New Toyota 4Runner for Sale nearSan Francisco, CA

At long last, the new 4Runner is here! The Toyota 4Runner debuted its fifth generation in the 2010 model year. Offered in a whopping nine trims, the new and improved SUV aims to appeal to overlanders and commuters alike.

What’s New for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner

The 4Runner is all new for 2025. In addition to new looks, new powertrains, and new tech and safety, it introduces two new trims to the lineup. Platinum and Trailhunter trims both sit near the top of the range, but for very different reasons.

Design

The new 4Runner continues to closely resemble the Toyota Tacoma (it’s built on the same TNGA-F platform, too). It’s not the most dramatic departure from the outgoing generation, but the longer you look at the two side by side, the more updates you notice. Wheel arches, for example, are squarer and more symmetrical than they were on the previous generation, and the taillights now form red C-shapes around the reverse lights. More rugged trims feature black plastic cladding around the wheel arches with black side mirrors to match, though these components are still body-colored on the Limited trim. Rather than continuing in one straight line down the length of the vehicle, the beltline now bumps up over the rear wheels, making the rear quarter windows a bit shorter than the others. As is often the case, the most noticeable difference is in the grille, which is quite different from its predecessor’s: more angular, and more obviously separated by a body-colored crossbar into two distinct sections.

Unique exterior details for the Trailhunter trim include a 20-inch LED light bar, color-selectable LED fog lamps (as seen on the new Land Cruiser), and bronze-colored “TOYOTA” lettering across the front. The truck features the fan-favorite slide-down back window, powered as standard, and the legacy "wrap-around" glass rolling from the rear side windows over onto the roof.

Powertrain

Toyota has onboarded its latest generation of turbocharged four-cylinder powertrains for this latest generation of 4Runner. That means that for the first time ever, a hybrid 4Runner is available. The base engine is Toyota’s i-FORCE, a 2.4-liter turbo-four rated for 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. That powers the SR5, TRD Sport, TRD OffRoad, and Limited trims.

Buyers who opt for the TRD Off-Road or Limited trim have the option to upgrade to the hybrid if they so choose, and it’s standard on the TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum trims. The hybrid also happens to be the most powerful 4Runner to date, pairing that 2.4-liter motor with an electric motor for a total of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. With the hybrid, aka “i-FORCE MAX” powertrain, the new 4Runner can tow up to 6,000 pounds.

Hybrid or not, the old five-speed transmission is no more; both engine options route power through an eight-speed automatic. The 4Runner is offered in two-wheel drive (2WD) or four-wheel drive (4WD) form. Most 4WD models will feature a part-time 4WD system, but full-time 4WD is available for the Limited trim and standard for the new, luxury-oriented Platinum trim.

The other new trim is the Trailhunter, nomenclature also seen on the recently launched 2024 Toyota Tacoma (where it is also reserved for the hybrid). The Trailhunter serves as Toyota’s factory-built overlanding rig. Leveraging Toyota’s partnerships with Old Man Emu, ARB, and RIGID Industries, it saves buyers the hassle and expense of making these upgrades on their own post-purchase.

The 4Runner’s approach angle runs up to 32 degrees and departure, up to 24. A push-button Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism is newly available.

Interior

Like its powertrains, the new 4Runner’s interior appears first and foremost to have been brought in line with its Toyota truck stablemates. Photos released by Toyota show a flat-bottomed steering wheel and a blockier, more clearly delineated dash layout. The new, larger infotainment screen stands out, tablet-style, rather than being fitted flush with the rest of the dash, and the shift knob resembles those seen in the Tacoma and Sequoia. Full details on the dispersion of materials and features by trims are not available as of this writing, but we can share that the range-topping Platinum trim gets heated second-row seats. We also know that the TRD Pro will have the de rigeur red interior accents, while the Trailhunter gets yellow. In the Limited trim, the leather seating surfaces are echoed with matching leather panels inside the door cards.

Technology

The base infotainment screen still measures 8 inches, but it’s a new model for 2025, and it’s running the latest version of the Toyota Audio Multimedia system. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as are two USB-C charging ports and one USB-C data/charging port for the front row. Available upgrades include a 14-inch infotainment display, wireless charging, and USB-C ports for the back seats. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster replaces the 7-inch analog version on higher trims, and the 4Runner Platinum comes standard with a head-up display and the tow tech package. The Trailhunter features a 2400-watt AC inverter with outlets in the cabin and the cargo area.

Safety

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0) is standard on the 2025 4Runner. This suite of advanced safety and driver-assistance features includes lane-departure alert with steering assist, lane-tracing assist, adaptive cruise control, road-sign assist, automatic high beams, and Toyota’s Proactive Driving Assist system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are available. The Platinum trim adds standard automatic rain-sensing wipers.

Off-roaders have some unique needs when it comes to driver-assistance. The available Multi-Terrain Monitor system makes additional camera views accessible at the push of a button, making for easier trail navigation, and now works in 4-Hi and 4-Lo. The 4Runner also gets Toyota’s latest CRAWL Control system and available Downhill Assist Control.

Pricing

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is expected to go on sale starting in the fall of 2024. Pricing information is not yet available as of this writing. Now that the 4Runner has been brought up to date, we do expect an increase over the 2024 model–that came at a base MSRP of $42,100, including the destination fee. There’s hope, however, that it may not be too much of a bump. After all, Toyota wants to keep the 4Runner competitive with the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler, and keeping it from stepping on the toes of the new Land Cruiser is no doubt a consideration, too.