This week I am taking a first look at the much-awaited all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner, an iconic SUV that first found its way to the U.S. in 1984. The 2025 model is just the sixth generation, so as you can tell, they don’t change them very often. The last major change was first seen at the Texas State Fair when it debuted on September 24, 2009. So, we’ve waited almost sixteen years, and after driving it and spending time with it, it was worth the wait, although I will tell you, the 5th generation model is beloved by all those who own it. They are known for extremely long life and incredible durability.
The 4Runner continues to offer a truck chassis. It, in fact, shares a chassis with Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, and Tacoma. I often say on the Car Pro Show that the truck chassis is one of the reasons the 4Runner is so durable. This platform utilizes a high-strength boxed steel-ladder frame and features a multi-link coil rear and double wishbone front suspension. The adoption of the TNGA-F platform not only adds strength, but it also improves the vehicle’s ride comfort and on-road manners. Passengers will feel the benefits of this new platform even when riding in the available third-row, which my test vehicle does not have.
Powertrain
This new model 4Runner is available with two engine choices. The standard engine is i-Force 2.4-cylinder Turbo putting out 278-horses. The optional engine, and the one I think you should get is the i-Force MAX hybrid. This engine is available on TRD Off-Road and Limited, while standard on the TRD Pro, Trailhunter and Platinum models. This powertrain pairs the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into the eight-speed transmission, feeding off a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack that creates a total output of up to 326-horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, the most powerful powertrain ever offered on 4Runner.
I know some of you will lament the absence of the 4.0 six-cylinder in this SUV, but kids, it was super-antiquated. It only put out 270-horses and 278 pound-feet of torque and still had a 5-speed automatic from when Barrack Obama was just taking office. The fuel economy with the last engine was 16 city and 19 highway. Today, this i-Force MAX is doing 23 city and 24 highway. To recap, the new powertrain like my tester has offers you 56 more horses, 187 more pound-feet of torque, and gets substantially better fuel economy. What’s not to love? Oh, and it will tow 6,000 pounds, not too shabby.
Trims
If you want one of these, be prepared to make decisions. It comes in NINE different grades. They include (in order of price) SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off Road, TRD Off Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter.
My review vehicle graciously supplied by Toyota is the Trailhunter. This is the pinnacle of off-roading for a 4Runner, but it is a surprisingly pleasant daily driver and that is a pretty rare combination. Toyota took the best of aftermarket off-road equipment to build the Trailhunter like so many enthusiasts would have done anyway, only it is from the factory and covered by the factory warranty.
Trailhunter
For example, the Trailhunter will feature ARB’s Old Man Emu (OME) 2.5-inch forged shocks with rear external piggyback remote reservoirs, along with a uniquely co-designed ARB Roof Rack. The OME shocks along with the 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires boost up Trailhunter an additional two inches in the front and one and a half inches in the rear. A standard low-profile high-mount air intake sources cleaner air for the i-FORCE MAX powertrain. Trailhunter adds protection including rock rails and high strength steel skid plates for serious off-the-grid-adventure capabilities.
The Trailhunter is also equipped with a heritage grill with bronze “TOYOTA” lettering and an integrated 20-inch LED light bar that is complemented by color selectable RIGID LED fog lamps. A seriously powerful 2400W AC inverter provides juice to two locations in the cabin and the rear cargo area. Trailhunter is ready for customization with other Toyota accessory offerings using three easy to reach auxiliary switches that are pre-wired throughout the vehicle. You’ll see those to the left of the steering wheel.
Exterior
Besides the exterior touches from the Trailhunter package, I love the lines of this 4Runner, and it comes in some unique colors like Everest, which is what I am reviewing. Inside those 33-inch Toyota tires is a set of 18” aluminum wheels in bronze.
It sits up very nicely and offers a very generous 10” of ground clearance. Large fender flares in flat black go over all the wheels, and this rig has a large rear spoiler with the rear wiper nicely tucked under it. The Trailhunter just looks tough and ready to climb anything.
Interior
The changes didn’t stop under the hood or on the exterior. The interior is completely redone also. Bolstered and heavily-stitched SofTex seats are heated and ventilated, they are power on both sides, and they have power lumbar supports.
In front of the driver is a 12.3” configurable gauge cluster that operates from the leather, heated steering wheel. The cluster is full of information you can access and you can also change the safety settings. It is easy to operate and very intuitive. You can get real-time fuel economy ratings as well as fuel range.
However, it is the new-to-4Runner massive 14” infotainment screen that steals the show. It operates the 14-speaker JBL stereo, navigation system, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, SiriusXM, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
This system is lightning fast and super simple. This is one of the best touchscreens I’ve ever seen, and I was able to sync my iPhone in a matter of seconds. There is also a terrific 360-degree camera with a multitude of different views.
Under that are your air conditioning controls and switches for your heated and cooled seats. There is also a lone knob for radio volume, or you can adjust it on the steering wheel. Moving further down is a standup cell phone charger that you can actually see the screen when it is charging, and another space next to it for a second cell phone to rest.
The center console itself features the leather wrapped gear shifter, parking brake, Auto Hold button and a selector for 4-wheel low, 4-wheel high, and 2-wheel high. There are buttons to push for trailer towing mode, different camera views, a button to lock-in the rear differential, and a button to disconnect the front stabilizer bar in case you get into some serious off-road terrain. If you choose, this can be a very capable SUV in really challenging terrain.
There is a round dial for the Toyota Multi-Terrain Select system. The Multi-Terrain Select system functions in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low. This offers adjustable settings to help control wheel spin on a variety of terrain such as Mud, Dirt, and Sand. 4Runner also adopts the new, quieter CRAWL Control function that acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control that allows the driver to focus on steering. When traction is extremely limited, the available electronically activated locking rear differential can help split power 50/50 to the rear wheels. Downhill Assist Control is another off-road feature available and helps the driver navigate descents by limiting the speed of the vehicle. You also control drive modes here which include normal, eco, and sport. As far as off-roading, Jeep has nothing on this 4Runner.
Moving to the second row, the bench seat is comfortable with a massive amount of headroom. It did not have as much legroom as I assumed it would without a 3rd row seat. Rear occupants have their own air vents, a couple of USB-C ports, a home power outlet for charging, and a fold down armrest with cup holders.
As mentioned, you can get a third row seat that is option. I can only theorize that it would be very tight if it had one OR all-the cargo area would be eaten up. If you need a 3-row SUV, I’d recommend moving on to the Highlander.
Utility
Moving to the cargo area, the floor is raised about 5” to accommodate the big hybrid battery, which does eat up some cargo area, but it’s a small price to pay. There is storage underneath it for valuables, and while back there, you can enjoy another 110V home power outlet driven by a very powerful 2400W AC inverter.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter comes equipped with a built-in, high-output onboard air compressor—a standout feature tailored for off-road enthusiasts and overlanders. This system is designed to facilitate quick tire inflation after airing down for trail driving, as well as to power air tools or inflate gear like rafts and mountain bike tires. It is a really cool feature. With the hybrid, the Trailhunter offers a cargo capacity of 42.6 cubic feet behind the second-row seats. Folding the rear seats expands this space to 82.6 cubic feet.
The tailgate is power and hands-free, and you can open just the rear glass if you desire, a feature you’ll find you use often, and one that is pretty rare these days. The back window actually rolls down and up with the push of a button. Some of you will remember your Mom’s station wagon did this when you were a child.
Standard Equipment
The Trailhunter comes extremely well-equipped with just about everything except a moon roof. Options include: $275 for the Digital Key that requires a subscription $65 for trailer ball mount, $24 for a 2” trailer ball to go with that, $160 for the very cool LED Lantern that is built-in, $375 for additional cargo area lighting, $135 for a retractable cargo cover, $199 for floor mats, and $180 for front red tow hooks.
Safety
On the safety side, 4Runner comes standard with the new Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 which 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, and Proactive Driving Assist.
Proactive Driving Assist is now a part of Toyota Safety Sense. Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) uses the vehicle’s camera and radar, when system operating conditions are met, to provide gentle braking and/or steering to support driving tasks such as distance control between your vehicle and a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist. PDA can also provide gentle braking into curves. Proactive Driving Assist is not a substitute for the Pre-Collision System and operates in different circumstances.
Ride and Drive
Driving impressions are exceptional. The truck-based frame makes it feel solid, acceleration is fantastic which I’ve never said before with 4Runner, and it even has a very nice exhaust rumble, albeit piped in through the stereo. Visibility is quite good, and the cabin is very quiet, even with the meaty wheels. You do get some turbo noise from the snorkel with the window down, but honestly, I like that. The ride is terrific and has a luxury feel to it, and handling and steering are great for a heavy SUV. Solid is the word that best describes this SUV, from the way the doors close, to the way it handles.
Fuel Economy and What You'll Pay
Fuel economy for this hybrid 4Runner is 23 in town, 24 on the highway, and 23 overall. MSRP is $69,893 as you see it here, but if the off-road capability is not needed, you can get a really nice 4Runner for less.
Verdict
My only concern is with the price on this particular package. If you are not an enthusiastic off-roader, this one may not be for you. I would step down to the Platinum or step up to the new Lexus GX because it is not that much of a hike.
2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter
- What I liked most: All the exceptional changes for 2025, performance, ride & drive, and fuel economy from the i-Force MAX.
- What I would change: I think this one should have a head-up display like the Platinum trim does.
- MSRP: Base price: $66,900/Total $69,893
- Fuel Economy: 23 City/24 Highway/ 23 combined.
- Odometer reading when tested: 250 miles.
- Official Color: Everest
- Weight: 5,500 pounds/GVWR 6,505 pounds.
- Length-Width-Height: 194.9” long/79.9” wide/74” high.
- Fuel Tank Capacity: 19 gallons with the filler on the driver’s side.
- Towing Capacity: 6,000 pounds.
- Spare Tire: Full-sized spare.
- Final Assembly Point: Tahara, Achi, Japan.
- 2025 4Runner Trailhunter in a few words: An exceptional mix of off-road ability but yet an incredibly enjoyable daily driver.
- Warranty: 3-year/36,000 mile bumper-to-bumper, 5-year/60,000 mile powertrain warranty with roadside assistance, hybrid system is covered for 96 months/100,000 miles, hybrid battery is 120 months/150,000 miles and you get 2-years of free maintenance.
- Manufacturer’s website: Toyota
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