Run 4 the Trails: All-New 2025 Toyota 4Runner Gains Turbo and Hybrid Power, Trailhunter Trim

Competes with: Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, Jeep Grand Cherokee

Looks like: A tasteful, modern update of the 4Runner form

Powertrain: 278-horsepower, turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine or 326-hp, turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder hybrid; eight-speed automatic transmission; rear- or four-wheel drive

Hits dealerships: Fall 2024

The Toyota 4Runner’s open-bed companion, the Tacoma, was fully redesigned for the 2024 model year, and now the countdown has reached zero for the 4Runner. Toyota has unveiled the all-new, sixth-generation SUV, and while it shares its underpinnings with the Tacoma, the SUV retains its distinct appearance.

Related: Toyota Teases Next-Generation 4Runner

Familiar Yet Fresh

Unlike Toyota’s more upmarket off-roader, the Land Cruiser, the new 4Runner is immediately recognizable for what it is. The proportions and basic shapes of the body and greenhouse carry over but are finished in bolder, heftier forms. The scowling trapezoidal grille and forward-canted C-pillars remain, the latter abutting glass that curves up into the roof in an homage to the first- and second-generation 4Runners. Traditionalists will be pleased to note that the rear window in the liftgate still rolls down, too.

The modern look carries over inside, with lots of heavy forms, straight lines and large knobs for the climate controls and drive mode selector. Touches like satin-titanium trim rings on those knobs with detailing that mimics screw heads reinforce the industrial look. Unique materials and stitching help to differentiate the various trim levels, with the TRD Pro featuring faux carbon-fiber trim and red accent stitching and the new Trailhunter trimmed in a sort of marbled-stone material with orange stitching.

Toyota Don’t Give a Flip

In the proud tradition of the burly 4Runner, the 2025 model again snubs the unibody construction so popular among mainstream SUVs for sturdy body-on frame construction. Toyota’s TNGA-F architecture is shared with the Tacoma and Land Cruiser, as well as the upsized Tundra and Sequoia and the Lexus GX and LX. The 4Runner rides on a multi-link rear suspension and double-wishbone front, and a new available electronically disconnecting front sway bar helps maintain traction in extreme off-roading. The 4Runner’s towing capacity increases 1,000 pounds over its predecessor, to 6,000 pounds.

The 2025 4Runner is nearly 5 inches longer than the 2024 model (depending on trim level), about 2 inches wider and a little lower. At 9.2 inches, its maximum ground clearance is 0.4 inch less than the outgoing model’s, and the maximum approach and departure angles slip from 33 and 26 degrees, respectively, to 32 and 24. A limited-slip rear differential is standard on rear-wheel-drive variants, while the TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and new Trailhunter trims get a locking rear differential. A locking center differential is available on the Limited and standard on the Platinum. Toyota’s Multi-Terrain Select system, which adjusts various parameters such as traction- and stability-control thresholds and throttle calibration to aid maneuverability on different surfaces, is available, as are Crawl Control and Downhill Assist Control, which act as off-road cruise control.

New Powertrains

The 2024 4Runner’s ancient 4.0-liter V-6 engine and five-speed automatic transmission are gone. In their place are a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder with available hybrid assistance and an eight-speed automatic. The base i-Force 2.4-liter makes 278 horsepower and 317 pounds-feet of torque, besting the old V-6 by 8 hp and 39 pounds-feet. Branded i-Force Max, the hybrid setup uses the same turbocharged 2.4-liter, but the engine’s electrical components kick output up to 326 hp and 465 pounds-feet. Fuel economy figures will be revealed later, but the old 4.0-liter V-6’s EPA-rated 16/19/17 mpg city/highway/combined are a bar so low that not even a Camry would need disconnecting sway bars to clear it.

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Trim Levels

The 2025 4Runner will be available in a staggering nine trim levels, although it’s fair to also see them as seven full trim levels and two sub-trim levels — which is still a lot of choice. They are SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and Trailhunter. The SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium and Limited are only available with the non-hybrid i-Force engine. TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium buyers have a choice between both engines, while the TRD Pro, Trailhunter and Platinum come exclusively fitted with the hybrid powertrain.

Full details on each trim level are forthcoming, but standard equipment will include a 7-inch screen in the instrument panel and an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as wireless phone charging and keyless entry and starting. A 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster will be standard on higher trim levels; a 14-inch touchscreen will be available. A third-row seat is again available.

The Platinum and Trailhunter trims are new to the 4Runner lineup. The Platinum features a full complement of standard luxury equipment, including heated second-row seats, a head-up display and black exterior accents. As with its Tacoma sibling, the Trailhunter is aimed at the overlanding crowd. It’s fitted with ARB Old Man Emu 2.5-inch shock absorbers (the rears with piggyback remote reservoirs) and 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires that lift the SUV 2 inches in front and 1.5 in the rear. Standard rock rails and steel skid plates protect the underbody, while a snorkel lifts the air intake above whatever dust its owners might kick up. The Trailhunter also gets an ARB roof rack, a 20-inch LED light bar, multi-color Rigid LED foglights and a 2,400-watt inverter to power whatever gear you take with you into the backcountry. Three prewired auxiliary switches are standard to ease installation of aftermarket accessories.

Availability and Pricing

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner will go on sale this fall. Pricing will be announced closer to launch.

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