The new 4Runner did not surprise me in any way. It is exactly the modern off-road-capable vehicle you expect it to be, and essentially the SUV version of the latest Tacoma pickup. That means it is the most comfortable, capable, and adventure-ready 4Runner ever. But, it also means it’s got lots of little flaws and a few glaring ones.
Toyota invited me to San Diego to drive the 2025 4Runner. I got to experience nearly every trim of the new SUV on and off-road. The groomed off-road courses on a private ranch near the Mexico border ranged from easy hills to fast, loose trails to some basic technical rocks. I pushed these vehicles to near their limits in a short period of time, back-to-back, to extract as much information as I could for you. Here’s what I discovered.
In short: The sixth-gen 2025 Toyota 4Runner sticks to its rugged roots while adding modern features like a hybrid powertrain, massive infotainment screen, and new adventure-ready Trailhunter trim. It’s more affordable, capable, and fun to drive than its Land Cruiser sibling, although it’s not without quirks like tight rear passenger room and some poor driver ergonomics. Both new customers and stalwart 4Runner fans will likely be happy with this all-new vehicle, but that is only if they can get past the big price tag.
- Engines: 2.4L Turbo i-FORCE (278 hp, 317 lb.-ft. torque); 2.4L Turbo Hybrid i-FORCE MAX (326 hp, 465 lb.-ft. torque)
- Transmission: 8-speed automatic
- Drive: 4×2 or 4×4 (part-time or full-time depending on trim)
- MPG (city/highway/combined): Best i-FORCE MAX 4WD 23/24/23, worst i-FORCE 4WD 19/25/21
- Dimensions: 194.9" L x 77.9"-79.9" W x 72.6"-75.5" H, Wheelbase: 112.2"
- Cargo capacity: (behind 2nd row): i-FORCE 48.4 cu.-ft., i-FORCE w/3rd row 44.8 cu.-ft., i-FORCE Max 42.6 cu.-ft.
- Load capacity: Ranges from SR5 2WD at 1,550 lbs. to Trailhunter at 1,005 lbs.
- Cup/Bottle Holders: 12
- Charging: 5 USB-C ports and 1 wireless charging pad (all but SR5)
- Ground clearance: 8.1"-10.1"
- Turning radius: 19.7'
- Fuel tank: 19 gal.
- Towing: Up to 6,000 lbs.
- Roof load capacity: 770 lbs. static, 165 lbs. dynamic
- Trims: 9 (SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, Trailhunter, TRD Pro, Platinum)
- MSRP: $40,770-66,900 (+ $1,450 DPH fee)
Pros
- Very off-road-capable
- Hybrid powertrain delivers impressive low rpm torque
- Tight turning radius, even in low range
- Impressive adventure-focused optional upgrades, like an integrated air compressor and multitool dash insert
- A great value when compared to the very similar Land Cruiser 250
Cons
- Big price tag
- Base engine is under powered
- Hybrid engine always sounds like it's working hard and batteries reduce cargo space and elevate load floor
- Tight rear legroom and headroom
- Hood flex is distracting, especially on TRD Pro with glossy fake scoop
- Lacks dual-zone climate control on some trims
- Hard plastic steering wheel inserts are uncomfortable
- Third row only available in non-hybrid Limited and SR5 versions
- Hard headrests
2025 Toyota 4Runner Review
A Tale of Two Powertrains
A Driver’s Perspective
Adventure-Ready From the Factory
Limiting Numbers
Grumpy Exterior
Modern & Practical Interior
Tech
Wheels & Tires
2025 4Runner Availability & Pricing
- SR5 $40,770
- TRD Off-Road gas $49,190
- TRD Sport gas $49,250
- TRD Off-Road Premium gas $54,970/hybrid $57,770
- Limited $60,200
- Platinum $62,860
- TRD Pro and Trailhunter $66,900