Hidden Features Of The 2025 Toyota 4Runner

Summary

• The 2025 Toyota 4Runner honors tradition, blending rugged design with modern utility for off-road enthusiasts to enjoy.
• New hybrid powertrain options offer increased towing capabilities and advanced suspension, enhancing the 4Runner’s performance.
• The interior of the 2025 model boasts third-row seating, emphasizing versatility and comfort, while tech and safety features are top-notch.

In the vast world of off-roading, few names ring a louder bell than the Toyota 4Runner. For the past 40 years, the 4Runner has been among the top choices within the off-roading community, with some models even being recognized as classics. This has led to an incredible amount of attention to Toyota’s rugged vehicle efforts, as well as spawned a ravenous fan base that has been itching for an updated 4Runner for over a decade.

The outgoing generation has been active since 2009, and has seen mostly minor updates in its long lifespan, which is why fans are overflowing with anticipation following the 2025 4Runner reveal. Officially introduced to the world in early April 2024, the latest and greatest SUV in the storied 4Runner lineage is poised to satisfy that 16-year-old itch that has long bugged enthusiasts.

While a great many things were discussed during the unveiling and subsequent guided tours, the attention to detail and heritage simply cannot be understated. With that, let’s dive into a few things about the 2025 Toyota 4Runner that you may not know, and elaborate on the things you do!

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Toyota, JD Power, and Toyota Pressroom.

Built With Heritage In Mind

For those of you who viewed the unveiling on April 9th in Southern California, whether by video or physical presence, you’ll remember Kevin Hunter, President of CALTY Design, elaborating on the design process that molded the 2025 4Runner. This includes looking both forward at the future of rugged design and utility, and to the past in order to keep a tight grip on what made the 4Runner an icon. This is expressed with familial features that are easily recognized as “Toyota-esque” as well as its obviously rugged attributes.

That said, there are many design aspects that aren’t as easily recognized. For instance, the 4Runner shares its platform, the hardworking TNGA-F body-on-frame setup, with the Tundra, Tacoma, Sequoia, and Land Cruiser. Not only that, the 2025 4Runner was designed alongside the 2024 Tacoma, hence their shared DNA. This not only made the 4Runner more capable, considering the Taco’s tough attitude, but it pays homage to the original 4Runner, which was a modified Toyota Hilux pickup.

The 4Runner Genes Are Strong And Expertly Interpreted In The 2025 Model

Walking around the 4Runner reveals an aesthetically pleasing body with a refined toughness about it. Not only in the flared fenders or brutish, yet stylish front-end design, but the pillar placement and glass layout. A classic feature that seamlessly made its way into the 2025 4Runner’s design is the iconic wrap-over quarter glass, which is found on the first and second-gen 4Runners. This simple, yet effective feature easily increases the visual impact, while also appealing to the collectors that are privy to such inclusions.

Another sought-after feature that made a welcome return is the “roll-down” rear window. The rear window was included with a hatch function in some past models, though the roll-down function really stuck with buyers. Thankfully, the modern iteration of this popular feature fits perfectly with the surrounding updates and feels, and looks, right at home in the sixth-gen off-roader.

Hybrid Power And Advanced Suspension Unlock More Capabilities

As some of you may, or may not know, the spunky i-FORCE and even spunkier hybrid i-FORCE MAX powertrain options will power the 2025 4Runner. This is a huge step for the 4Runner, as Toyota’s hybrid and EV efforts have spearheaded many modern automotive advancements that are considered routine today. Bringing the 4Runner onto their modern offering indicates not only a great deal of confidence on Toyota’s part, but a wider selection that can only serve to increase Toyota’s influence on the modern buyer.

2025 Toyota 4Runner Specs

(Source: Toyota)

The i-FORCE MAX powertrain is particularly impressive in that it allows the 4Runner abilities never before possible. The hybrid i-FORCE MAX pumps a whopping 326 horses and 465 pound-feet of torque, which is 67 percent more twist than the outgoing model. When equipped with the i-FORCE MAX, the 2025 4Runner will be able to tow up to 6,000 pounds, 1,000 pounds more than the outgoing 2024 4Runner.

Advanced Suspension Articulation Allows Greater Adventure

The newly adopted Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism instantly increases suspension articulation at the push of a button and can greatly improve the 4Runner’s control when tackling tough terrain. This is a feature that pairs well with the increased approach and departure angles of the sixth-gen, but that’s not all the suspension upgrade entails. The 2025 4Runner will be offered in 2WD, part-time 4WD, and full-time 4WD; depending on which one you choose, you’ll unlock designated suspension upgrades tied to each setup.

2WD models will feature an automatic limited-slip differential, while 4WD models will receive a more versatile electronically controlled 2-speed transfer case with high/low range along with active traction control (A-TRAC) and an automatic limited-slip differential. TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter grades will feature standard electronic locking rear differential for increased control on the trails. As for the top grade Limited model, an available full-time 4WD with center locking differential setup is available, but only if said 4Runner Limited packs the rowdy i-FORCE MAX powertrain.

The Venerated Trailhunter Joins The 4Runner Family With A Purpose

Opening up the 2025 4Runner Trailhunter reveals quite a stacked, factory-built overland rig whose fit and finish are nothing short of bulletproof. This was achieved by utilizing various off-road component companies, including ARB, Old Man Emu, RIGID Industries, and CALTY Design Research, though CALTY had a hand in developing the entire 2025 4Runner line, as well as other Toyota tough vehicles. Together, these aftermarket inclusions, as well as Toyota’s expert tuning and implementation, should prove to be a huge leap forward in terms of off-roading and adventure vehicles.

The Interior Gets Leveled-Up As Well

Many speculated a strong similarity between the 2024 Tacoma’s interior layout and features, and the expected layout and features of the upcoming 4Runner. Those speculations were partly right, but you’d be missing a few key points if you were to write off the 4Runner’s interior as a carbon copy of the 2024 Taco’s. For example, the 4Runner will retain third-row seating, which increases versatility in more than one way, considering that they, as well as the second row, fold down to reveal a spacious cargo area.

The modular workhorse, the TNGA-F platform, is designed to increase stability, control, and occupant comfort in terms of ride quality. Toyota expresses its confidence that, when utilizing the third-row seating, the occupants will experience a comfortable, leveled ride. This is a key feature, as many adventurers value both cargo space and the ability to comfortably bring their friends along for the adventure. This is yet another display of Toyota listening to its audience.

Tech And Safety Are Guaranteed To Sweeten The Deal

Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 is standard across all grades, of which there are nine in total. The TSS 3.0 suite includes most modern functions, such as a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist. However, the TSS 3.0 suite received an update that enhances some of the functions thanks to Toyota’s Proactive Driving Assist system, which uses the vehicle’s cameras and radar to assist with emergency steering and braking when active.

Proactive Driving Assist also enhances the pre-collision system, the lane departure alert system, the full-range dynamic radar cruise control, and more, making them more effective and responsive. This enhanced system helps usher in a new standard of safety that echoes beyond the realm of off-road vehicles and SUVs, and can be observed in all of Toyota’s new models, including the Tacoma, Land Cruiser, and even sedans, most notably the upcoming hybrid-only Camry.

Options Can Quickly Increase Ability, Comfort, Entertainment, And Price

Like many vehicles these days, the available options can range from cosmetic perks to performance enhancements, and the 2025 4Runner is no different. For starters, the powertrain and driveline options are the most obvious, but Toyota made sure to include various comfort options and tech upgrade options to ensure maximum customization potential.

This is a big selling point among the younger buyers, as the adventurous folk often love expressing their individuality. Optional perks include a large touchscreen, premium leather upholstery, power-adjustable heated and ventilated seating, and a premium JBL audio system with a removable Bluetooth speaker.

We can expect to see the 2025 4Runner make a splash at North American dealerships in the fall of 2024, with price and availability to come. Though we have yet to see the full range of the 2025 4Runner, many are already predicting an unprecedented generational upgrade as Toyota jam-packed it with its most up-to-date components. If the 2024 Tacoma and 2024 Land Cruiser are any indication of the 4Runner’s potential, it’s unlikely anyone will be disappointed. Though until we, or anyone, gets behind the wheel, we won’t know for sure.