The Toyota 4Runner was once a mascot for just how long an automobile could possibly go without any major updates. The last time it was revamped was 15 years ago with the outgoing 4Runner entering the market when President Obama was newly elected. That long wait gave Toyota engineers plenty to think about as they prepared to make the 4Runner stand out to a new generation of young buyers.
New Styling Makes Impact
One of the prominent changes that buyers will notice is the 4Runner’s revamped exterior styling. The front fascia is chunkier and more aggressive than before with some of the core DNA being lifted from its platform mate the Tacoma pickup. The side profile continues this look further and leads the eye to the back which gets new taillights and a new liftgate that not only retains its roll-down rear window but also gets a revised grab handle with the controls being relocated to the right side of the piece.
This new look varies depending on trim level with the Platinum and range-topping Limited models getting more chrome while the TRailHunter, TRD-Pro, and TRD-Off Road get rugged accents that project their trail-ready character to buyers. When you consider that the outgoing model lasted an incredible 15 years, we think that this new one has the styling chops needed to age gracefully especially, if Toyota chooses to wait a bit before the 4Runner is revamped again.
Tacoma Inspired Interior Makes 4Runner Shine
The interior of the 2025 4Runner is perhaps the area where the 4Runner has benefitted the most from its suite of updates. Like the exterior, the interior also has plenty of 4Runner DNA in it but that’s fine with us since it allows the 4Runner to fully embrace its personality. A flat-bottomed steering wheel helps the SUV feel more sporty while higher-quality materials make certain trims (especially the absurdly luxurious Limited model) feel more upscale.
An 8.0-inch infotainment system and 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster are standard on lower trims but buyers that move up to certain flavors of 4Runner will get a bigger 14.0-inch infotainment system and a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster. The bigger screen also gets wireless Apple CarPLay and Android Auto, wireless phone charging, and several USB and USB-C charging ports. The second-row seats in the Limited are also heated and this would be the first time that the 4Runner has ever gotten this technology.
Trailhunter Poised To Devour Trails
Performance for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner comes from the Tacoma’s 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder which replaces the larger outdated 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V6. The 2.4-liter makes 278 horsepower and also forms the core building block for the optional i-force MAX engine that pairs the 2.4-liter with a 48-hp electric motor that helps it produce 326-hp and 458 lb-ft of torque. That’s 67 percent more torque than the outgoing engine and the MAX will be standard on the TRD-Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum trims with the lesser engine standard on the SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims.
An eight-speed automatic is the lone transmission available and the beefier engine helps the 4Runner tow up to 6,000 lbs. The beefier engine also plays a role in making the Trailhunter such a potent force out on the trail. Toyota says that the TRD-Pro and the TrailHunter are two separate animals and while the TRD-Pro is meant for high-speed baja running, the Trailhunter is meant for overlanding and for folks that like to rock crawl. These models get 33-inch off-road tires and a suspension lift that sees the front go up 2.0 extra inches while the rear suspension gets a 1.5-inch lift in the rear. Old Man Emu forged shocks with ARB-sourced dampers are standard and the Trailhunter also gets a high mounted snorkel style air intake to reduce the chance of dust or water getting into the air box.
Toyota will still offer the 4Runner with three different drive layouts with 2WD still being the standard drive layout. Buyers looking to access more of the 4Runner’s capability can go for either a part-time or full-time all-wheel drive system.
When Can I Buy One?
Toyota didn’t reveal pricing for the 2025 4Runner when they revealed it but look for pricing to go up from the old model, with a base 2024 model starting at $42,100.
Carl Malek has been an automotive journalist for over 10 years. First starting out as a freelance photographer before making the transition to writing during college, his work has appeared on numerous automotive forums as well as websites such as Autoshopper.com.
Carl is also a big fan of British vehicles with the bulk of his devotion going to the Morgan Motor Company as well as offerings from Lotus, MG, and Caterham. When he is not writing about automobiles, Carl enjoys spending time with his family and friends in the Metro Detroit area, as well as spending time with his adorable pets.