed bag. The current 4Runner had a ground clearance of up to 9.6 inches, a departure angle of 33 degrees, and a departure angle of 26 degrees. But the current 4Runner rides on a shorter 109.8-inch wheelbase compared to the new 4Runner’s 112.2-inch wheelbase, which should pay significant dividends in terms of ride quality. A new available electronic stabilizer is designed to help maximize wheel movement.
Unveiling the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Unveiling the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Unveiling the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
4Runner looks evolutionary
A quick look at the 4Runner shows what this SUV is. While it retains the iconic look with punched out flares, a tall greenhouse and blunt front and rear ends, the front end adopts the look of the Tacoma. The headlights and grille shape are similar, and the incredibly large chin spoiler on the non-off-road models can be removed with nine screws, but affects fuel economy by 1 to 2 mpg. The rear windows extend over the roofline in a nod to the first-generation 4Runner, and the tailgate window electronically lowers into the tailgate to transport longer items.
Both the Trailhunter and TRD Pro models feature fixed LED fog lamps integrated into the front fascias, as well as an LED light bar mounted in the center of the grille. The latter produces 10,000 lumens (which is about twice the output of the larger model’s light strips). tundra and sequoia).
Inside, the dashboard is nearly identical to the Tacoma pickup truck, with an 8.0- or 14.0-inch touchscreen front and center. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard. A 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster will be standard, while higher trims will upgrade to a 12.3-inch display. The lower trim models are made of solid hard plastic, while the upper trim models cover the hard plastic with soft-touch parts and leather. On hybrid models, loading the rear becomes more difficult thanks to the higher lift height due to the battery pack. The rear seatback manually reclines for long road trips, and Platinum models have heated rear seats. A head-up display will be available. The Trailhunter models feature a 2,400-watt inverter for power on off-road adventures.
Unveiling the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
4Runner comes standard with safety
Every 2025 4Runner will come standard with advanced safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitors will be available.
