The legend is back—and it’s not here to play safe. The new Toyota 4Runner isn’t just an SUV; it’s a roaring, unapologetic beast of a machine that rolls in like it’s got unfinished business with the world. You don’t simply drive the 2025 4Runner—you command it. Like a warrior reborn, Toyota has summoned every ounce of its off-road pedigree, slapped it onto a strikingly modern, muscular body, and injected it with enough tech and power to go toe-to-toe with luxury SUVs—without losing that rough-and-tumble heart that made it a cult favorite. From the moment you lay eyes on it, the new 4Runner looks like it just returned from an expedition through fire, ice, and jungle—and laughed in the face of all three. The exterior has been reimagined with razor-sharp LED lighting, squared-off arches that scream durability, and a wider, more aggressive stance that makes it look like it's about to pounce. It’s bold, it’s brave, and it dares you to look away.
Step inside, though, and the ferocity melts into finesse. The 2025 4Runner’s cabin has evolved from utilitarian function to a full-blown futuristic fortress. Imagine brushed aluminum accents hugging a center console that feels like it belongs in a high-performance cockpit. The tech suite? Jaw-dropping. A new 14-inch touchscreen anchors the dash, backed by Toyota’s latest infotainment system that responds faster than your ex when you win the lottery. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, over-the-air updates, and a panoramic digital gauge cluster? All present and gloriously accounted for. And don’t even get me started on the seating—premium leather-trimmed upholstery, ventilated front seats, and enough legroom in the second row to host a yoga retreat. Toyota clearly went all-in on comfort without compromising the rugged edge. It’s like a five-star resort took a crash course in adventure.
Beneath the hood, the 2025 4Runner now packs the power to match its brawn. Say goodbye to the aging V6—Toyota’s swapped it out for a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder i-FORCE engine that pushes a mighty 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. If you want more grunt, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid variant steps it up with 326 horsepower and a torque output that could pull a small planet out of orbit (okay, fine, it’s 465 lb-ft, but it feels like magic). This power feeds into an eight-speed automatic transmission that finally—finally—gives the 4Runner the buttery-smooth shifts it’s always deserved. Whether you’re rock-crawling in Moab or gliding down the highway on a cross-country soul search, this powertrain doesn’t just deliver—it dominates.
And of course, the soul of the 4Runner lies in its off-road DNA, and Toyota didn't skimp. Depending on the trim, you get full-time 4WD, locking rear differentials, crawl control, a multi-terrain monitor, and the kind of ground clearance that makes speed bumps weep. The TRD Pro variant is basically a tank with cupholders—sporting FOX shocks, skid plates, and all-terrain tires that laugh in the face of asphalt. Then there’s the all-new Trailhunter trim: a backwoods-conquering, overlanding marvel that comes pre-equipped with Old Man Emu suspension and steel bumpers ready for winch integration. It’s not a truck for the mildly curious—it’s for those who crave dirt, danger, and dominance. You could practically live in this thing, and honestly, with that onboard 120-volt inverter and roof rack? Why wouldn’t you?
On the financial front, the 2025 4Runner remains surprisingly grounded. Starting just under $42,000 for the base SR5 trim, it’s an attainable slice of off-road royalty. Move up to the Limited or the off-road trims like TRD Off-Road Premium and you’ll hover in the $50,000–$60,000 range. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter? Expect to pay north of $65K, but it’s worth every penny for what you get—a rolling fortress capable of annihilating terrain while cradling you in creature comforts. And here’s the kicker—unlike some rivals, the 4Runner holds its resale value like a Swiss bank vault. This isn’t a depreciating asset; it’s an investment in adrenaline, adventure, and absolute freedom.
So, is the new Toyota 4Runner utter perfection? Well, perfection’s a tall order—but this might be as close as it gets for the modern adventurer. It’s raw but refined. Powerful but practical. A heritage nameplate reimagined for a generation that doesn’t want to choose between wild weekends and weekday commutes. Toyota has built something rare in the 2025 4Runner: a vehicle that speaks fluently in both luxury and legacy, comfort and chaos. If you’ve ever felt the call of the wild echo from a YouTube overlanding vlog or dreamed of turning the mountains into your backyard, this is your sign. The 4Runner isn’t just back—it’s leveled up. And it’s coming for everything.