2025 Toyota 4Runner takes hybrid plunge, starts at $42,220
- A redesigned sixth-generation Toyota 4Runner goes on sale in early 2025
- The 2025 Toyota 4Runner boasts a new platform and an available hybrid powertrain
- The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is priced from $42,220, including destination, and offers up to nine models
The redesigned 2025 Toyota 4Runner revealed in April is on track to reach dealerships early next year, and Toyota on Tuesday confirmed prices will start at $42,220, including a $1,450 destination charge. That represents an increase of only $370 from the previous year, despite some major improvements.
The 2025 4Runner boasts a new platform, modern technology, and an available hybrid powertrain, all while maintaining the key design and capabilities that make the 4Runner an icon.
The starting price is for the 4Runner SR5 with rear-wheel drive. Adding four-wheel drive is a $2,000 option on most models where it isn’t fiitted as standard, like the SR5.
The 2025 4Runner’s lineup encompasses a dizzying array of nine models, which in addition to the SR5 includes the familiar TRD Sport ($48,700), TRD Off-Road ($50,640), TRD Sport Premium ($54,060), Limited ($56,850), and TRD Pro ($68,350) models, along with new Platinum ($64,310) and Trailhunter ($68,350) models. All prices include destination.
2025 Toyota 4Runner reveal
Say goodbye to the tried-and-true 4.0-liter V-6. Every 2025 4Runner is powered by a turbo-4 powertrain, but some models add electrification, either as standard or available. Opting for the hybrid powertrain, branded the i-Force Max, costs $2,800 on most of the models where it is offered as an option.
The standard powertrain is a 2.4-liter turbo-4 rated at 278 hp and 317 hp lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain (available on TRD Off-Road and Limited and standard on TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum) pairs the standard turbo-4 with an electric motor integrated with the transmission for a combined output of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The transmission is an 8-speed automatic common to all models.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 4Runner has been modernized, but seemingly not at the expense of off-road capability.
The sixth-generation 4Runner remains a body-on-frame SUV, but it now rides on a modern frame. The TNGA-F platform the 4Runner now rides on is shared with the Lexus GX, Toyota Land Cruiser and Sequoia SUVs along with the Tacoma and Tundra pickup trucks. The new powertrains with their improved performance enable up to a 6,000-pound tow rating.
2025 Toyota 4Runner reveal
Moving into this century, the 4Runner’s four-wheel-drive system is electronically engaged with a switch. Most 4Runners feature a limited-slip rear differential, but TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter models gain a rear locking differential. Confusingly, only the high-zoot Platinum models get full-time four-wheel drive with a locking center differential as standard, which is all optional on Limited models.
The 4Runner retains its independent front suspension and coil rear springs paired with a solid rear axle. TRD Pro models use 2.5-inch diameter Fox shocks with remote reservoirs to battle heat dissipation.
The new Trailhunter model rides on ARB Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged shocks with external piggyback remote reservoirs. A full set of skid plates underneath the Trailhunter covers everything from the front bumper back to behind the transfer case should the bottom of the 4Runner make contact with the earth. The shocks paired with 33-inch Toyo Open Country All Terrain tires give the Trailhunter a 2.0-inch lift over standard 4Runners.
2025 Toyota 4Runner reveal
Toyota has also introduced a Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism, which is standard on the Trailhunter and TRD Pro, and increases suspension articulation. To further aid the driver when off-roading, Toyota offers its Multi-Terrain Monitor which can display front, rear, and side views of the trail.
With up to 10.1 inches of ground clearance, and maximums (in TRD Pro and Trailhunter) of 32 and 24 degrees for the approach and departure angles, respectively, the latest 4Runner is a bit of a mixed bag when it comes to off-roading. The outgoing 4Runner’s ground clearance topped out at 9.6 inches, though its maximum departure and approach angles were still better at 33 and 26 degrees, respectively.
2025 Toyota 4Runner reveal
But the outgoing 4Runner rides on a shorter 109.8-inch wheelbase compared to the new 4Runner’s 112.2-inch wheelbase, which should pay large dividends in terms of ride quality. A new available electronic disconnecting sway bar should help maximize wheel articulation.
A quick look at the 4Runner and it’s obvious what this SUV is. While it retains the iconic look with punched-out flares, a tall greenhouse, and blunt front and rear ends, the front end takes on the look of the Tacoma. The headlights and grille shape are similar, and the hilariously large chin spoiler on the non off-road models can be removed with nine bolts, but it will affect fuel economy by 1 or 2 mpg, Toyota said. The rear windows wrap over the roofline in a nod to the first-gen 4Runner and the rear tailgate glass electronically drops down into the tailgate to haul longer items.
2025 Toyota 4Runner reveal
Both Trailhunter and TRD Pro models feature Rigid LED fog lights integrated into the front ends along with an LED light bar mounted in the center of the grille, which the latter puts out 10,000 lumens (notably about double the output of the light bars on the larger Tundra and Sequoia). Depending on the model, wheel sizes range from 18-20 inches in diameter.
Inside, the dashboard is almost identical to the Tacoma pickup truck with either an 8.0- or 14.0-inch touchscreen perched front and center for the infotainment. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard. A 7.0-inch digital gauge cluster is also standard while higher-end models upgrade to a 12.3-inch display. Lower-grade models feature acres of hard plastic while upper-grade models cover the hard plastic with soft-touch bits and leather.
2025 Toyota 4Runner reveal
Hybrid models make loading cargo into the rear end more of a task thanks to a higher liftover height due to the battery pack. The rear seat back manually reclines for long road trips, and Platinum models feature heated rear seats. A head-up display is available. Trailhunter models feature a 2,400-watt inverter for power during off-road adventures.
Every 2025 4Runner comes standard with modern safety tech including automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams. Blind-spot monitors are available.