Those who loved the last 4Runner should find plenty to fawn over with the new 2025 Toyota 4Runner. Toyota didn't fix all of the issues, but the 4Runner keeps true to its mission and has just enough newness in its powertrains and tech to make it a desirable SUV in 2025.Read full review
Mark Takahashi has worked in the automotive industry since 2001. He has written thousands of car-related articles and tested and reviewed hundreds of vehicles over the course of his career. Mark has also contributed to Motor Trend, Auto Aficionado, Chevy High Performance and several motorcycle magazines in various roles. Mark is also a juror on the North American Car, Truck and Utility Vehicle of the Year Awards and can be seen regularly on the Edmunds YouTube channel and sometimes representing the company in media interviews.
Brian Wong has worked in the automotive industry since 2010, writing over 1,000 car-related articles and testing and reviewing hundreds of vehicles over the course of career. Brian is a senior reviews editor at Edmunds and has also contributed to Cars.com, Motor Authority and Green Car Reports. Brian has also been featured on MotorWeek as an expert for several car comparisons. He loves convertibles (the smaller the better) and hates paying for parking, so Los Angeles is both the right and wrong city for him.
The wait is finally over. After 14 years, the Toyota 4Runner finally gets a redesign. The fundamentals are still the same — this is a midsize truck-based SUV with a rugged character and look — but just about everything else is new. It's a little bit bigger than before and has revised styling, an overhauled interior with Toyota's latest tech, a new engine, and even more versions to pick from. The 4Runner should appeal to you if you want something more adventurous than a typical crossover SUV but don't want to fully commit to a Ford Bronco or a Jeep Wrangler. Overall, we think the new 2025 4Runner is a huge step forward in its evolution.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of N/A undefined in Texas.
Edmunds spotlight: A wide array of 4Runner choices
Toyota gives you a lot of choice when picking a 4Runner. The lineup has nine trim levels and two engine choices. The base SR5 doesn't come with a whole lot of features, but it's the way to go if you're on a tight budget. A few different TRD versions should appeal to the bulk of 4Runner buyers. More luxury-minded shoppers will likely be drawn into the well-equipped Limited and Platinum trims, while hard-core off-roaders will like the TRD Pro or the all-new Trailhunter. All 2025 4Runners come with a new turbocharged four-cylinder that replaces the previous V6. It gets better fuel economy and more low-end torque for quicker acceleration at low speeds. A hybrid version of the engine is also available. It makes even more power and a few more mpg to boot.
Competitors to consider
You could check out the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco. They're both excellent off-roaders but require more sacrifices to comfort and refinement than the 4Runner. On the highway and in town, the 4Runner is much easier to live with and behaves more like a typical SUV. The Land Rover Defender is also worth consideration. Within the Toyota family, we recommend checking out the new Land Cruiser if you want a little more off-road cred and style or the Highlander or Grand Highlander for superior family-hauling capability.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our Verdict
The Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
Average
7.6
out of 10
edmunds TESTED
Those who loved the last 4Runner should find plenty to fawn over with the new 2025 Toyota 4Runner. Toyota didn't fix all of the issues, but the 4Runner keeps true to its mission and has just enough newness in its powertrains and tech to make it a desirable SUV in 2025.
How does the 4Runner drive? The Toyota 4Runner is available with either a gas or hybrid powertrain, both powered by a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. Our Trailhunter test model came equipped with the hybrid system, achieving a 0-60 mph sprint in 7.7 seconds. Around town, the electric motor's low-end torque provides an added boost, making the 4Runner feel quicker and more capable than the raw numbers suggest. Off-road, the hybrid's part-time 4WD system and low-range gearing allow for precise power delivery, enhancing its agility on rugged terrain. Toyota's expertise with hybrid technology is evident, as the braking system transitions seamlessly between regenerative and friction braking.
On the road, the 4Runner's truck-based design limits its handling abilities; the steering feels numb, and there's noticeable body roll. However, these trade-offs are expected in a vehicle built for off-road performance, where the 4Runner truly excels. While the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler may outperform it in extreme off-roading scenarios, the 4Runner offers a smoother, more refined driving experience on pavement, setting it apart in the segment.
Comfort
7.5/10
How comfortable is the 4Runner? The front seats are comfortable, but the back seat feels tighter than expected, with flat cushions that lack proper support — make sure to call shotgun. The ride quality leans more toward a truck-like feel, with noticeable bounce, though it stops short of being harsh. Cabin isolation is respectable, but noise becomes an issue when you dig more into the power, and the four-cylinder engine produces an unrefined sound that's far from pleasant. On Trailhunter models, the intake snorkel amplifies turbo noises directly into the cabin, especially near the passenger's side. While novel at first, it takes all of 10 minutes before this sound grows tiresome.
Interior
7.5/10
How’s the interior? Along with its platform, the 4Runner also shares a lot of its interior with the Tacoma midsize pickup truck. So it acquires the same chunky knobs and, thankfully, its approach to buttons, and you'll find plenty of well-placed and easy-to-find controls for the climate, cameras and various off-road settings. However, the instrument cluster isn't very easy to navigate. That usually wouldn't be as much of a problem, but some important safety and driver aids settings can only be accessed through that screen.
Getting into the 4Runner can be a challenge if you're the one driving because there isn't a grab handle to help pull yourself into the cabin. For a vehicle of this size, the 4Runner's back seat feels very short on legroom, though headroom is pretty good. Tall passengers will have to stagger, or else be prepared for their knees to be introduced to the front seatbacks. Visibility is just OK but is helped mightily by the available surround-view camera system that offers plenty of views. It can even sweep around the SUV to let you see if anything has been left around it.
How’s the tech? The 4Runner's trims are about evenly split between the standard 8-inch touchscreen and its larger 14-inch counterpart. Both feature wireless connectivity for Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, and there are plenty of USB ports and an available wireless charger (though it doesn't hold your phone very securely) to keep devices juiced up. While Toyota's native navigation system is easy to use and accepts voice commands rather seamlessly, it's a better experience using either of the smartphone mirroring options.
There is a long list of standard driver aids on the 4Runner, including adaptive cruise control that works down to a stop, lane keeping assistance, blind-spot monitoring and automatic high beams. There's also a Proactive Driving Assist system that will slow the vehicle for curves or if it senses traffic slowing ahead, but if that's not your cup of tea it can be easily shut off. Two-thirds of the 4Runner's trim levels also come standard with a surround-view camera system that's very helpful given the 4Runner's high sides.
Storage
7.5/10
How’s the storage? Gas versions of the 4Runner offer a bit more cargo room with 48.4 cubic feet behind the rear seats and, more importantly, a lower cargo floor so it's easier to get large or heavy objects up there. With the optional third row equipped, cargo space shrinks to a minimal 12.1 cubic feet behind the third row and 44.8 cubic feet behind the second. The hybrid powertrain tucks its battery up behind the rear seats, so it has 42.6 cubic feet behind its second row. (Hybrid models don't offer an optional third row.) Note that even with the seats folded down, you don't get a completely flat load floor.
Interior storage is adequate. Though the center storage bin isn't that big, there are helpful pockets on all four doors, a shelf for small items above the glovebox, and an L-shaped bin in front of the shifter.
How’s the fuel economy? With the gas-only powertrain, numbers vary only slightly by trim level as 2WD variants top out at 22 mpg combined (20 city/26 highway). If you opt for 4WD, combined mpg only drops to 21 mpg. The hybrid is only offered with 4WD, and though it adds electricity, it doesn't add much efficiency — 4Runners with the hybrid all get 23 mpg combined. These numbers are similar to those for the Tacoma and Land Cruiser but markedly better than figures for the Bronco and Wrangler, even the Wrangler 4xe plug-in hybrid.
Value
7.5/10
Is the 4Runner a good value? Whether you consider the new 4Runner to offer good value comes down largely to which trims you're examining. It ranges from rather affordable on the low end to shockingly high on top. The TRD Pro and Trailhunter trims push up to the high $60,000s, which puts them in spitting distance of Land Cruiser territory and makes the value proposition murkier. We had no complaints about the 4Runner's build quality, and even when taken off-road, there were no weird squeaks or rattles from the interior.
Wildcard
8/10
Get a 4Runner into the elements and that's where it feels the most alive. On the road there's nothing special about it and it drives like a truck, but once you can get one out into the dirt or the mud, it's a different story and you come to appreciate the SUV even more. The old model's distinct styling has been traded in for the Tacoma's nose, but it looks suitably rugged and we love the choice of using the old school "TOYOTA" logo on the grille for some of the off-road trims.
Which 4Runner does Edmunds recommend?
Because of a deep roster of choices, it's difficult to recommend one 4Runner to rule them all. The TRD Sport Premium might be the best choice if the majority of your driving is on pavement with some occasional light off-roading sprinkled in. More serious adventurers should consider the TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro.
Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter vs. Ford Bronco vs. Jeep Wrangler | Off-Road Comparison Test
As iconic as the Toyota 4Runner is, it’s never quite been able to keep up on the trails with the Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler. Has the redesigned 2025 4Runner finally caught up to its rivals? In this comparison test video, Edmunds’ Brian Wong puts all three to the test off-road to find out.
The Edmunds experts tested the 2025 4Runner both on the road and at the track, giving it a 7.6 out of 10. What about cargo capacity? When you're thinking about carrying stuff in your new car, keep in mind that the 4Runner has 42.6 cubic feet of trunk space. And then there's safety and reliability. Edmunds has all the latest NHTSA and IIHS crash-test scores, plus industry-leading expert and consumer reviews to help you understand what it's like to own and maintain a Toyota 4Runner. Learn more
What's new in the 2025 Toyota 4Runner?
According to Edmunds’ car experts, here’s what’s new for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner:
To determine whether the Toyota 4Runner is reliable, read Edmunds' authentic consumer reviews, which come from real owners and reveal what it's like to live with the 4Runner. Look for specific complaints that keep popping up in the reviews, and be sure to compare the 4Runner's average consumer rating to that of competing vehicles. Learn more
Is the 2025 Toyota 4Runner a good car?
There's a lot to consider if you're wondering whether the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is a good car. Edmunds' expert testing team reviewed the 2025 4Runner and gave it a 7.6 out of 10. Safety scores, fuel economy, cargo capacity and feature availability should all be factors in determining whether the 2025 4Runner is a good car for you. Learn more
How much should I pay for a 2025 Toyota 4Runner?
The least-expensive 2025 Toyota 4Runner is the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A). Including destination charge, it arrives with a Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of about $51,990.
Other versions include:
TRD Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $51,990
TRD Off-Road Premium 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $57,770
Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $60,200
Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $62,860
Trailhunter 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $66,900
TRD Pro 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A) which starts at $66,900
If you're interested in the Toyota 4Runner, the next question is, which 4Runner model is right for you? 4Runner variants include TRD Off-Road 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A), TRD Off-Road Premium 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A), Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A), and Platinum 4dr SUV 4WD (2.4L 4cyl Turbo gas/electric hybrid 8A). For a full list of 4Runner models, check out Edmunds’ Features & Specs page. Learn more
![](data:image/svg+xml;charset=utf-8,%3Csvg xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" width="1200" height="588" fill="none" preserveAspectRatio="none"%3E%3Cmask id="b" width="1200" height="588" x="0" y="0" maskUnits="userSpaceOnUse" style="mask-type:alpha"%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23a)" d="M896 513c116 45.015 222 64 304 75V0H0v501c40 36.024 154 76 340 76s344-146.269 556-64Z"/%3E%3C/mask%3E%3Cg mask="url(%23b)"%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23c)" d="M896 513c116 45.015 222 64 304 75V0H0v501c40 36.024 154 76 340 76s344-146.269 556-64Z"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23d)" fill-opacity=".15" d="M581.718 62.893c42.993 1.53 86.281 5.888 129.704 13.204 311.828 52.485 552.538 242.016 657.698 483.656-149.97-147.971-450.891-226.33-789.375-232.079-338.534.839-640.434 74.572-792.746 220.292 108.75-240.047 352.255-425.97 664.832-473.803a1041.548 1041.548 0 0 1 129.887-11.27Z"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23e)" fill-opacity=".5" d="M611.247 209.93a1458.84 1458.84 0 0 1 139.573 27.692c333.61 83.239 577.16 267.208 668.67 475.188-148.93-138.63-468.279-241.218-835.209-290.421-367.6-43.915-702.265-24.445-881.281 72.561 140.567-178.524 422.355-295.817 766.181-293.074 47.867.484 95.274 3.212 142.066 8.054Z"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23f)" d="M735.039 879.394c48.524-6.62 97.023-16.967 145.3-31.2C1227.03 746.059 1475.76 472.327 1564.28 145c-151.17 209.633-482.23 344.436-865.05 388.31C315.515 568.571-35.93 504.564-227 330.342-73.333 632.61 226.169 849.617 586.429 878.604c50.15 3.871 99.74 4.07 148.61.79Z" opacity=".3"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23g)" d="M694.222 783.712c50.956 12 103.317 20.27 156.946 24.578 385.102 31.013 738.232-146.76 952.062-439.434-231.22 151.216-613.24 158.795-1012.047 55.796C394.784 312.716 68.643 114.101-55.211-133c37.44 360.528 253.087 691.895 601.449 858.946 48.557 23.091 97.963 42.302 147.984 57.766Z" opacity=".9"/%3E%3Cpath fill="url(%23h)" fill-opacity=".5" d="M896 513c116 45.015 222 64 304 75V0H0v501c40 36.024 154 76 340 76s344-146.269 556-64Z"/%3E%3C/g%3E%3Cdefs%3E%3ClinearGradient id="a" x1="1005" x2="989.087" y1="23" y2="552.522" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%23007EE5"/%3E%3Cstop offset=".333" stop-color="%231561D4"/%3E%3Cstop offset="1" stop-color="%230A4AAB"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="c" x1="1005" x2="989.087" y1="23" y2="552.522" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%23007EE5"/%3E%3Cstop offset=".334" stop-color="%231561D4"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="d" x1="675.999" x2="879.999" y1="648.999" y2="120.999" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%23fff"/%3E%3Cstop offset="1" stop-color="%23fff" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="e" x1="656.5" x2="637.602" y1="213" y2="622.259" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop offset=".115" stop-color="%23fff" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3Cstop offset=".944" stop-color="%23017D8D"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="f" x1="398" x2="737" y1="599" y2="387" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%2300ABB5"/%3E%3Cstop offset="1" stop-color="%2300A0B5" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="g" x1="1051.5" x2="271" y1="567" y2="575" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop stop-color="%230098C2"/%3E%3Cstop offset="1" stop-color="%23033E96" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3ClinearGradient id="h" x1="1005" x2="986.038" y1="23" y2="587.43" gradientUnits="userSpaceOnUse"%3E%3Cstop offset=".813" stop-opacity="0"/%3E%3Cstop offset=".972"/%3E%3C/linearGradient%3E%3C/defs%3E%3C/svg%3E)
