Even before fans of the new 4Runner could finish reading the leaked articles from Forbes and the like, the websites were pulled down and the data made unobtainable. Fear not friends, between our team, the beautiful Reddit community at r/4Runner hat tip and other enthusiasts across the internet of things we were able to compile a worthy chunk of information and some excellent photos.
With a legacy spanning more than four decades, the 4Runner stands as a cornerstone of the Toyota lineup. The unveiling of the 2025 model marks the culmination of Toyota's overhaul of its body-on-frame vehicles. Kicking off with the Tundra full-size pickup in 2022, Toyota has systematically rejuvenated its lineup, introducing revamped iterations of the Sequoia, Tacoma, Land Cruiser, and Lexus GX and LX. Now, the arrival of the sixth-generation 4Runner completes this transformation for North American markets.
Originating in 1983, the original 4Runner was based on the HiLux pickup, a vehicle synonymous with low budget regime change in austere environments. Initially featuring a removable rear top section akin to its pickup counterpart, subsequent generations saw a shift away from this design. From the third generation onwards, the 4Runner shared its platform with the Land Cruiser Prado, a partnership that persists today and extends across Toyota's body-on-frame offerings. Notably, the latest Land Cruiser and Lexus GX are essentially variants of the Prado sold in other markets.
Despite its debut in 2009, the current fifth-generation 4Runner continues to enjoy robust sales. Over time, many competitors in the midsize, off-road-oriented SUV segment have faded away, leaving the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco as the primary contenders against the 4Runner. Meanwhile, other nameplates like the Nissan Pathfinder and Ford Explorer have evolved into larger, three-row vehicles geared towards family utility, contrasting with the 4Runner's enduring off-road focus. Even as the 4Runner now offers an optional third row, its sales resilience persists.
In line with its predecessors, the new 4Runner shares significant components with the latest Tacoma, including powertrains. All sixth-generation 4Runners will feature Toyota's increasingly prevalent 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The standard i-Force variant will deliver 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, while the hybridized i-Force Max adds an electric motor and a 1.87 kWh battery, resulting in a total output of 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, with towing capacity raised from 5000 lbs to 6000 lbs.
Both engine options are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, similar to those found in the Tacoma and Land Cruiser. Buyers can opt for rear-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, or full-time four-wheel drive, with the latter two configurations featuring a 2-speed transfer case and Toyota's active traction control system. Additionally, all variants come equipped with an automatic limited-slip differential, while the TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and new Trailhunter Version boast an electronic locking rear differential. The Platinum trim offers an optional locking center differential.
A noteworthy addition to the 2025 4Runner is a front stabilizer bar disconnect, enhancing wheel travel. The new model features a 2.4-inch longer wheelbase and a 4.6-inch increase in overall length compared to its predecessor. However, this growth results in slightly reduced approach and departure angles, now at 32 and 24 degrees respectively, compared to the previous model's 33 and 26 degrees.
The 4Runner is equipped with the Multi-Terrain Select system, allowing drivers to optimize performance for various surfaces such as mud, dirt, and sand. This system, along with Crawl Control, which manages speed on rough terrain, enhances off-road capabilities. Design-wise, the new 4Runner shares a familial resemblance with the Tacoma while incorporating elements reminiscent of earlier generations. While the removable rear top is no longer present, the rear quarter windows wrap around into the roof, and the tailgate glass can be lowered for oversized cargo.
Inside, the 4Runner mirrors the design cues of the Tacoma, featuring an 8-inch standard and optional 14-inch infotainment system. Both systems utilize Toyota's latest infotainment software, offering enhanced functionality compared to previous iterations. Wireless support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is included, alongside a Qi wireless charging pad and standard USB-C ports. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, encompassing features like blind-spot monitoring and radar adaptive cruise control, comes standard across all trims.
In addition to the familiar trim levels, the 4Runner introduces the Trailhunter trim, which includes ARB's Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged shocks with remote reservoirs, a custom roof rack, and 33-inch Toyo Open Country AT tires. This trim also boasts increased ground clearance, rock rails, high-strength steel skid plates, a bronze grille, and an integrated 20-inch LED light bar. Toyota has also integrated a 2400-watt inverter for powering gear during overlanding adventures.
Anticipate the arrival of the new 4Runner in fall 2024, promising to uphold its legacy of rugged capability and reliability while embracing modern advancements in performance, technology, and design.
