2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport Review: Improved Specifications, Diminished Appeal

      Andrew P. Collins

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      The first, third, and fifth generations of the 4Runner rank among my top vehicles of all time. They share several important traits: mechanical simplicity, timeless designs, and unique roll-down rear hatch windows. The new sixth-generation 2025 Toyota 4Runner retains one of these features.

      The redesigned T4R is definitely not disappointing. I had a fantastic time driving it around the backwoods of Ulster County, and my dog Bramble loved poking her nose out the back on warm spring days. I've also taken this vehicle on Hell’s Revenge in Moab, Utah, reaffirming its off-road capabilities. It still possesses a sense of fun that adds a hint of adventure to every drive, which is a primary reason most people opt for an off-road SUV.

      Most notably, the 2025 model marks the first new powertrain for the 4Runner in 15 years. There are two new powertrains available, or three if you consider the rear-drive base models Toyota produces to advertise a lower starting price. (But who really wants a two-wheel drive 4Runner?) The reliable but thirsty V6 has been replaced; now, you can choose a turbocharged four-cylinder or a turbo four that combines gas and electric power.

      I appreciate that Toyota has finally improved the 4Runner's fuel economy. However, the downside of modernization is also evident. Large sections of unnecessary plastic decorate the exterior and interior; screens dominate the driver’s display; and the hood is sufficiently high that it almost necessitates a periscope. The sixth-generation T4R is marginally larger and more powerful than its predecessor. The back seat remains somewhat cramped, but the new truck is noticeably closer to “quick” compared to the previous model.

      This isn't a negative critique; I do like the truck... I just hoped to love it.

      The Basics

      The Toyota 4Runner is now built on the same TNGA-F platform as the Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia, along with the Lexus GX and LX. While this doesn't mean all these vehicles are identical, it does create more overlap in capabilities and capacities than ever before. The Tacoma and 4Runner are the most closely related—when you’re seated in the front or looking directly at the grille, it's hard to tell the SUV from the pickup.

      Merging the designs of two of the brand's most iconic vehicles seems odd to me. However, at least it makes production cheaper for each. As of now, the 4Runner still comes from Japan while Tacomas are manufactured in Mexico. The impact of the rapidly evolving U.S. import regulations on pricing in the long run is uncertain, but 4Runners have historically enjoyed high resale values, and I don't expect that to change soon.

      The key points that defined the old 4Runner are still relevant for the new version: it's a boxy, ladder-frame SUV with five seats (plus an optional third row in some trims), low-range gearing for crawling, and a soft suspension designed for off-road adventures.

      The 4Runner's door handles are excellent. They’re easy to grasp, feel solid, and look appealing. Don’t overlook the importance of high-quality touchpoints—you'll be using this handle every time you enter the car.

      The trim levels of the 4Runner roughly carry over as well. SR5 acts as the base, followed by some base-plus options, then the more road-friendly Limited, and the high-capability TRD Pro. The new Trailhunter variant has been introduced, but we’ll discuss that later.

      Less visible but significant updates from the previous T4R to this one include a slightly larger body, a longer wheelbase, and a notably smaller fuel tank. While the base models have comparable weights, the new hybrid TRD Pros are significantly heavier than the old V6 versions. Approach and departure angles, along with ground clearance, remain mostly unchanged.

      Transitioning from an outdated five-speed automatic (which was essentially a four-speed with overdrive) to an eight-speed is also substantial and is likely a major factor in the sixth-gen T4R’s improved fuel economy.

      The new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine has a bit more horsepower than the former 4.0-liter V6, and the i-Force Max hybrid powertrain delivers significantly more power. In this case, the hybrid system adds power rather than enhancing fuel efficiency. However, this increase in capability comes with a corresponding increase in price. My experience has been with the non-hybrid, so this review will concentrate on the lower-end 2025 4Runners.

      Here's a comparison between the non-hybrid I4 base trucks and the outgoing V6-powered SR5 base model:

      Base Model Comparison

      5th Gen vs 6th Gen

      2024 SR5