After 5,311 days since the fifth-generation 4Runner launched in 2009, Toyota has finally delivered what off-road enthusiasts have been begging for: a completely redesigned 4Runner that respects its legendary heritage while embracing modern technology and efficiency.
The 2025 4Runner isn’t just a refresh – this is a ground-up redesign that shares its platform with the Tacoma pickup and comes standard with a turbocharged four-cylinder making 278 horsepower. Trust me, after spending years watching crossovers dominate the market, seeing Toyota double down on serious off-road capability feels like a breath of fresh mountain air.
What Makes This 4Runner Different
The first thing you’ll notice is the aggressive new stance. It’s bigger, bolder, and more modern while maintaining that unmistakable 4Runner DNA. Ground clearance improves to 10.1 inches, and the revised styling delivers better aerodynamics without compromising the rugged aesthetic that made this SUV famous.
The redesign brings meaningful improvements: modern proportions that look contemporary, enhanced approach angles for serious trail work, and bright LED headlights that actually illuminate dark trails properly. It’s everything the old 4Runner was, just executed better in every measurable way.
Power Revolution: Turbo Four Meets Hybrid
Here’s where Toyota surprised everyone. The standard engine is a 278-horsepower turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic. Before you panic about losing the V6, hear me out – this turbo setup delivers better low-end torque and significantly improved fuel economy.
For serious power seekers, the available i-FORCE MAX hybrid system cranks out 326 horsepower. The hybrid models start north of $52,000, but the additional power and instant electric torque make technical off-road situations much more manageable.
| Engine Type | Power | Torque | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| i-FORCE 2.4L Turbo | 278 hp | 317 lb-ft | ~$42,220 |
| i-FORCE MAX Hybrid | 326 hp | TBD | $52,000+ |
Nine Trim Levels: Something for Everyone
Toyota went all-in with variety, offering nine different grades: SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off Road, TRD Off Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter.
The base SR5 starts at $42,220 – a modest increase considering you’re getting substantially more capability and technology. The sweet spot for most buyers will be the TRD Off Road trims, which include advanced traction management and proper skid plate protection.
At the top, both the TRD Pro and new Trailhunter command $68,350. The TRD Pro remains the rock-crawling king, while the Trailhunter represents Toyota’s first factory-built overlanding machine, complete with enhanced electrical systems and cargo management for extended backcountry adventures.
Technology Finally Catches Up
The biggest improvement might be the technology overhaul. The new 4Runner offers a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen on higher trims (8-inch on base models) with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard equipment.
Gone are the days of squinting at tiny screens and dealing with laggy interfaces. The new system is responsive, intuitive, and finally worthy of the 4Runner name. Multiple USB charging ports, over-the-air updates, and advanced voice recognition bring the 4Runner firmly into 2025.
Off-Road DNA Remains Intact
This is why most people buy 4Runners, and Toyota hasn’t forgotten. The 2025 model offers 2WD, part-time 4WD, or full-time 4WD configurations, ensuring there’s a setup for every type of adventure.
Advanced traction management systems work transparently most of the time but can be manually overridden when the situation demands driver input. The improved ground clearance and better approach angles mean you can tackle trails that would stop lesser SUVs cold.
Interior Revolution
The cabin transformation is dramatic. New seat designs provide better support for both highway cruising and off-road adventures, while noise insulation makes long drives much more pleasant. Storage solutions throughout the cabin address practical needs that the previous generation often ignored.
Even base trims feel more premium than the old top-spec models, while higher trims rival luxury SUVs in materials and build quality.
The Trailhunter Story
The Trailhunter represents something entirely new – Toyota’s vision of a factory-built overlanding machine. It’s mechanically similar to the TRD Pro but optimized for extended backcountry expeditions rather than pure rock-crawling.
Trailhunter-specific features include enhanced suspension tuning for load-carrying, factory roof rack systems, additional underbody protection, and interior modifications for camping. It’s built for the overlander who wants to disappear into the wilderness for weeks at a time.
Competition Reality Check
The 4Runner faces serious competition from the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco, but it offers advantages both rivals struggle to match: proven long-term reliability, better on-road refinement, and historically superior resale values.
While the Wrangler emphasizes extreme modularity and the Bronco brings impressive technology, the 4Runner focuses on getting you there and back reliably, day after day, year after year.
Who Should Buy One?
The 2025 4Runner is perfect for serious off-road enthusiasts, overlanding adventurers, Toyota loyalists who value reliability, and anyone who needs genuine towing capability. It’s not ideal if you prioritize pure fuel economy, luxury features, or need three rows of seating.
The Bottom Line
After waiting over 14 years, Toyota has delivered a 4Runner that addresses virtually every criticism of the previous generation while maintaining its legendary character. The powertrain updates bring efficiency and performance that seemed impossible before, the technology finally matches modern expectations, and the expanded lineup ensures there’s a 4Runner for almost every adventure seeker.
The 2025 4Runner proves you can evolve an icon without losing its soul. Whether you choose the value-focused SR5 or go all-in with the Trailhunter, you’re getting a vehicle that can handle whatever adventure you throw at it while delivering Toyota’s legendary reliability. For anyone who’s been waiting for a modern 4Runner that doesn’t sacrifice capability for efficiency, the wait is finally over.
