2025 Toyota 4Runner Is Finally Here as a Turbo Hybrid Tacoma SUV

I was starting to doubt that I would ever see a new Toyota 4Runner, but it's finally, really happening. Gone is the old one that hung around for 15 years with its ancient platform and five-speed automatic; here to stay is the sixth-generation 4Runner with a 2.4-liter turbo-four, available hybrid tech, more trims than ever including a new Trailhunter off-road model, and a whole lot of fresh styling to keep things modern for years to come.

There's no confusing this new 'Yota with its predecessor. It looks like its own thing with angles and creases everywhere, especially up front where the fascia is high and tight. The 4Runner clearly resembles the Tacoma, just like it has in years past, but their faces aren't identical. Instead, it's a development of the design language that Toyota is using across its truck and SUV lineup, particularly the body-on-frame models that share the TNGA-F platform. That includes Tundra, Sequoia, Land Cruiser, Tacoma, and, now, 4Runner.

Toyota's design crew worked in a few callbacks to retro models. What would a new off-roader be without 'em? We already knew the drop-down back glass was returning, as it should, but take a look at the rear quarter glass, too. It wraps around the top, if ever so slightly, which pays tribute to early 4Runners—the ones with removable tops. It's still a shame we can't get that in a modern Toyota, but I digress.

Let's Take a Look Under the 4Runnin' Hood

Having given the 4Runner's exterior a good once-over, let's run through the powertrain stats. The gas-only 2.4-liter turbo—which comes standard in the SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited trims—makes 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. Both of those figures are up from the old 4Runner's 4.0-liter V6 with 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. (That's also way better than the first time the 4Runner offered a four-cylinder: the gutless but unkillable 22RE.) When paired with an electric motor and a 1.87-kilowatt-hour battery, total output climbs to a stout 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. That hybrid powertrain is available on TRD Off-Road and Limited, as well as standard on everything above those including TRD Pro and the new Trailhunter and Platinum trims.

No matter which power plant you pick, an eight-speed automatic is the only transmission on offer. Pour one out for the manual we so hoped for. Maybe, with enough public outcry, Toyota will do like it did with the Supra and give the 4Runner a stick at a later date.

As before, the 4Runner will be sold with two-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, or full-time four-wheel drive, depending on which variant you snag. The 2WD models feature an automatic limited-slip differential, while 4WD models pack that in addition to a two-speed transfer case. Toyota also installs locking center differentials on full-time 4WD models like the Limited when spec'd with the hybrid powertrain, as well as on the Platinum trim.

I'm not sure how many people are towing big loads with their 4Runners, but for anyone interested, it's rated for a max capacity of 6,000 pounds with both the gas-only and hybrid powertrains.

More Fun to Choose From

The new Trailhunter model brings with it a slick suite of upgrades. It starts with an electronic rear locker and also includes a push-button sway bar disconnect, 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrains, Old Man Emu 2.5-inch shocks with rear external piggyback reservoirs, steel rock guards, and skid plates. Heck, it even has a snorkel in case you find yourself with the truck's hybrid battery and engine submerged in a water crossing. Now that's what I'm talking about.