Should You Buy a 2025 Toyota 4Runner?

• The 2025 Toyota 4Runner starts at $56,130 in Canada, including freight and delivery charges.

• Undeniable off-road capabilities, good off- and on-road comfort balance, ergonomic and spacious cabin.

• Hybrid powertrain doesn’t feel very energetic, price escalades quickly up the trim level lineup, thief magnet.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner finally introduces an all-new generation of the midsize body-on-frame SUV, sharing the Toyota Tacoma’s architecture and powertrains. The previous fifth-generation model was introduced for the 2010 model year, so it was more than due for a replacement.

However, as old as it was, the outgoing 4Runner was generally tough as nails, it could go almost anywhere, and it was a more comfortable alternative to the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco. This new generation seeks to pursue that tradition, but in a more modern and more fuel-efficient package. Should you buy one?

First and foremost, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is available in a slew of trim levels in Canada, all capable of hitting the trails and, in some cases, do a little rock climbing for good measure. The lineup includes the base SR5, the TRD Sport, the TRD Off Road Premium, the Limited, the Platinum, the TRD Pro and the new range-topping Trailhunter.

The SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off Road Premium and Limited are equipped with a turbocharged 2.4L inline-four that develops 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, managed by an eight-speed automatic transmission.

Optional on the TRD Off Road Premium, standard on the Platinum, TRD Pro and Trailhunter, Toyota’s i-Force MAX hybrid powertrain rounds up the turbo 2.4L four, an electric drive motor, a 1.87 kWh battery pack and an eight-speed automatic to generate a combined 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet.

Part-time 4WD is included on all trim levels except the Limited and the Platinum which both get a full-time 4WD setup instead. The TRD Sport includes a sport-tuned suspension, the TRD Off Road Premium features Bilstein shock absorbers, the Limited and Platinum benefit from an adaptive variable suspension, the TRD Pro is shod with FOX shock absorbers with selectable damping while the Trailhunter gets Old Man Emu shock absorbers. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter also include a front stabilizer bar disconnect system. Lots of choices here, depending on what we’re planning to do with our 4Runner.

Meanwhile, towing capacity is rated at 2,722 kilograms or 6,000 pounds for the 4Runner and at 2,631 kg or 5,800 pounds for the 4Runner Hybrid. The tow package is equipped as standard.

Fuel economy ratings are as follows:

During our test in the Trailhunter variant with the hybrid powertrain, we managed an average of 11.9 L/100 km, which is above the official combined figure. In comparison, the previous-generation 4Runner relied on a 3.5L V6 engine that developed 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet as well as a five-speed automatic transmission, and swilled down fuel at a combined rate of 13.8 L/100 km.

Standard features include LED exterior lighting, 17-inch alloy wheels, an eight-speaker audio system, an eight-inch infotainment touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, heated front seats, a power-operated rear window, an intelligent key and blind-spot monitoring. Available features include a power sunroof, fascia-integrated LED off-road lamps, 18- and 20-inch wheels, a 14-speaker JBL sound system with a portable Bluetooth speaker, a 14-inch infotainment touchscreen, a 12.3-inch digital driver instrument cluster, dual-zone climate control, head-up display, a heated steering wheel, leather or SofTex seat upholstery, power-adjustable front seats, ventilated front seats, heated second-row seats, a 360-degree camera system and more.

Pricing for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner in Canada ranges from $56,130 to $86,131, including freight and delivery charges. Toyota Canada also mentions $899 dealer fees on its website. Body-on-frame off-road-focused competition includes the Ford Bronco and the Jeep Wrangler.

Why You Should Buy a 2025 Toyota 4Runner

• The 4Runner is a great vehicle for people with a true active lifestyle, and a catalyst for people who don’t have an active lifestyle, but want one. Its tow capacity surpasses those of the Wrangler (5,000 pounds) and the Bronco (4,500 pounds).
• Fuel economy is way better in the new 4Runner than in the outgoing one.

• Despite the 4Runner’s tremendous off-road capabilities, it remains relatively comfortable on the road for the daily commute, and a better choice in that regard than the Jeep or the Ford. The Trailhunter’s ride is particularly supple thanks to its soft shocks and wheel travel. Its snorkel can get loud while accelerating, however, which may or may not be something passengers will appreciate.
• The dashboard layout is straightforward and functional, including physical climate controls and an easy-to-use infotainment system interface. Passenger and cargo space is quite good as well, and the rear seatback angle can be adjusted for extra comfort.

Why You Shouldn’t Buy a 2025 Toyota 4Runner

• The 4Runner’s interior design boasts a rugged appearance, no doubt, but lacks cohesion with so many different shapes, textures and colours. It’s as if the brand’s stylists each worked on their own component without consulting each other. That said, some of our staffers like it, some don’t.
• Despite its lofty output, the hybrid powertrain doesn’t feel very lively. The acceleration is there, but the fluidity is not, and the delayed throttle response needs getting used to. We also would’ve liked a greater gain in fuel economy compared to the base powerplant, but there’s only so much you can do in a vehicle that isn’t the most aerodynamic and that’s riding on all-terrain tires.

• The 2025 model’s base price is about two grand higher than the outgoing 2024 model’s, but the 4Runner’s price escalates quickly after that. At $87k, the range-topping Trailhunter is quite expensive. That said, the Wrangler isn’t any cheaper.
• Toyotas has long been associated with durability, and that’s probably one of the reasons why some particular models, such as the 4Runner, are prone to theft in North America and are shipped to other parts of the world. Owners need to take extra precautions to prevent theft.

Final Word

The redesigned 2025 Toyota 4Runner is just as capable off road than its predecessors while remaining relatively comfortable for the everyday grind. It’s more fuel efficient than before and there’s a wide selection of trim levels to choose from.

On the other hand, it’s not as free-spirited as the Wrangler and the Bronco, in the sense that the doors and top can’t be removed while the interior can’t be hosed down. The 4Runner can be seen as the best dual-purpose SUV in this hardcore off-road vehicle segment.

2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter Hybrid

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