While many modern SUVs lean toward comfort and tech features, there’s one Toyota model that continues to prioritize rugged capability above all else. For serious off-road enthusiasts, it stands out as the ultimate choice in the brand’s lineup, built to handle terrain most crossovers wouldn’t dare touch.
With a body-on-frame design, high ground clearance, and available features like locking differentials, crawl control, and advanced terrain management systems, this SUV is engineered for adventure. Whether you’re tackling rocky trails, muddy backroads, or desert dunes, it is more than ready for the challenge.
Yet despite its tough nature, it also offers a comfortable cabin, solid reliability, and just enough modern tech to make everyday driving bearable. If you’re looking for a true off-road SUV that doesn’t compromise on durability, this is Toyota’s most capable option. Here’s why it continues to earn respect among overlanders and weekend warriors alike.
In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including TopSpeed and the EPA.
The New 4Runner Is Every Bit as Capable as the Outgoing Model
For decades, the 4Runner has been one of the best cars you can opt for if you’re looking to travel off the beaten path. The outgoing generation was getting extremely long in the tooth, with everything from its interior to its powertrain feeling like it came from a different age. That all changes for 2025, with Toyota thrusting the SUV into a new generation.
$40,775
$47,250
$49,190
$52,610
$54,970
$55,400
$62,860
$66,900
Trailhunter
We had the old 4Runner for what felt like ages, with Toyota making very few changes to their adventurous SUV over the years. The new model rebuilds everything from the ground up, with new powertrains, a much more modern interior that is packed with technology, and an impressive list of off-roading equipment.
Compared to the outgoing generation, the new 4Runner got a small price hike, but not one that is too tough to live with, especially considering all the upgrades they’ve made. It comes with either a gas-only four-cylinder or the new i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, which can be had in every trim other than the SR5 and the TRD Sport.
Best Value Trim
There are a number of different trims to choose from with the new 4Runner, and each has its own merits. Whether you opt for the budget SR5 or the comfortable Platinum, you’re not likely to be disappointed.The TRD Pro and Trailhunterare great for those wanting something ready to go out the box, with the former being a high-flying off-roader and the latter being better suited to overlanding.
The trim that we think best balances price and equipment is the TRD Off-Road. It may not have the same goodies available on the range-topping models, but it comes with more than enough equipment to feel capable when traveling over rough stuff. We’d personally stay away from the TRD Sport as we don’t really see the point of a 4Runner that’s tuned for on-road performance.
Warranties and Maintenance
The bumper-to-bumper coverage for the new 4Runner isn’t exactly impressive, but it matches what other automakers in this segment are offering. The same goes for the hybrid component warranty, with just about everyone offering ten years of coverage. What is impressive is that the Japanese brand includes two years of maintenance on the house.
Hybrid or Not, the 2025 4Runner Is Tough to Beat Off-Road
Toyota has gotten rid of the old V-6, downsizing to a turbocharged four-cylinder on every model. This is something that is becoming more and more common as emissions laws tighten. Despite making the engine smaller, it now produces much more grunt than the outgoing generation.
278 HP
326 HP
317 LB-FT
465 LB-FT
RWD or 4WD
4WD
0-60 MPH
115 MPH
6,000 LBS
Most trims come standard with the gas-only powertrain, which delivers more horsepower and torque than the outgoing V-6. If you’re looking for something with more power, then the i-FORCE MAX hybrid models will better satisfy. This powertrain comes standard in the Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter, with it being optional on every other model besides the SR5 and TRD Sport trims.
Rear-wheel drive is standard on gas-only models while i-FORCE MAX models get four-wheel drive from the word go. Toyota offers a ton of equipment on the 4Runner for off-road adventures, including disconnecting stabilizer bars, a locking rear differential, and a cruise control system designed for tough terrain. Even better equipment is available on the hybrid model, including manually adjustable dampers.
The 4Runner is more capable than its predecessor in just about every way. It now comes with up to 10.1 inches of ground clearance, a 32-degree approach angle and 24-degree departure angle. It can also tow up to 1,000 pounds more than the previous iteration of the SUV.
Hybrid 4WD
23 MPG
24 MPG
20 MPG
26 MPG
22 MPG
Gas 4WD
21 MPG
The 4Runner isn’t the most efficient mid-size SUV, but it isn’t exceptionally heavy on gas for its segment either. That being said, the hybrid system is clearly designed to be more powerful rather than more efficient, withvery few gains when it comes to fuel economy. All models are within one to two miles per gallon of one another, meaning you aren’t really penalized for sticking to whatever model suits you best.
Toyota Offers a More Refined Interior in the New 4Runner
One of thebiggest areas of improvementin the new generation of the 4Runner is its cabin. The old 4Runner truly felt like a vehicle from a different time, lacking any of the modern features that we’ve come to expect in new cars. The 2025 model year, however, is more comfortable and more practical.
Third Row Legroom
31.8 Inches
The 4Runner comes standard with two rows of seats, with the option to upgrade to three rows. Toyota has clearly tried to balance interior space with this in mind, which has resulted in a smaller second row than we’d like. That being said, there is still enough room for adults, which is more than can be said for the third row. Cargo space is pretty generous either way, though you obviously get more with the two-row model.
Some pretty high-end comfort features are available in the 4Runner, including heated and ventilated seats, tri-zone climate control, and power-adjustable front seats. A panoramic sunroof is also on offer and, just like the previous generation, you can wind down the rear window to turn your SUV into a pseudo-convertible.
Infotainment and Technology
Compared to the prehistoric outgoing generation, the new 4Runner is downright futuristic. An eight-inch infotainment system is standard, but some models come with a massive 14-inch display instead. A 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster is also on offer. All models support wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There are tons of USB-C ports scattered throughout the cabin, and a wireless smartphone charging pad can also be had. On top trims you’re able to also get a heads-up display as well as a digital rear view mirror. As is the case with many new cars, you can control a ton of features through your smartphone. A 14-speaker JBL sound system is optional, which includes a portable speaker that can be removed from the dashboard.
