2025 Toyota 4Runner Review: Pricing, Specs & Comparison
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner resets the model with an all-new platform, a turbocharged four-cylinder replacing the old V6, and the first hybrid powertrain. Here’s what that means for buyers.
Starting price (est): $42,220 ·
Horsepower: 278 hp (gas) – 326 hp (hybrid) ·
Torque: 317 lb-ft (gas) – 465 lb-ft (hybrid) ·
Engine: 2.4L turbo four (gas) – 2.4L turbo hybrid ·
Transmission: 8-speed automatic ·
Seating: 5–7 passengers
Quick snapshot
- Gas engine: 278 hp, 317 lb-ft (Car and Driver)
- Hybrid i-Force Max: 326 hp, 465 lb-ft (Motor1)
- Base SR5 starts at $42,220 (Road & Track)
- Exact official EPA fuel economy for all trims
- Final pricing for 2026 model year
- Full specs for non-U.S. markets
- 2026 model announcement likely in late 2026
- Hybrid availability across more trims
- Possible European Prado synergy
Six trims, one platform, and two powertrains: the 2025 4Runner’s key specs reveal a clear split between gas and hybrid.
| Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Starting price (est) | $42,220 |
| Engine | 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder (gas) / 2.4L turbo hybrid |
| Horsepower | 278 hp (gas) / 326 hp (hybrid) |
| Torque | 317 lb-ft (gas) / 465 lb-ft (hybrid) |
| Transmission | 8-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | Part-time 4WD (TRD Off-Road) / Full-time 4WD (Limited) |
| Fuel economy (gas 4×2) | 20/26/22 mpg (city/highway/combined) – The Drive (see snapshot) |
| Fuel economy (gas 4×4) | 19/25/21 mpg |
| Fuel economy (hybrid) | 23/24/23 mpg |
| Towing capacity | Up to 6,000 lbs |
| Seating capacity | 5–7 |
| Ground clearance | 9.6 inches (TRD Pro) |
How much will the 2025 4Runner cost?
Pricing spans a wide range depending on trim and powertrain. The entry point is the SR5 gas model. Road & Track reported the base SR5 starts at $42,220, while the Trailhunter hybrid tops out at $68,350. Motor1 confirms the gas-only TRD Off-Road starts at $50,640, with the hybrid version at $53,440.
- The Drive: SR5 $42,220
- Car and Driver: Limited 4WD $58,850 base, $62,875 as tested
- Savage on Wheels: TRD Off-Road Premium test price $59,631
Most buyers will pay between $50,000 and $60,000 for a well-equipped 4Runner. The hybrid premium of roughly $3,000 may be recouped in fuel savings, but only if you drive enough miles.
SR5 base: $42,220 ·
TRD Off-Road gas: $50,640 ·
Limited 4WD: $58,850 ·
Trailhunter hybrid: $68,350
The implication: pricing creeps upward, but the 4Runner still undercuts many full-size SUVs with comparable off-road hardware.
Is the 2025 4Runner any good?
2025 4Runner driving experience
Road & Track notes that the new TNGA-F platform and 2.4L turbo (278 hp, 317 lb-ft at 1,700 rpm) transform the driving character. Off-road.com (quoted in research) says steering is “much more precise.” Car and Driver reports 278 hp at 6,000 rpm and 317 lb-ft at 1,700 rpm for the gas engine.
The old V6 felt lazy off the line. The new turbo delivers torque at low revs, making the 4Runner feel quicker in daily driving while maintaining its off-road crawl ability.
2025 4Runner reliability
Fifth-generation 4Runners had frame rust and transmission issues. The 2025 model’s new platform addresses those known weak points, and early reviews suggest above-average build quality. Motor1 notes that the hybrid system adds complexity but Toyota’s hybrid track record is strong.
The 2025 4Runner addresses many past issues, though long-term reliability of the turbo remains unproven.
Which is better, RAV4 or 4Runner?
Size and capacity
The 4Runner rides on a body-on-frame platform, while the RAV4 uses a unibody. That makes the 4Runner larger, heavier, and more capable off-road, but less efficient on pavement.
| Attribute | 2025 4Runner | 2025 RAV4 |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Body-on-frame (TNGA-F) | Unibody (TNGA-K) |
| Engine | 2.4L turbo (278 hp) / hybrid (326 hp) | 2.5L 4-cyl (203 hp) / hybrid (219 hp) |
| Fuel economy (combined) | 22 mpg gas 4×2 | 30 mpg (gas) / 39 mpg (hybrid) |
| Towing capacity | 6,000 lbs | 1,500–3,500 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 9.6 in (TRD Pro) | 8.4 in (Adventure) |
Off-road vs on-road performance
The 4Runner is the clear off-road champion with locking rear diff, crawl control, and available off-road tires. The RAV4 is better on pavement—quieter, more efficient, and easier to park. The Drive confirms the TRD Pro and Trailhunter get off-road suspension tuning.
The Prado is the global equivalent of the 4Runner. Both share the same body-on-frame DNA, but the Prado is sold in markets where the 4Runner isn’t, including Europe and Australia. The 2025 4Runner’s platform is essentially the same as the latest Prado.
The pattern: choose the 4Runner if you need serious off-road capability and towing. Choose the RAV4 for daily commuting and efficiency.
Is the Toyota 4Runner sold in Europe?
Why the 4Runner isn’t sold in Europe
Strict CO2 emissions regulations make it uneconomical for Toyota to certify the 4Runner’s gasoline and hybrid powertrains for European sale. The 4Runner has never been officially sold in Europe, and the 2025 generation won’t change that.
Toyota Prado as the European alternative
European buyers get the Land Cruiser Prado, which shares the same platform and many components. The Prado is available with diesel engines in some markets, which helps meet emissions targets while offering similar off-road ability.
The catch: if you live in Europe and want a 4Runner, your closest option is the Prado—or grey-market imports with compliance headaches.
What is the most common problem with a Toyota 4Runner?
Known issues in previous generations
Fifth-generation 4Runners (2010–2024) suffered from frame rust in salt-belt states, transmission shudder, and a thirsty V6. The 2025 model’s new turbocharged engine addresses the power deficiency, and the TNGA-F platform is designed to resist corrosion better.
2025 model improvements
Car and Driver notes that the new 8-speed automatic is smooth and responsive, and Motor1 reports that the hybrid system is expected to be reliable.
The turbo engine is new to the 4Runner, so long-term reliability data won’t be available for a few years. Early adopters should budget for a warranty extension.
The implication: the 2025 4Runner fixes many historic complaints, but only time will tell if the turbo and hybrid add new failure points.
Timeline
- Feb 2025: First owner reviews published (TFLcar, The Drive)
- Sept 2025: Off-road.com and Autoguide reviews released
- Oct 2025: CarPro review of 2025 4Runner Limited
- Expected 2026: 2026 model announced on Toyota.com
Clarity
Confirmed facts
- Gas engine: 278 hp, 317 lb-ft (The Drive)
- Hybrid i-Force Max: 326 hp, 465 lb-ft (Motor1)
- Base SR5 starts at $42,220 (Road & Track)
What’s unclear
- Exact official starting price (still estimates)
- EPA fuel economy for all trims
- Full specs for 2026 model year
- Long-term reliability of the new turbo engine
- Actual dealer markups and availability
Expert opinions
“The 2025 4 cyl turbo has 278 HP and 317 lb-ft of torque at 1700 RPM.”
— TFLcar review
“The steering is much more precise, and the new platform transforms the driving character.”
— Off-road.com review
“The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited checks all the boxes as a wonderful daily driver.”
— CarPro review
Summary
The 2025 4Runner is a genuine step forward—better powertrain, more refined ride, and still a legit off-roader. For U.S. buyers who need one vehicle that does it all, the gas TRD Off-Road at $50,640 offers the best value. For European readers, the Prado remains the closest alternative. The trade-off is clear: live with the turbo or buy the hybrid, but don’t wait for an official European 4Runner—it’s not coming.
For more vehicle comparisons, check out our Lexus of Richmond Hill review and Porsche 911 GT3 RS Price guide.
savageonwheels.com, youtube.com, edmunds.com, motortrend.com
Frequently asked questions
What is the towing capacity of the 2025 4Runner?
Up to 6,000 lbs, depending on trim and equipment.
Does the 2025 4Runner have a hybrid engine?
Yes, the i-Force Max hybrid is available on TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and optionally on other trims.
What is the fuel economy of the 2025 4Runner?
Gas 4×2: 20/26/22 mpg; gas 4×4: 19/25/21 mpg; hybrid: 23/24/23 mpg (per EPA).
How much does the 2025 4Runner weigh?
Curb weight ranges from about 4,500 to 5,200 lbs depending on trim and powertrain.
What are the color options for the 2025 4Runner?
Colors include Midnight Black, Ice Cap, Underground, and others—exact palette varies by trim.
Is the 2025 4Runner good for daily driving?
Yes, reviewers note improved steering precision and ride quality, making it a comfortable daily driver.
When will the 2025 4Runner be available?
It went on sale in early 2025; stock is available now at U.S. dealerships.
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