Our Thoughts Exactly: 2025 Toyota 4Runner

A Victory & Reseda review of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner

Almost every year that we attended the Midwest Automotive Media Association Spring Rally, we would take something home from there. 

For every vehicle we take to and from Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin, we immediately put it to the test. To see how they run on the highway, carry our luggage and equipment, and to find peace and solace as we debrief our time at that event. 

This is perhaps the first time that we took something home that was displayed for a presentation to us. It was basically right in the courtyard of the Tufte Center at Road America, cleaned up and ready to go. After our fellow MAMA members took a mass of photos on it, it was our turn to load up this 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited and head back to the Twin Cities.

This 4Runner is now in its sixth generation since its debut 42 years ago. The off-road ready SUV began life as a Hi-Lux pickup truck that was transformed into a fun-to-conquer-the trail vehicle that became legendary in this country. Or, at least in California. Over the years, its mission never wavered. They have found homes among adventure seekers and those who want to seek adventure sometime in their lives. 

The last generation model lasted 15 model years. That generation also spawned the first TRD Pro version, pushing the envelope of off-road prowess. Toyota felt it needed a new generation that built off of the legendary capability and versatility of all prior generations. 

Well…here it is. 

This new 4Runner is built off of the TNGA-F platform. Not only does it share that platform with the reigning #VOTY2024 Tacoma pickup truck, it also shares the same bones as the Land Cruiser and Lexus GX. All three of these vehicles have proven to us their prowess to go anywhere and keep us engaged over every mile. 

We will add the 2025 4Runner to this group. It’s got everything we listed. 

How did we come to this conclusion? At the MAMA Spring Rally, George took a 2025 4Runner TRD Off Road with the i-FORCE Turbo engine onto the muddy tracks. The morning’s rain made for sloshing and splashing. That convinced us that this is a vehicle worth talking about. 

We came home in a 2025 4Runner Limited with the same i-FORCE Turbo engine. Talk about a complete opposite experience! Then again, we used the lens of this civilized version of this off-road legend to get the full picture of this vehicle. 

The “full picture” starts with a shape that shares some shapes from the Tacoma with some references to older generations of 4Runner. The front end is amended from the Tacoma, which speaks to its shared lineage. You have a pair of LED lightning units flanking a grille area. Each of the trim levels have their own grille pattern and finish. That also includes whether you spell out the Toyota name or have just the logo. Even the lower part of the front fascia is different among trim levels, as well. 

The side profile is unmistakenly a 4Runner. The wheel arches are squared off with rounded corners. The roofline is tall with an almost upright rear area. The C-pillar glass rounds over the roofline, harkening back to the first and second generations. Out back is a liftgate that allows fr plenty of height for loading and uploading. The back glass can be lowered or raised either inside the cabin or through a couple of buttons on the tailgate. 

Let’s talk about the distinctions that make the Limited trim level. The grille takes on a bright finish, while the lower front clip extends as an aerodynamic aide. The 20-inch bright-finished wheels wear all-season tires. The badging is also brightly finished. Our tester had a roof rack set-up that did not hinder entry into one of our garages and power-retractable running boards. 

About the paint job – we love the Heritage Blue this 4Runner Limited sported. 

Inside the 4Runner’s cabin is a familiar instrument panel – right from the Tacoma. That means it is a tactile set-up that engages drivers. In the Limited, there is a 12.3-inch fully digital instrument cluster has some customization. The steering wheel and shifter are sizeable and fits right in your hand! Storage is plentiful, too!

The center stack is dominated by this 14-inch infotainment touchscreen that is a hub for connectivity and several camera views. Sound is piped through 14 JBL speakers including a pop-out FLEX speaker on the top of the dashboard. 

The three rows of seats are trimmed in leather. The front seats are heated and ventilated, yet they are on the firm side with some support. The 60/40-split second-row seats have a recline function, but we wished it had an adjustment for rake. Our Limited tester had the available third row of seats. They’re best for small children and they do limit overall cargo utilization. You also have to deploy the seat cushions for proper seating in the third row. Access to the third row is done through a tumble-fold by a lever on the side of the outboard second-row seats.

With all three rows up, you get up to 12.1 cubic feet of space. Fold down the third row and that space expands to 44.8 cubic feet. With the second- and third-row seats down, there is a maximum of 84.4 cubic feet of space. 

If you happen to have a two-row model, you may be happy to know that there is 90.2 cubic feet of maximum cargo space available. 

The 2025 4Runner is offered with both the i-FORCE Turbo and the i-FORCE MAX drivelines. Our Limited tester came with the 278-horsepower i-FORCE Turbo 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. It also puts down 317 pound-feet of torque. An eight-speed automatic transmission sends power to a full-time four-wheel drive system featuring a Torsen limited-slip center differential with a locking feature. 

Acceleration was quite good. Passing maneuvers and on-ramps were done with ease. Highway cruising was also easy with all of the driver assistance aids in place. In terms of fuel economy, we saw an average of 19.1 MPG in the Limited tester.  

Where the 2025 4Runner shined was the total driving experience. It was well balanced on the road. Patches of highway full of expansion joints and cracks posed no problem for this SUV. It felt just right – not too soft or firm. The 4Runner’s handling experience exposed some of its softer character through the turns and in evasive maneuvers. Yet, the frame and body felt controlled through it all. 

The steering system was impressive. The 4Runner exhibited great on-center feel, a decent turning radius and good response from the thick-rimmed wheel. The one thing that we loved the most was the improvement on the braking system. We found that the nose did not dip as in the previous generation models. Pedal feel was very well modulated. In all, the 4Runner turned in solid stops through normal, panic, and wet conditions. 

As we mentioned before, George took a 2025 4Runner TRD Off Road onto Road America’s muddy and wet off-road course. He enjoyed taking it out for his first time on that course. The Mud mode worked perfectly in managing those conditions, George even said that the 4Runner TRD Off-Road was “effortless” getting through muddy conditions. When you get into the multiple drive modes, the Downhill Assist Control, and CRAWL Control, you will find that they absolutely work as intended to get through any terrain. 

There have never been so many choices in a Toyota 4Runner until this model year. We counted 12 trim levels from the SR5 to the Trailhunter. You also have other choices to make, such as getting one with rear-wheel drive or one of two four-wheel drive systems. We previously mentioned choosing between the i-FORCE Turbo and i-FORCE MAX drivelines. In all, pricing starts from $40,770. Our four-wheel drive Limited tester came with a sticker price of $62,875. 

There is no question where the 4Runner stands with its owners and enthusiasts. This is too important of a vehicle to not leave off Toyota’s roster. It has a place in the market that challenges adventure seekers to consider this perfect mix of off-road capability and civilized practicality. Some of the 12 trim levels may strike some imbalance between the two, but the throughline is its overall presence no matter where you point one. 

Between two 2025 4Runner models, we proven its worth. It’s truly a wonderful vehicle to drive and live with. 

We can certainly make its case based on the 316-mile return drive from Road America in the Limited. That, along with a short stint on the muddy course in the TRD Off Road. Between the two, you have a choice to make to which one should be your 4Runner. No matter which one you choose, you will enjoy what it does for you.  

DISCLAIMER: Vehicle provided by Toyota Motor North America – our opinions are of our own.

All photos by Randy Stern