As we hit the ground running in 2024, rumors are swirling about a 2025 Toyota 4Runner being revealed this year. Since last year was all about the 2024 Tacoma, and the two vehicles will be built on the same platform – along with the Tundra and Sequoia, which have already been redone – a next-gen 4Runner coming soon makes a lot of sense. Especially since this iconic SUV is now 14 (gasp).
Plus, taking a look at the Automotive News Future Product Pipeline confirms that this midsize SUV is slated for a redesign to be revealed this year.
So, what can we expect from a 2025 Toyota 4Runner? Here are some of our educated guesses.
The V-6 is dead
Similar to the Toyota Tacoma, we expect four-cylinder turbocharged engines. The base powertrain will likely be a 2.4-liter, 4-cylinder turbo, which is the same as the Tacoma. Top horsepower and torque in the Tacoma is 278 and 317, respectively, so we expect similar numbers in the 4Runner. Since Toyota is hybridizing all the things, it should be no surprise that the up-level powertrain will be a hybrid, likely based off same 2.4-liter turbo, like the Tacoma.
The V-6 will be reserved for the upcoming, and likely more expensive, 2024 Land Cruiser.
Now what would be really interesting is if Toyota brought back the manual transmission to the 4Runner. Tacoma kept one, so Toyota wouldn’t be reinventing the wheel. But, currently, the only SUVs that have a manual are the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco.
No drastic design change for 2025 Toyota 4Runner
The guys at TFL are predicting some retro influence with maybe a removable top. But we say: If it ain’t broke …
Yes, we think we’ll see some of the Tundra/Tacoma design cues on the front and rear fascia, but for the most part, the overall design and profile will remain the same. And we’re not banking on a removable top – that opens up a world of problems in terms of reliability and breakable features, and Toyota doesn’t play that game.
Big tech upgrade
Where we think we’ll see the biggest change is in technology. Think available digital cluster, large infotainment screen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Toyota’s newest entertainment system and lots of standard safety. There’s also the potential we’ll see things like the removable JBL speaker, which debuted in the 2024 Tacoma.
However, since the 4Runner community appreciates the simpler things in life, we think there will also be a base model with analog gauges and more bare bones tech.
The bottom line
We don’t have any hard-and-fast details on the 2025 Toyota 4Runner other than we’re 99.99999% sure we’ll see it by mid-summer. That means it could go on sale by the end of this year. Oh, and as the time nears, we expect we’ll be treated to the typical Toyota teaserpalooza. So, stay tuned.
