After a decade and a half, the fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner has finally been retired, making way for the all-new 2025 4Runner. For this new generation, the Toyota 4Runner has dropped its V6 engine but gained two new four-cylinder units, both of which promise to deliver more power. It also gets two new trims: the Trailhunter and the Platinum.
At first glance, it’s easy to see that the 2025 Toyota 4Runner looks quite similar to the new-generation Tacoma pickup truck. This similarity is evident both in the exterior and interior design.
The front ends of the two trucks feature a boxy design while still retaining unique elements. The 4Runner exudes a rugged look but lacks the rugged appeal of the Ford Bronco or the classic appeal of the Jeep Wrangler. Nevertheless, the boxy, utilitarian design is part of the appeal of Toyota trucks.
The interiors of the 4Runner and Tacoma share striking similarities. Both trucks have identical infotainment systems, cup holders, and cargo areas. From the driver’s seat, differentiating between the two would be a challenge if it weren’t for the graphics on the instrument cluster.
Interestingly, the 2025 4Runner doesn’t share as many similarities with the new Land Cruiser, despite the fact that the two trucks share much underneath, including their platform, powertrain, but their cabin designs differ significantly. The 4Runner’s interior has a more rugged and muscular feel, while the Land Cruiser has a more premium ambiance.
Dimension-wise, the new 4Runner has grown in size compared to its predecessor. Built on Toyota’s TNGA-F platform, which it shares with the Tacoma, Tundra, Land Cruiser, and the new Lexus GX, the 2025 4Runner measures 194.9 inches in length, 77.8 inches in width, and 112 inches in wheelbase. The wheelbase is just 20 inches shorter than the Tacoma’s.
Compared to the outgoing model, meanwhile, the 2025 4Runner is 4.7 inches longer and 2 inches wider, while the wheelbase has been extended by 2.4 inches. It has an approach angle of 32 degrees and a departure angle of 24 degrees. It also has a ground clearance of 9.2 inches, although Toyota hasn’t confirmed whether that applies to all 4Runner models. Expect the Trailhunter and TRD Pro variants to have slightly more ground clearance thanks to their unique suspension setups.
Like other Toyota off-roaders, the new 4Runner will feature an upgraded Multi-Terrain Select system that now works in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low. The system provides adjustable settings for Mud, Dirt, and Sand terrain, optimizing traction control.
Under the hood, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner has dropped its V6 engine in favor of new, smaller yet more powerful four-cylinder units. Called i-Force, the 2.4-liter turbocharged engine produces 278 horsepower and 315 lb-ft of torque. This is the same engine found in the new Tacoma, where it has proven to be quite capable.
For the i-Force MAX variant, we can expect even better performance. This powerplant cranks out 326 horsepower and a stout 465 lb-ft of torque. Both the base i-Force and i-Force Max are paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, which can be had with either rear-wheel drive, part-time 4WD, or full-time 4WD.
At launch, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner will be offered in nine different trim levels, ranging from luxurious to rugged. These include the SR5 (i-Force), TRD Sport (i-Force), TRD Sport Premium (i-Force), Limited (i-Force and i-Force MAX), TRD Pro (i-Force MAX), TRD Off -Road (i-Force and i-Force MAX), TRD Off-Road Premium (i-Force and i-Force MAX), Trailhunter (i-Force MAX), and Platinum (i-Force MAX). Toyota has yet to release details about each trim level.
On the safety front, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner comes standard with the Safety Sense 3.0 suite, which includes a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, lane tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, and automatic emergency braking.
Pricing for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner has yet to be announced, but it will likely start at over $40,000.
Trang Nguyen (Forum.autodaily.vn)