2025 Toyota 4Runner - What To Know

For over four decades, the Toyota 4Runner has been an icon in the world of off-roading and overlanding. This rugged SUV has earned a reputation for its durability, versatility, and go-anywhere capability - making it a go-to rig for many of our local Goats Trail offroading friends.

With the coming release of the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner, you have even more reason to get excited. The sixth-generation model stays true to its roots while introducing a bold new look, advanced technology, and improved performance both on and off the road. Let’s dive into some of the details Toyota has shared.

Design and Platform

What We're Excited About: The 2025 4Runner's bold new look, inspired by Baja desert racing and the tough TNGA-F platform, improves both on-road comfort and off-road capability.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's design takes inspiration from Baja desert racing, showcasing a high-lift, lean body, and rugged athleticism that emphasizes its off-road prowess. 

The CALTY design team, based in Michigan, has played a pivotal role in the 4Runner's design. They have successfully blended elements from the 4Runner's past with a focus on the future, bringing back the classic "wrap over" quarter glass and retaining the popular roll-down rear window.

Under the hood, the new 4Runner is built on Toyota's robust TNGA-F global truck platform. This high-strength, boxed, steel-ladder frame, combined with a multi-link coil rear suspension and double-wishbone front suspension, offers a balance of improved ride comfort and on-road manners, without compromising off-road capability. 

The enhanced frame, combined with the powerful i-FORCE MAX powertrain, allows the 4Runner to tow up to 6,000 pounds, making it an ideal choice for those who love to bring their toys along on their adventures.

Powertrains 

What We're Excited About: The powerful and efficient i-FORCE and i-FORCE MAX powertrains offer impressive horsepower and torque for tackling any terrain.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner comes with two robust and fuel-efficient turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engines. The i-FORCE engine delivers an impressive 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This engine option is offered on the SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims.

The available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain is a game-changer for those seeking even more power and capability. The advanced system combines a turbocharged 2.4L engine with a 48-hp electric motor in an eight-speed transmission – all run from a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery.

The result is a total system output of up to 326 horsepower and a massive 465 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful 4Runner ever. The i-FORCE MAX is available on the TRD Off-Road and Limited grades and comes with several of the other models.

Off-Road Capabilities

What We're Excited About: The 4Runner's enhanced off-road features, including the Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism, improved approach and departure angles, and advanced terrain management systems, making it even more capable on the trails.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner continues to build upon its legendary off-road prowess with advanced features designed to conquer the toughest trails. The newly available Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism allows for increased suspension articulation at the push of a button, helping keep the tires in contact with the ground on uneven terrain. 

The available Multi-Terrain Monitor system provides drivers with a clear view of potential hazards on the center display, while the Multi-Terrain Select system, now functional in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low, offers adjustable settings for optimal traction on various surfaces like mud, dirt, and sand. 

When the going gets tough, the available CRAWL Control function acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control, allowing the driver to focus on steering. And the electronically activated locking rear differential, standard on TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter grades, helps distribute power evenly to the rear wheels when traction is limited.

Trailhunter Grade

What We're Excited About: The Trailhunter grade, a factory-built overland rig with upgrades from top off-road component companies, offers enthusiasts a turnkey solution for their adventures.

For overlanders seeking the ultimate adventure-ready rig, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner introduces the all-new Trailhunter grade. This factory-built overland machine is the result of a collaboration between Toyota and renowned off-road component companies, including ARB, Old Man Emu, and RIGID Industries.

The Trailhunter features ARB's OME 2.5" forged shocks, rear piggyback reservoirs, and co-designed ARB Roof Rack. OME shocks and 33" Toyo Open Country A/T tires provide an additional 2" lift in the front and 1.5" in the rear.

A standard low-profile high-mount air intake ensures a steady supply of clean air to the i-FORCE MAX powertrain, while rock rails and high-strength steel skid plates offer enhanced protection for serious off-the-grid adventures.

Interior and Technology

What We're Excited About: The 4Runner's versatile interior design and cutting-edge technology, including the large touchscreens, Toyota Audio Multimedia system, and convenient features like Digital Key and Remote Connect.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner's interior has been meticulously designed to strike a balance between modern sophistication and capable authenticity. The versatile layout features easy-to-use controls and a functional interface, while the available second-row tumble seats maximize cargo space and flexibility.

At the heart of the 4Runner's technology package is the latest Toyota Audio Multimedia system, displayed on either a standard 8-inch or an available 14-inch touchscreen. USB-C data and charging ports are located throughout the cabin, ensuring that you can stay connected on the go.

Is The New 2025 4Runner On Your List?

Here at Goats Trail, we’re suckers for a new rig offering, and Toyota always seems to deliver. 

With its bold new design, powerful and efficient powertrains, enhanced off-road capabilities, and cutting-edge technology, the 2025 4Runner is poised to keep the reputation of Toyota up there as a leader in the SUV market.

Is the 4Runner on your list this year? Already had a chance to take one for a test drive? Make sure to bring Goats Trail with you - shop our full set of gear (that we think looks pretty great in the new 4Runner) and make sure to share your adventures with us on social media.