2025 4Runner Toyota Off-Road SUV Lineup Optimization

Toyota revamps body-on-frame lineup with 2025 4Runner. New model shares powertrains with Tacoma, offers turbo and hybrid options, and improved off-road capabilities.

A lifetime spent in the automotive industry, first in engineering and now in communication, has given me a unique perspective on the evolution of vehicles over the years. One model that has stood the test of time is the Toyota 4Runner, which has been a mainstay in the Toyota lineup for over four decades. The new 2025 model marks the completion of Toyota's overhaul of its body-on-frame lineup, following the redesign of the Tundra, Sequoia, Tacoma, Land Cruiser, and Lexus GX and LX.

The 4Runner has a rich history, dating back to its debut in 1983 as a pickup-based SUV with a removable rear top section. Over the years, it has evolved to share its platform with the Land Cruiser Prado, maintaining a close relationship with other Toyota body-on-frame models. Despite its age, the current fifth-generation 4Runner continues to be a strong seller in the midsize SUV segment, competing with the likes of the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco.

The new 2025 4Runner shares many components with the latest Tacoma, including powertrains. It comes with a standard 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 278-hp, with an optional hybrid version that boosts output to 326-hp. Both options come with an eight-speed automatic transmission and a choice of rear-wheel-drive, part-time four-wheel-drive, or full-time four-wheel-drive systems.

Off-road enthusiasts will appreciate the TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and new Trailhunter trims, which come with features like an electronic locking rear differential and a front stabilizer bar disconnect for improved off-road performance. The new model also offers a Multi-Terrain Select system that allows drivers to choose modes optimized for different surfaces, along with Crawl control for managing speed on rough terrain.

In terms of design, the new 4Runner shares a family resemblance with the Tacoma but also pays homage to its early generations with features like wraparound rear quarter windows and a lowerable tailgate glass. The interior is modern and tech-savvy, with an 8-inch or optional 14-inch infotainment screen, wireless Apple Carplay and Android Auto support, and Toyota's Safety Sense 3.0 driver assist package.

In addition to the standard trims, the 4Runner also offers the new Trailhunter trim, which comes equipped with ARB's Old Man Emu shocks, 33-inch Toyo all-terrain tires, rock rails, high-strength steel skid plates, and a custom ARB roof rack. With its rugged design and off-road capabilities, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is set to continue its legacy as a versatile and reliable SUV for adventure seekers.