What You Need to Know – GWC Mag

The new 4Runner is very much an SUV version of a Tacoma, which we expected, as they share the same chassis. The sixth-generation 2025 Toyota 4Runner will start to hit U.S. dealerships in the fall of this year, 2024.

There aren’t a ton of surprises with the 2025 4Runner. But, I am excited for some new luxury and off-road trims, a powerful hybrid powertrain option, a massive infotainment screen, and a few new off-road capabilities goodies.

“This all-new 4Runner has incredible versatility and capability that nicely rounds out our truck family story,” said Dave Christ, Toyota group vice president and general manager. “We’ve sold over 3 million in the 40 years it has been on sale, and this sixth-generation model offers a cool new look and incredible features, yet retains the rugged style and capability our customers love about this icon of adventure.”

Now, let’s dive into all that we know about the sixth-gen 2025 Toyota 4Runner so far.

2025 Toyota 4Runner Revealed

2025 Toyota 4Runner Specs

• Powertrains: i-FORCE 2.4L 4-cyl. (278 hp, 317 lb.-ft.) or i-FORCE MAX 2.4L 4-cyl. hybrid (326 hp, 465 lb.-ft.)
• Dimensions: 112.2″ wheelbase, 194.9″ L / 77.8″ W / 70.8″ H
• Ground clearance: Up to 9.2″
• Towing capacity: Up to 6,000 lbs.
• Tire/Wheel size: 33″ (265/70R18) tire on 18″ wheel for TRD Pro & Trailhunter, 31″ (265/55R20) tire on 20″ wheel for Limited
• Angles: Up to 32-degree approach & 24-degree departure
• Seating: 5 or 7 (w/available 3rd row)
• Models: SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off Road, TRD Off Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, Trailhunter
• Safety: Safety Sense 3.0
• Key: Smart Key System w/Push-Button Start, optional Digital Key (with subscription)
• Screens: 7″ gauge cluster or 12.3″ digital gauge cluster & an 8″ or 14″ Infotainment Touchscreen
• Available: Fall 2024 (U.S. market)
• Fuel economy: TBD
• Pricing: TBD

4Runner Build

As expected, the new 4Runner will be built on the TNGA-F global truck platform. This is the same chassis found under the latest Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia. It has a boxed-steel ladder-frame design featuring double wishbone front and a multi-link coil rear suspension. What that should equate to is durability, off-road capability, and reasonable on-road manners.

Just like the current fifth-gen, the new 4Runner will be built in Japan, this time at its Tahara plant. It will be built alongside the latest Land Cruiser/Prado. On the other hand, the 4Runner’s pickup truck sibling, the Tacoma, is built in Mexico.

4-Cylinder Powertrains

Gone are the days of 4Runners with growling V8 or V6 motors under their hoods. The sixth generation of the icon gets a 2.4L four-cylinder powertrain, with and without an electric motor assist. Don’t fret, though, as the hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain offers up the most power ever offered from the factory in a 4Runner.

The SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims come standard with the i-Force powertrain. That consists of a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder backed by an eight-speed automatic transmission. The base i-Force is good for 278 horsepower and 327 pound-feet of torque.

i-FORCE MAX is the upgraded 4Runner powertrain option. It’s available on TRD Off-Road and Limited, and standard on the TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum trims. It is the same gas 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder, but now backed by a 48-horsepower electric motor integrated into the eight-speed automatic transmission.

The electric motor is fed by a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack. The i-FORCE MAX powertrain in the 2025 4Runner is good for 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque.

While the 2024 Tacoma gets essentially the same powertrain options — although with a bit less power — it also gets a six-speed manual transmission option. Sadly, that is not something that will be available on the new 4Runner, at launch at least.

2025 4Runner Off-Road Chops

As you’d expect from a 4Runner, it will be off-road-capable. Many owners can’t resist upgrading and personalizing their 4Runner for many miles of happy adventuring, and the new 4Runner will be available with more features from the factory than ever.

While you will be able to get a 2WD 4Runner, you’ll probably want to opt for the part-time or full-time 4WD options — so you can get out on adventures in any weather. Both 4WD systems have an electronically controlled two-speed — high and low range — transfer case, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), and an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD).

The TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter models get a selectable electronic locking rear differential as standard equipment. Limited models with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain can be optioned with a full-time 4WD system with center locking diff. This setup is standard on Platinum models.

Also on offer for the first time from the factory are things like an electronic Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism, 33-inch A/T tires, and a raised air intake/snorkel. Improved approach and departure angles — up to 32-degree approach and 24-degree departure — should also help when the trail gets tough. Sadly, the 4Runner does lose a bit of ground clearance, from 9.6 inches on the 2024 model to 9.2 inches on the 2025.

On top of all the new off-road hardware, the new 4Runner gets refined versions of Multi-Terrain Select, CRAWL Control, and Downhill Assist Control. Multi-Terrain Monitor is also available and is a handy tool that utilizes a plethora of cameras to show live video on the big central display to help navigate rough terrain.

9 Model Options

Toyota is very much about giving you options, as it showed with the huge range of new Tacoma configurations. It continues that trend with the new 4Runner, now with nine trim levels. On offer are; SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off Road, TRD Off Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter.

Trailhunter and Platinum are the new models that have been added to the 2025 4Runner lineup.

Toyota describes the Trailhunter model as “a manufacturer-developed overland rig straight from the factory.” It is lifted — 2 inches front and 1.5 inches rear — through Old Man Emu (OME) 2.5-inch forged shocks and 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires. It comes standard with a snorkel, rock rails, steel skid plates, a 20-inch lightbar, RIGID LED fog lamps, a 2,400W inverter, a prewired accessory switch panel, and a unique ARB roof rack.

Toyota describes the new top dog Platinum model as “a high-end, luxury experience with all the capability you expect in a 4Runner.” It adds things like black exterior styling, heated second-row seating, a tow tech package, a HUD, and automatic rain-sensing wipers to the already very well-equipped Limited model.

More Comfort, Convenience, and Safety Tech

Inside the 2025 Toyota 4Runner, you get loads new tech, as you’d expect. Screens get bigger, as they do in most vehicles these days. The driver gets a 7-inch gauge cluster or a 12.3-inch digital cluster, depending on the model.

The central infotainment touchscreen now comes standard in an 8-inch size, with a massive 14-inch screen available. Of course, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on offer.

As with nearly all modern cars, you get a push-button start and a Smart Key System. Also on offer on some models is Digital Key. This requires an active Remote Connect trial or subscription to work. But, a cool feature of it is that you can share access to the vehicle remotely with others without them giving them a physical key.

We all have a million electronic devices these days that need to stay charged up on our adventures, and the 4Runner is well equipped to do just that. There is an available wireless charging pad and three USB-C charge ports up front, with two available in the second row.

Toyota takes safety seriously and will offer its latest Safety Sense 3.0 suite as standard across all models of 2025 4Runner. The suite 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.

Scheduled Maintenance & Warranties Included

ToyotaCare comes standard with all models of 2025 4Runner. That means that normal factory-scheduled maintenance for 2 years or 25,000 miles is fully covered — included in the purchase price. It also means you get 2 years and unlimited mileage of Roadside Assistance.

The new 4Runner also comes with some pretty impressive warranties. It’s best if I just let you read it in Toyota’s words:

“Toyota’s 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from original date of first use when sold as new. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across ownership.”

Properly Modern, but DNA Remains

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is pretty much all we could have hoped for. It is essentially the SUV version of the new Tacoma and retains the DNA that has made it a staple among outdoor adventurers and families alike; off-road capability, a power rear liftgate window, second-row tumble seats, and an available third row.

We don’t yet know fuel economy or pricing. I don’t expect fuel economy to be all that impressive with either powertrain option. I do expect pricing to be a touch more than the current 4Runner (starting at $40,705) but less than the new 2024 Land Cruiser (starting at $55,950).

I have little doubt that there will be big demand for the 2025 4Runner as it comes to market this fall. If you want one, I’d suggest getting down to your local Toyota dealer ASAP and getting on the waitlist, as there are sure to be long ones already.