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2025 Toyota 4Runner First Drive Review: Why It Now Makes Sense

Toyota redesigned the 2025 4Runner with two powertrains and nine grades. Here’s what the first drive supports—and what its brief, curated route cannot prove.
Entry378 Date Time4 min MechanicCarCody Team
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The sixth-generation 2025 Toyota 4Runner makes a stronger case on the road than its predecessor, according to David C. Hayman’s first-drive review: its turbo-four felt less labored, the hybrid more responsive, and the revised chassis more composed. That is the reviewer’s impression from a short drive in selected configurations and on a curated off-road route—not a comprehensive test or a long-term verdict. The biggest practical change is that 4Runner now spans nine grades and two distinct powertrains, so the right choice depends on whether you prioritize output, stated highway fuel economy, drivetrain, or equipment.

What changed for 2025?

The 2025 model is the sixth-generation 4Runner. Toyota redesigned the vehicle around a new platform and updated its powertrains, cabin, and grade lineup. Toyota announced nine grades: SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter. That wider range places road-oriented, off-road, luxury-equipment, and overlanding-focused choices under the same nameplate.

Hayman’s July 2025 first-drive review says the changes matter most in everyday driving. He found the standard turbo-four less strained in traffic than the prior model and the hybrid more responsive. He also reports improvements in ride, stability, and braking, based on his impressions behind the wheel. Toyota’s specifications describe what the company offers; those driving judgments belong to the reviewer and reflect a limited first drive.

How do the two powertrains compare?

Toyota pairs both engines with an eight-speed automatic. The i-FORCE is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder; i-FORCE MAX adds a hybrid system and delivers substantially more torque. Toyota’s launch figures are manufacturer specifications and EPA-estimated highway maxima, not results from Hayman’s drive.

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Powertrain Maximum output Maximum EPA-estimated highway fuel economy Transmission
i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo-four Up to 278 hp and 317 lb-ft Up to 26 mpg Eight-speed automatic
i-FORCE MAX hybrid Up to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft Up to 24 mpg Eight-speed automatic

The hybrid’s appeal here is greater rated output and torque, not a higher stated highway MPG: Toyota’s published maximum is lower for i-FORCE MAX. Actual fuel economy in everyday use is not established by the launch figures or this first-drive account. Toyota published these specifications and estimates in its December 10, 2024 2025 4Runner announcement.

Which grades offer the hybrid and four-wheel drive?

Toyota says i-FORCE MAX is standard on TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum, and available on TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and Limited. Toyota does not describe it as available on SR5 or the TRD Sport grades in the launch release. Confirm availability against the specific model year and configuration you are considering.

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The 4Runner is offered with two-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, and full-time four-wheel drive, depending on configuration. All i-FORCE MAX grades have four-wheel drive. Limited and Platinum have full-time four-wheel drive with an electronic locking center differential. A grade name alone does not establish every drivetrain detail, so check the build sheet for the vehicle in question.

What equipment distinguishes Trailhunter and TRD Pro?

These two grades are aimed at off-road use, but Toyota lists different equipment for each. Trailhunter is the overlanding-focused choice; TRD Pro is the other specifically off-road-oriented package described in Toyota’s launch release.

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Grade Equipment cited by Toyota
Trailhunter ARB roof rack, Old Man Emu shocks, 33-inch Toyo tires on 18-inch wheels, and onboard air compressor
TRD Pro FOX QS3 adjustable shocks and 33-inch Toyo tires

These are grade-specific equipment descriptions, not a promise that every part fits every 4Runner or is available separately. Toyota’s release identifies the equipment but does not establish universal accessory fitment.

What did the first drive reveal—and what did it not?

Hayman drove selected SR5, TRD, and Premium vehicles; Trailhunter was available but reserved for separate coverage. On road, he describes the SR5 as smoother and more direct than the outgoing model, and says the hybrid felt more responsive. He also notes improved ride, stability, and braking. These are subjective impressions from the particular vehicles and drive conditions, not measurements of acceleration, stopping distance, or fuel use.

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Off pavement, the review praises the TRD models’ behavior and camera visibility, and describes the SR5 as smoother and more direct on dirt. The route was curated and, in the reviewer’s view, not difficult enough to challenge an inexperienced driver. It therefore offers an initial impression of capability, not proof of performance across difficult terrain, durability over time, or suitability for every driver.

The review is useful for understanding how the redesigned 4Runner felt during a brief outing; it does not establish long-term reliability, comprehensive real-world MPG, instrumented performance, or comprehensive safety-system behavior. Hayman also questions value at some mid-range prices and compares higher-priced configurations with the Land Cruiser, but that is his judgment rather than a like-for-like cost analysis.

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What did Toyota announce for the starting price?

Toyota’s December 10, 2024 launch announcement listed a starting MSRP of $40,770, plus a $1,450 Delivery Processing and Handling fee. This is the launch figure, not a current dealer quote or transaction price; the available information here does not establish present inventory or pricing. Check a current listing and confirm its configuration, fees, and equipment before comparing offers.

How should you choose among 2025 4Runner versions?

  • Choose around power first: i-FORCE MAX has higher Toyota-rated horsepower and torque; i-FORCE has the higher published maximum highway MPG.
  • Match the drivetrain to the configuration: Toyota lists two-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, and full-time four-wheel drive options across the range, with the specific availability rules noted above.
  • Shop by the equipment you actually want: Trailhunter’s listed overlanding gear and TRD Pro’s FOX shocks identify distinct equipment paths; do not assume those parts are standard on other grades.
  • Treat the first drive as an early signal: the reviewer’s positive road impressions are relevant, but a purchase decision also calls for checking the exact vehicle and considering how it performs under your own driving and use conditions.

For the review’s full account of the drive, see David C. Hayman’s 2025 Toyota 4Runner first-drive review. Toyota’s official model-year announcement is the source for the grades, powertrain ratings, equipment, and launch pricing.

Quick Recap

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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

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