Toyota’s 4Runner gets overdue replacement
Toyota’s SUV lineup makes a major technical leap with the 2025 4Runner, the overdue replacement for the company’s popular midsize off-roader.
Headlining the changes, the latest 4Runner switches to Toyota’s newer GA-F body-on-frame architecture, which is used in Toyota’s larger Sequoia SUV, Tacoma and Tundra pickups, and the Lexus GX and LX SUVs.
The outgoing 4Runner’s platform and major systems were largely unchanged since 2009. That’s tough sledding for an SUV that competes with fresher vehicles like the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee and Ford Bronco.
The 2025 4Runner also has a new electrical architecture that enables a range of sophisticated new features for everything from off-roading to infotainment.
The flagship is a hybrid that produces 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque, the first time Toyota has hybridized its stalwart off-roader.
Toyota calls the gasoline powertrain i-Force and the hybrid i-Force Max. The 2025 4Runner should go on sale this fall. Pricing and fuel economy numbers will be available closer to when it goes on sale.
Trim levels
SR5 (i-Force)
TRD Sport (i-Force)
TRD Sport Premium (i-Force)
TRD Off-Road (i-Force and i-Force Max)
TRD Off-Road Premium (i-Force and i-Force Max) Limited (i-Force and i-Force Max)
TRD Pro (i-Force Max)
Trailhunter (i-Force Max)
Platinum (i-Force Max)
Honoring 4Runner heritage
The 4Runner name stretches back 40 years. The 2025 is the sixth generation of the SUV.
Touches recalling previous 4Runners include a power-opening rear window in the tailgate and “wrap over” rear-quarter windows that extend up into the roof.
The profile retains the traditional “high lift, lean body” look.
Other visual flourishes include bulging fenders and big wheel openings with flared lips. The doors tuck in for as close to the classic Coke-bottle shape as we’re likely to see on a rugged SUV.
The SUV’s styling is unlikely to alienate loyal fans who have stuck with the 4Runner as other brands refreshed their off-roaders. The front fenders flow into a multicontoured hood with pronounced power dome. The design consciously shares elements with Toyota’s Tacoma midsize pickup.
New features inside and out
A 2.4L turbocharged engine replaces the previous model’s 3.0L straight-six. The base model generates 278 hp and 317 pound-feet of torque. Both figures are higher than the bigger six-cylinder produced. The hybrid adds a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery. An eight-speed automatic transmission is standard.
Toyota will offer a rear-drive base model and partand full-time four-wheel-drive systems. A two-speed transfer case will be available for rugged off-roading.
The rear suspension is a multilink independent with coil springs. The front suspension has double
wishbones. Disconnecting stabilizer bars will be available. The 4Runner will be able to tow 6,000 pounds.
The interior will offer 8- or 14-inch touch screens and Toyota’s cloud-based navigation and voice-recognition system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard.
Push-button start is also standard, with optional phone as a key service. Five seats are standard. A third row with two small seats is optional.
Safety and driver assist features
Pre-collision braking with pedestrian, bicycle and motorcycle detection
Lane departure alert with steering assist Adaptive cruise control with four following distances
Lane centering
Blind spot and cross traffic alerts
Hill start assist
Road sign assist
Automatic high beams
Driver attention alert
Proactive driving assist