For four decades, the Toyota 4Runner has carved its own path, becoming synonymous with rugged dependability and off-road prowess. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner marks the dawn of its sixth generation, staying true to its adventurous spirit while embracing modern innovation and premium features. This all-new model elevates the 4Runner legacy, offering enhanced capability, cutting-edge technology, and refined comfort, solidifying its position as an icon ready to conquer any terrain. Set to arrive in the U.S. at the end of 2024, the 2025 4Runner is poised to redefine the off-road SUV segment.
Dave Christ, Toyota group vice president and general manager, aptly describes the new 4Runner: “This all-new 4Runner has incredible versatility and capability that nicely rounds out our truck family story. We’ve sold over 3 million in the 40 years it has been on sale, and this sixth-generation model offers a cool new look and incredible features, yet retains the rugged style and capability our customers love about this icon of adventure.”
Built on a Solid Foundation: The TNGA-F Platform
The 2025 4Runner is completely redesigned from the ground up, now underpinned by Toyota’s robust TNGA-F global truck platform. This formidable architecture, shared with the Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia, provides a significant leap in strength and refinement. The high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame is the backbone of its durability, while the multi-link coil rear suspension and double wishbone front suspension ensure a balanced ride both on and off the paved road.
The TNGA-F platform delivers more than just ruggedness; it significantly enhances ride comfort and on-road handling. Passengers, even those in the available third-row seats, will appreciate the improved ride quality. Furthermore, the strengthened frame, coupled with the potent i-FORCE MAX powertrain, empowers the 2025 4Runner with a towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, making it ready for both weekend adventures and demanding tasks.
Evolving a Legacy: Design Inspired by Heritage and Future
The design of the 2025 4Runner is a thoughtful blend of its iconic heritage and forward-thinking aesthetics. Kevin Hunter, President of Calty, explains the design philosophy: “Designing the legendary 4Runner began with identifying its unique and memorable aspects linked to fun, outdoor recreation. Inspired by Baja desert racing, the high lift, lean body, big tire, rugged athleticism defines the core of 4Runner’s go anywhere purpose”.
Calty’s Michigan-based design team spearheaded the 4Runner’s new look, drawing inspiration from past generations while looking towards the future. Designed alongside the Tacoma, the 4Runner shares a familial resemblance, particularly in its rugged and purposeful stance, reminiscent of desert racing vehicles. Paying homage to the first and second-generation 4Runners, designers reintroduced the distinctive “wrap over” quarter glass, a nostalgic nod to its lineage. Crucially, the signature roll-down rear window remains a defining feature, deeply ingrained in the 4Runner’s DNA.
Inside, the design team prioritized ease of use and functionality, creating an interface that balances modern sophistication with authentic capability. Second-row tumble seats further enhance the 4Runner’s versatility, maximizing cargo space and adaptability for various needs.
i-FORCE Power MAXed: Engine Options for Every Adventure
The 2025 4Runner offers two advanced and efficient turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder powertrains. The standard i-FORCE engine delivers a robust 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine comes standard on SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited grades, providing ample power for daily driving and off-road excursions.
For those seeking even greater power and efficiency, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain is available on TRD Off-Road and Limited models, and standard on TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum grades. This hybrid system combines the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into the eight-speed transmission, drawing power from a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack. The result is a combined system output of up to 326 horsepower and a remarkable 465 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful engine ever offered in a 4Runner.
Trail Ready: Unleashing Unmatched Off-Road Capability
The 4Runner nameplate is synonymous with exceptional off-road capability, and the 2025 model takes this legacy to new heights. A newly available Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism significantly increases suspension articulation at the touch of a button. This innovative feature allows for greater wheel travel, keeping tires in contact with uneven terrain for enhanced traction. The 2025 4Runner boasts impressive approach and departure angles of up to 32 degrees and 24 degrees, respectively, further solidifying its off-road credentials. The available Multi-Terrain Monitor system provides drivers with a clear view of potential obstacles on the center display, enhancing safety and confidence on challenging trails.
The 2025 4Runner offers a range of drivetrain configurations, including 2WD, part-time 4WD, or full-time 4WD. 2WD models come equipped with an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD), while 4WD models feature an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), and Auto LSD. An electronic locking rear differential is standard on TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter grades for maximum traction in demanding situations. The Limited grade offers an available full-time four-wheel-drive system with a center locking differential on i-FORCE MAX models, which is standard on the Platinum grade.
The Multi-Terrain Select system now operates in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low, offering customizable settings for various terrains like Mud, Dirt, and Sand. The new, quieter CRAWL Control function acts as an off-road cruise control at low speeds, allowing the driver to concentrate on steering through difficult terrain. For extreme low-traction scenarios, the available electronically activated locking rear differential can distribute power 50/50 to the rear wheels. Downhill Assist Control further aids in off-road driving by managing vehicle speed during steep descents.
A Grade for Everyone: Diverse Trim Levels to Suit Every Need
The 2025 4Runner expands its trim level lineup to provide customers with an unprecedented range of choices. Nine distinct grades are available: SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter.
The all-new Trailhunter grade is specifically designed for overlanding enthusiasts, offering a factory-developed, turn-key overland rig. Toyota collaborated with leading off-road component manufacturers to ensure seamless integration and top-tier performance. Trailhunter models feature ARB’s Old Man Emu (OME) 2.5-inch forged shocks with rear external piggyback remote reservoirs, and a unique co-designed ARB Roof Rack. The OME shocks and 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires provide a lift of two inches in the front and one and a half inches in the rear, enhancing ground clearance and off-road capability. A standard low-profile high-mount air intake ensures cleaner air intake for the i-FORCE MAX powertrain. Trailhunter models are further equipped with rock rails, high-strength steel skid plates, a heritage grill with bronze “TOYOTA” lettering and an integrated 20-inch LED light bar, and color selectable RIGID LED fog lamps. A powerful 2400W AC inverter provides power outlets in the cabin and rear cargo area. For customization, Trailhunter models include three easily accessible auxiliary switches pre-wired throughout the vehicle.
The 2025 4Runner also introduces the first-ever Platinum grade, offering a premium and luxurious experience without sacrificing capability. Positioned above the Limited grade, the Platinum trim features unique black exterior styling elements, heated second-row seats, a standard tow tech package, Head-Up Display, and automatic rain-sensing wipers, catering to those seeking elevated comfort and convenience.
Latest Tech: Infotainment and Connectivity for the Modern Driver
The 2025 4Runner is equipped with Toyota’s latest technology, featuring new and larger screens. An 8-inch or optional 14-inch multimedia touchscreen displays the advanced Toyota Audio Multimedia system, developed by Toyota’s Connected Technologies team in Texas. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, and seamlessly integrates with the available Qi wireless charging pad. A USB-C data and charging port is conveniently located on the multimedia touchscreen, with additional USB-C charging ports in the front and available for rear passengers. A 7-inch gauge cluster is standard on lower grades, while a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard on higher trims.
Smart Key System with push-button start is standard across all grades. With an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, an available Digital Key on select grades allows smartphone access for vehicle entry and starting (4G network dependent). The Digital Key can be remotely shared, providing greater control over vehicle access.
Rugged Choice: Completing Toyota’s Truck Lineup
The dynamic and youthful 2025 4Runner perfectly complements Toyota’s robust lineup of body-on-frame vehicles. From the full-size Tundra to the legendary Land Cruiser, customers now have five distinct and capable trucks to choose from. These vehicles offer diverse options for customers seeking vehicles that can keep pace with their active lifestyles, designed to handle challenging conditions and empower exploration.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Standard: Advanced Safety and Driver Assistance
All 2025 4Runner models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), Toyota’s comprehensive suite of active safety and convenience systems. This suite includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Automatic High Beams
- Proactive Driving Assist
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA), a new addition to Toyota Safety Sense, uses the vehicle’s camera and radar to provide gentle braking and/or steering support for tasks such as maintaining distance from preceding vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists, and gentle braking into curves.
The TSS 3.0 system features enhanced capabilities, including improved detection for the Pre-Collision System, enhanced lane recognition for Lane Departure Alert, and improved vehicle detection and following distance settings for Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Lane Tracing Assist now includes an Emergency Driving Stop System, designed to bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver becomes unresponsive. Road Sign Assist is designed to detect and display speed limit, stop, and warning signs on the Multi-Information Display (MID).
In addition to TSS 3.0, Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) are available for enhanced awareness. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) is also standard.
Beyond Zero Vision: A Step Towards a Sustainable Future
As part of Toyota’s commitment to a carbon-neutral future, the 2025 4Runner joins Toyota’s expanding lineup of hybrid vehicles bearing the Beyond Zero badge. With a growing portfolio of electrified vehicles, including hybrid, plug-in hybrid, battery electric, and hydrogen fuel cell options, Toyota offers customers more choices than any other automaker to reduce their environmental footprint.
Limited Warranty and ToyotaCare
The 2025 4Runner is backed by Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty. Powertrain components are covered for 60 months/60,000 miles, and corrosion perforation is covered for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Hybrid-related components are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, and the hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles.
ToyotaCare, a no-cost maintenance plan, covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, and includes 2 years of Roadside Assistance with unlimited mileage.
Updated June 27, 2024.
