First Look: 2024 Toyota 4Runner – More Power, More Features, More Options

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner made its official debut Tuesday night and those looking for a rugged, midsize SUV will find plenty of reasons to give it a close look. The body-on-frame utility vehicle gets a ground-up makeover that provides more choices than ever, including an optional new hybrid powertrain, the new Trailhunter and Platinum packages, an array of new tech features and over 200 dealer-installable accessories.

The Toyota 4Runner has long been a powerhouse in the midsize SUV market, especially for those looking for rugged, body-on-frame packages that can handle just about anything an owner can throw at it. The SUV, now available in both 2- and 3-row configurations, should be even more appealing than ever based on a first look at the sixth-generation model that made its debut in San Diego Tuesday night.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner grows larger in length, width, wheelbase, and height, something that could get potential buyers for the newly revived Land Cruiser to think twice since they’re virtually identical in all exterior dimensions.

This all-new 4Runner has incredible versatility and capability that nicely rounds out our truck family,” said Dave Christ, Toyota group vice president and general manager.

For the new model year, Toyota expands the list of choices 4Runner buyers can make, adding an optional iForce Max hybrid drivetrain as well as the rugged new Trailhunter package. Suspension upgrades promise to improve the off-road capabilities of both the Trailhunter and TRD trims while improving the on-road manners of the more luxurious 4Runner Platinum. Here’s a look at some of the most important changes and new features available with the 2025 Toyota 4Runner.

Bigger, more powerful – and more fuel-efficient

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner grows 194.9 inches in total length, with a wheelbase of 112.2 inches. Base models now have a width of 77.8 inches, though both the Trailhunter and TRD packages are wider than the SR5. That makes room for their off-road suspension packages and larger tires.

Depending upon the trim package, Toyota is offering two powertrain options this year:

• A base iForce 2.4-liter turbo-four engine making 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque; and
• The new iForce Max hybrid bumping the numbers up to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft.

With its 1.87 kWh lithium-ion battery, the gas-electric drivetrain gets a low-RPM bump in torque which is a 67% increase over the old model. That should help in rock-crawling conditions. It’s also expected to be more fuel-efficient than the base engine, though Toyota has yet to release official mileage numbers.

Both engines are paired to an 8-speed automatic and can be ordered in two-wheel-drive, as well as part-time or full-time all-wheel-drive. Both powertrains can tow up to 6,000 pounds.

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New Trailhunter package

All told, there will be nine different grades available on the sixth-generation Toyota 4Runner, from the base SR5 to the top-line Limited package. New for 2025 is the Trailhunter – a badge Toyota is rolling out for a variety of models specifically targeting those looking to do some serious rock crawling.

While it may sound like Toyota is duplicating trims, there are some distinct differences between the new Trailhunter and the familiar TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road trims, according to 4Runner Chief Engineer Sheldon Brown. “TRD Pro is (meant to) go fast. Trailhunter is meant to go slow,” he explains.

Put another way, the TRD Pro is intended for handling Baja-style conditions where you’re looking to move as quickly as possible. It’s lighter, giving up a bit of underbody protection in the process. And it relies on suspension upgrades like Fox shocks to take a pounding when you blast across moguls and the occasional jump.

By comparison, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter is aimed at those headed out for some rock-crawling and who are more likely to “load up” with the sort of gear they might take on extended overland adventures, explained Brown, such as roof racks and roof campers. To absorb that punishment, Trailhunter gets full underbody protection, including rock rails, and opts for Old Man Emu shocks. The 33-inch tires add two inches of ground clearance up front and 1.5 inches in the rear. A 2,400 watt AC Inverter and Rigid LED foglights are also available.

Platinum pushes into the luxury market

Even as rising prices have driven many budget buyers out of the new vehicle market, many other buyers are still opting for ever more luxurious packages.

Depending upon the trim, base 4Runner models get a 7-inch digital gauge cluster and an 8-inch infotainment display. Higher-end packages come with a 12.3-inch gauge cluster and 14-inch touchscreen. 4Runner Platinum adds a variety of distinctive touches, starting with black-finished exterior styling elements. Inside, it gets leather seating and more soft-touch details. The front seats are heated and cooled and the outboard seats in the second row are heated.

And the Platinum edition adds an upgraded audio system, a standard tow package, rain-sensing wipers, and a Head-Up Display.

A variety of other new tech features are available, depending upon trim, including a Digital Key. All versions feature the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package of advanced driver assistance systems. Additional ADAS technology, including Blind Spot Monitoring, and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, are optional, depending upon the trim. The one thing that isn’t optional is the roll down rear window which is standard on all 4Runner trim levels

Pricing and availability

Toyota will release pricing for the new SUV closer to its on-sale date. The current model starts at $42,100 before factoring in destination fees. The outgoing TRD Pro starts at $56,565 but can push beyond $70,000 on heavily loaded packages.

And that’s something buyers will have plenty of opportunities to do. Toyota has worked with suppliers like Fox and Rigid to help line up more than 200 options that 4Runner buyers will be able to choose from at the dealership. The better news is that these features can be rolled into the purchase price, meaning they can be part of the vehicle financing.

Look for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner to roll into showrooms this coming autumn, the automaker said.