- The 2025 Toyota 4Runner kicks off a new generation boasting many improvements over its predecessor.
- Along with a new frame and longer wheelbase, the redesigned 4Runner replaces its old 270-hp V-6 with a mightier turbo four as well as a 326-hp hybrid powertrain.
- Toyota hasn't released pricing for the 2025 4Runner lineup, but we expect costs to rise by a couple thousand dollars or more.
After the better part of two decades, the Toyota 4Runner has received a total redesign for the 2025 model year. From a new frame with a longer wheelbase to a choice of hybrid or nonhybrid turbocharged powertrains to features that finally feel appropriate for modern times, the new sixth-generation 4Runner arrives with endless improvements versus its predecessor. To see how the new and old versions of Toyota's popular off-road mid-size SUV stack up, we're comparing some of their primary details and specs.
Design and Dimensions
Despite its age, the outgoing 4Runner still has a boxy exterior with flared fenders that looks appropriately tough for a body-on-frame SUV. While its design wasn't an issue, its outdated chassis was. Not only does the 2025 4Runner manage to look more muscular (and very similar to the redesigned Toyota Tacoma), but it also adopts a new frame from the famed mid-size pickup. That stretches the new 4Runner's wheelbase to 112.2 inches—2.4 inches longer than its predecessor.
Thankfully, the sixth generation keeps the 4Runner's roll-down rear window. We also dig its wrap-over rear side glass that recalls the first- and second-gen models. Compared with the 2024 Toyota 4Runner, its replacement is roughly four inches longer, two inches wider, and just under an inch shorter. When it comes to off-road clearances, the new model's 9.2 inches of ground clearance is virtually identical to the old one. With a 32-degree approach angle and 24-degree departure angle, the new 4Runner remains about the same in front but is 2 degrees less in the back.
Interior and Cargo
Other than all of its hard plastics being durable and easy to clean when dirty, the old 4Runner's interior was drab on most trims. That's no longer the case with the new generation, which introduces a wider mix of materials and soft-touch surfaces. Things are still functional thanks to the physical switchgear on the center stack, including a volume knob for the giant 14.0-inch touchscreen that's now available. A smaller 8.0-inch unit is standard, but it's no worse than the outgoing infotainment system. The new 4Runner also offers a configurable 12.3-inch gauge cluster, which—if nothing else—makes the cabin feel even more modern.
Toyota hasn't yet released cargo volume or interior passenger space for the 2025 4Runner, but we expect to see some improvements due to the longer wheelbase and larger overall dimensions. However, that might not be the case when it comes to the cargo area on the new hybrid models, as the battery resides under the rear load floor.
The 4Runner Hybrid also likely will only offer two rows of seats, with a third reserved for nonhybrid examples. Previously, the fifth-gen 4Runner offered two or three rows. Without them and the second row up, it had up to 47 cubic feet of storage space. While three-row configurations with the rearmost seats stowed only scarified one cubic foot, raising the seats limited space to nine cubes.
Powertrains
Without question, the 4Runner's new powertrain options are among the biggest improvements. Gone is the old, albeit dependable, naturally aspirated 4.0 V-6 that produced 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The same goes for its positively prehistoric five-speed automatic transmission. For 2025, every 4Runner now has an eight-speed automatic. The base gas-only engine is a turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four that's good for 278 horses and 317 pound-feet, increases of eight and 39, respectively.
For the first time, the 4Runner also comes with a hybrid powertrain. It pairs a 2.4-liter turbo four with an electric motor fed by a small battery pack that altogether generate a substantial 326 hp and 465 pound-feet. Just like before, the new 4Runner is available with rear-wheel drive as well as both part-time and full-time four-wheel-drive systems. The SUV's max towing capacity remains 6000 pounds.
Trims and Price
The new sixth-generation Toyota 4Runner continues to offer the same trim levels and more as its predecessor. Along with the return of popular models such as the SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited, and TRD Pro, there are new ones such as the overland-oriented Trailhunter and the upscale Platinum.
Toyota hasn't yet released pricing for the 2025 4Runner, but that should come closer to when it goes on sale this fall. Obviously, we expect pricing to rise compared with the 2024 model, which started at $41,600 for the SR5 and topped out at $56,565 for the TRD Pro. If the price hikes for the new Tacoma are any indication, the new 4Runner's price tags could rise by between about $2600 and close to $6000, depending on the trim.
Eric Stafford
Senior Editor
Eric Stafford’s automobile addiction began before he could walk, and it has fueled his passion to write news, reviews, and more for Car and Driver since 2016. His aspiration growing up was to become a millionaire with a Jay Leno–like car collection. Apparently, getting rich is harder than social-media influencers make it seem, so he avoided financial success entirely to become an automotive journalist and drive new cars for a living. After earning a journalism degree at Central Michigan University and working at a daily newspaper, the years of basically burning money on failed project cars and lemon-flavored jalopies finally paid off when Car and Driver hired him. His garage currently includes a 2010 Acura RDX, a manual '97 Chevy Camaro Z/28, and a '90 Honda CRX Si.
