How Does the All-New 2025 Toyota 4Runner Differ From the 2024 Model?

The Toyota 4Runner has been a favorite among Toyota fans and SUV fanatics for some time now. It is well-known for its ruggedness, reliability, and off-road prowess. With the 2025 Toyota 4Runner on the horizon, adventurers and go-getters alike are thrilled to see what it has in store. Some years of a vehicle might show great change, while others may continue steadfastly with the same hit features. As for the 4Runner, it continues to evolve and innovate.

Since its inception in the mid-1980s, the 4Runner has carved out a unique niche in the SUV market, offering a balance of off-road plunder and on-road comfort. Consistently delivering on its promise of durability and adventure-ready performance, the 4Runner was a near-instant success. This midsize SUV has become synonymous with reliability, making it a go-to choice for those who require a vehicle capable of tackling both urban environments and rugged backcountry trails with the same level of ease.

The Toyota 4Runner’s journey from its humble beginnings as a compact off-roader to its current status as a fully capable, midsize SUV is a statement of Toyota’s commitment to quality, durability, and, of course, its endless innovation. Throughout its history, the 4Runner has maintained its core values of ruggedness and reliability while continuously evolving to meet the needs of modern drivers. Whether conquering remote trails or navigating urban streets, the 4Runner remains an enduring symbol of adventure and dependability while showing growth and advancement with each passing year.

Out With the Old and in With the New

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner ushers in the sixth generation of this iconic SUV, saying goodbye to the long-running fifth generation. Staying true to its heritage, the 2025 perfectly blends modern technology and efficiency with the rugged reliability that has always defined it. As it evolves, the 4Runner continues to honor its legacy while meeting the needs of present-day drivers. Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast or someone looking for a dependable and versatile family vehicle, the sixth-generation 4Runner promises to deliver.

Receiving a subtle yet impactful facelift, the 2025 model 4Runner seems to be a bit more chiseled than last year’s model. A slightly more square-jawed 4Runner conjures images of the rugged off-road trails that are in its future, making it an appealing option for anyone wanting adventure. The front grille has also been redesigned, adding a more modern and aggressive look to the all-new 4Runner.

It isn’t just the outside that has been redone; the bones of the 4Runner are getting an update. Built on Toyota’s rough-and-tumble TNGA-F global truck platform, the 4Runner now shares the same underpinnings as the beloved Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia. As a truck platform, you are sure to get the capabilities of such, which is an intriguing prospect for those interested in performance, strength, and adaptability.

What makes this platform so great is that it utilizes a high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame, which means your 4Runner can stand up against the toughest situations. It also features a multi-link coil rear and double-wishbone front suspension, which is said to provide the 4Runner with a more comfortable and smoother ride that drivers and passengers can enjoy. The new bones even add to the 4Runner’s overall abilities, which should be an exciting prospect for those who like to tow as well as haul.

Since the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is not just about rugged performance and off-road capability but also about embracing the future of automotive technology, Toyota has equipped the 2025 with upgraded tech goodies. With new 8-inch and 14-inch multimedia touch screens featuring Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system, the 4Runner is entering the future with highly-modernized accessories. By combining cutting-edge technology with its legendary durability and reliability, the 4Runner continues to set the standard for what an SUV can be in the modern era.

What’s Under the Hood for 2025?

Toyota is stepping up its game with more efficient and powerful engine options for the 2025 4Runner. Previously sporting a commendable V6 that pumped out 270 horses, the new 4Runner now features the powerful i-FORCE powertrain, capable of offering 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. In fact, this new powertrain, paired with the new frame, allows the 4Runner to tow up to 6,000 lbs, which is a full 1,000 lbs over the 2024 model year. The i-FORCE has already made a name for itself, showing a balance of fuel efficiency and performance so that you get the best from both worlds.

In line with Toyota’s commitment to sustainability, the 2025 4Runner also offers a hybrid option that reduces emissions and improves fuel efficiency. The hybrid variant is an i-FORCE MAX engine offering 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid powertrain is available on the rugged TRD Off-Road and Limited options and comes standard on the TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum options. With i-FORCE MAX behind the hybrid, you can count on ample power and performance to go with your green ride.

Depending on what you plan on tackling each day, the 4Runner sports a rear-wheel-drive configuration as standard, while an optional full-time four-wheel drive system is available, featuring a two-speed transfer case with both high and low range. For those who use their vehicle for on-the-road excitement, the two-wheel drive model is an excellent choice and is equipped with an automatic limited-slip differential. The automatic limited-slip differential improves traction by reducing wheel spin in slippery conditions such as wet roads.

The part-time four-wheel drive model is the whole package for those who seek off-road adventures. This system allows drivers to switch between 2WD and 4WD as needed, which lets one adapt to the changing road conditions and potential challenges. These four-wheel drive variants also feature an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with both high and low range which makes tackling varying terrain even easier.

Off-Roading Taken to New Heights

The 4Runner’s legendary off-road prowess is taken to the next level in the sixth generation, in part thanks to the introduction of the hybrid. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid lineup offers a diverse range of trims, each tailored to meet different needs and preferences. From the luxurious and tech-savvy Limited and Platinum trims to the off-road beasts like the Trailhunter, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro, there is a 4Runner Hybrid for every need and everyone. This versatility, combined with the improved fuel efficiency and bumped up off-road prowess of the hybrid powertrain, ensures that the 4Runner Hybrid continues to uphold its legacy as a reliable and rugged SUV for all kinds of adventures.

Among the most notable upgrades to the 2025 over the 2024 4Runner is the Multi-Terrain Select system, which now functions seamlessly in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low settings. What this means is more control for those who like to hit the trails and explore the unknown. The 2025 also gets a smoother and more incognito version of the CRAWL function for off-road exploration, which further increases control and makes rock crawling semi-automatic. While the 2024 was far from lacking in the realm of adventurous driving, the 2025 seems to blow things out of the water.

The Evolution Continues With the 2025 4Runner

The transition from the 2024 to the 2025 Toyota 4Runner shows a significant evolution in design, performance, and technology. While the 2024 model remains a strong contender with its proven capabilities and classic design, the 2025 4Runner pushes the envelope with a new platform, enhanced powertrain, advanced off-road features, and cutting-edge technology. Whether you choose the tried-and-true 2024 model or the innovative 2025 version, the Toyota 4Runner continues to uphold its legacy of rugged reliability and off-road greatness.