By using this site, you agree to the Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
Accept
The Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
    Auto ShowsShow More
    Driving Trade Forward: AfCFTA, AGOA,BRICS and the Tariffs – All On The Menu At Automechanika CEO Breakfast
    May 9, 2025
    Toyota Expands Commitment to Hydrogen Society with Fleet, Infrastructure and Next-Gen System Debut
    April 30, 2025
    Ford is Ready to Tackle the Simola Hillclimb with Over 6 000 Horsepower
    April 30, 2025
    LDV (Maxus as Known in China) Makes a Bold Statement at Shanghai Motor Show
    April 30, 2025
    Upcoming OMODA C3 redefines the crossover with cyber-mecha aesthetics
    April 29, 2025
  • Bikes
    BikesShow More
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RS
    May 2, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 1300 RT
    April 30, 2025
    Honda NC750X Named Winner in 2025 Red Dot Design Award
    April 10, 2025
    The Panigale V4 honoured with the prestigious iF Design Award
    March 30, 2025
    BMW Motorrad presents the new BMW R 12 G/S
    March 29, 2025
  • News
    NewsShow More
    SEAT S.A. celebrates 75 years
    May 9, 2025
    Lucid Strengthens Leadership Team as Company Prepares for Growth
    May 8, 2025
    GWM Sells Over 100,000 Vehicles in April, Up 5.55% Year-on-Year
    May 8, 2025
    296 LMGT3s head to Belgium for 2025 6 Hours of Spa
    May 8, 2025
    Toyota Announces April Through March 2025 Financial Results
    May 8, 2025
  • Concepts
    ConceptsShow More
    Hyundai Motor and Plus Unveil Concept for Autonomous Hydrogen Freight Ecosystem at ACT Expo 202
    May 2, 2025
    Hyundai Motor Unveils the new IONIQ 6 and IONIQ 6 N Line
    April 5, 2025
    Kia and LG Electronics Partner to Showcase New PBV Concepts for Work and Play
    April 4, 2025
    BMW Group reveals revolutionary electric drive concept with 800V technology for the Neue Klasse
    February 24, 2025
    Audi unveils Q6 e-tron offroad concept
    January 28, 2025
  • EVs
    EVsShow More
    Enviro Automotive Unleashes Cutting-Edge 4×4 EVs and Unprecedented Price Reductions
    May 9, 2025
    Mercedes-Benz and The Mobility House Launch Europe-Wide Partnership for Smart Home Charging
    May 9, 2025
    Coming soon: the new Volvo XC70
    May 8, 2025
    Isuzu begins production of D-MAX EV pickup truck in Thailand
    May 2, 2025
    Rethinking the way we perceive, design and use electric LCVs with Renault Trafic, Goelette and Estafette
    May 2, 2025
  • Motosport
    MotosportShow More
    Disappointing but Encouraging for Team Peugeot TotalEnergies
    May 11, 2025
    Highs and lows for BMW M Motorsport on the Ardennes rollercoaster
    May 11, 2025
    Ferrari in action at Laguna Seca, Nürburgring and Indonesia
    May 9, 2025
    TOYOTA GAZOO Racing gears up for gruelling gravel rallies
    May 9, 2025
    Porsche Penske Motorsport aims to maintain IMSA winning streak in the USA
    May 9, 2025
  • Trucks & Buses
    Trucks & BusesShow More
    Successful together: representatives of the 12 project partners of the ATLAS-L4 project at the closing event in Penzing with Ernst Stöckl-Pukall, Head of the “Digitalization and Industry 4.0” department at the Federal Ministry of Economics (first row, second from right) and Georg Grüneißl, Head of Product Strategy and Planning at MAN Truck & Bus, representing the project consortium leader (first row, center)
    Goal achieved: the driverless truck on the road becomes reality
    May 8, 2025
    Volvo’s gas-powered trucks on the rise – enabling up to 100% CO2 reduction
    May 5, 2025
    Mercedes-Benz Trucks aims to win a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS title with eActros 600
    May 2, 2025
    MAN again with rising order intake
    April 29, 2025
    Volvo reaches milestone with 5,000 electric trucks sold worldwide
    April 29, 2025
  • Reviews
    ReviewsShow More
    Sporty meets efficiency: the new Audi A6 plug-in hybrid models
    May 7, 2025
    THE ROLLS-ROYCE PHANTOM AT 100 YEARS
    May 4, 2025
    Introducing the 2026 Lucid Gravity Grand Touring
    April 16, 2025
    TGR to Launch Evolved GR Yaris
    April 14, 2025
    Connected development: the Audi A6 Avant as the perfect travel companion
    April 9, 2025
  • Tech
    TechShow More
    Hyundai Motor Group Delivers Enhanced In-Car Experience Through Equinix Data Centers Globally
    May 8, 2025
    Artificial intelligence as a quality booster
    April 28, 2025
    Kia Introduces AI Voice Assistant to Enhance Connectivity and Driver Experience
    April 16, 2025
    Bentley employs pioneering AI technology in the quest for leather perfection
    April 15, 2025
    Bandai Namco, AirConsole and Volkswagen bring PAC-MAN into the vehicle
    April 15, 2025
Hot News
Disappointing but Encouraging for Team Peugeot TotalEnergies
Highs and lows for BMW M Motorsport on the Ardennes rollercoaster
Ferrari in action at Laguna Seca, Nürburgring and Indonesia
SEAT S.A. celebrates 75 years
TOYOTA GAZOO Racing gears up for gruelling gravel rallies
Motosport

2024 TRACN4 Rally promises to deliver in Dullstroom

Latest News

GM Releases 2023 Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year Results, and 2024 Guidance

Latest News

Bentley Motors marks 25 years of Additive Manufacturing capabilities

Motosport

Porsche Penske Motorsport returns to the venue of the 963’s maiden win

Font ResizerAa
The Auto MagazineThe Auto Magazine
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Search
  • Home
  • Auto Shows
  • Bikes
  • News
  • Concepts
  • EVs
  • Motosport
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Reviews
  • Tech
Follow US
Crafted by Intellegere Media. © 2024 The Auto Magazine. All rights reserved.
Reviews

The All-New 2025 Toyota 4Runner: The Icon That Inspires Exploration

Itumeleng Garebatshabe
Last updated: December 11, 2024 13:37
By Itumeleng Garebatshabe
343 Views
21 Min Read
Share
21 Min Read
SHARE
  • Standard i-FORCE powertrain with up to 278 Horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of Torque
  • Available i-FORCE MAX with up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of Torque
  • Standard power rear window with an available hands-free power liftgate
  • First-ever Trailhunter and Platinum grades now offered
  • Available 14-inch Touchscreen Display
  • Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard on all models
  • On-sale early 2025

The Toyota 4Runner’s reputation as a go–anywhere adventure vehicle has cemented it as an icon in American off-road culture. For over 40 years, 4Runner has stayed true to its original concept as an extremely capable, dynamic, and durable off-roader. As it enters its 6th generation, 4Runner has never been more capable, advanced and refined. Amenities and the passenger experience were key focus areas during vehicle development. 4Runner will now offer nine grades that include the first-ever Trailhunter and Platinum grades. 

Fans can expect the 2025 4Runner to hit dealerships in January of 2025. 

- Advertisement -
Ad image

New for the 6th generation 4Runner is the 2.4 liter turbocharged i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, standard on the TRD Pro, the first-ever Trailhunter and Platinum and available on TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium and Limited grades. A 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder i-FORCE engine is standard on the SR5, TRD Sport, and TRD Sport Premium grades, and available on TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium and Limited.

The i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo offers up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque and has up to an EPA-estimated 26 MPG highway. The second powertrain, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid, produces up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. The i-FORCE MAX 4Runner brings all the power and capability midsize SUV fans love and has up to an EPA-estimated 24 MPG highway rating.

The 4Runner embraces its adventurous roots and takes them to the next level with the all-new Trailhunter grade. Trailhunter builds upon Toyota’s legendary off-road and overlanding credibility with purpose-built engineering and robust components. Exclusively powered by i-FORCE MAX, Trailhunter includes standard features such as Old Man Emu® shocks, a low-profile high-mount air intake, 33-inch Toyo® tires with 18-inch bronze-finished wheels, an on-board air compressor and distinctive exterior features like RIGID Industries® color selectable LED fog lamps, an ARB® roof rack and the bronze-colored “TOYOTA” heritage-inspired grille with an integrated LED Light Bar.

The TRD Pro is also an i-FORCE MAX exclusive grade and packs in additional standard features like TRD-Tuned FOX® QS3 adjustable shocks with rear remote reservoirs, a TRD performance air intake and 33-inch Toyo® tires with 18-inch black alloy wheels.

4Runner is available in 2-Wheel, part-time 4-Wheel and Full-time 4-Wheel Drive. All i-FORCE MAX grades come standard with 4-Wheel Drive that is ready for the road or trail. The Limited and Platinum grades have Full-time 4-Wheel Drive with an electronic locking center differential.

A Firm Foundation
The 4Runner utilizes Toyota’s TNGA-F global platform shared with the Tacoma, Tundra, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia. Much like its brethren, high-strength steel with blanking and laser welds are used throughout the chassis to increase rigidity over the previous generation, and aluminum is used on the upper body to reduce weight. Frame crossmembers are also strengthened to increase durability. Enhanced ride and handling characteristics on 4Runner were brought to life with suspensions tuned specifically to each grade. For instance, TRD Sport has TRD Sport-tuned shocks for a more responsive feel. The TRD Off-Road grade is equipped with monotube Bilstein® remote reservoir shocks for extended wheel travel and greater heat dissipation and includes an end stop control valve (ESCV) that provides increased damping force as the suspension comes closer to full bound stroke.

TRD Pro comes fitted with TRD-tuned FOX® QS3 three-way adjustable internal bypass shocks with remote reservoirs for improved high speed off-road performance. Trailhunter includes Old Man Emu® (OME) forged monotube shocks with remote reservoirs that are tuned for optimum levels of off-road control and load carrying capability.

The Limited and Platinum grades feature adaptive variable suspension tuned for on road conditions to help give the 4Runner a smooth and luxurious ride.

4Runner features Electric Power Steering (EPS) to provide improved steering feel and facilitate the incorporation of additional safety and convenience features.

Trail Ready
One noteworthy feature of the all-new 4Runner is the Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM), which is standard on Trailhunter and TRD Pro. SDM increases suspension articulation across the whole vehicle at the push of a button.

TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter drivers can view potential obstacles that are looming on the trail via the Multi-Terrain Monitor that can display crisply on the available 14-inch touchscreen. For tricky situations, 4Runner offers standard underbody protection and easy access recovery points.

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.

Multi-Terrain Select is functional in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low, offering adjustable settings to help control wheel spin on a variety of terrain such as Mud, Dirt, and Sand. 4Runner also makes available Toyota’s next-generation CRAWL Control technology that acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control. When traction is extremely limited, the available electronically activated locking rear differential can help split power sent to the rear 50/50 between 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.

4Runner is designed and built for a wide variety of demands. Needing to pull a trailer, boat or UTV means towing capability is a crucial feature. Fortunately, 4Runner is up to the challenge thanks to its maximum towing capacity of 6,000 lbs.

Impressive towing capability is paired with available advanced towing features a trailer brake controller and a digital rear-view mirror. Trailer Back Up Guide with Straight Path Assist is also available and features a combination of sensors and cameras to help keep the trailer in a straight line while reversing, allowing the driver to focus solely on throttle and braking. This technology also gives the driver a 360-degree simulated top-down view of the vehicle to aid overall visibility, including tough-to-see areas around the truck and trailer. During regular on-road driving conditions, 4Runner’s standard Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) can identify when a trailer is being towed and extend the area of detection to recognize and alert the driver to potential hazards in blind spots for not only the vehicle, but the trailer as well.

Nine Grades
4Runner now offers more grades than ever before. It is available in SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off–Road, TRD Off–Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. 

The i-FORCE MAX powertrain is available on TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited and standard on Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. Hybrid 4Runner grades are not only powerful but they also add functionality with a standard 2400W AC power supply to both the cabin and cargo area.

The SR5 grade is well equipped and ready for adventure. It comes available in rear wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive. Drivers will easily be able to read vehicle information on the 7–inch color multi-information display or select their favorite tunes on the 8–inch audio multimedia screen. More fan favorite standard features are LED head and fog lights, power rear liftgate window, Smart Key and even 12 cup holders.  

The TRD Sport grade adds standard Sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch alloy wheels, a gloss black hood scoop, automatic climate control, a large 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster and Qi-wireless charger.

The TRD Sport Premium grade builds on TRD Sport and adds SofTex-trimmed power seats, a massive 14-inch audio multimedia touchscreen with JBL premium audio, the JBL FLEX portable speaker, a Panoramic View Monitor, hands-free power liftgate, TRD shift knob and heated steering wheel.

TRD Off-Road offers customers similar spec as TRD Sport but adds high strength under body protection, 18” wheels, 33” all-terrain tires, Bilstein shocks® and Multi Terrain Select with Crawl control.

TRD Off-Road Premium builds on TRD Off-Road and adds a Multi-Terrain Monitor, SofTex-trimmed power seats, 14-inch audio multimedia touchscreen with JBL premium audio, the JBL FLEX portable speaker, hands-free power lift gate, TRD shift knob and heated steering wheel.

The Limited grade is a more sophisticated driving experience with heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats plus available power-extending running boards, 14-inch touchscreen, JBL® Premium Audio with JBL® FLEX portable speaker, available digital rearview mirror, and a power moonroof.

The Trailhunter grade has been designed from the ground up to be the ultimate overlanding rig and adventure-ready right from the dealer. On the inside, Trailhunter offers a bespoke Mineral colored heated and ventilated SofTex®-trimmed front seats and standard Old Man Emu (OME) 2.5-inch forged monotube shocks.   

4Runner TRD Pro features TRD-tuned FOX® QS3 Internal Bypass shocks with 2.5-inch aluminum housings and rear remote reservoirs.  Quick Switch 3 (QS3) technology allows for manual adjustment of compression damping on each shock to match the terrain. The interior is available in Black or Cockpit Red with technical-camo-pattern inserts, heated and ventilated SofTex®-trimmed seats with power adjustability. TRD Pro also uses a TRD performance air intake and exhaust to allow the i-FORCE MAX engine to breathe even more efficiently and features unique exterior features such as 20-inch LED light bar integrated into a heritage-inspired “TOYOTA” grille, and RIGID Industries® LED fog lamps.

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, premium leather-trimmed seats, heated second-row outboard seats, a standard tow tech package, Head-Up Display and automatic rain sensing wipers.

The color palette for 4Runner includes Ice Cap, Cutting Edge (new), Underground, Black, Heritage Blue, Everest (new), as well as the TRD Pro-exclusive color the 2025 model year – Mudbath. Plus, premium colors including Supersonic Red and Wind Chill Pearl.

Advanced Tech
4Runner receives Toyota’s latest technology with an 8-inch or available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen displays Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system. 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 display, and dual USB-C charging ports are included in the front row and available for the rear passengers. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster with selectable gauges is also standard on all i-FORCE MAX 4Runner grades.

Also standard on all grades is a Smart Key System with push-button start. With an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, available Digital Key compatibility connects with select 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. Additionally, a Card Key is available, which is a credit card-sized smart key that allows the driver to carry their key easily and conveniently with them wherever they go.

For music lovers, the 4Runner offers and available fourteen–speaker JBL® premium audio, including an externally coupled subwoofer for improved output and a JBL® FLEX portable speaker, on Limited, Platinum, Trailhunter and TRD Pro, and available on TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road. When docked on the dash, the JBL® FLEX charges and operates as the center channel speaker. When undocked, the JBL® FLEX portable Bluetooth speaker can run for up to six hours, be paired with other Toyota JBL® FLEX Portable Speakers, and can be submerged in up to three feet of water. 

MAXimum Control
The i-FORCE MAX 4Runner also comes with standard Drive Mode Select, available modes that allow the driver to change the settings of the drive force, suspensions, steering system, etc., all at the twist of a dial. Standard drive models include Normal, Eco, and Sport, which adjust shift and pedal mapping, HVAC performance, and steering feel based on the selected drive mode. The Limited and Platinum grades add two additional pre-programmed drive modes, Sport S+ and Comfort, as well as a Custom mode allowing the driver ultimate control over their driving experience.  A Tow/Haul setting is available on most 4Runner grades and is standard on all i-FORCE MAX grades, providing enhanced throttle response and transmission functionality while towing. 

Rugged Choices
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 3.0. 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 Toyota Safety Sense features have been enhanced for TSS 3.0:

  • The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection has enhanced detection capabilities thanks to 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 and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control must 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 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.

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.

TAGGED:Toyota 4Runner

Sign Up For Daily Newsletter

Stay Updated! Get the latest breaking news delivered straight to your inbox.

By signing up, you agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe at any time.
Share This Article
Facebook Whatsapp Whatsapp LinkedIn VKontakte Telegram Email Copy Link Print
Share
ByItumeleng Garebatshabe
Editor
Follow:
Itumeleng is the Managing Editor of The Auto Magazine. He is a tech and car enthusiast

Follow US

FacebookLike
XFollow
InstagramFollow
YoutubeSubscribe
TiktokFollow
TelegramFollow
Google NewsFollow
LinkedInFollow
- Advertisement -
Ad imageAd image

The Auto Magazine

  • Advertise
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Cookie Policy
  • Bikes
  • Electric Vehicles
  • Trucks & Buses
  • Auto Shows
  • Latest News
  • Motosport

Made by Intellegere Media. All rights reserved. 2023

Don't not sell my personal information
Join Us!
Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss our latest news, podcasts etc.

Zero spam, Unsubscribe at any time.
adbanner