Copy of the article that was momentarily posted by Forbes and promptly taken down. If anyone wants to read up before the launch tonight!
The 4Runner has been a staple of the Toyota lineup for more than four decades and the new 2025 model completes the brand’s complete revamp of its body-on-frame lineup. Starting with the Tundra full-size pickup in 2022, Toyota has leveraged its TNGA-F architecture to launch redesigned versions of the Sequoia, Tacoma, Land Cruiser and Lexus GX and LX. The sixth-generation 2025 4Runner rounds out the family at least for North America.
The original 4Runner debuted in 1983 based off the HiLux pickup. Like most pickup-derived SUVs of the time it featured a removable rear top section allowing it to be used like a half-open pickup with no rear wall and an extra row of seats. That architecture disappeared with the second-generation and starting with the third-generation 4Runner, it began sharing its platform with the Land Cruiser Prado. That relationship continues to this day and expands to all of Toyota’s body-on-frame models. The latest Land Cruiser and Lexus GX are effectively the Prado that is sold in other markets.
Despite having debuted way back in 2009, the current fifth-generation 4Runner remains a surprisingly strong seller. Over the years most of the mainstream branded, midsize, off-road oriented two-row SUVs have fallen by the wayside such as the Nissan XTerra and Chevy S-10 Blazer, leaving the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco as the main competition to the 4Runner.
Like prior 4Runners, the new model also shares a lot with the latest Tacoma midsize pickup including the powertrains. Toyota’s increasingly ubiquitous 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder will be under the hood of all sixth-generation 4Runners. The standard i-Force version delivers 278-hp and lb-ft of torque. The hybrid i-Force Max adds an electric motor and 1.87-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery for a total of 326-hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Towing capability grows from 5,000-lbs to 6,000-lbs.
Both options come with the same eight-speed automatic transmission found in the Tacoma and Land Cruiser. As before, customers can choose a rear-wheel-drive, part-time four-wheel-drive or full-time four-wheel-drive system. Both 4WD systems have a two-speed transfer case and Toyota’s active traction control system to aid in sending torque to the wheels with the most grip. All variants get an automatic limited slip differential.
The TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and the new Trailhunter version also get an electronic locking rear differential. The Platinum trim also gets a locking center differential that is optional on the Limited. New to the 4Runner is a front stabilizer bar disconnect that allows for improved articulation of the front wheels over rough terrain.
The wheelbase of the new model has grown by 2.4-inches and overall length has grown by 4.7-inches compared to the old model. The longer overhangs mean the approach and departure angles are slightly degraded for the new 4Runner at 32 and 24 degrees respectively compared to 33 and 26 degrees for the four-wheel-drive fifth-gen. However, the nearly 20-inch shorter wheelbase compared to the Tacoma should give the 4Runner a big advantage over the pickup in breakover angle.
Like Toyota’s other off-roaders and most competitors launched in recent years, the 4Runner gets a Multi-Terrain Select system that allows the driver to choose modes that are optimized for the type of surfaces being driven on. The modes which include Mud, Dirt and Sand adjust parameters like the slip thresholds for traction control and work in both 4WD-high and low ranges. The Crawl control manages speed on rough surfaces so the driver can focus on steering around obstacles on the trail.
The design shares a strong family resemblance to the new Tacoma but also has callbacks to early generations. The rear top may not be removable anymore, but the rear quarter windows do wrap into the roof again. The tailgate glass can also be lowered into the gate as has been the case in prior generations allowing for longer objects like surfboards to hang out the back.
The interior also shares a lot with the new Tacoma including the choice of a standard 8-inch infotainment screen or the optional 14-inch display. Both use Toyota’s latest infotainment software which is much improved from prior generations. Wireless support is included for both Apple Carplay and Android Auto and a Qi wireless charging pad is also available in addition to the standard USB-C ports. Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 driver assist package comes standard as it does on all other newly designed models. This includes blindspot monitoring, radar adaptive cruise control, lane keeping assist, road sign recognition, and proactive driving assist.
In addition to all of the usual trims found on Toyota trucks and SUVs, the 4Runner also offers the new Trailhunter trim. The Trailhunter includes ARB's Old Man Emu (OME) 2.5-inch forged shocks with remote reservoirs on the rear axle and a custom ARB roof rack. 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires provide the grip along with two-inches of added front ground clearance and 1.5-inches in the rear.
Rock rails and high strength steel skid plates come standard on the Trailhunter along with a bronze grille and integrated 20-inch LED light bar. Toyota has also built in a 2400W inverter to power gear during overlanding adventures.
The 2025 4Runner goes on sale in fall 2024.
6th Gen Released by Forbes - ope!
Linear Mode
