2025 Toyota 4Runner First Drive Evaluate

The brand new 4Runner didn’t shock me in any method. It’s precisely the fashionable off-road-capable automobile you anticipate it to be, and primarily the SUV model of the most recent Tacoma pickup. Which means it’s the most comfy, succesful, and adventure-ready 4Runner ever. However, it additionally means it’s bought a number of little flaws and some evident ones.

Toyota invited me to San Diego to drive the 2025 4Runner. I bought to expertise practically each trim of the brand new SUV on and off-road. The groomed off-road programs on a non-public ranch close to the Mexico border ranged from simple hills to quick, free trails to some primary technical rocks. I pushed these autos to close their limits in a brief time frame, back-to-back, to extract as a lot data as I may for you. Right here’s what I found.

In brief: The sixth-gen 2025 Toyota 4Runner sticks to its rugged roots whereas including trendy options like a hybrid powertrain, large infotainment display, and new adventure-ready Trailhunter trim. It’s extra reasonably priced, succesful, and enjoyable to drive than its Land Cruiser sibling, though it’s not with out quirks like tight rear passenger room and a few poor driver ergonomics. Each new prospects and stalwart 4Runner followers will seemingly be pleased with this all-new automobile, however that’s provided that they’ll get previous the large price ticket.

2025 Toyota 4Runner Evaluate

With 9 trims to select from, together with the all-new Trailhunter and TRD Professional off-road-focused variations, the sixth-generation 2025 Toyota 4Runner ought to appeal to a variety of consumers. It’s a totally trendy model of the adventure-ready SUV we’ve come to anticipate — and love — from the nameplate. It’s supplied in 2WD and 4WD configurations, with the on-road-focused Restricted and Platinum trims getting a full-time 4WD system.

Constructed on the TNGA-F platform — which additionally underpins the LC 250, GX 550, Sequoia, LX 550, Tacoma, and Tundra — the brand new 4Runner has a stiffer chassis, is extra succesful, and is best geared up for a rugged life-style than ever earlier than. Whether or not crawling over rocks or taking the children to soccer observe, the 4Runner will do the job with type.

With the superior security and driver help aids included within the Toyota Security Sense 3.0 suite — customary on all 2025 4Runners — the SUV is confidence-inspiring for drivers and passengers alike. And, all new 4Runners include ToyotaCare. The plan covers all factory-scheduled upkeep for two years or 25,000 miles. Oh, it additionally comes with 2 years of limitless mileage Roadside Help.

A Story of Two Powertrains

Toyota gives the 2025 4Runner with two engines, each backed by an eight-speed automated transmission. They’re primarily the identical engines, with one integrating a mild-hybrid system.

The usual i-FORCE 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder delivers 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Whereas it does really feel a bit underpowered, it’s loads to maintain up with trendy visitors and deal with primary off-road terrain whereas hauling household, mates, and kit. With this base engine, third-row seating is accessible, and it has a a lot decrease load flooring and extra cargo capability than the Hybrid — practically 6 cubic toes extra.

The upgraded hybrid powertrain possibility is the i-FORCE MAX, which integrates an electrical motor between the engine and transmission and has a battery pack on the ground of the rear cargo space. With 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, this hybrid setup makes the brand new 4Runner very succesful on the path and on the freeway. Its torque comes on at very low rpm, which is nice for crawling over rocks and towing.

That stated, each engines really feel like they’re working arduous every time any throttle is utilized. The sounds these powertrains make are usually not pleasing, both — not less than to my very crucial ear.

When you would possibly hear “hybrid” and assume “nice gasoline financial system,” you’d be fallacious. The perfect the 2025 4Runner can muster is a 23 mpg common, in i-FORCE MAX 4WD trims. The worst gasoline financial system any 4Runner has to supply is 21 mpg within the i-FORCE 4WD trims. Whereas these are very cheap numbers for a correct body-on-frame SUV, they aren’t all that spectacular.

A plug-in hybrid can be spectacular — assume Wrangler 4Xe — which might give some all-electric vary. However, Toyota solely gives the all-gas and the mild-hybrid powertrains within the new 4Runner, for now not less than.

A Driver’s Perspective

Throttle tip-in is comparatively aggressive, in comparison with most trendy vehicles, and for certain, extra aggressive than the Land Cruiser 250. This helps make the 4Runner really feel quicker than it’s.

The brakes and steering are precisely as you anticipate on this automobile, and each are the identical throughout all trim ranges. They’re correctly weighted and straightforward to modulate.

Electrical Energy Steering (EPS) is now customary, which is a bit obscure — however what do you anticipate out of any trendy automobile with superior security techniques and adaptive cruise management? And, to my delight, the automobile permits for two-foot driving in its most aggressive drive modes, which is nice for efficiency driving on- and off-road.

And, even in low-range 4WD, the brand new 4Runner has a good turning radius, with impressively little binding at full lock. What’s unhappy although, is the arduous plastic inserts within the steering wheel which might be precisely the place you relaxation your palms on the wheel. That is uncomfortable and a giant oversight by Toyota.

The preproduction items that I used to be driving appeared very nicely put collectively, with no actual creeks or rattles. In fact we’ve come to anticipate this with Toyota autos popping out of Japanese factories. The 4Runner remains to be made in Japan, which is a little bit of an odd selection when you think about most are offered in North America, and the Tacoma is made in Mexico.

Journey-Prepared From the Manufacturing facility

What units the 4Runner other than the Land Cruiser is how off-road-capable it may be optioned straight from the manufacturing facility.

Take the brand new Trailhunter trim, for instance. With 33-inch AT tires, Outdated Man Emu shocks, a high-mount air consumption, metal rock rails, and an ARB roof rack, it’s able to deal with actual off-road terrain straight from the dealership.

The TRD Professional stays the efficiency king within the 4Runner lineup. It has three-way adjustable FOX QS3 distant reservoir shocks. Whether or not you’re blasting throughout desert washboards or inching over boulders, this setup ensures a clean, managed trip.

A Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM) that enhances articulation is customary on Trailhunter and TRD Professional. This characteristic could be very worthwhile to get, because it significantly improves off-road consolation and functionality on the contact of a button.

Lastly, considerate touches just like the dash-mounted JBL Flex moveable speaker and side-of-dash accent gap — with numerous optionally available inserts, like a light-weight, multitool, or first-aid package — present that Toyota is aware of its viewers. Journey is asking, and this SUV is able to reply that decision.

Limiting Numbers

Floor clearance ranges from 8.1 to 10.1 inches, which isn’t all that spectacular. The TRD Professional and Trailhunter each have cheap method (33 levels), departure (24 levels), and breakover (24 levels) angles. Different 4Runner trims endure a bit, particularly within the method angle division, at 18-19 levels.

And, the brand new 4Runner gives a 770-pound static roof load capability, which is ideal for a rooftop tent (RTT). Nevertheless, the roof’s dynamic capability is barely 165 kilos, which isn’t sufficient to hold many bigger RTTs.

Whereas load capability isn’t spectacular, it’s aggressive with the opposite midsized body-on-frame SUVs in the marketplace. The mannequin with the least capability is the one most loaded with equipment already, the Trailhunter, at simply 1,005 kilos. The bottom 2WD SR5 gives 1,550 kilos, probably the most of any 2025 4Runner mannequin.

With as much as 6,000 kilos of towing capability, you’ll additionally must maintain a detailed eye in your tongue weight. It will be simple to exceed the GVWR with two adults, gasoline, and a midsized trailer, even with out carrying any gear.

Grumpy Exterior

The newest 4Runner continues with the fashionable automotive theme of grumpy/imply faces on autos. To be sincere, the outside styling of the 2025 4Runner is a bit cartoonish, a cartoon character that appears very grumpy.

With that stated, I do discover the design to be largely pleasing from most angles. It’s a distinctly trendy look that pays loads of homage to the styling cues which have been current on all six generations of the SUV.

One in every of my least favourite elements of the brand new 4Runner — and Tacoma — are the tremendous flexy hoods. Simply the wind on the freeway will make the hood ripple, which is super-distracting when driving. The shiny — and pretend — hood scoop on the TRD Professional flexes a ton and is tremendous reflective, so it’s my least favourite hood within the lineup.

On most trims, there are high quality restoration factors for off-road rescue eventualities. Customary throughout all trims are LED head and fog lights, an influence rear liftgate window, and Sensible Key.

Trendy & Sensible Inside

Whereas therapeutic massage remains to be not an possibility in a 4Runner, heated and cooled seats can be found. The seats supply good cushioning, adjustment, and lumbar help. However they’ve super-hard headrests, and the underside cushion may very well be longer to help the legs of taller passengers — like me. All of the entrance seats are mainly the identical, moreover the fabric handbook seats on the SR5, which have a pleasant materials however aren’t a really supportive design for lengthy drives.

And, no, you cannot get the Isometric seats on supply within the Tacoma TRD Professional. Toyota says it is because the 4Runner is a “we automobile,” whereas the Tacoma is a “me automobile.” What they imply by that’s that they see the 4Runner as a folks mover and don’t need to fully destroy the rear passenger legroom, which is already not superb.

Total, I like the steering wheel design, nevertheless it has one main flaw I discussed earlier: the arduous plastic insert the place your palms relaxation.

One other unlucky arduous plastic oversight is the sharp nook of the middle console proper the place the motive force’s proper knee rests. A bit of padding would go a great distance right here. Nevertheless, I didn’t discover it to be a giant situation with my 32-inch inseam, as my knee hovers an inch or so from the console space’s sharp nook, as there’s loads of leg room for the entrance seat passengers within the new 4Runner.

No trendy U.S. market SUV can be full with out a great deal of cup/bottle holders (12) and charging choices. All however the SR5 trim will get 5 USB-C ports and a wi-fi charging pad. All i-FORCE MAX hybrid fashions additionally get a 110V inverter.

Tech

As with each trendy automobile, the inside is dominated by a central multimedia touchscreen. On this case, it’s an 8-inch or 14-inch display with a responsive and intuitive interface. And, higher nonetheless, there are some key piano-style toggle switches underneath the display and buttons and knobs on the middle console that permit for simple operation with gloves on.

All new 4Runners additionally include wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto customary. Sadly, although, some trims solely have single-zone local weather management, which looks as if a little bit of a miss in 2025 and at these value factors.

In fact, off-road is the place the 4Runner shines. And, Toyota’s newest off-road driver help tech makes this SUV look good with nearly anybody behind the wheel. The Multi-Terrain Choose system handles mud, sand, and rocks with ease, whereas Crawl Management acts as your co-pilot in difficult situations.

Wheels & Tires

One factor I discovered very attention-grabbing is that just about each trim degree of the 4Runner has a distinct tire, with a variety of manufacturers used. Right here’s the rundown of those I used to be capable of expertise: SR5 will get Bridgestone Dueller H/L423, Restricted will get Dunlop Grandtrek, TRD Offroad will get Falken Wildpeak, TRD Offroad hybrid will get Michelin LTX Path, and TRD Professional and Trailhunter get Toyo Open Nation A/T.

Most 2025 4Runner come on 18-inch wheels, however the base SR5 comes on 17s. The extra street-focused trims — Restricted, Platinum, and TRD Sport — come on 20-inch wheels.

2025 4Runner Availability & Pricing

The bottom engine 2025 4Runners are hitting vendor heaps now, with the hybrid powertrain fashions rolling onto U.S. vendor heaps across the finish of March.

Whereas pricing begins at simply over $40K, it additionally simply will get into the excessive 60s for a well-equipped mannequin. Right here’s a fast rundown of beginning costs, excluding the obligatory $1,450 DPH charge.

• SR5 $40,770
• TRD Off-Street fuel $49,190
• TRD Sport fuel $49,250
• TRD Off-Street Premium fuel $54,970/hybrid $57,770
• Restricted $60,200
• Platinum $62,860
• TRD Professional and Trailhunter $66,900

Apparently, the Tacoma Trailhunter prices $4,165 much less and TRD Professional $3,665 lower than the comparable 4Runner. That’s some huge cash to decide on the SUV over the truck.

Relating to its SUV rivals, in the identical household, a base fabric handbook seat 1958 version Land Cruiser begins at $56,700. A top-spec Land Cruiser begins at $61,470, however none are supplied with high-end suspension and the like discovered on the TRD Professional and Trailhunter 4Runner fashions.

4Runner Trim Degree Observations

As a result of I drove a variety of the 9 trims on supply, I believed I’d share a few of my particular notes from driving every. Do notice that these are first-drive observations with very restricted seat time, however they arrive from my expertise driving and reviewing a whole lot of autos.

SR5

The 8-inch display appears very tiny and low-cost on this in any other case trendy SUV. The handbook fabric seats supply adjustable inflation-style lumbar help and warmth, however aren’t all that supportive total.

On-road dealing with is spectacular, however I chalk that as much as its lighter curb weight and extra pavement-focused tires. The essential engine has loads of torque down low, however feels a bit gutless as soon as transferring.

TRD Off-Street

The TRD Off-Street Premium with i-FORCE Max is probably going the most effective total worth within the lineup, particularly for those who plan to do aftermarket modifications versus sticking with the OEM upgrades on supply with the TRD Professional and Trailhunter. The dearth of a sway bar disconnect possibility on this trim does restrict articulation fairly a bit, nevertheless.

Restricted

I spent about an hour within the Restricted trim cruising on the freeway and carving up some again roads. Whereas the inside is good, and the wheels are a bit bling, I discovered that it seemingly had the worst trip high quality of the bunch.

TRD Professional

I drove a 2025 4Runner TRD Professional extraordinarily shortly on an off-road take a look at observe and on a good, twisty backcountry highway. Its sportiness impressed in each terrains, nevertheless it did have numerous physique roll.

The Sport driving mode improves the shift factors, however is in any other case much like the opposite drive modes when it comes to driving really feel. It does make the engine noises sound louder, because it “enhances” them by means of the audio system as nicely.

I additionally in contrast it instantly in opposition to the Tacoma TRD Professional on the high-speed off-road course. The 4Runner was far more composed than the Tacoma, however the Iso Dynamic seats within the Tacoma had been fairly good.

I don’t just like the pretend, shiny hood scoop that restricts imaginative and prescient and is super-distracting because it flexes. I additionally don’t just like the pretend carbon trim throughout the sprint, however in any other case want the inside on this over all the opposite trims.

The JBL Flex speaker within the sprint is cool, however a little bit of a gimmick. It isn’t linked to the automobile’s audio system, and is only a moveable Bluetooth speaker. So, for those who’re not gonna use a transportable Bluetooth speaker — I’ll be sincere, I by no means actually do — then it makes little to no sense to have it there.

If I had the selection and the cash, I’d purchase the TRD Professional. It’s loaded with all of the stuff you need and, most significantly, has the super-impressive adjustable FOX shocks that make it extraordinarily enjoyable to hustle on the highway and off.

Trailhunter

If you’d like enjoyable — however may get annoying — consumption noises, which come from the snorkel on the passenger facet, then the Trailhunter is for you. If you happen to give it greater than 10% throttle,you’ll hear it gulping for air.

The Outdated Man Emu suspension is comparatively composed off-road, however there’s noticeable physique roll and nostril dive when pushing the automobile on-road. OME suspension is thought to be hassle-free and lasts a very long time, which suggests little in the way in which of upkeep wanted.

Personally, I’m not loving the granite plastic and grey inside of the Trailhunter. For certain, it’s a private type desire factor. Nevertheless, I actually do like that it comes with out the TRD Professionals pretend hood scoop and does include purposeful rock rails (which aren’t within the photographs).

2025 Toyota 4Runner Evaluate Wrap-Up

Competing in opposition to the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Toyota Land Cruiser in North America, the most recent 4Runner gives a compelling package deal. Whereas not cheap, it’s priced competitively. It additionally gives spectacular off-road chops whereas being a usually extra comfy and refined around-town and highway journey automobile than its direct rivals.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner doesn’t fake to be one thing it’s not. It’s an unapologetically rugged SUV that’s constructed for journey, and it delivers on that promise in spades. Positive, it has its faults, from uncomfortable arduous plastic steering wheel trim to the flexy hood and a little bit of wind noise about 60 mph.

However, it’s not all that arduous to look previous these faults due to the sheer functionality and total trendy package deal that it gives. If you’d like an on a regular basis driver that may additionally take you on some epic adventures, the 2025 4Runner is a superb selection.