Toyota has unveiled the all-new 2025 4Runner, marking the first major redesign of this iconic SUV in nearly 15 years. This sixth-generation model not only boasts a fresh, modern look, reminiscent of the recently updated Toyota Tacoma pickup, but also introduces a game-changing hybrid powertrain for the first time. The 2025 4Runner Hybrid is set to redefine the blend of off-road capability and fuel efficiency in the mid-size SUV segment.
This significant update completes Toyota’s overhaul of its truck and SUV lineup, solidifying the 4Runner’s place within the “five brothers” – Toyota’s esteemed family of trucks and SUVs including the Tacoma, Tundra, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia. Dave Christ, Toyota group vice president and general manager, emphasized the 4Runner’s legacy and future, stating, “This all-new 4Runner has incredible versatility and capability that nicely rounds out our truck family. We’ve sold over 3 million 4Runners over the past 40 years, 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 adventure icon.” Built on Toyota’s robust global truck platform, which debuted with the Land Cruiser and Tundra in 2021, the 2025 4Runner is engineered for both enhanced performance and modern demands.
While pricing details for the 2025 4Runner are anticipated closer to its on-sale date, the current 2024 models range from approximately $41,000 to over $55,000. The introduction of a hybrid option directly addresses a previous drawback of the 4Runner. Historically, larger Toyota SUVs, including the 4Runner, were known for their lower fuel economy, sometimes achieving 17 mpg combined or less, according to federal ratings. This new hybrid powertrain signals Toyota’s commitment to improving efficiency across its entire vehicle range, without sacrificing the ruggedness and capability the 4Runner is celebrated for. Fuel economy ratings for the 2025 4Runner are expected to be released closer to its showroom arrival in the fall, and given the improvements seen in other redesigned Toyota trucks and SUVs, significant gains are anticipated.
Jack Hollis, executive vice president of Toyota Motor North America, previously highlighted Toyota’s strategic approach to balancing its truck and SUV portfolio with evolving emissions standards. The inclusion of hybrid technology in the 4Runner is a key part of this strategy, offering a blend of power and improved environmental performance. “Those brothers, they all have a lot of similarities, and they have a lot of differences,” Hollis noted, emphasizing the tailored approach for each model within the truck family to reduce carbon emissions effectively. The 2025 4Runner Hybrid exemplifies this philosophy, providing a powerful yet more efficient option for drivers.
The heart of the 4Runner Hybrid is a turbocharged 2.4-liter engine paired with a 48-horsepower electric motor integrated into the eight-speed transmission. This combination delivers an impressive output of up to 326 horsepower and 465 foot-pounds of torque, ensuring robust performance both on and off the road. For those opting for the standard gasoline engine, the 2025 4Runner still offers a potent turbocharged 2.4-liter engine producing 278 horsepower and 317 foot-pounds of torque. The availability of both powertrains allows buyers to choose the option that best fits their needs and driving style, with the hybrid offering a compelling blend of power and efficiency.
Toyota is offering the 2025 4Runner in a comprehensive range of nine distinct models: SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off Road, TRD Off Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. New additions to the lineup include the Trailhunter model, specifically designed for serious off-road enthusiasts with features like rock rails and high-strength steel skid plates. Conversely, the Platinum trim caters to those seeking elevated comfort and luxury features, broadening the 4Runner’s appeal to a wider audience.
Production of the 2025 4Runner is underway at Toyota’s Tahara plant in Japan, signaling the start of a new chapter for this beloved SUV. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid represents a significant step forward, combining Toyota’s renowned off-road heritage with modern hybrid technology to meet the evolving demands of today’s drivers. As we approach its release, anticipation is building for what promises to be a class-leading blend of capability, efficiency, and rugged style.
