The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Is Finally Here and Appears Worth the Wait

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner lineup features two new trims-an off-road focused Trailhunter and a high-end Platinum-that join the SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro.
Most models will be powered by an i-Force 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that makes 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, while others get an i-Force Max hybrid with an added electric motor that ups total output to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft.
Appearing more like a Tacoma SUV than it has in decades, the new 4Runner shares many exterior styling cues and interior features with the recently released pickup, while also nodding to its past.
00:00 Intro
01:02 Wheelbase, length, width, and height
02:39 Turbo 4 cyl and hybrid powertrains
03:37 4Runner Trailhunter suspension
04:04 Disconnecting anti-roll bar
04:49 Interior, front seat controls
06:52 Second row comfort
07:42 Cargo area and on-board air compressor
07:59 4Runner TRD Pro
09:26 TRD Pro suspension
10:00 Second row folding
10:47 TRD Pro cargo area
11:26 TRD Pro lightning and auxiliary switches
11:45 2025 Toyota 4Runner pricing and availability

[@nickmendez2946]

How come nobody folds the rear seats down and shows the actual sleep platform/storage space?

[@Warbeaver]

I don't think it goes flat with the seats down. In another video it looked like how the Defender is, with a big step up plateau. Unless it's just an issue with the prototype.

[@tpolerex7282]

With the hybrid you are SOL, you might get it somewhat flat with the NA models.

[@malcolmlee5499]

Doesn't look like a good sleep platform setup without removing the rear seats and possibly building a platform. I've got an 05 that I have a platform in.

[@dcl97]

There is another video where they did, and it's a no go. It's like 5ft with the seats flipped up. The guy I think said he was 5'8 and could only fit on a diagonal all scrunched up.

[@HereForAStorm]

RIP 4.0L V6

[@cbb976]

I keep remembering the scene in Mad Max II... "Last of the V8 interceptors..."

[@TinkerersAdventure]

Thank you for mentioning the roof height! A lower roof is great for handling after mounting RTT and stuff up top

[@HiSteOfMnd]

This thing is still body on frame and it’ll still be Made in Japan. I’m sold 🤌🏽🔥. My wife got 5th Gen Trail-Premium, as much as like it too, it was long overdue for a complete redesign. Everyone wants to complain that it’s to similar to the Taco but forget that the 1st Gen 4Runner was pretty much a Toyota Truck.

[@wurlitzer78]

too bad its not a v6. its gonna be an issue if you're looking for it to last a long time

[@HiSteOfMnd]

@@wurlitzer78 are we gonna act like Toyota haven’t been in the turbo anything business long enough to question their R&D and engineering? Let’s be honest though yes the first model year of a completely brand new vehicle will always have hiccups and this might just have those hiccups. Can’t really blame Toyota for downsizing their engine to stay within the CAFE rule. You can blame the government for that.

[@HiSteOfMnd]

@@wurlitzer78 and Toyota ain’t pointed a gun on your head forcing you to buy it 🤷🏽‍♂️.

[@ghostface1818]

The seats don’t fold completely flat?

[@videogazer801]

Nope

[@michaellui74]

Great video 👍👍great looking fourrunner👍👍

[@pascalanderson9674]

I am not sure if I missed it. But will the whole seat flip action be standard across the board? The main selling point for me was always the 80“ length interior of a 4Runner giving me the opportunity to just lay long inside to sleep and camp. If they take that away I have to go with something else again

[@JoelCarino-zc8je]

Love it specially the trail hunter can’t wait to have this

[@calvinkang1224]

Best 6th gen 4runner review in my opinion. Its the exact information real 4runner owners want to know.

[@petergazarek9466]

WILD OFFROAD 😎👍

[@MSchumacherfan]

They’re all too expensive

[@hellohumans175]

thank you sir

[@e30ogPlayground]

bangiiinnnnnn... I approve

[@wrzl1675]

Air Compressor…. Trail Hunter has an Ol Man Emu/ARB setup (same Co.) and they use an Air Locker differential which always comes with an ARB compressor.

[@john_wick1]

how this different from the Land Cruiser?

[@Jojo-ni2cg]

Looks good just no sure of the 4 cylinder turbo 4 banger

[@agooyong6207]

where are they built?

[@moose201]

I believe that these are built in Japan while the Tacoma is built in Mexico.

[@showmemorefunthings9208]

Japan

[@antonroux6737]

the lower roof height is great - better stability

[@Mario-lj7gm]

Longer vehicle does not mean more space inside. Actually, it looks like less rear legroom in the new gen. The engine bay ate up more space.

[@tpolerex7282]

That engine looks like a spaghetti mess, I know that is the norm these days but this looks especially egregious. And it’s crazy how tiny the rear seat is for this size vehicle, my new Impreza has 3.5” more legroom than the previous gen 4Runner and this looks like no or only a minimal improvement!

[@ALMX5DP]

I thought I heard that the second row has more legroom than the current model, not sure by how much though.

[@williammiller6422]

No leg room in rear no flat area in back, how about a real review saying in stinks

[@ALMX5DP]

@@williammiller6422 looked like room for the 6’2” reviewer sitting behind their own driving position and the rear looks quite flat (non-hybrid models it’s lower too).

[@r35tmanbash]

It is wider due to the wheels, not the suspension length.

[@IsmaelMartinezPR]

This is a Tacoma with a cab, what was supposed to be the 6th gen 4 Runner was the LC. Prado based, it's a more refined vehicle. Just compare the weight of the doors.

[@PeakDecline]

I like it. I do. I can't believe its so similar to the Land Cruiser once you get up to the TRD OR and higher trims. Basically the only difference its minor exterior dimensions and full-time vs part-time 4WD. I was really hoping at least one of these new Toyota SUVs would do something different. Compete against the Wrangler and Bronco on some level. But they did what Toyota always does and stick to a formula that works. I can't blame them. I'm confident this will continue the 4Runner's legacy fine. I just wanted something a bit more radical.

[@PeakDecline]

Trailhunter is also a weak offering to me if you're serious about off-road and overlanding. Toyota refuses to put a steel front bumper and winch on any of their products. Neat a built in air compressor. I rather just carry my own. OME shocks are nice and all but its literally just a shock swap on the TRD Pro and some minor accessories. Give me something like the AEV Edition GM trucks. STEEL BUMPERS that are crash tested, don't require me to chop up the front body work or worry about if its actually designed to work with all the modern safety systems. Give it to me from factory.

[@ALMX5DP]

@@PeakDecline to be fair, if you are serious about offroading and overlanding, buying a new vehicle and keeping it stock are probably pretty far down your list. For instance I bet very very few people bought a GX460 new off the lot with that intention, but nowadays they are pretty popular platforms for such use, and have been pretty decently modified to fit that niche.

[@PeakDecline]

@@ALMX5DP I reject this argument. It was true 10 years ago. But now? GM, Ford, Jeep all offers front and rear lockers now and long travel suspensions from the factory. We also see true factory overland packages. The Colorado ZR2 Bison Edition is a true turn key off-road truck. It's got all the standard upgrades and armor you'd do aftermarket but from factory and with a warranty. Jeep offers a factory winch too now. Ford is starting too. Along with them also offering 35 and 37 inch tires. Basically.... Everyone is doing more than Toyota on this front. And no longer does a person have to buy a new vehicle and immediately spend thousands and void their warranty for a true off-road build.

[@branknight01]

How can I get hired by Car and Driver?

[@hellohumans175]

probably visit their website and look for human resources contact !

[@pauliancu1368]

They got some ideas from the Isuzu VehiCross

[@nrk2of3]

Got bored waiting for you to get to the point. It's over 58k for the good one. with dealer markup 100k+. LOL It's nice not 100k nice. The world now has Broncos lots of them with big ole 35's and 37's. If you want a street SUV KIA is a thing now. I'll give you it looks nice. No value for money. 🤷‍♂ They will sell like crazy I love the retro thing. the fan boys will go nuts for this. At least its not a BMW in yota metal.

[@antonroux6737]

you said it has part-time 4WD but the Toyota video said it has full-time 4WD...

[@davidkaminski615]

4Runner will be available with rear wheel drive, selectable part-time four wheel drive, and full-time four wheel drive drivetrain options, depending on model and engine type.

[@samsonchan1488]

Welp guess have to go to the Lexus for a v6

[@lav1daloca]

The new 4Runner will start around 42-43k for the SR5 and probably 47k for the TRD Sport non-hybrid. I think its the best deal out there for what is essentioally a Land Cruiser made in Japan best car in the world. It should sell like HOTCAKES unless people have no money

[@olgamakarova5520]

🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@alialobad3812]

Why not 3.0-4.0cc eight cylinders 4000-4200 rpm with 8 speed gearbox 250-280 hp

[@bebopman5]

Because none of their other vehicles use V8s. I hope this helps

[@ALMX5DP]

20 year old Suburbans with 8 cylinders made about 250hp. Might want to look at those if that is your jam.

[@hellohumans175]

they started building the 2.4 inline 4 back in 2000 they have done lots of improvements over the years to it

[@truerc]

Bring back the V8s

[@specialperson170]

So sad that almost no companys offer non turbo charged engines turbo engines have gotten alot more reliable but nothing beats a NA somewhat low compression engine in terms of reliability

[@muffdiver4973]

New regulations forcing Manufacturers to come out with these Vehicles.

[@specialperson170]

@@muffdiver4973 but people fail to realize a small turbo engine uses just as much fuel as a small NA engine because when you force more air in the engine you have to add fuel for the air otherwise it just wouldn't work so it be so much simpler to design a very efficient NA engine than just slap a turbo on everything the emissions are virtually the same

[@mwinner101]

Where’s that 2025 Nissan Xterra using the current Frontier’s underpinnings and engine at?

[@user-tb7rn1il3q]

@@specialperson170If you drive easy they do get a lot better mpg.

[@specialperson170]

@@user-tb7rn1il3q it just factually isn't how it works you can make a naturally aspirated engine just as fuel efficient as any turbo because of the fact that by forcing more air into the engine you also have to force more fuel to equal air

[@ruckinehround6965]

Love it. Gonna drive my 2023 TRD off road for the next 25 years. RIP 4 runner.

[@ericpelton4157]

Enjoy the slow gear hunter

[@ruckinehround6965]

@@ericpelton4157 for sure. It’s not for everyone but I like it just fine.

[@ericpelton4157]

@@ruckinehround6965 I’d like it also. Just sucks that it’s so slow. Not sure I’ll buy a new one though. Won’t even be able to get one.

[@SOG555]

Supercharge the 5th gen and save some money

[@mrketo7077]

Are you all in the hurry

[@contract02]

You honestly would trade your Gen 5 for this? Wow!

[@SOG555]

No way. It looks alright. But too much tech, With a turbo and battery pack reliability is questionable. Not to mention seeing the new taco diff blow up.. And now it's bigger and not as good offroad. I think 5th gens will hold value for a long time. This is appears to be a 4runner you lease. But time will tell

[@sammydavis991]

Wow, you wouldn’t trade your gen 5 for this?

[@invalidonlineid]

Keeping my ‘24 4Runner till she hits 300k 😎

[@hellohumans175]

@@sammydavis991seems you like it alot , i like the trail hunter, the wheels are really good looking

[@marineforces3214]

getting out with a new car every year , makes a car meaningless to me

[@bobo12dance]

This one comes out after 15 years.

[@scottpalmer1023]

Unless you want people to fall asleep, I recommend speed up the talking just a bit and totally ditch the music.

[@daniellanzotti2391]

As Chuck would say...that's turrrible

[@lav1daloca]

Makes absolutely no sense to not offer a V6 version of the 4Runner. Toyota make it happen

[@contract02]

Go sit in the rear seat of the Gen 5 and tell me the Gen 6 has as much room. Really!!!!?

[@user-jm5dw3gm8y]

My rear seat Gen 5 has a lot of room

[@countschad]

So long 4Runner longevity...😠

[@ericpelton4157]

How do you know? Just guessing and being silly.

[@countschad]

@@ericpelton4157 Not an original idea from me. However, a 4cylinder turbo engine propelling a two ton vehicle will wear out faster than a naturally aspirated engine (especially the big six cylinder that the 5th gen has).

[@ericpelton4157]

@@countschad the engine has more power which means will be able to move the vehicle easier and not have to work as hard.

[@countschad]

@@ericpelton4157 My appologies, but that is a naive notion and not at all how physics works. The air and fuel that the turbo forces into the engine wears it out. Oil dilution becomes an issue. As I stated, it isn't an original idea from me. Scotty Kilmer, The Car Care Nut, the Car Wizard, and the Toyota Maintenance channels are where I develope most of my opinions from. There are several other mechanics that I have seen mention the same idea.

[@ericpelton4157]

@@countschad time will tell.

[@skunkiiee7333]

first lets go!

[@charleswagenseil5496]

No V6??? No thanks. Better stick with a quality used 4Runner.

[@cpk2GIRL]

No V6, V8..... NO THANKS, TOYOTA!

[@mouhmouh6781]

Why people don't like 4 cylinder ?

[@greensandbeansgaming1358]

Too much money, the thing rusts! The Pro shouldnt cost more then 25k.

[@sammydavis991]

Thanks Forrest Gump.

[@greensandbeansgaming1358]

@@sammydavis991 lol, massive depression coming get ready! Spend wisely!

[@videogazer801]

Yeah, keep dreaming if you think newly redesigned cars are supposed to cost less than its predecessor. The Land Cruiser was just a rare case of that, but it due to the company having a different purpose and offering with that line

[@greatpariscars]

"Not really sure." "A couple of inches" "This is a tweener" I expect more from Car and Driver. Do your homework next time and present the new vehicle with correct dimensions compared to other models, in this case the GX, Tacoma and Land Cruiser Prado. This is an amateur video from a professional company.

[@paulm6481]

Here comes the no energy boomer old dude, so sad C&D

[@sammydavis991]

Weird comment.

[@trispenis5199]

i was looking forward for a manual 4Runner since it’s the same platform as the Tacoma , maybe i’ll just get the Tacoma lmao

[@victoryengineer]

Less cargo space than the 5th Gen due to huge Hybrid battery raising the floor. Rear seats don't fold flat so no sleeping in a 5th Gen or carrying long items in the back anymore. No manual transfer case shifter like previous generations. Worse break over anle due to increases wheelbase. Ugly front end and just a Tacoma interior. 4 cyl turbo hybrid and all the additional failure points that go with that complexity. Thousands of dollars to change out the exotic battery.....epic failure Toyota. These are just some of the reasons I bought my new 5th gen last summer. Before long we'll enjoy the additional premium 5th Gens will enjoy due to the 6th Gen fail.