Review Date: June 2025
MSRP Range: $42,220 – $68,350
Overall Rating: 8.2/10
Key Verdict: After 15 years of waiting, Toyota delivers a 4Runner that’s genuinely modern while remaining authentically rugged.

Quick Verdict & Key Stats

Bottom Line Up Front: The 2025 4Runner proves Toyota can modernize an icon without losing its soul, delivering unprecedented fuel economy and power while maintaining the off-road capability that made it legendary. This is what the 4Runner enthusiasts have been waiting for, though the premium pricing reflects its advanced capabilities.

Key Specifications

Specification	Standard i-FORCE	i-FORCE MAX Hybrid
Engine	2.4L Turbo 4-cyl	2.4L Turbo 4-cyl + Electric
Horsepower	278 hp	326 hp
Torque	317 lb-ft	465 lb-ft
Fuel Economy	22/26/24 mpg	23/25/24 mpg
Starting Price	$42,220	$51,520
Cargo Space	47.2 cu ft	47.2 cu ft
Seating	5 passengers	5 passengers
0-60 mph	7.4 seconds	6.1 seconds
Towing	6,000 lbs	6,000 lbs

What’s New This Year

The 2025 4Runner represents a complete ground-up redesign – the first since 2009. Built on Toyota’s new TNGA-F platform shared with the Tundra and Sequoia, this sixth-generation model introduces hybrid technology to the 4Runner lineup for the first time. The iconic design language remains, but every panel is new, the interior is completely modernized, and the powertrain options represent a quantum leap forward.

New trim levels include the off-road-focused Trailhunter ($68,350) and the street-oriented Platinum ($62,220), while the traditional SR5, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro continue with significant updates.

Exterior Design & Styling

Toyota’s designers walked a tightrope here – updating the 4Runner’s iconic proportions while keeping it unmistakably a 4Runner. They succeeded brilliantly. The squared-off wheel wells, upright windshield, and chunky body cladding remain, but new LED lighting signatures and cleaner panel work give it a contemporary presence.

The Trailhunter trim stands out with its aggressive stance on 33-inch tires, while the Platinum offers more refined details like body-colored trim pieces. Build quality feels significantly improved over the previous generation, with tighter panel gaps and more premium paint finishes. The power-folding rear window – a 4Runner trademark – thankfully remains.

Interior Quality & Comfort

This is where the transformation is most dramatic. Gone is the previous generation’s plasticky cabin, replaced by a surprisingly upscale environment with soft-touch materials, real aluminum trim, and thoughtful ergonomics. The dashboard design balances modern functionality with rugged character.

Front seats offer excellent support for both daily driving and off-road adventures, though they lack the ventilation found in some competitors. Rear seat space is generous for adults, with good headroom despite the upright roofline. Road noise is well-controlled at highway speeds, a significant improvement over the previous generation.

Climate control is effective and straightforward, with physical knobs for temperature – a welcome touch in an era of touch-only controls.

Technology & Infotainment

The 12.3-inch touchscreen runs Toyota’s latest infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Response times are quick, and the interface is intuitive, though some functions require too many menu dives. The available 14-speaker JBL audio system delivers impressive sound quality for such a utilitarian vehicle.

Toyota Safety Sense 2.5+ comes standard across all trims, including adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning, and automatic emergency braking. The Trailhunter adds specialized off-road features like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select, which proved invaluable during our off-road testing.

One standout feature: the optional 2,400-watt AC inverter in the Trailhunter, which can power camping equipment or even household appliances during power outages.

Performance & Driving Experience

The i-FORCE MAX hybrid system is the star here. The combination of the 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder and electric motor provides instant torque that makes the 4Runner feel genuinely quick – something no previous generation could claim. The 6.1-second 0-60 time puts it ahead of most competitors.

More importantly, the hybrid system enhances off-road capability. Electric torque fill provides seamless power delivery at low speeds, while the traditional transfer case and solid rear axle maintain serious rock-crawling ability. We tested the Trailhunter on challenging trails where it dispatched obstacles that would stop most SUVs.

On-road, the 4Runner drives far more refined than its predecessors while maintaining that commanding driving position and confident feel that owners love. The steering is appropriately weighted, and body roll is well-controlled for such a tall vehicle.

Fuel Economy & Efficiency

This is where the 4Runner makes its biggest leap forward. Our testing of the i-FORCE MAX hybrid returned 24.1 mpg in mixed driving – nearly identical to EPA estimates. Even the base i-FORCE engine achieved 23.8 mpg, remarkable for a body-on-frame SUV with serious off-road capability.

Range with the 23-gallon fuel tank exceeds 550 miles in hybrid form, making it an excellent choice for remote adventures where fuel stops are scarce.

Safety & Reliability

While official IIHS and NHTSA ratings aren’t yet available, the 4Runner benefits from Toyota’s extensive crash testing and the robust TNGA-F platform. Standard safety equipment is comprehensive, though some advanced features like blind-spot monitoring require higher trim levels.

Toyota’s reliability reputation speaks for itself, and early reports suggest the new hybrid system builds on proven technology from the Highlander Hybrid. The 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty and 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain coverage are competitive but not industry-leading.

Cargo & Practicality

Despite the hybrid battery, cargo space remains generous at 47.2 cubic feet with the rear seats up. The square cargo area efficiently accommodates camping gear, and multiple tie-down points secure loads effectively. The split-folding rear seats create a nearly flat loading floor.

Storage throughout the cabin is well-thought-out, with a large center console, door pockets sized for water bottles, and cubbies for smaller items. The removable center console tray is a nice touch for easy cleaning after dusty adventures.

Value & Pricing Analysis

Pricing has increased significantly – the base SR5 starts at $42,220, about $5,000 more than the outgoing model. However, the standard equipment level is far higher, and the hybrid models justify their premium with dramatically improved fuel economy and performance.

The Trailhunter at $68,350 initially seems expensive, but its specialized off-road equipment and standard hybrid system make it competitive with similarly equipped competitors like the Ford Bronco Sasquatch.

Mid-level TRD Off-Road models ($51,520 with hybrid) offer the sweet spot of capability and value for most buyers.

Competitors Comparison

Direct Competitors:

• Ford Bronco: More hardcore off-road capability, less refined on-road
• Jeep Wrangler Unlimited: Superior off-road credentials, poor fuel economy
• Chevrolet Tahoe: More space and power, worse fuel economy, and off-road ability
• Honda Pilot: Better on-road comfort, far less off-road capability

The 4Runner occupies a unique position, offering genuine off-road capability with improved on-road manners and fuel economy that no direct competitor can match.

Final Verdict & Recommendations

Pros:

• Excellent fuel economy for the capability offered
• Maintains legendary off-road prowess with modern refinement
• Significantly improved interior quality and technology
• A hybrid system enhances rather than compromises performance
• Strong resale value expected based on Toyota’s track record

Cons:

• Premium pricing reflects advanced capabilities
• Some competitors offer more interior space
• The infotainment system could be more intuitive
• Limited towing capacity compared to full-size alternatives

Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts who need genuine off-road capability without sacrificing daily drivability, families who prioritize reliability and resale value, buyers seeking a capable SUV with hybrid efficiency.

Skip If: You need maximum towing capacity, prioritize interior space over capability, or want the absolute lowest purchase price.

Overall Rating Breakdown:

• Performance: 8.5/10
• Interior: 8.0/10
• Technology: 7.5/10
• Value: 8.0/10
• Overall: 8.2/10

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner successfully modernizes an American icon while preserving everything that made it special. It’s proof that evolution can honor tradition while embracing progress.