The Toyota 4Runner is designed and built for a wide variety of demands.

By Keith Griffin

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is all-new for this model year. In its sixth generation, the 4Runner has remained true to its original concept as an extremely capable, dynamic, and durable off-roader.

Yet, with the 2025 model, the 4Runner has the most comfortable ride since its debut over 40 years ago. There’s nothing rugged about driving this three-row SUV around town or on the highway.

Underneath this placid ride, though, are some serious off-road capabilities. The 4Runner comes with multi-terrain select, which is functional in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low, offering adjustable settings to help control wheel spin on a variety of terrain such as mud, dirt, and sand.

The 4Runner also makes available Toyota’s next-generation CRAWL Control technology that acts as a low-speed, off-road cruise control. When traction is extremely limited, the available electronically activated locking rear differential can help split power sent to the rear 50/50 between the rear wheels. Downhill Assist Control is another off-road feature available and helps the driver navigate descents by limiting the speed of the vehicle.

The latter is an important function. It seems as if applying the brakes would do the trick, but that creates a dangerous traction situation.

The 4Runner is designed and built for a wide variety of demands. Needing to pull a trailer, boat or UTV means towing capability is a crucial feature. The 4Runner is up to the challenge thanks to its maximum towing capacity of 6,000 lbs.

Impressive towing capability is paired with available advanced towing features, a trailer brake controller, and a digital rear-view mirror. Trailer back up guide with straight path assist is also available. It features a combination of sensors and cameras to help keep the trailer in a straight line while reversing, allowing the driver to focus solely on throttle and braking. This technology also gives the driver a 360-degree simulated top-down view of the vehicle to aid overall visibility, including tough-to-see areas around the truck and trailer.

2025 Toyota 4Runner interior. Courtesy photo

Good Power

The i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo offers up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque and has up to an EPA-estimated 26 MPG highway. The second powertrain, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid, produces up to 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. The i-FORCE MAX 4Runner brings all the power and capability midsize SUV fans love and has up to an EPA-estimated 24 MPG highway rating.

With the turbo engine, the 4Runner no longer has to answer this question: how many gallons to the mile does it get? The 4Runner, when full, has a range of just over 330 miles from its 19-gallon tank. That’s an odd number, though, because the 4Runner with all-wheel drive is rated at a combined 21 mpg, which is almost 400 miles.

2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. Courtesy photo

Inside the 4Runner

Toyota was smart and lent me the Limited trim level for review because I have no places to safely or legally drive off-road. The Limited grade is a more sophisticated driving experience with heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats plus available power-extending running boards, 14-inch touchscreen, JBL Premium Audio with JBL Flex portable speaker, available digital rearview mirror, and a power moonroof. The running boards are a nice feature but the 4Runner in this trim doesn’t sit high enough to justify them except possibly for drivers under 5 feet tall.

Also standard on all grades is a smart key system with push-button start. With an active Remote Connect trial or subscription, available Digital Key compatibility connects with select smartphones to allow vehicle entry, and vehicle starting (4G network dependent). The Digital Key can also be remotely shared with others to give more control over vehicle access rather than giving someone the physical key. Additionally, a Card Key is available, which is a credit card-sized smart key that allows the driver to carry their key easily and conveniently with them wherever they go.

If you like ruggedness wth a dollop of luxury, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is a strong contender. The MSRP starts at $40,770.

Longtime West Hartford resident Keith Griffin is a veteran auto journalist whose work has been published in U.S. News & World Report, The Boston Globe. and online for various New York Times companies. He is a past president of the New England Motor Press Association.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.