Cars

2025 Toyota 4Runner Review: Off-Road Specs & Buyer's Guide

JH
John H
Senior Cars Expert
8 min read

2025 Toyota 4Runner Review: Off-Road Specs & Buyer's Guide

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner continues its legacy as a rugged, dependable midsize SUV built for both off-road adventurers and daily commuters who value durability. As one of the few body-on-frame SUVs still on the market, the 4Runner stands out in an era where unibody crossovers dominate. With updated tech, refined off-road capabilities, and a strong reputation for longevity, the 2025 model offers a compelling package for drivers who demand performance, versatility, and Toyota reliability. In this comprehensive review and buyer’s guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the 2025 Toyota 4Runner—from engine specs and off-road prowess to trim details, pricing, and what to expect behind the wheel.

Exterior Design and Styling

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner retains its bold, boxy silhouette that has become iconic over the years. While Toyota hasn’t introduced a complete redesign for this model year, subtle updates keep the SUV looking fresh and functional. The front fascia features a more aggressive grille, updated LED headlights, and fog lights integrated into the bumper for better visibility during off-road excursions. The overall stance remains high and commanding, with standard roof rails, skid plates (on off-road trims), and rugged wheel designs that hint at its trail-ready nature.

Available in a range of exterior colors—including classic shades like Barcelona Red, Midnight Black, and Cement Gray—the 4Runner gives buyers options to match their style. The TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road trims feature exclusive badging, blacked-out accents, and unique alloy wheels (17-inch or 18-inch depending on trim), enhancing both aesthetics and off-road credibility.

One standout feature is the standard roof rack with crossbars, ideal for carrying rooftop tents, kayaks, or extra gear. Ground clearance is impressive at 9.6 inches on most trims, increasing to 10.0 inches on TRD Pro models thanks to a factory lift kit. Approach, breakover, and departure angles remain favorable for tackling rocky trails, with the 4Runner boasting an approach angle of 33 degrees, a departure angle of 26 degrees, and a breakover angle of 22 degrees.

2025 Toyota 4Runner off-road specs on rugged terrain

Interior Comfort and Features

Inside, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner receives notable upgrades aimed at improving comfort, connectivity, and usability. The cabin is built with durable, water-resistant materials—especially in off-road trims—making it easy to clean after a muddy trail run. Standard seating accommodates five, while second-row bench options allow up to seven passengers in select configurations.

The dashboard features a more modern layout compared to previous models, with a 12.3-inch touchscreen now standard across all trims. The infotainment system runs on Toyota’s latest multimedia platform, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon Alexa compatibility, and embedded navigation. Bluetooth connectivity, multiple USB-C ports, and a standard 6-speaker audio system are included, with premium JBL audio available on higher trims.

Climate control is intuitive, with dual-zone automatic climate control standard on SR5 and above. The Limited trim adds tri-zone climate control for rear passengers, while heated and ventilated front seats are available on Premium and Limited models. Leather-trimmed seating is standard on Limited and TRD Pro trims, while fabric and SofTex® upholstery options are available on lower trims.

Storage is generous, with multiple cup holders, door pockets, and a center console large enough to hold phones, wallets, and trail maps. The rear cargo area offers 47.2 cubic feet behind the second row and expands to 88.8 cubic feet when the 60/40 split-folding rear seats are laid flat. For off-road enthusiasts, Toyota includes a standard cargo cover and tie-down hooks to secure gear.

Powertrain and Performance

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner continues to use the proven 4.0-liter V6 engine, producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. While some competitors have shifted to turbocharged four-cylinder engines, Toyota sticks with the naturally aspirated V6 for its reliability, linear power delivery, and strong low-end torque—ideal for off-road crawling and towing.

Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission (a carryover from previous years), the powertrain delivers adequate acceleration for daily driving, though it's not the most refined in terms of fuel economy or responsiveness. The EPA estimates 17 mpg city, 21 mpg highway, and 19 mpg combined for rear-wheel-drive models, with a slight dip to 16/20/18 for four-wheel-drive variants. While not class-leading, the 4Runner’s fuel efficiency is acceptable given its body-on-frame construction and off-road focus.

Towing capacity remains strong at 5,000 pounds when properly equipped, making the 4Runner suitable for hauling small trailers, boats, or off-road toys. Trailer sway control and a standard tow hitch receiver are included on most trims, with an optional integrated trailer brake controller available on higher-end models.

Off-Road Capabilities and 4WD Systems

Where the 2025 Toyota 4Runner truly shines is in its off-road performance. Toyota offers multiple 4WD configurations depending on the trim, with the full-time 4WD system available on SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro models. This system includes a two-speed transfer case with high and low ranges, allowing drivers to switch between 2WD, 4WD high, and 4WD low for maximum traction.

The TRD Off-Road trim features Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control (CRAWL), which help maintain grip and control on slippery or uneven terrain. Multi-Terrain Select allows drivers to choose from several surface modes—mud & sand, loose rock, and more—adjusting throttle response and traction control accordingly. Crawl Control acts like off-road cruise control, automatically modulating throttle and braking at low speeds to navigate obstacles without driver input.

For serious off-roaders, the TRD Pro trim is the king of the lineup. It comes equipped with:

The 4Runner’s approach, breakover, and departure angles, combined with its impressive fording depth of up to 27.5 inches (with proper preparation), make it capable of handling river crossings and deep mud. Rock crawling performance is aided by the low-range gearing and locking differential, giving the 4Runner excellent control on steep, technical trails.

It's worth noting that while the 4Runner is off-road capable, it lacks the advanced air suspension or fully disconnecting sway bars found in some competitors like the Jeep Wrangler Rubicon or Land Rover Defender. However, its mechanical simplicity, proven track record, and ease of repair in remote locations give it an edge for long-term off-road reliability.

Trim Levels and Pricing

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is available in six main trim levels: SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro. Each trim offers a unique blend of features, off-road hardware, and comfort amenities.

SR5 ($39,000)

The base SR5 trim is front-wheel drive but can be upgraded to part-time 4WD. It comes with 17-inch steel wheels, LED headlights, a 12.3-inch touchscreen, cloth seating, and Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. Ideal for budget-conscious buyers who still want a capable SUV.

SR5 Premium ($42,500)

This trim adds alloy wheels, a power moonroof, SofTex®-trimmed seats, heated front seats, and full-time 4WD with a locking rear differential. The Premium package enhances comfort without sacrificing capability.

TRD Off-Road ($45,000)

Built for serious trail use, the TRD Off-Road includes Bilstein shocks, Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and TRD-tuned suspension. It also features a standard rear locking differential and 17-inch alloy wheels with all-terrain tires.

TRD Off-Road Premium ($48,500)

Adds leather-trimmed seats, a JBL audio system, navigation, and additional driver-assist features. A great blend of luxury and off-road readiness.

Limited ($50,000)

Focuses on on-road comfort with standard leather, tri-zone climate control, a power liftgate, and 20-inch alloy wheels. 4WD is standard, but off-road hardware is limited compared to TRD models. Best for suburban drivers who occasionally venture off-pavement.

TRD Pro ($56,500)

The top-tier off-road model with FOX shocks, a lifted suspension, unique styling, and exclusive interior touches. It’s the most capable 4Runner ever made from the factory and comes with added protection like skid plates and rock rails.

Safety and Driver Assistance Features

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0), a comprehensive suite of advanced driver-assistance systems. Key features include:

In addition to TSS 3.0, the 4Runner includes a standard backup camera, available 360-degree camera system (on Premium and Limited trims), and parking sensors. While not as advanced as some competitors’ semi-autonomous systems, TSS 3.0 provides solid protection for highway and city driving.

The 4Runner has not yet been crash-tested by the IIHS or NHTSA for the 2025 model year, but previous models have earned respectable safety ratings. The SUV’s high seating position and rigid frame contribute to occupant protection in collisions.

Technology and Connectivity

Technology has been a weak spot for the 4Runner in past years, but the 2025 model makes significant strides. The standard 12.3-inch touchscreen is responsive and supports wireless smartphone integration. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both wireless, eliminating the need for cables.

Toyota’s Connected Services platform offers remote start, door lock/unlock, stolen vehicle locator, and maintenance alerts via the Toyota app. Available features include Wi-Fi Connect (a 4G LTE hotspot), over-the-air updates, and cloud-based navigation with real-time traffic.

For off-road navigation, the 4Runner now includes Trail Mode, which displays pitch, roll, and compass info on the digital gauge cluster. The available off-road camera system provides front, rear, and side views to help navigate tight trails and obstacles.

Audio options include a standard 6-speaker system or an available 15-speaker JBL premium audio with subwoofer and Clari-Fi™ sound enhancement. While not class-leading in audio clarity, it’s more than adequate for long drives and outdoor adventures.

Interior Space and Cargo Capacity

Interior space in the 2025 4Runner is functional but not class-leading. Front passengers enjoy generous legroom and headroom, but second-row access can be tight due to the narrow door openings. Once inside, rear passengers get adequate legroom for average-sized adults, though taller riders may find the footwell cramped.

The third-row seat, available on some trims, is best suited for children due to limited legroom and a low seating position. Accessing the third row requires folding the second row forward, which can be cumbersome with child seats installed.

Cargo space behind the third row is limited at just 14.6 cubic feet—enough for a few backpacks or groceries. With the third row folded, cargo space increases to 47.2 cubic feet. When both rear rows are folded, the total cargo volume reaches 88.8 cubic feet. While not as spacious as the Honda Pilot or Ford Explorer, the 4Runner’s cargo area is wide and flat, making it ideal for bulky outdoor gear.

Notable interior features include: