2025 Toyota 4Runner Refines Adventure Ready Heritage

• Standard i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine produces 278 horsepower, 317 lb.-ft. of torque

•Available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain produces up to 326 horsepower, 465 lb.-ft. of torque

•All-new Trailhunter is a Toyota built overlanding rig available with the latest integrated off-road equipment from ARB®, Old Man Emu® and RIGID Industries®

•Standard power rear window with an available power liftgate

•First-ever Platinum premium grade now offered

•Available 14-inch touchscreen displays latest Toyota Audio Multimedia

•Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard on all models

•On-sale Fall 2024

The instant name recognition that 4Runner has built over the past four decades is undeniable. This legend has long established itself as a North American off-road icon, ready to tackle tough terrain in its way. The all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner stays true to its original concept, as an extremely capable, dynamic, and durable off-roader and will continue to provide owners a window to bigger worlds. The new generation introduces a bold new look and adds new technology, premium materials, options, and safety. In fact, this all-new sixth generation 4Runner raises the bar in terms of go-anywhere capability and high-end refinement. The 2025 4Runner will be built in Toyota Motor Corporation's Tahara plant in Japan and will arrive in the U.S. in the fall of 2024.

'This all-new 4Runner has incredible versatility and capability that nicely rounds out our truck family story,' said Dave Christ, Toyota group vice president and general manager. 'We've sold over 3 million in the 40 years it has been on sale, and this sixth-generation model offers a cool new look and incredible features, yet retains the rugged style and capability our customers love about this icon of adventure.'

Solid Foundation

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 adoption of the innovative TNGA-F platform not only adds strength, but it also improves the vehicle's ride comfort and on-road manners. Passengers feel the benefits of this new platform, 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 pounds.

Evolving the Legacy

'Designing the legendary 4Runner began with identifying its unique and memorable aspects linked to fun, outdoor recreation,' says Calty President, Kevin Hunter. 'Inspired by Baja desert racing, the high lift, lean body, big tire, rugged athleticism defines the core of 4Runner's go anywhere purpose'.

The Michigan-based CALTY design team spearheaded the design of this all-new 4Runner. Designers pulled inspiration from the past while also focusing on the future. 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. 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 maximizes cargo floor usage.

i-FORCE Power MAXed

This next chapter of 4Runner offers two powerful and efficient turbocharged 2.4 liter four-cylinder powertrains including the i-FORCE engine with 278 horsepower 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 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque, the most powerful powertrain ever offered on 4Runner.

Trail Ready

4Runner is synonymous with rugged capability. In its latest form, 4Runner continues to add increased capability to an already incredible legacy. 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.

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 a 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 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.

A Grade for Everyone

4Runner expands its grade offering to provide customers with more choices than ever before. Nine grades are available including SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off Road, TRD Off Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter.

The Trailhunter grade has been added to the line up to allow owners to go further. 4Runner's capability and durability have made it a fan favorite of overlanders, and now adventure seekers have a turnkey solution with a manufacturer-developed overland rig straight from the factory. Toyota collaborated with a number of off-road component companies to make the fit and finish that much better. For example, the Trailhunter will feature ARB's Old Man Emu (OME) 2.5-inch forged shocks with rear external piggyback remote reservoirs, along with a uniquely co-designed ARB Roof Rack. The OME shocks along with the 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires boost up Trailhunter an additional two inches in the front and one and a half inches 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. The Trailhunter is also equipped with a heritage grill with bronze 'TOYOTA' lettering and an integrated 20-inch LED light bar that is complemented by color selectable RIGID LED fog lamps. A seriously powerful 2400W AC inverter provides juice to two locations in the cabin and the rear cargo area. Trailhunter is ready for customization with other Toyota accessory offerings using three easy to reach auxiliary switches that are pre-wired throughout the vehicle.

The 2025 4Runner introduces its first-ever Platinum grade which offers customers a high-end, luxury experience with all the capability you expect in a 4Runner. Platinum 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.

Latest Tech

4Runner receives Toyota's latest technology with new screens. A new 8-inch or available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen displays Toyota's latest Audio Multimedia system, which is designed and engineered by Toyota's Texas-based Connected Technologies team. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility, and pairs well with the available Qi wireless charging pad with enhanced power output. A USB-C data and charging port is integrated on the right side of the multimedia touchscreen, and dual USB-C charging ports are included in the front row and available for the rear passengers. A 7-inch gauge cluster is standard on lower grades and a 12.3-inch 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.

Rugged Choice

The all-new youthful and dynamic 4Runner nicely rounds out Toyota's rugged lineup of tough body-on-frame vehicles. From the full-size Tundra to the iconic off-road legend Land Cruiser, customers now have five fresh trucks to choose from. These vehicles give customers more choice when it comes to finding a vehicle that can keep up with their dynamic lifestyles. They are designed to handle almost anything the elements throw their way, and their incredible capability gives owners the tools they need to get out and discover all the hidden wonders the world has to offer.

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 Standard

All 2025 4Runner models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota's suite of active safety and convenience systems. This suite of features 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

•Proactive Driving Assist

Proactive Driving Assist is now a part of Toyota Safety Sense. Proactive Driving Assist (PDA) uses the vehicle's camera and radar, when system operating conditions are met, to provide gentle braking and/or steering to support driving tasks such as distance control between your vehicle and a preceding vehicle, pedestrian, or bicyclist. PDA can also provide gentle braking into curves. Proactive Driving Assist is not a substitute for the Pre-Collision System and operates in different circumstances.

Including the addition of Proactive Driving Assist, the Toyota Safety Sense features have been enhanced for TSS 3.0:

•The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection has enhanced detection capabilities thanks to new system sensors. It receives enhanced intersection support with improved detection capability in certain circumstances. In addition to pedestrian and bicyclist detection, this system now includes the capability to detect a motorcyclist.

•Lane Departure Alert will now provide Steering Assist as well as enhanced lane recognition that includes detection of certain 3D objects, like guardrails, that may be used to help define the lane.

•Dynamic Radar Cruise Control will have Full-Speed Range capability and adds a fourth following distance setting, from the previously available three. Enhanced vehicle detection allows for the ability to detect more than one preceding vehicle, as well as vehicles in adjacent lanes. This helps the system to provide smoother, more natural speed adjustments, especially when the driver changes lanes.

•Lane Tracing Assist requires Dynamic Radar Cruise Control to be enabled for it to function. The system requires detectable lane markings in order to function. Like Lane Departure Alert, lane recognition is enhanced over prior TSS generations. In addition to lane centering, this system also helps provide more space between vehicles being passed in adjacent lanes. It works by offsetting the vehicles' driving path with minor steering adjustments while keeping the vehicle within its lane.

•An Emergency Driving Stop System is a new function of Lane Tracing Assist. It's designed to monitor the driver's inputs, such as steering operation, to determine if they're inattentive or non-responsive, such as during a medical emergency. This feature is designed to bring the vehicle to a stop if the driver doesn't respond to alerts to take control.

•Road Sign Assist is designed to detect speed limit signs, stop signs, Do Not Enter signs, yield signs, and certain warning signs, and display an icon of the sign on the Multi-Information Display (MID).

In addition to TSS 3.0, other available features include Blind Spot Monitor (BSM), which is designed to help detect and warn you of vehicles approaching or positioned in the adjacent lanes and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA) for added peace of mind by helping to detect vehicles approaching from either side while backing out and alerting you with a visual and audible warning. Hill Start Assist Control (HAC) also comes standard.

Beyond Zero Vision

As part of Toyota's diverse portfolio approach toward a carbon-neutral future, 4Runner is the latest hybrid offering in the lineup to wear the Beyond Zero badge. Very soon, Toyota will offer 19 electrified vehicles for customers to choose from. With the additions of Land Cruiser and Tacoma, Toyota will offer 15 hybrid models, two plug-in hybrid models, the bZ4X battery electric vehicle (BEV), and the zero-emission hydrogen fuel cell Mirai, Toyota provides more choices than any other automaker for customers to reduce their carbon footprint.

Limited Warranty

Toyota's 36-month/36,000 mile basic new-vehicle warranty applies to all components other than normal wear and maintenance items. Additional 60-month warranties cover the powertrain for 60,000 miles and against perforation from corrosion for 60 months with no mileage limitation. Hybrid-related components that require repairs needed to correct defects in materials or workmanship are covered for 8 years/100,000 miles, whichever comes first from original date of first use when sold as new. The hybrid battery is covered for 10 years/150,000 miles, whichever comes first, and is transferable across ownership.

The 2025 4Runner also comes with ToyotaCare, a plan covering normal factory-scheduled maintenance, for two years or 25,000 miles, whichever comes first, and 2 years, unlimited mileage of Roadside Assistance.

by Toyota

Toyota's fun-to-drive off-road vehicle, the 4Runner combined 4-wheel drive and off-road Runner to form an incredible vehicle. All 4Runners were constructed at the Tahara Plant in Tahara, Aichi, Japan or at Hino Motors' Hamura, Japan plant. Sold in countries such as the U.S., Canada, Panama, Saudi Arabia, Chili and Australia from 1984 until the present, the Toyota 4Runner is a SUV manufactured by Toyota. The Toyota 4 Runner is also sold in other markets such as Pakistan as the Toyota Hilux Surf.

The first of Toyota's comfort-driven SUVs, the Toyota 4Runner was designed around the rugged frame of the truck, though a slight bit more comfortable, unlike the Land Cruiser. While many other automakers were introducing mid-size SUVs in the mid 1980s like the Ford Bronco II and the Chevy S-10 Blazer, Toyota was feeling the pressure to develop a competing model. Introduced in 1984 for the 1985 model year, Toyota introduced the revolutionary new 4Runner, a vehicle that combined the versatility and ruggedness of the 4WD with the comfort and utility that was found in regular passenger vehicles. Open-air driving was easily accessibly by removing the fiberglass top that was covering the cargo area. Indistinguishable from the Toyota pickups from the dashboard forward, the first generation 4Runners had two doors. Mostly all of the changes were to the bottom half of the body, basically because the rear springs were not upgraded to cope with the additional weight of the rear seats and fiberglass top. Unfortunately these early models tend to suffer from sagging rear suspensions.

Originally available in two models, the 4Runner featured one model that was barely more than a pickup truck with a covered car area with an emphasis on utility. The first model featured seats on the front only while the rear area was meant purely for cargo. The second model was designed to encompass up to five passengers and included a rear seat that could be folded flat for additional storage space. This model was available in the SR5 grade and included a larger fuel tank along with more luxurious interior features. Both of these models were powered by the carbureted 2.4L 22R four-cylinder engine that was joined to a five speed manual transmission with two speed transfer case. All had manual locking front hubs.

For the 1986 model year, Toyota added the Hi-Trac independent front suspension which now gave the 4Runner more ground clearance along with more improved ride quality. Also, now available on SR5 models, Toyota gave the 4Runner an injection of power with a turbocharged engine.

The Toyota 4Runner was introduced in 1987 with the SR5 trim available on all models, both truck and passenger. The turbo engine was still only confined to passenger models. For this year slight changes were also made to the grille, headlights, and striping.

Toyota introduced the 3.0L V6 engine to the 4Runner for 1988 as power seemed to be the topic on consumer's minds. The turbo model was discontinued as the V6 model was more suited to the off-road environment that the 4Runner was originally designed for. Now the V6 and four-cylinder engines were all that remained at the end of the 1988 year.

A whole new breed of 4Runner was introduced by Toyota in 1989. This brand was based on the newly redesigned line up pickup trucks. Aggressive looking and muscular, the new 4Runner was still quite capable of delivering the same off-road performance that Toyota's four-wheel drive trucks were known for.

Muscular and aggressive, a brand new breed of 4Runner was introduced by Toyota in the spring of 1989. Resembling the line of pickup trucks, the new 4Runner was still capable of delivering the off-road performance that Toyota's four-wheel trucks were famous for. Now the 4Runner was available as either a two or four door vehicle and came with either two or four wheel drive. Due to the new styling, the fiberglass top had to go, but now the 4runner was quieter and more weather tight.

J.D. Power & Associates awarded the 1990 4Runner with the 'Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality' title along with being among the Consumers Digest 'Best Buys' report. The following year the Toyota 4Runner won two more awards, once again the 'Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality' by J.D. Power along with 'Best Compact SUV in Customer Satisfaction' also by J.D. Power for 1991.

For 1992 the Toyota 4Runner underwent a few minor revisions in styling that included flush headlamps and new grille along with new molding treatments. Optional now on the 4Runner were leather seats. For this year the Toyota 4Runner once again was awarded the same awards from J.D. Power and Associates. For the following year J.D. Power named the 4Runner 'Best Compact Sport Utility'.

For the 1994 model year, safety was emphasized and the Toyota 4Runner received side impact protections, a new center brake light and the option of four-wheel anti-lock brakes on all V6 models. The price of the 4Runner was now close to $30,000 and now featured a CD-player, either speaker stereo, leather seats, sunroof and anti-lock brakes. Fortunately though, the 4Runner hadn't forgotten its off-road heritage and remained as strong as a back-woods performer as ever. Once again, the 4Runner was awarded the ‘Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality' award by J.D. Power.

2 years later the 4Runner underwent a complete redesign that included the installation of all new engines, chassis, interior and exterior styling. The 1996 Toyota 4Runner also received newly enhanced safety equipment and added utility. This third generation of 4Runners was the first 4Runner that didn't share wither body panels for a frame with Toyota's compact pickup trucks. Now the 4Runner was available in either 2 or 4 wheel drive, in base, SR5 and Limited trim. There was now a 4Runner for every consumer with two engine choices, a 2.7L 4 cylinder or a 3.4L V6, both with twin cam, multi-valve designs.

The new chassis for the 1996 4Runner was stiffer for more improved steering feel and more precise suspension travel, and was now two inches longer to increase wheelbase and provide for a more stable ride. Replacing the previous Hi-Trac system was a front suspension with a coil spring with double wishbone design which now resulted in greater wheel travel and ride comfort.

The '96 4Runner also featured a one piece lift up tailgate with power windows, much larger exterior mirrors, a lot more interior volume with greater head and legroom along with a lowered step-in and cargo loading height. Dual airbags were now included along with four-wheel ABS for safety, along with side door impact beams and ALR/ELR seatbelts both in the front and rear. Four Wheeler magazine awarded the 1996 model with a runner-up for the Compact 4-door along with the ‘Most Appealing Compact SUV' by J.D. Power.

For the 1997 model year, the Toyota 4Runner only underwent minor changes that included the addition of a 2WD Limited model, newly revised seat fabric in SR5 models, 2 new Preferred Equipment Packages and the ability to order 16-inch alloy wheels on 2WD models. The 4Runner won even more awards this year that included '1997 Top Three Vehicles in Intial Quality – Compact SUV' by J.D. Power, 'Best SUV' by Consumer Reports Magazine', 'Top 10 Trucks overall Resale Value After Three Years of Ownership' – ADP Autosource Suvey, and '1997 Total Quality Award – Medium SUV Segment' by Strategic Vision, Inc.

Once again the Toyota 4Runner underwent only minor changes for the 1998 model year. The only improvements were new 4 spoke steering wheel, rotary style HVAC controls and revised audio head units.

The 4th year for the 3rd generation of Toyota 4Runners, 1999 introduced many more standard features and options that made this model even more equipped than previous ones. A newly redesigned front bumper, valence cover and grille with multi-reflector headlamps with an auto-off function along with a new center console with dual cupholders, and much more were offered for the 1999 model year. Other options included an overhead console with both garage door and sunglass holder, two power outlets in the center cluster and an LCD odometer with digital duel trip meters.

A new multi-mode 4WD system was placed in the 1999 4Runner Limited model as standard. A full-time all-wheel-drive system with 2WD capability, the new multi-mode features can be used in normal driving conditions on all types of roads. The '99 4Runner once again received the ‘Best Compact SUV in Initial Quality' by J.D. Power along with the 'Best Compact SUV Segment', also by J.D. Power.

Standard equipment for the 2001 4Runner model was now the 3.4 liter V7 engine an automatic transmission, along with Vehicle Skid Control with traction control, multi-mode 4WD and a 2WD/4WD selector switch along with a pre-wired trailer hitch harness. The rear differential lock has now been discontinued for '01 while the brake booster was changed to hydraulic assisted. New interior additions and three new exterior colors were also features for 2001.

Serious changes were incorporated to the chassis and body of the fourth-generation Toyota 4Runner, though targeted at approximately the same demographics as the third generation. Looking very different than the previous 4Runners, the updated 4Runner was based on the Land Cruiser Prado 120 series, though it was still targeted as a mid-size quasi-luxury SUV. Currently the SR5, Sport Edition, and the Limited were the available trims. Standard on the current 4Runner was an all-new 4.0 L 1GR-FE while a V8 became available for the first time for the fourth generation models. An available option for the fourth generation, the same 4.7 L 2UZ-FE V8 that was found in the Land Cruiser, Sequoia and Tundra that produced 260 hp and 306 lb-ft of torque was in the 4Runner.

The SR5 and Sport Edition models were first introduced in 2003 and used gray cladding and bumpers. Early on in the year, Toyota added an optional Appearance Package for the SR5 that included color-keyed cladding, liftgate trim and bumpers. The Appearance Package, along with the early optional fog lamps, running boards, and 16-inch aluminum wheels were made standard on the SR5 in April of 2003. Replacing the grey cladding and silver-painted grille, door handles and liftgate trim, the Sport Edition also added black running boards and color-keyed trim.

Standard equipment including a tire pressure warning system in the 2004 Toyota 4Runner. Both the SR5 and Limited models received a 3rd row seat as optional equipment.

For 2005, new enhancements and updates were brought to the optional V8 engine, and made a 5-speed automatic standard on the V6 model. Minor changes were made to the exterior of the '05 4Runner that included color-keyed bumper trim on the SR5 and Limited. A chrome grille was placed on the SR5 while a black roof-rack and running boards replaced the silver ones on the Limited along with a redesigned rear spoiler. Available on all trim levels, a Salsa Red Pearl Scheme was introduced, though a similar color scheme had been available for third generation models.

The fourth generation's mid-cycle refresh marked the 2006 model year with changes that included revised front and rear bumpers, a new projector-beam headlamps, LED tail lamps, a reworked grille, additional chrome trim on the SR5 model, step bars on the Sport Edition and a smoked-chrome grille with tubular roof-rack. The turn-signals were relocated to the headlamp assembly while the front bumper was revised and now features circular fog lights. The rear bumper reflectors were eliminated by the addition of the redesigned bumper. All audio systems added an MP3 playback capability along with an auxiliary input jack. The Limited model was now further set apart from the other trim levels with the new addition of unique 18' wheels and a seat memory system.

The Toyota 4Runner was basically unchanged in 2007 except the new gray-colored option, Shadow Mica. The following year the 4Runner received standard side air bags, slightly modified front grille design, a switch to disable Vehicle Stability Control, refinements in the Tire Pressure Monitoring System along with a few changes in the seatbelt warning system warning system and brake system control.

by Jessican Donaldson