For four decades, the Toyota 4Runner has carved its niche as an undisputed icon, synonymous with rugged off-road capability and enduring reliability in North America. The legend continues to evolve with the introduction of the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner, a sixth-generation marvel that remains true to its adventurous spirit while embracing a bold new design, advanced technology, premium materials, and enhanced safety features. This Toyota 4runner Redesign elevates the go-anywhere SUV to new heights of refinement and capability, ensuring it remains the ultimate window to explore bigger worlds. Set to be manufactured at Toyota Motor Corporation’s Tahara plant in Japan, the 2025 4Runner is eagerly anticipated to arrive in the U.S. by the close of 2024.
A New Era for the Toyota 4Runner: The 2025 Redesign
“This all-new 4Runner has incredible versatility and capability that nicely rounds out our truck family story,” stated 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.”
Built on a Solid Foundation: TNGA-F Platform
The toyota 4runner redesign starts from the ground up, built upon Toyota’s robust TNGA-F global truck platform. This formidable foundation, shared with the Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia, utilizes a high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame, paired with a multi-link coil rear and double wishbone front suspension system. The adoption of the TNGA-F platform not only significantly enhances structural rigidity but also contributes to a more refined ride quality and improved on-road handling. Passengers will appreciate the enhanced comfort afforded by this new platform, even when utilizing the available third-row seating. Furthermore, the strengthened frame, in conjunction with the potent i-FORCE MAX powertrain, empowers the 4Runner with a substantial towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds.
Design Evolution: Ruggedness Meets Modernity
“Designing the legendary 4Runner began with identifying its unique and memorable aspects linked to fun, outdoor recreation,” explained 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 toyota 4runner redesign, drawing inspiration from the vehicle’s rich heritage while simultaneously forging a path towards the future. Designed in tandem with the Tacoma, the all-new 4Runner exhibits a familial resemblance yet maintains its distinct identity. Both models draw cues from the exhilarating world of desert racing, projecting a rugged and purposeful aesthetic. In a nostalgic nod to the first and second-generation 4Runners, designers reintroduced the iconic “wrap over” quarter glass, and the beloved roll-down rear window remains a signature element of the vehicle’s DNA. Inside, the design team meticulously crafted an interior that prioritizes ease of use and functional interfaces, achieving a harmonious blend of modern sophistication and authentic capability. The inclusion of second-row tumble seats further enhances the 4Runner’s interior versatility, maximizing cargo space and usability.
Powertrain Options: i-FORCE and i-FORCE MAX
The latest chapter in the 4Runner saga introduces two powerful and efficient turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder powertrains. The standard i-FORCE engine delivers an impressive 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, channeled through an eight-speed automatic transmission. This i-FORCE powertrain comes standard on SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited grades.
For those seeking even greater performance, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain is available on TRD Off-Road and Limited models, and standard on TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum trims. This hybrid system pairs the turbocharged 2.4-liter engine with a 48-hp electric motor seamlessly integrated into the eight-speed transmission, powered by a 1.87-kWh NiMH battery pack. The result is a combined system output of up to 326 horsepower and a commanding 465 lb.-ft. of torque, making it the most powerful powertrain ever offered in a 4Runner.
Off-Road Prowess: Trailhunter and Enhanced Capability
Rugged off-road capability remains at the heart of the toyota 4runner redesign. The latest iteration builds upon this legacy with enhanced features designed to conquer challenging terrains. A newly available Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism increases suspension articulation with the touch of a button, allowing for greater wheel travel and improved tire contact on uneven surfaces. The 4Runner boasts impressive approach and departure angles of up to 32 degrees and 24 degrees, respectively. The available Multi-Terrain Monitor system provides drivers with a clear view of potential obstacles on the center display, enhancing situational awareness.
The 2025 4Runner offers a choice of 2WD, part-time 4WD, or full-time 4WD systems. 2WD models feature an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD), while 4WD models are equipped with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case with high/low range, Active Traction Control (A-TRAC), and Auto LSD. An electronic locking rear differential is standard on TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter grades. The Limited grade offers an available full-time four-wheel-drive system with a center locking differential on i-FORCE MAX models, which is standard on the Platinum grade.
The Multi-Terrain Select system now operates in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low modes, offering optimized settings for various terrains like Mud, Dirt, and Sand. The 4Runner also incorporates the new, quieter CRAWL Control function, acting as a low-speed, off-road cruise control to allow drivers to focus on steering. For extreme low-traction scenarios, the available electronically activated locking rear differential can distribute power evenly to the rear wheels. Downhill Assist Control further aids in navigating steep descents by automatically regulating vehicle speed.
New Platinum Grade and Grade Lineup
The toyota 4runner redesign expands its grade offerings to provide customers with an unprecedented level of choice. A total of 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 all-new Trailhunter grade is specifically designed for overlanding enthusiasts, offering a factory-developed solution for extended off-grid adventures. Toyota collaborated with leading off-road component manufacturers to ensure exceptional fit and finish. The Trailhunter features ARB’s Old Man Emu (OME) 2.5-inch forged shocks with rear external piggyback remote reservoirs, and a uniquely co-designed ARB Roof Rack. The OME shocks, combined with 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires, provide the Trailhunter with an additional two inches of front lift and one and a half inches of rear lift. A standard low-profile high-mount air intake ensures cleaner air for the i-FORCE MAX powertrain. Trailhunter also includes rock rails and high-strength steel skid plates for enhanced protection. Visually, it features a heritage grill with bronze “TOYOTA” lettering and an integrated 20-inch LED light bar, complemented by color-selectable RIGID LED fog lamps. A powerful 2400W AC inverter provides power outlets in the cabin and rear cargo area. Trailhunter is pre-wired for further customization with three easily accessible auxiliary switches.
The 2025 4Runner also introduces the first-ever Platinum grade, offering a high-end, luxurious experience without compromising on capability. Positioned above the Limited grade, the Platinum trim adds unique black exterior styling elements, heated second-row seats, a standard tow tech package, Head-Up Display, and automatic rain-sensing wipers.
Cutting-Edge Technology and Safety
The toyota 4runner redesign incorporates Toyota’s latest technology, headlined by new screen options. An 8-inch or available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen displays Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system, developed by Toyota’s Texas-based Connected Technologies team. The system supports wireless Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ compatibility and is compatible with the available Qi wireless charging pad. A USB-C data and charging port is integrated into the multimedia touchscreen, with additional USB-C charging ports in the front and rear rows. A 7-inch gauge cluster is standard on lower grades, while a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is standard on higher grades.
Smart Key System with push-button start is standard across all grades. With an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, an available Digital Key on select grades enables vehicle entry and starting via compatible smartphones. Digital Key can also be remotely shared, offering greater control over vehicle access.
All 2025 4Runner models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, Toyota’s comprehensive suite of active safety and convenience systems. This suite 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 (PDA), a new addition to Toyota Safety Sense, utilizes the vehicle’s camera and radar to provide gentle braking and/or steering support for tasks such as maintaining distance from preceding vehicles, pedestrians, or cyclists, and gentle braking into curves. The enhanced Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 features also include improvements to the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, and Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, offering enhanced detection capabilities and smoother, more natural driving assistance. Lane Tracing Assist, Emergency Driving Stop System, and Road Sign Assist further contribute to driver safety and convenience. Available Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) and Rear Cross-Traffic Alert (RCTA), along with standard Hill Start Assist Control (HAC), provide additional layers of safety.
Conclusion: The Redesigned 4Runner – A Legacy Reimagined
The toyota 4runner redesign for 2025 represents a significant leap forward for this iconic SUV. By building upon its legendary foundation of rugged capability and reliability, and integrating modern design, powerful powertrains, advanced technology, and enhanced safety features, the all-new 4Runner is poised to continue its reign as the ultimate adventure vehicle. From the new TNGA-F platform to the potent i-FORCE MAX hybrid option and the dedicated Trailhunter grade, the 2025 4Runner offers an unparalleled blend of performance, versatility, and refinement, ensuring it remains the vehicle of choice for those seeking to explore the world beyond the pavement. With its arrival anticipated at the end of 2024, the redesigned Toyota 4Runner is ready to redefine adventure for a new generation.
