It's hard to believe that the Toyota 4Runner has been around for more than forty years now. Back in 1983, Toyota brought to market a revolutionary vehicle based on its rugged four-wheel drive pickup truck. By adding a fiberglass top covering the cargo area (which could be removed for open air driving) and four-wheel drive capability, the 4Runner was born. Since then, the 4Runner has been a staple in the Toyota lineup, being known for its durability, reliability and presence. Toyota doesn't change the 4Runner often, but when it does, it's big news. Now after 14 years on the same generation, the 4Runner finally gets a long-awaited redesign.
The all-new, sixth-generation 2025 Toyota 4Runner follows the same basic recipe as before - it is a midsize truck-based SUV that lives up to its rugged looks and style. But everything around it is all new. We are talking about a new exterior, new interior and new drivetrain.
Based on Toyota’s new global truck platform that’s also shared with the Toyota Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Tacoma, and Tundra, the new 4Runner uses an extremely durable boxed ladder steel frame. Despite being larger in nearly every dimension compared to the outgoing model, the new 4Runner looks more hunkered down, with flared fenders and a sleek greenhouse, making it perhaps the toughest looking 4Runner yet. One thing is for sure - there is no confusing what it is - this is a 4Runner, through and through.
Heading inside, the 4Runner's cabin shares much of its styling with the Tacoma pickup truck. The leather and soft-touch materials on the door panels and dash take the 4Runner to a more modern level that flirts with luxury, and Toyota’s 14-inch multimedia screen is relatively easy to use. There are storage bins strategically placed throughout the interior, and all the controls are within easy reach for the driver. The front seats are comfortable and offer plenty of adjustments. As a passenger, be sure to call shotgun as the back seat legroom is on the tight side (about the same as a RAV4). The 4Runner's optional third-row seat is a squeeze for adult riders but should come in handy for kids or an occasional tag-along passenger. When not in use, it can fold flat into the floor. And one of the 4Runner's favorite features, its power-operated rear window, continues in the new model.
Under the hood, we wave good-bye to the tried and true 4.0-liter V6 and welcome a turbocharged 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine, the same one that is also found in the new Tacoma. Packing 278-horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, it packs a newfound wallop and energy when accelerating. As much as we loved the old 4.0, quick it was not. The new turbo-four isn't a rocket ship, but 0–60 MPH takes just seven seconds flat - much quicker than the previous 4Runner. An eight-speed automatic transmission replaces the aging five-speed automatic. This is the standard drivetrain for the SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited trim levels.
The 4Runner's higher trim levels, the Platinum, TRD Pro and Trailhunter, get the more powerful i-Force Max engine. Basically, the same turbocharged 2.4 liter four-cylinder engine as above, it adds in hybrid system that increases power output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Along with the more powerful engine, four-wheel drive is standard on these trim levels, however, the third row is not offered.
The tester arrived as a Limited with four-wheel drive. It carries an MSRP of $62,625. Pricing for the base SR5 starts just under $43,000.
The new 4Runner feels just as big and bold as it looks. The 4Runner doesn't hide that it is built from a truck platform, and its occupants will be reminded of it when driving in it. Ride quality and handling are not its strong points, and you will feel every bump in the road. It really feels like it wants to go off-road and tackle just about anything you throw at it, and with its sophisticated four-wheel drive abilities, it nearly can.
When equipped with four-wheel drive, the 4Runner is fitted with a two-speed transfer case with high and low range. All terrain-conquering equipment is offered, including optional disconnecting stabilizer bars, a locking rear differential, and an off-road cruise control system. 4Runners with the i-Force Max engine get even more off-road goodies like manually adjustable dampers.
With the days of the rough-and-tough body-on-frame SUVs looking to be numbered, SUVs like the Toyota 4Runner are a dying breed. But with its strong cult following, the 4Runner, all-new and better than ever, is a survivor - maybe even the last of its kind.