Just picked up my brand new 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4×4 in stunning Underground color from a dealer in Southern California for MSRP! Opted for the Boulder cloth interior, the added versatility of third-row seats, and practical aluminum running boards/side rails. After the first 100 miles, I’m excited to share my initial thoughts and a detailed photo gallery of this impressive sixth-generation 4Runner.
Let’s dive into the visual tour first, and then I’ll share my driving experience and overall impressions.
Driving Experience and Feature Highlights of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5
After putting about 100 miles on the odometer, the new powertrain in the 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 is genuinely impressive. Concerns about it feeling underpowered are completely unfounded. The engine delivers ample power, and I haven’t experienced any noticeable turbo lag or hesitation. Fuel efficiency is also spot-on with EPA estimates. I’m currently averaging 22.6 MPG with a mix of 50% highway and 50% city driving in a hilly area. This fuel economy is a significant improvement and makes the 2025 4Runner a more practical daily driver.
The SR5 trim is incredibly utilitarian, as the photos hopefully convey. It’s worth noting a few features that some reviews incorrectly stated were included in the US SR5 trim: heated steering wheel, heated seats, and inverter plugs for both the second row and trunk. These are not standard on the SR5, which is a bit surprising. However, adding heated seats and inverter plugs aftermarket seems like a relatively straightforward DIY project. Another minor oddity is the absence of USB-C ports for the third row, especially given that the SR5 is one of the few trims offering the third-row seat option.
Unmatched Build Quality and Cabin Refinement
It’s hard to fully describe the exceptional build quality of this truck. Having owned and driven numerous vehicles across different trims over the past few years, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 stands out. The cabin is remarkably solid and quiet. There are absolutely no rattles, squeaks, or creaks, even with items stored in the rear cargo floor compartment. Road and wind noise are impressively isolated. If it weren’t for the cloth seats and smaller displays, you might easily mistake the SR5 for a higher trim level in terms of cabin refinement and quietness.
The Practicality of Third-Row Seating
The third-row seats offer a couple of key advantages. First, they create a nearly flat cargo floor when folded down in conjunction with the second-row seats. This is a significant benefit for car camping or hauling larger items, minimizing the height difference between the folded seats. Second, the third row genuinely expands passenger capacity, accommodating two additional children or smaller adults (around 5’8″ or shorter). While I don’t anticipate using the third row constantly, it’s a valuable feature to have, adding considerable versatility to the SR5 for a minimal extra cost.
Payload and GVWR Specifications
For those interested in the 2025 Toyota 4Runner’s capabilities, here are the payload and GVWR figures from the door stickers:
Payload: 1160 lbs / 525 kg (reduced 61 lbs / 28kg by modifications – per yellow sticker)
GVWR: 6075 lbs
And finally, a couple more daylight shots showcasing the Underground color:
Initial Verdict on the 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5
Overall, my first 100 miles with the 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4×4 have been overwhelmingly positive. The new powertrain is responsive and efficient, the build quality is exceptional, and the SR5 trim offers a fantastic balance of utility and value. While it lacks a few minor convenience features as standard, the core strengths of the 4Runner – its ruggedness, reliability, and now improved fuel economy – are all present and enhanced in this sixth generation model. I look forward to many more miles and adventures with this fantastic SUV.
