New generation Toyota 4Runner has completely changed

Despite being more than four decades old, the 4Runner still sticks to its boxy, fender-hugging silhouette. And if looks aren’t an issue after all these years, the outdated frame is. In addition to the fresh, more muscular look, the 2025 4Runner also uses a new frame from the midsize pickup line. The wheelbase is now 2,849 mm, or nearly 61 mm longer than the previous generation.

The differences compared to the previous generation are not only in the wheelbase, but also in the overall dimensions, when it is 101 mm longer, 50 mm wider, and 25 mm lower. If going off-road, the 233 mm ground clearance is the highlight. The 32-degree approach angle remains the same, but the departure angle is 2 degrees worse than the 24 degrees of the previous generation.

The sixth-generation 4Runner retains the unique feature of its predecessor: the power-retractable rear window. The cabin is revolutionary, with the dominance of hard plastics, although durable and easy to clean when dirty, being replaced by a combination of materials and softer surfaces.

Physical knobs in the center console include a volume knob for the 14-inch touchscreen, compared to the standard 8-inch display. The new 4Runner also gets a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that gives the SUV a more modern feel.

Toyota hasn’t released interior or cargo space figures, but space is said to be improved thanks to the overall dimensions and increased wheelbase. However, hybrid models may not be as comfortable, as the battery pack is located under the rear floor. The 4Runner Hybrid may only have two rows of seats, while the pure-engine versions will have three rows.

The 4Runner’s engine options are also the biggest change. The 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic are gone. The new generation of the SUV now comes with an eight-speed automatic. The standard gasoline engine is a 2.4-liter turbo inline-four that produces 278 horsepower and 310 pound-feet of torque, both of which are up from the old engine.

For the first time, the 4Runner is getting a hybrid powertrain. The system combines a 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder engine with an electric motor powered by a small battery pack, for a total output of 326 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque. Like the previous generation, the 2025 4Runner is available in rear-wheel drive as well as all-wheel drive. The SUV's towing capacity remains at 6,000 pounds.

The 6th generation of 4Runner is sold with the same equipment versions as the previous generation including SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, Limited and TRD Pro, plus new versions such as Trailhunter and Platinum.

The Japanese automaker will likely announce pricing for the 2025 4Runner closer to its on-sale date this fall. Expect pricing to increase from the previous generation, which currently starts at $41,600 for the SR5 and tops out at $56,600 for the TRD Pro.