The Toyota 4Runner, a stalwart in the world of SUVs, has long been revered for its ruggedness and reliability. With the unveiling of the 2025 model, Toyota continues to set the bar high for off-roading capabilities while integrating modern comforts and technology. This article delves into the latest iteration of the 4Runner, exploring its design, performance, safety features, and how it continues to evolve to meet the demands of the new generation of drivers.
Design and Exterior
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner boasts a refreshed exterior that retains its iconic toughness with a modern twist. The vehicle's design is heavily influenced by Baja desert racing, characterized by a narrow body, high ground clearance, and large tires that convey a sense of power and readiness for any terrain. The new model features a more refined look thanks to the TNGA-F platform, which it shares with the likes of the Tacoma and the new Prado.
The design team at CALTY, inspired by Baja desert racing, has imbued the 4Runner with a high lift, lean body, and big tires that define its go-anywhere purpose. The new front-end styling is not a direct carryover from the Tacoma but bears a striking resemblance, with a wider track and an overall body width that has been increased by three inches. This increase is facilitated by a lengthened wheelbase at the front, which allows for larger tires without compromising on body-mount clearance. The rear side window's upper edge rolls into the roof, paying homage to the first and second generations of the 4Runner.
The 2025 model also sees the introduction of two new trims: the overland-focused Trailhunter and the high-end Platinum grade. The Trailhunter trim is a turnkey solution for adventure seekers, featuring ARB's Old Man Emu (OME) 2.5-inch forged shocks, a uniquely co-designed ARB Roof Rack, and 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires. This trim is ready for customization with other Toyota accessory offerings and comes pre-wired with auxiliary switches throughout the vehicle.
Interior and Comfort
One of the most notable features is the availability of a 14.0-inch infotainment touchscreen, which not only serves as a hub for entertainment and vehicle information but also supports wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, facilitating seamless connectivity for modern drivers. The interior design team has paid close attention to detail, ensuring that the controls, switches, and knobs are intuitively placed for ease of use, even in the most challenging off-road conditions.
The seating in the 4Runner has been upgraded for enhanced comfort and versatility. For instance, the second-row tumble seats not only provide additional seating options but also increase the vehicle's interior flexibility, allowing for a more efficient use of cargo space. This attention to practicality is further highlighted by the available third-row seating, which offers passengers a comfortable journey even on longer trips.
In higher trims like the Platinum, the 2025 4Runner takes luxury to another level with features such as heated second-row seats and a Head-Up Display, which projects essential driving information onto the windshield, enhancing both comfort and safety. The Platinum trim also comes with standard tow tech and automatic rain-sensing wipers, adding to the vehicle's high-end appeal.
Performance
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is set to impress with its performance capabilities, offering a significant upgrade from its predecessors. Under the hood, the new 4Runner boasts an available i-FORCE MAX 2.4L turbocharged hybrid powertrain, which provides up to 326 net combined horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. This substantial power output enables the 4Runner to accelerate quickly and tackle various terrains with ease, making it a force to be reckoned with both on and off the road.
The standard i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, shared with the Tacoma, produces an impressive 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque. This new engine not only offers more power than the outgoing 4.0-liter V-6, which produced 270 horsepower and 278 lb.-ft. of torque, but it also pairs with an eight-speed automatic transmission, enhancing the driving experience with smoother shifts and improved fuel efficiency.
For those seeking even greater off-road prowess, the 4Runner TRD Pro and Trailhunter models come standard with a new Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM). At the touch of a button, this feature disengages the stabilizer bar to allow for increased wheel articulation, ensuring that all four wheels maintain contact with the ground for better traction and control over challenging landscapes.
Furthermore, the 2025 4Runner's towing capacity has been increased to a maximum of 6,000 pounds, making it a more capable option for outdoor enthusiasts who require the ability to haul trailers, boats, or other recreational equipment. The combination of the powerful engine, advanced transmission, and robust towing capacity positions the 4Runner as a serious contender in the realm of adventure-ready SUVs. Related Articles: Everything About The 6th Generation Toyota 4Runner
Safety and Technology
Safety remains a top priority for Toyota, and the 2025 4Runner is no exception. It comes equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, full-range adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, road sign recognition, and automatic high beam. An emergency parking system is a new addition, providing an extra layer of security by automatically pulling the vehicle over and initiating an emergency call if the driver is unresponsive.
Conclusion
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner represents a significant leap forward in the SUV segment, blending traditional off-roading ruggedness with a suite of modern features and comforts. With its new platform, powerful engine options, and advanced safety technology, the 4Runner is poised to continue its legacy as a go-to vehicle for those who demand the best in both performance and practicality.