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Toyota 4Runner: Totally retooled for modern adventures

2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter Everest.

 

 

After 15 years without a major design change, the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner has been redesigned top to bottom with futuristic lines, a longer wheelbase, and powertrain options with more punch. It raises the bar in terms of go-anywhere capability and high-end refinement, but it keeps its signature power roll-down rear window.

The all-new 4Runner was designed alongside the Tacoma and shares a family resemblance but is unique in its own way. Both share inspiration from the desert racing scene and have a rugged-with-a-purpose appearance. In a nod to the first and second generations of 4Runners, designers were able to bring back the legacy "wrap over" quarter glass, and the popular roll-down rear window remains etched into the vehicle's DNA.

4Runner is all new from the ground up and is built on Toyota's tough TNGA-F global truck platform that is shared with Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia. This platform utilizes a high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame and features a multi-link coil rear and double wishbone front suspension. The TNGA-F platform not only adds strength, but it also improves the vehicle's ride comfort -- even when riding in the available third row. The enhanced frame, paired with the powerful i-FORCE MAX powertrain, allows 4Runner to tow up to 6,000 lb.

The sixth-gen 4Runner is almost 2.5 in. longer than its predecessor. It will be offered in nine trim combos: SR5 (i-Force), TRD Sport (i-Force), TRD Sport Premium (i-Force), TRD Off-Road (i-Force and i-Force Max), TRD Off-Road Premium (i-Force and i-Force Max), Limited (i-Force and i-Force Max), TRD Pro (i-Force Max), Trailhunter (i-Force Max), and Platinum (i-Force Max). The first-ever Platinum grade offers customers a high-end, luxury experience. It slots above the Limited grade by adding unique black exterior styling elements, heated second-row seats, a standard tow tech package, Head-Up Display, and automatic rain-sensing wipers.

The Trailhunter grade is new also and has been added to allow owners to go further in their adventuring with a manufacturer-developed overland rig straight from the factory. It will feature ARB's Old Man Emu (OME) 2.5-in. forged shocks with rear external piggyback remote reservoirs, along with a uniquely co-designed ARB Roof Rack. The OME shocks along with the 33-in. Toyo Open Country A/T tires boost up Trailhunter an additional 2 in. in the front and 1.5 in. in the rear. A standard low-profile high-mount air intake sources cleaner air for the standard i-FORCE MAX powertrain. Trailhunter adds protection that includes rock rails and high-strength steel skid plates for serious off-the-grid adventure capabilities.

4Runner will be offered with two powerful and efficient turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder powertrains including the i-FORCE engine with 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque that is paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission. SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited grades will come standard with the i-FORCE powertrain.

4Runner's i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain is available on TRD Off-Road and Limited, while standard on the TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum models. This powertrain pairs the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with a 48-hp electric motor integrated into the eight-speed transmission, feeding off a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack that creates a total system output of up to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, the most powerful powertrain ever offered on 4Runner. There will no longer be a V-6 option.

2025 Toyota 4Runner TRDPro Mudbath.

 

 

4Runner will be offered in 2WD, part-time 4WD, or full-time 4WD. 2WD models will feature an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD), and four-wheel-drive models have an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range along with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) and an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD). An electronic locking rear differential is standard on TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter grades. The Limited is offered with an available full-time four-wheel-drive system with a center locking differential on i-FORCE MAX models, while this setup is standard on Platinum grades.

The newly available Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism increases suspension articulation at the push of a button. This feature allows the vehicle to flex while helping keep tires in contact with the trail. 4Runner raises the bar in another area with up to 32-degree approach and 24-degree departure angles. The available Multi-Terrain Monitor system aids the driver allowing them to see potential hazards on the center display.

The Multi-Terrain Select system now functions in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low. This offers adjustable settings to help control wheel spin on a variety of terrain such as mud, dirt, and sand. 4Runner also adopts the new, quieter CRAWL Control function that acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control that allows the driver to focus on steering. When traction is extremely limited, the available electronically activated locking rear differential can help split power 50/50 to the rear wheels. Downhill Assist Control is another off-road feature available and helps the driver navigate descents by limiting the speed of the vehicle.

2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited Heritage Blue.

 

 

All 2025 4Runner models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota's suite of active safety and convenience systems. This suite includes: Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, Automatic High Beams, and Proactive Driving Assist. THere are many more safety features.

2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited Brown Leather.

 

 

The design team meticulously labored to achieve the ideal interior design. They sought to achieve a vehicle with ease of operation and a functional interface that strikes a pure balance of modern sophistication and capable authenticity. For example, second-row tumble seats help increase 4Runners interior versatility and maximize cargo floor usage.

4Runner receives Toyota's latest technology with new screens. A new 8-in. or available 14-in. multimedia touchscreen displays Toyota's latest Audio Multimedia system, which is designed and engineered by Toyota's Texas-based Connected Technologies team. A 7-in. gauge cluster is standard on lower grades, and a 12.3-in. digital gauge cluster is standard on higher grades.

Smart Key System with push-button start is standard on all grades. With an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, an available Digital Key on select grades connects with compatible smartphones to allow vehicle entry and vehicle starting (4G network dependent). The Digital Key can also be remotely shared with others to give more control over vehicle access rather than giving someone the physical key.

Interior options include the high-end Limited Brown Leather package, which gives the 4Runner a bona fide luxe SUV feel.

2025 Toyota 4Runners.

 

 

Pricing has not been released, but the entry-level SR5 should start around $44,000. More details will be available this summer.

Learn more at toyota.com/upcoming-vehicles/4runner/.

Source: Toyota

Published April 2024

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