2025 Toyota 4Runner steps into hybrid

On Tuesday, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner debuted with an available hybrid powertrain, the latest technology, and new Trailhunter and Platinum trims, while maintaining the key design and features that define the 4Runner.

The 2025 4Runner lineup, which will be available later this year, will consist of nine trims including SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and Trailhunter.

Pricing will be announced closer to the 4Runner launch date.

2025 Toyota 4Runner Revealed

Say goodbye to the tried and true 4.0-liter V-6. All 2025 4Runners will feature a turbo-4 powertrain, some will be hybrids.

Most models will be powered by a 2.4-liter turbo-4 with 278 hp and 317 hp lb-ft of torque. However, TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum models will come standard with a hybrid version of this engine that connects an electric motor to the transmission for a total output of 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. The hybrid engine is optional on TRD Off-Road and Limited models. All 4Runners will be equipped with an 8-speed automatic transmission.

The 4Runner has been modernized but does not appear to sacrifice off-road capability.

The ninth generation 4Runner remains a body-on-frame SUV, but now rides on a modern frame; the TNGA-F platform that the 4Runner now rides on is the Lexus GX, Toyota Land Cruiser, Sequoia SUV, and Tacoma, shared with the Tundra pickup truck. The new powertrains with improved performance will be capable of towing up to 6,000 lbs.

As before, rear-wheel drive will be standard, with part-time or full-time four-wheel drive available. At the turn of the century, the 4-wheel drive system in 4Runners is electronically activated by a switch. Most 4Runners will be equipped with a limited-slip rear differential, but TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trail Hunter models will add a rear locking differential. Confusingly, only the high-zoot Platinum model has full-time four-wheel drive with a locking center differential, which is optional on all Limited models.

The 4Runner retains its independent front suspension with coil rear springs and solid rear axle; TRD Pro models use 2.5-inch diameter Fox shocks with remote reservoirs for heat dissipation.

The new Trailhunter models ride ARB Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged shocks with external piggyback remote reservoirs. under the Trailhunter is a set of skid plates, in case the bottom of the 4Runner makes contact with the earth, They cover everything from the front bumper to the back of the transfer case. The combination of these shocks and 33-inch TOYO Open Country all-terrain tires give the Trail Hunter 2.0 inches more lift than the standard 4Runner.

With a maximum ground clearance of 9.2 inches, a 32-degree approach angle, and a 24-degree departure angle, the latest 4Runner is a boulder. The current 4Runner had a maximum 9.6-inch minimum ground clearance, 33-degree approach, and 26-degree departure angle. However, the current 4Runner's shorter wheelbase of 109.8 inches, compared to the new 4Runner's 112.2 inches, should pay big dividends in terms of ride quality. The newly available electronic disconnect stabilizer should help maximize wheel articulation.

One glance at the four-runner and it's easy to see what this SUV is all about. It retains the iconic look of the Tacoma, with its punched-out flares, tall greenhouse, and blunt front and rear ends. The headlights and grille are similarly shaped, and the comically large chin spoiler on the non-off-road version can be removed with nine bolts, but affects fuel economy by 1 to 2 mpg. The rear window covers the roofline in a nod to the original 4Runner, and the rear tailgate glass is electronically lowered into the tailgate to carry longer loads.

Both the Trailhunter and TRD Pro models have rigid LED fog lights integrated into the front end along with an LED light bar mounted in the center of the grille, the latter putting out 10,000 lumens (about twice the light bar on the larger Tundra and Sequoia (twice the output of the larger Tundra and Sequoia light bars, it is worth noting).

Inside, the dashboard is nearly identical to the Tacoma pickup truck, with 8.0- or 14.0-inch touchscreens front and center. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come standard, as does a 7.0-inch digital meter cluster, which upgrades to a 12.3-inch display on higher trims. Lower trim models will use more hard plastic, while higher trim models will cover the hard plastic with soft-touch parts and leather. Hybrid models will have a higher lift-over height due to the battery pack, making loading the rear end more difficult. The rear seat backs recline manually for longer drives. A heads-up display is also available; Trailhunter models are equipped with a 2,400-watt inverter for off-road adventures.

2025 Toyota 4Runner reveal

All 2025 4Runners will come standard with the latest safety technologies, including automatic emergency braking, active lane control, adaptive cruise control and automatic high beams. Blind spot monitoring will also be available.