When an automaker releases a completely reworked version of a beloved model, it faces a nearly impossible challenge. It must improve the vehicle in every way while keeping the unquantifiable things that people loved about its predecessors; change every physical part yet preserving the machine’s soul. Toyota made that balancing act even more difficult by waiting 15 years to release the all-new sixth-generation 4Runner because the expectations for something completely new yet instantly familiar kept growing in that time.
With its chunky, block-ish bodywork, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner certainly bears a resemblance to the 2010-2024 model, but the similarities end there. Everything about the N500 version is new. The trim level range is broader than ever and includes the new luxurious Platinum and overlanding-focused Trailhunter models. Like the Tacoma, Tundra, Land Cruiser, and Sequoia, the 2025 4Runner rides on the TNGA-F platform. Toyota did what many manufacturers have done in recent times and replaced the outgoing 4Runner’s naturally aspirated V6 with a smaller, turbocharged engine—in this case, an i-Force 2.4-liter inline-four (an i-Force Max hybrid with the same engine is also available), which is connected to a much more modern eight-speed auto. Inside, the cabin has received a total overhaul in the form of digital gauges, larger center touchscreen, wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of safety and driver assistance features.
Prices for the new 4Runner start at $41,270. According to the window sticker, our Limited 4X4 review vehicle had a base MSRP of $57,400. With the addition of automatic power running boards, roof rail cross bars, the Tow Tech Package, third-row seating, and other small options, our press loaner had an as-tested price of $62,625.
The last 4Runner was undeniably dated but still so popular that Toyota’s willingness to keep producing it was simultaneously frustrating and completely logical. In many ways, the 2025 version is significantly better, as it should be. In a major way, the last-generation model was a one-dimensional vehicle: it was fun to take off-road and get dirty, but driving it on pavement to get there was dreadful because it was sluggish, bumpy, and thirsty.
A lot has changed in 15 years. The Limited’s Adaptive Variable Suspension was civilized and did a great job of controlling its rebound from bumps in the road but, to some degree, it was always clear the 4Runner is still a body-on-frame vehicle. That ruggedness was immediately apparent inside the cabin. All of the major touchpoints were what you’d expect in an off-road SUV. The rim for the four-spoke steering wheel that’s in front of the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster was thick and beefy. There was no dial or button for shifting into gear—just a hoss, chunky lever. Below the 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, large, industrial-style dials adjust the volume for the 14-speaker JBL audio system and the dual-zone climate control system. The textured HVAC switches and grab handles make the Limited, one of the most on-road-biased 4Runner models, feel more adventurous.
Legroom in the fold-and-tilt second row was plentiful for someone of my height (5’10”). In contrast, the optional third row’s limitations made themselves known immediately. Sitting back there forced me to sit with my knees at an uncomfortable height, with the top of my head brushing the headliner and the rear hump where the ceiling curves down toward the power rear window. Children should be fine back there, but average-sized adults will not enjoy the experience, especially during long trips. When raised, the third row only leaves 12.1 cubic feet of cargo space, so everyone will need to either pack extremely light or stuff their clothing and gear into a rooftop cargo carrier.
The switch from the trusty V6 to the turbo I4 increased horsepower only slightly, from 270 at 5,600 rpm to 278 at 6,000. However, torque shot up significantly, jumping from 278 lb-ft at 4,400 rpm to 317 at a much lower 1,700 rpm. Not only do these improvements make the 4Runner feel peppier, but they also made it a more complete vehicle. It no longer has to be whipped to seem motivated. Driving it on the road is actually fun and enjoyable.
On paper, the turbo four is much more efficient than the big V6, delivering up to 20 miles per gallon in the city, 24 on the highway, and 21 combined—increases of four, five, and four, respectively. In reality, the new engine gulped nearly as much fuel as before, delivering an average of only 17.9 mpg over 467 miles.
Despite being skewed toward on-road performance, the 4Runner Limited is still capable over rough terrain. Out on desert trails, the full-time four-wheel drive system, locking center differential, and Dunlop Grandtreks has no problem maintaining traction. There is no Crawl Control to call upon, but shifting into L4L and bumping the transmission into first gear helps prevent the 4Runner from barreling down steep slopes.
Descending into a rocky creek bed only used a portion of the 22-degree departure angle; climbing out of it left plenty of the 18 degrees of approach angle in reserve. The 4Runner’s 8.8 inches of ground clearance proved to be more than enough to keep its vulnerable parts out of harm’s way.
More than once during my time with the 4Runner, I lowered all the side windows, opened the sunroof, and dropped the rear glass before I hit the road, something many 4Runner owners have probably done for decades. They were short, mundane drives, but they felt more special partly because of that signature rear window and the extra ventilation it provides. As I have mentioned in an earlier piece, I grew up in a Toyota family, one that loves 4Runners to this day: my dad has two third-gens and my mom has one too. I’ve now driven three generations of the Toyota icon, including the TRD Off-Road Premium and TRD Sport models from the last generation. The 2025 Limited stays true to the 4Runner’s heritage as a handsome, solid rig that inspires a sense of adventure. Thanks to one of its most radical changes, the new 4Runner is something that its ancestors weren’t: as enjoyable on pavement as it is on rough terrain. Well, almost as enjoyable—4Runners belong off-road.
To see the 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4X4 in action, be sure to watch my colleague Luke Lamendola’s video review below.
Click above and watch our full video review on YouTube!
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