After eagerly anticipating its arrival, I finally picked up my 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4×4 from a dealership in Southern California on February 1st, paying MSRP. Opting for the Underground exterior with Boulder cloth interior, I also included the third-row seats and aluminum running boards for added functionality. Having spent the first 100 miles behind the wheel, I’m ready to share my initial impressions of this new generation 4Runner.
The first thing that struck me was the powertrain. Concerns about it feeling underpowered were immediately put to rest. The engine feels responsive, and I haven’t experienced any noticeable turbo lag or hesitation. Fuel efficiency has also been a pleasant surprise, aligning perfectly with EPA estimates. In a mix of 50/50 highway and hilly city driving, I’m averaging a solid 22.6 MPG. This is exactly as advertised and quite impressive for a vehicle of this size and capability.
Moving beyond performance, the SR5 trim is undeniably utilitarian, exactly as expected. While some reviews suggested certain features would be standard in the US trim, my SR5 did not include heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, or inverter plugs for the second row and trunk. While these weren’t deal-breakers for me, it’s worth noting for prospective buyers at this trim level. However, these features, with the exception of the heated steering wheel, seem like they could be added aftermarket without significant hassle. Interestingly, despite having the third-row seat option, there are no USB-C ports for third-row passengers, which feels like an oversight.
What truly impressed me is the inherent build quality. Having owned and driven numerous vehicles across various trims in recent years, the 2025 4Runner SR5 stands out. The cabin is remarkably solid and quiet. Even driving over uneven surfaces, there are absolutely no rattles, squeaks, or creaks, even with items stored in the rear under-floor compartment. Road and wind noise are minimal, creating a surprisingly refined driving environment. Honestly, if I didn’t know I was in the base SR5 trim due to the cloth seats and smaller displays, I would easily believe I was in a higher trim level.
The inclusion of third-row seats, while perhaps not a frequent necessity for everyone, offers unexpected benefits. Firstly, they create a nearly flat cargo floor when folded down, minimizing the height difference between the second and third rows – a definite plus for car camping enthusiasts. Secondly, they expand passenger capacity, comfortably accommodating two additional children or smaller adults (around 5’8″ or less). For a mere $700 upgrade, the third row significantly enhances the SR5’s versatility.
To address some common questions I’ve seen:
Steering Feel: The steering is light, very light, making maneuvering effortless, even with just a finger. Road feel is present but minimal; you’re more likely to notice the lane keep assist. It’s not negative, just something to be aware of.
Front Seats and Seating Position: The manual seats are perfectly comfortable and easy to adjust. Being 6’2”, I find the seating position excellent. The seats themselves are comfortable and feel durable despite being cloth. The center console is reasonably sized and doesn’t intrude on legroom.
Ride Quality: The ride is a significant improvement over previous generations. It feels more planted and agile, noticeably reducing body roll. While nose dive is still present during hard braking, it’s likely addressable with suspension upgrades, especially considering the SR5 has the base suspension setup.
Payload and GVWR: For those interested in the specifics, the door stickers on my 2025 4Runner SR5 4×4 list the following:
Payload: 1160 lbs / 525 kg (reduced by 61 lbs / 28kg due to modifications as indicated on a yellow sticker)
GVWR: 6075 lbs
In conclusion, my initial experience with the 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4×4 has been overwhelmingly positive. It delivers on its promises of capability, fuel efficiency, and Toyota’s renowned build quality, even in the base trim. It’s a highly practical and well-rounded SUV that I’m excited to continue exploring. If you have any further questions, feel free to ask in the comments!
