2025 Toyota 4Runner Review

Trims

2025 Toyota 4Runner trim comparison

Starting MSRP

$42,765*

$49,245*

$51,185

$53,985

$54,605*

$56,965

$57,395*

$59,765

$62,195

$64,855

$68,895

MPG

Engine

Drive Type

Seating Capacity

Automatic Emergency Braking

Basic Warranty

Horsepower

Blind Spot System

Surround View Camera

Adaptive Cruise Control

Remote Engine Start

Parking Sensors

20 city/26 hwy*

19 city/25 hwy

23 city/24 hwy

20 city/26 hwy*

19 city/25 hwy

20 city/24 hwy

23 city/24 hwy

2.4L I4 Turbo

Hybrid 2.4L I4 Turbo

2.4L I4 Turbo

Hybrid 2.4L I4 Turbo

RWD*

4WD

RWD*

4WD

RWD*

4WD

5 passenger

3 yr / 36k mi

278 hp

326 hp

278 hp

326 hp

Engine Type

Fuel Type

Horsepower

Horsepower RPM

Torque

Torque RPM

Engine Displacement

Engine Configuration

Cylinders

Aspiration

Variable Valvetrain

Valvetrain

Number of Valves

Compression Ratio

Eco Mode

Sport Mode

EPA City Fuel Economy

EPA Highway Fuel Economy

EPA Combined Fuel Economy

Gas

Hybrid

Gas

Hybrid

Regular Unleaded

278 hp

326 hp

278 hp

326 hp

6000 rpm

317 lb-ft

465 lb-ft

317 lb-ft

465 lb-ft

1700 rpm

2.4 L

Inline

4 cylinder

Turbocharged

Double Overhead

16 valve

11

20 MPG*

19 MPG

23 MPG

20 MPG*

19 MPG

20 MPG

23 MPG

26 MPG*

25 MPG

24 MPG

26 MPG*

25 MPG

24 MPG

22 MPG*

21 MPG

23 MPG

22 MPG*

21 MPG

22 MPG*

23 MPG

Reviewed by Kelly Hellwig

Overview

After more than 10 years without a major update, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner arrives with a top-to-bottom redesign that gives it an all-new look, more power, and more technology and features throughout. This midsize SUV now rides on the same underpinnings as the recently updated Toyota Tacoma, so that means it has a sturdy steel frame and an off-road ready suspension. The new 4Runner also shares the Tacoma's engine options, so the base offering is now a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder rated at 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. The optional powerplant is a hybrid setup that combines the base gas engine with an electric motor to boost overall output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft. Both use an eight-speed automatic transmission. The 2025 4Runner will be available with rear-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, or full-time four-wheel drive depending on the trim. One notable new feature for off-road enthusiasts is a stabilizer bar disconnect system for improved suspension articulation in rough terrain.

After years of adding incremental feature updates, the 4Runner's cabin is now available with a full range of up-to-date technology. The main dashboard interface is an 8-inch touchscreen on base models or a 14-inch touchscreen on higher trims. It features wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, along with numerous USB-C power ports and digital key functionality. The gauge cluster is also updated with a 7-inch standard screen and an optional 12.3-inch screen. All models are upgraded with Toyota's latest suite of safety technology.

The 4Runner has a small, but strong group of off-road-capable competitors. Chief among them is the Ford Bronco, which also offers four doors and powerful engines. Same goes for the Jeep Wrangler which has become far more comfortable in recent years, without losing its off-road prowess.

Positives

Still offers plenty of off-road capability. Two powerful engine options. A wide range of trim levels.

Considerations

More powerful hybrid drivetrain is only available on upper trim levels.

Verdict

A solid redesign for a legendary SUV that was sorely in need of updates, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner receives updated drivetrains, modern cabin technology, and plenty of off-road ability. We expect the new 4Runner to maintain its reputation as a go-anywhere midsize SUV.

What's New for 2025

The Toyota 4Runner is completely redesigned for the 2025 model year.

Trims and Pricing

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner will be available in nine trim levels: SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off Road, TRD Off Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. The Sport models are tuned for the street, while the Off Road trims are designed to handle all types of terrain. Toyota hasn't yet released complete information for each trim level, but we do have some specifications for the new Trailhunter version.

Trailhunter

This new off-road focused trim level is designed for slow speed exploring instead of high speed desert runs like the TRD Pro. All Trailhunter models get upgraded shocks, a higher ride height, larger 33-inch off-road tires, underbody skid plates and side mounted rock rails as well as a high-mount air intake and an integrated light bar.

Engine and Performance

The base engine in the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder (Toyota calls it the i-Force) that sends power to the rear wheels through an eight-speed automatic transmission. It's rated to produce 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. If that's not enough, there's the optional i-Force Max powerplant that adds an electric motor to boost the base engine's overall output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, making it the most powerful engine ever offered in the 4Runner. It also sends power through an eight-speed automatic transmission. Rear-wheel drive is the base setup, but there are part-time and full-time four-wheel-drive options depending on the trim level. Features such as limited-slip and fully locking differentials are offered as well. Toyota's Multi-Terrain Select system returns and now functions in both 4-High and 4-Low.

Fuel Economy and Range

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner has not been tested by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Interior

The cabin of the 2025 4Runner has the same rugged look and feel as the recently redesigned Toyota Tacoma pickup truck. Large dials and easy-to-reach toggle switches are present, along with a chunky grab handle for the front passenger. Overall cabin space is similar to the previous model, and there is a third row of seating. Official measurements haven't yet been released, but it looks as though the 4Runner will offer cargo and passenger space that's on par with most midsize SUVs. The outgoing 4Runner model provided 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space behind its second-row seats.

Infotainment and Connectivity

An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is now the base offering on the 2025 4Runner, with a 14-inch touchscreen available as an option. Both setups feature wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto along with numerous USB-C power ports and digital key functionality. A 7-inch screen replaces the old gauge cluster, and can be upgraded to a 12.3-inch screen. The previous 4Runner was limited to an 8-inch infotainment screen, while the latest Jeep Wrangler offers a 12.3-inch screen with its UConnect 5 system.

Safety

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner has not yet been tested by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) or the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

All 2025 4Runner models get Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0 as standard equipment which includes automatic emergency braking, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, automatic high beams, and road sign assist. It also features Proactive Driving Assist which provides gentle braking and steering input to help maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.

Toyota 4Runner vs. the Competition

With more powerful engines, a modern eight-speed automatic transmission, and updated off-road hardware, the new 2025 Toyota 4Runner has everything it needs to continue its long legacy as a rugged and capable midsize SUV. The pool of competitors isn't very big, but they're very popular SUVs. The Ford Bronco has similar off-road abilities, along with the allure of an optional convertible top, and the Jeep Wrangler offers a wide variety of body styles and trim levels. Both Ford and Jeep also offer ultra high-performance versions of their respective models for those who crave more horsepower.

Toyota 4Runner vs. Ford Bronco

Toyota 4Runner vs. Jeep Wrangler

TrueCar Expert Review Methodology

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