Yet another Toyota icon has been completely remade for the first time in what seems like forever.
On Tuesday, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner debuted with an available hybrid powertrain, modern technology and new Trailhunter and Platinum trims, all while maintaining the design and key features that make the 4Runner an icon.
When it goes on sale later this year, the 2025 4Runner lineup will expand to encompass a dizzying array of nine trims, 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.
Reveal of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
2025 4Runner downgrades to turbo-4s
Say goodbye to the tried-and-true 4.0-liter V-6. Every 2025 4Runner will be powered by a turbo-4 powertrain, but some will be hybrids.
Most models will be powered by a 2.4-liter turbo-4 with 278 horsepower and 317 horsepower of torque. But the TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum models will come standard with a hybrid version of this engine that combines an electric motor with the transmission for a combined output of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Buyers can opt for the hybrid powertrain on TRD Off-Road and Limited models. Every 4Runner will feature an 8-speed automatic transmission.
Reveal of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Reveal of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Reveal of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Reveal of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Toyota 4Runner bets on 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 has a modern structure. The TNGA-F platform that the 4Runner now rides on is shared with the Lexus GX, Toyota Land Cruiser It is Sequoia SUVs along with the Tacoma and Tundra trucks. New powertrains with improved performance will allow for towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds.
As before, rear-wheel drive will be standard, while part-time or full-time four-wheel drive will be available. Entering this century, the 4Runner’s four-wheel-drive system is activated electronically by a switch. Most 4Runners feature a limited-slip rear differential, but TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter models gain a rear locking differential. Surprisingly, only high-zoom Platinum models have full-time four-wheel drive with a locking center differential, which is optional on Limited models.
The 4Runner retains its independent front suspension and rear coil springs combined with a solid rear axle. TRD Pro models use 2.5-inch diameter Fox shocks with remote reservoirs to combat heat dissipation.
The new Trailhunter model rides 2.5-inch ARB Old Man Emu forged shocks with external remote reservoirs in the back. A full set of skid plates underneath the Trailhunter cover everything from the front bumper to behind the transfer case in case the bottom of the 4Runner comes into contact with the ground. Shocks combined with 33-inch Toyo Open Country All Terrain tires give the Trailhunter a 2.0-inch lift over standard 4Runners.
With up to 9.2 inches of ground clearance, 32-degree approach and 24-degree departure angle, the latest 4Runner is a mixed bag. The current 4Runner had up to 9.6 inches of ground clearance, a 33-degree approach and a 26-degree departure angle. But the current 4Runner has a shorter 109.8-inch wheelbase compared to the new 4Runner’s 112.2-inch wheelbase, which should pay big dividends in terms of ride quality. A new available electronic disconnect stabilizer bar should help maximize wheel articulation.
Reveal of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Reveal of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Reveal of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
4Runner feels evolutionary
One quick look at the 4Runner and it’s obvious what this SUV is all about. While it retains the iconic look with perforated flares, a tall greenhouse, and blunt front and rear ends, the front end takes on the Tacoma’s appearance. The headlights and grille shape are similar, and the hilariously large chin spoiler on non-off-road models can be removed with nine screws, but will affect fuel economy by 1 or 2 mpg. Rear windows wrap around the roofline in a nod to the first-generation 4Runner, and the tailgate glass electronically lowers into the tailgate to transport longer items.
Both Trailhunter and TRD Pro models feature rigid LED fog lights integrated into the front ends along with a center-mounted LED light bar in the grille, the latter of which emits 10,000 lumens (notably about twice the output of the light bars in the larger Tundra and Sequoia).
Inside, the dashboard is nearly identical to the Tacoma pickup, with an 8.0- or 14.0-inch touchscreen positioned front and center. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto will be standard. A 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster will be standard, while higher trims will upgrade to a 12.3-inch screen. Lower trim models feature acres of hard plastic, while higher trim models cover the hard plastic with soft-touch parts and leather. Hybrid models will make loading cargo into the rear a more difficult task, thanks to the greater lift height due to the battery. The rear seatback manually reclines for long trips, and Platinum models feature heated rear seats. A head-up display will be available. Trailhunter models feature a 2,400-watt inverter for power during off-road adventures.
Reveal of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
4Runner features safety as standard
Every 2025 4Runner will come standard with modern safety technology, including automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitors will be available.