From behind the wheel, the first thing you notice is the 4runner's sense of occasion. The hood seems to stretch toward the horizon, the seating position is commanding, and the suspension communicates every rough edge of the pavement. This is not a crossover pretending to be rugged. It remains a body-on-frame SUV with a real appetite for dirt, rocks, and long highway miles. For 2025, Toyota has finally replaced the old V-6 with turbocharged four-cylinder power, bringing this veteran into a new mechanical era.
What changed for 2025
The latest 4runner rides on Toyota's newer TNGA-F truck platform, shared in related form with the Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia. That change matters more than the styling suggests. The new structure brings a quieter cabin, improved suspension tuning, and a more modern dashboard without erasing the vehicle's traditional character.
The standard engine is a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder making 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque when paired with the eight-speed automatic transmission. Buyers choosing the i-FORCE MAX hybrid receive 326 horsepower and a stout 465 pound-feet of torque. The hybrid is not merely a fuel-saving trim; its electric motor fills in low-speed response and makes the 4runner feel more relaxed when climbing or towing.
Toyota offers rear-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, and more specialized systems depending on trim. The TRD Off-Road adds useful hardware rather than decorative badging, while the Trailhunter is aimed at buyers who plan to spend serious time away from pavement. A maximum tow rating of up to 6,000 pounds gives the 4runner credible utility for a small boat, utility trailer, or compact camper.
On-road manners and daily comfort
The 4runner is better behaved on asphalt than its predecessor, but it is not suddenly a Highlander. The body-on-frame layout still produces some tire and suspension noise, and the tall body leans through corners. Steering is accurate enough for freeway work, though it does not deliver the crisp response of a Honda Passport or a well-sorted crossover.
That tradeoff is reasonable. The ride has a sturdy, controlled quality, and the longer wheelbase helps the 4runner track confidently at 75 mph. The turbo engine supplies useful passing power without the old V-6's strained upper-rev soundtrack. The eight-speed automatic generally chooses the right gear, although it can hesitate briefly when asked for a quick downshift on a steep grade.
Inside, Toyota has done the important work. The large central touchscreen is easier to read, the controls are logically arranged, and the materials feel durable rather than precious. The front seats are supportive enough for a long day, while the second row offers respectable legroom. Cargo space is useful, but the sloping rear glass and high floor make loading bulky objects less convenient than in a Honda Passport.
Trail performance and off-road equipment
This is where the 4runner earns its name. Ground clearance, available all-terrain tires, selectable drive modes, and a two-speed transfer case give it real capability. The TRD Off-Road's electronic locking rear differential is particularly valuable when one rear wheel loses traction. Instead of relying entirely on wheelspin and software, the hardware helps the axle move forward with authority.
On a rocky trail, the short front overhang and careful throttle response matter more than headline horsepower. The 4runner can crawl steadily, and its suspension provides enough articulation for uneven terrain. The available Multi-Terrain Monitor helps the driver place the tires around ledges and ruts, although the camera image takes practice to interpret.
The Trailhunter goes further with specialized suspension components, underbody protection, and an integrated approach to overlanding equipment. Still, buyers should be honest about their use. A Trailhunter is impressive on a trail, but its added equipment can make the vehicle more expensive, heavier, and less efficient for a commuter who visits a gravel road twice a year.
Fuel economy, pricing, and ownership math
The new engine improves performance, but the 4runner remains a large, upright SUV with substantial mechanical hardware. EPA economy depends on drivetrain, trim, tire choice, and hybrid configuration, with many versions landing around the high teens in city driving and low-to-mid 20s on the highway. Expect lower real-world mileage with aggressive tires, roof equipment, or frequent towing.
Pricing begins in the low-$40,000 range before options and climbs quickly. A well-equipped TRD Off-Road or Limited can move toward the upper $50,000s, while premium off-road versions push beyond that. The price is easier to justify when the buyer will actually use the four-wheel-drive system, towing capacity, and durable interior. For basic school runs and commuting, a unibody SUV usually provides more comfort for less money.
Insurance costs also deserve a place in the budget. A new 4runner's repair bills, replacement sensors, large wheels, and trim-specific equipment can affect premiums. Compare quotes for the exact trim and deductible before signing, and remember that comprehensive coverage protects against non-collision losses such as theft, weather, and falling objects while collision coverage addresses damage from an impact.
4runner versus its obvious rivals
Against the Jeep Wrangler, the 4runner is quieter, more stable on the highway, and generally easier to live with every day. The Wrangler answers with removable panels, a broader trail culture, and more open-air character. Against the Ford Bronco, Toyota feels less playful but more settled and familiar. The Bronco offers strong engine choices and clever removable bodywork, while the 4runner counters with a calmer cabin and a more conventional ownership experience.
The Land Cruiser is the more polished Toyota alternative, but it also costs more and has a different emphasis. It feels better suited to high-speed travel and premium touring, while the 4runner retains a more straightforward, workmanlike personality. The Honda Passport is the sensible road-going choice: quicker to place in traffic, easier to park, and typically more comfortable. It cannot match the Toyota's low-speed trail hardware.
That comparison explains the 4runner's appeal. It is neither the most efficient SUV nor the most luxurious. It occupies the space between a family vehicle and a recreational tool, which is precisely why so many buyers find it difficult to replace.
The Verdict: pros, cons, and whether you should actually buy one
Pros.
The 4runner has genuine off-road hardware, strong torque from the new powertrains, useful towing ability, a durable cabin, and a commanding driving position. Toyota also offers enough trims to serve casual adventurers and serious trail users without forcing every buyer into the most expensive package.
Cons.
It is tall, thirsty, and not especially agile on pavement. Pricing rises quickly, the ride can be busy over broken city streets, and the hybrid premium will not make financial sense for every driver. Its cargo area is practical rather than class-leading.
Bottom line.
Buy the 4runner if you want a real SUV with modern technology but refuse to give up body-on-frame strength and trail capability. The TRD Off-Road is the sweet spot for many enthusiasts; the Limited is the better choice for mostly paved driving. Skip the most specialized trim unless you have a clear plan for using its equipment.
Score: 7.5 out of 10. The 4runner is not the newest-feeling or most efficient vehicle in this class. It is, however, honest about what it is—and increasingly good at doing it. The Verdict: pros, cons, and whether you should actually buy one.