The Toyota 4Runner has cemented its place as an off-road icon over four decades, renowned for its ruggedness and capability. The all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner builds upon this legendary foundation, delivering a next gen SUV that remains true to its adventurous spirit while incorporating modern enhancements in technology, design, and performance. This sixth-generation model elevates the 4Runner experience, blending go-anywhere prowess with premium refinement, ensuring it continues to be the ultimate window to bigger worlds for its owners. Set to arrive in the U.S. at the end of 2024, the 2025 4Runner, produced in Toyota’s Tahara plant in Japan, is poised to redefine the Next Gen 4runner for a new era of explorers.
Dave Christ, Toyota group vice president and general manager, emphasizes the 4Runner’s significance within Toyota’s truck family: “This all-new 4Runner has incredible versatility and capability that nicely rounds out our truck family story. 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.”
A Solid Foundation: The TNGA-F Platform
The 2025 next gen 4runner is engineered from the ground up on Toyota’s robust TNGA-F global truck platform. This formidable architecture, shared with the Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia, utilizes a high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame. This foundation is complemented by a multi-link coil rear and double wishbone front suspension system, designed to provide exceptional durability and articulation in challenging terrains.
The adoption of the TNGA-F platform in this next gen 4runner not only enhances structural rigidity but also significantly improves ride comfort and on-road handling. Passengers will appreciate the smoother ride quality afforded by this advanced platform, even in models equipped with the available third-row seating. Furthermore, the strengthened frame, when paired with the potent i-FORCE MAX powertrain, enables the 2025 4Runner to achieve a substantial towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds, making it even more versatile for adventure and utility.
Design Evolution: Marrying Heritage with Modernity
The design philosophy behind the next gen 4runner was to honor its iconic past while forging a path into the future. Kevin Hunter, President of Calty, explains the design inspiration: “Designing the legendary 4Runner began with identifying its unique and memorable aspects linked to fun, outdoor recreation. Inspired by Baja desert racing, the high lift, lean body, big tire, rugged athleticism defines the core of 4Runner’s go anywhere purpose”.
The CALTY design team, based in Michigan, spearheaded the aesthetic evolution of this next gen 4runner. Drawing inspiration from desert racing and Toyota’s off-road heritage, the design team crafted a vehicle that shares a familial resemblance with the Tacoma, yet possesses its own distinct identity. Paying homage to the first and second generation 4Runners, the designers reintroduced the distinctive “wrap over” quarter glass. Crucially, the signature roll-down rear window, a beloved feature ingrained in the 4Runner’s DNA, remains a standard element.
Inside the next gen 4runner, the interior design prioritizes ease of use and functionality, striking a balance between modern sophistication and rugged authenticity. Features like the second-row tumble seats enhance interior versatility and maximize cargo space, catering to the practical needs of adventurers and families alike.
Powertrain Innovation: i-FORCE and i-FORCE MAX Options
The 2025 next gen 4runner offers two advanced 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged powertrains. The standard i-FORCE engine delivers a robust 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, coupled with an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine comes standard on SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited grades, providing ample power and efficiency for a wide range of driving needs.
For those seeking even greater performance, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain is available on TRD Off-Road and Limited models, and standard on TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum grades. This hybrid system pairs the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into the eight-speed transmission, powered by a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack. The result is a combined system output of up to 326 horsepower and a remarkable 465 lb.-ft. of torque – the most powerful powertrain ever offered in a 4Runner, making this next gen 4runner a true powerhouse both on and off the road.
Trail-Ready Prowess: Enhanced Off-Road Capabilities
The 4Runner nameplate is synonymous with exceptional off-road capability, and the next gen 4runner elevates this reputation even further. A newly available Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism significantly increases suspension articulation at the touch of a button, allowing for enhanced wheel travel and improved traction on uneven terrain. This feature ensures that the tires maintain contact with the ground, maximizing grip in challenging off-road situations.
The next gen 4runner boasts impressive approach and departure angles, reaching up to 32 degrees and 24 degrees respectively, further enhancing its off-road prowess. The available Multi-Terrain Monitor system provides drivers with a clear view of potential obstacles on the center display, aiding in navigating complex trails and improving safety.
The 2025 4Runner will be offered in 2WD, part-time 4WD, or full-time 4WD configurations. 2WD models feature an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD), while 4WD models are equipped with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), and Auto LSD. An electronic locking rear differential is standard on TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter grades for maximum traction in demanding conditions. The Limited grade offers an available full-time four-wheel-drive system with a center locking differential on i-FORCE MAX models, which comes standard on Platinum grades.
The Multi-Terrain Select system now operates in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low modes, offering customizable settings for various terrains like Mud, Dirt, and Sand. The next gen 4runner also incorporates the quieter CRAWL Control function, acting as an off-road cruise control to manage speed and allow the driver to focus on steering. Downhill Assist Control is another valuable feature for controlled descents.
A Grade for Every Adventure: Diverse Model Lineup
The 2025 next gen 4runner expands its model range to offer customers an unprecedented level of choice. The lineup includes nine distinct grades: SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter.
The Trailhunter grade is a standout addition, specifically designed as a turn-key overlanding rig straight from the factory. Toyota collaborated with leading off-road component manufacturers like ARB®, Old Man Emu® (OME), and RIGID Industries® to equip the Trailhunter with premium integrated off-road equipment. Key features include ARB’s OME 2.5-inch forged shocks with rear external piggyback remote reservoirs, a co-designed ARB Roof Rack, 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires, rock rails, and high-strength steel skid plates. The Trailhunter also features a heritage grill with bronze “TOYOTA” lettering, an integrated 20-inch LED light bar, color-selectable RIGID LED fog lamps, and a powerful 2400W AC inverter.
Introducing a new level of luxury to the 4Runner lineup, the Platinum grade offers a high-end experience without sacrificing capability. Positioned above the Limited grade, the Platinum features unique black exterior styling elements, heated second-row seats, a standard tow tech package, Head-Up Display, and automatic rain-sensing wipers.
Cutting-Edge Technology: Infotainment and Connectivity
The next gen 4runner is equipped with Toyota’s latest technology, featuring new 8-inch or available 14-inch multimedia touchscreens powered by Toyota’s Audio Multimedia system. Developed by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technologies team, the system offers wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, along with an available Qi wireless charging pad with enhanced power output. USB-C ports are conveniently located in the front and rear rows, and a Digital Key is available on select grades for smartphone-based vehicle access and starting. A 7-inch gauge cluster is standard on lower grades, while a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard on higher grades, providing customizable vehicle information displays.
Toyota Safety Sense 3.0: Elevating Safety Standards
All 2025 next gen 4runner models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), Toyota’s comprehensive suite of active safety and convenience systems. TSS 3.0 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
- Proactive Driving Assist
Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) is a new addition to TSS 3.0, using the vehicle’s camera and radar to provide gentle braking and/or steering to support driving tasks like distance control and curve negotiation. Enhancements to other TSS 3.0 features include improved detection capabilities for the Pre-Collision System (now including motorcyclist detection), enhanced lane recognition for Lane Departure Alert, and improved vehicle detection and following distance settings for Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and an Emergency Driving Stop System further contribute to the comprehensive safety suite of this next gen 4runner. Available Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), along with standard Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), provide additional layers of safety and peace of mind.
Beyond Zero Vision and Warranty
Reflecting Toyota’s commitment to a carbon-neutral future, the 2025 next gen 4runner joins the Beyond Zero badge lineup as the latest hybrid offering. Toyota’s expanding electrified vehicle portfolio provides customers with more choices to reduce their carbon footprint.
Toyota’s comprehensive warranty coverage includes a 36-month/36,000-mile basic new-vehicle warranty, 60-month/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and corrosion perforation coverage for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Hybrid components are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, and the hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles. ToyotaCare, a complimentary maintenance plan, covers normal factory-scheduled maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles, and includes 2 years of Roadside Assistance.
Conclusion: The Next Gen 4Runner Legacy Continues
The all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner represents a significant leap forward for this iconic SUV. By blending its legendary off-road capability with modern design, advanced powertrains, cutting-edge technology, and enhanced safety features, the next gen 4runner is poised to continue its reign as the ultimate adventure vehicle. As Dave Christ stated, the 2025 4Runner “retains the rugged style and capability our customers love” while offering a “cool new look and incredible features.” From the adventurous Trailhunter to the luxurious Platinum, the next gen 4runner offers a grade for every lifestyle, ensuring its enduring appeal for generations to come.
