The 2025 Toyota 4Runner brings long-awaited updates, including a new turbocharged engine and hybrid option, promising improved efficiency. But does it actually deliver better gas mileage? Surprisingly, the answer is both yes and no—depending on which model you choose.
In this breakdown, we’ll cover:
✅ 2025 4Runner MPG ratings (city/highway/towing)
✅ How the new turbo engine compares to the old V6
✅ Real-world fuel economy expectations
✅ Why the hybrid isn’t as efficient as you’d hope
Let’s dive into the numbers and see where Toyota improved—and where it fell short.
1. 2025 Toyota 4Runner Fuel Economy: Official EPA Ratings
Gasoline Models (Turbo 4-Cylinder vs. V6)
| Engine | Configuration | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L Turbo I4 (2025) | 4WD | 18 | 22 | 20 |
| 4.0L V6 (2024) | 4WD | 16 | 19 | 17 |
Verdict: The new turbo engine gains 2 MPG city/highway—a modest but welcome improvement.
Hybrid Model (i-Force Max)
| Engine | Configuration | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L Turbo Hybrid (2025) | 4WD | 20 | 22 | 21 |
Surprise: The hybrid only gets 1 MPG better than the gas turbo—far less than rivals like the Ford Bronco Hybrid (est. 24 MPG combined).
2. Why Is the Hybrid’s MPG So Disappointing?
Toyota’s i-Force Max hybrid system prioritizes power (326 hp) over efficiency, explaining the small MPG bump. Key factors:
- Heavy battery pack reduces gains.
- Aerodynamics unchanged—still a boxy SUV.
- Built for towing (up to 6,000 lbs), hurting mileage.
Bottom Line: If you want a fuel-sipping hybrid, look elsewhere. If you want extra torque for off-roading, this works.
3. Real-World Fuel Economy Expectations
- Turbo Gas Model: ~18-20 MPG mixed driving (better than the old V6).
- Hybrid Model: ~20-22 MPG (only slightly better than gas).
- Off-Road/Heavy Towing: Drops to 14-16 MPG (like most body-on-frame SUVs).
4. How Does It Compare to Competitors?
| SUV | Engine | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 4Runner (Turbo) | 2.4L I4 | 18 | 22 | 20 |
| 2025 4Runner (Hybrid) | 2.4L Hybrid | 20 | 22 | 21 |
| 2024 Ford Bronco (2.3L) | 2.3L I4 | 20 | 22 | 21 |
| Jeep Wrangler (2.0L Turbo) | 2.0L I4 | 22 | 24 | 23 |
Takeaway: The 4Runner still lags behind unibody SUVs but beats older truck-based rivals.
5. Is the 2025 4Runner’s MPG Good Enough?
✅ Pros:
- Best-ever 4Runner MPG (thanks to turbo efficiency).
- Hybrid adds power without huge fuel penalties.
❌ Cons:
- Hybrid efficiency is underwhelming.
- Still thirstier than crossover alternatives.
Final Verdict:
The 2025 4Runner is slightly more efficient—but don’t expect a fuel-sipping SUV. If you want off-road toughness with better MPG than before, it’s a win. If you prioritize maximum efficiency, consider a RAV4 Hybrid instead.
