The 2025 Toyota 4Runner has been making waves in the automotive world, and we’ve gathered insights from five respected media outlets to see what the Internet thinks about this iconic SUV. Each outlet has shared its take on the 4Runner’s updates, capabilities, and overall performance. Let’s dive into what they had to say.
5 Toyota 4Runner Reviews From The Experts
Car and Driver:
“The 4Runner looks handsomely muscular in its new duds, especially on the 33-inch all-terrain tires of the TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims.”
What They Liked:
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner benefits from Toyota’s TNGA-F platform, shared with the Land Cruiser and Lexus GX, giving it a more refined ride without sacrificing off-road capability. The new 2.4-liter turbocharged engine delivers more power and torque than the outgoing V6, while an available hybrid variant boosts performance further. The expanded lineup includes nine trims, with the Trailhunter model standing out as an overlanding-focused option equipped with a factory lift and off-road accessories. Inside, the cabin sees a major upgrade, with better materials, a more spacious second row, and modern tech features like a larger infotainment screen and digital gauge cluster.
What They Disliked:
While the turbocharged four-cylinder engine provides solid power, its sound and character may not appeal to traditionalists who preferred the old V6. Pricing for higher trims creeps into luxury SUV territory, making the fully loaded models a tough sell against similarly priced Land Cruisers. Some might also find the styling changes too modern, moving away from the boxy charm of previous generations.
Read the full Car and Driver review here.
AutoGuide:
“The sixth-generation 4Runner is a huge jump forward for the venerable off-roader, bringing it up to date in powertrain and tech—but crucially keeping that rugged feeling that made it popular to begin with.”
What They Liked:
In the opinion of AutoGuide, the 2025 4Runner marks a significant leap forward, combining modern technology and a revamped powertrain with its classic rugged off-road capability. The new hybrid engine, offering 326 horsepower, provides a muscular and responsive drive, with impressive torque at low engine speeds, making daily driving and off-road adventures smoother. The handling has also seen improvements, with enhanced steering and brakes that provide better control on both the trails and the streets. On-road comfort has been boosted, with a stiffer chassis and an adaptive suspension in the Limited trim that makes for a more refined ride compared to previous models. Inside, the updated tech, including a 12.3-inch digital display and wireless phone mirroring, adds a modern touch while maintaining the durability and practicality expected from the 4Runner. The extensive trim options—from the base SR5 to the rugged TRD Pro and the luxurious Limited—mean there’s a 4Runner for almost any preference or need.
What They Disliked:
While the 2025 4Runner offers modern improvements, there are still a few drawbacks. The base model, despite its comfort, still carries a significant amount of noise, particularly from the engine, especially in the hybrid version. The interior quality, though improved, still features a lot of featureless black plastic in lower trims, which detracts from the overall premium feel. The fuel efficiency is also not a standout, with the hybrid version offering only marginally better mileage than the non-hybrid model. Furthermore, the higher trims can quickly become quite expensive, pushing the 4Runner’s price into the $68,000 range, which might be a tough pill to swallow for some buyers. Additionally, while the off-road capability is impressive, the Trailhunter’s inherent noise—thanks to the aggressive intake and suspension setup—might become bothersome on longer drives.
Read the full AutoGuide review here.
The Drive:
“If this 4Runner would have dropped a few years sooner, then I think it’d be a home run. But here we are.”
What They Liked:
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner boasts a new turbocharged engine, offering improved performance compared to the previous V6, especially with the available hybrid system. This enhances the vehicle’s off-road capabilities, particularly its impressive articulation and the remarkable performance of the TRD Pro model. The interior has also been modernized with a contemporary infotainment system and the availability of advanced features such as a 14.0-inch display and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.
What They Disliked:
The Drive expresses concern about the 4Runner’s reliability, citing recent issues with the Tacoma and Land Cruiser. The review mentions the 2.4-liter turbo engine’s initial roughness and the potential for high prices, especially for higher trim levels like the Limited. They criticize the 4Runner’s long hood, which can obstruct visibility during off-roading, especially in models without the optional Multi-Terrain Monitor.
Read the full Drive review here.
MotorTrend:
“The new TRD Pro is basically a 4Runner-shaped Raptor. We knew that a new TRD Pro would be a better driving 4Runner, but we really were not prepared for the amount of fun we’d have driving the big, fat tires off it.”
What They Liked:
MotorTrend praises the 2025 4Runner TRD Pro’s significant improvements, particularly its powerful hybrid powertrain delivering 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque. They highlight the substantial upgrade in ride quality thanks to the inclusion of Fox Racing QS3 internal bypass shocks, transforming the 4Runner into a more capable and enjoyable off-road vehicle. The review emphasizes the TRD Pro’s impressive off-road performance, particularly its ability to handle jumps and navigate challenging terrain with ease.
What They Disliked:
MotorTrend identifies several drawbacks, including the significant reduction in rear cargo space due to the hybrid battery pack, which raises the load floor and hinders practicality for activities like camping and hauling gear. The high price point, approaching $70,000, is considered a significant drawback, especially considering the availability of more affordable and capable off-road options like the Chevrolet Colorado ZR2 and Ford Ranger Raptor. The review also notes the compromised rear seat functionality, as they do not fold completely flat.
Check out the full MotorTrend review here.
Gear Junkie:
“The 2025 Toyota 4Runner doesn’t pretend to be something it’s not. It’s an unapologetically rugged SUV that’s built for adventure, and it delivers on that promise in spades.”
What they liked:
Gear Junkie praises the 2025 4Runner’s off-road capability, highlighting its improved chassis, powerful hybrid powertrain, and advanced safety features. They commend the availability of adventure-ready trims like the Trailhunter and TRD Pro, with features like 33-inch tires, upgraded suspension, and a high-mount air intake. The review also emphasizes the 4Runner’s practicality, with ample ground clearance, a 770-pound static roof load capacity, and up to 6,000 pounds of towing capacity.
What They Disliked:
Gear Junkie identifies several drawbacks, including the high price point, underpowered base engine, and the intrusive noise from the hybrid powertrain. They criticize the tight rear passenger space, high load floor in hybrid models, and the limited rear seat functionality. The review also mentions the uncomfortable hard plastic steering wheel inserts, the flexy hood, and the lack of dual-zone climate control on some trims.
Read the full Gear Junkie review here.
The Wrap-Up: 2025 Toyota 4Runner Pros and Cons According to these experts
Overall, these five reviews generally agree that the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is a significant improvement over its predecessor, offering a more capable and modern package. However, they also point out several areas for concern, such as the high price, reduced practicality, and some ergonomic shortcomings.
Pros:
- Rugged, go-anywhere capability with improved on-road comfort.
- Stylish, muscular design with iconic features like the roll-down rear window.
- Expanded trim options cater to a wide range of buyers, from luxury seekers to hardcore off-roaders.
- Modern tech and safety features bring the 4Runner into the 21st century.
Cons:
- The turbocharged engine can sound uninspired, and the hybrid system adds weight without a significant performance boost.
- Third-row seating is cramped and only available on select trims.
- Higher trims feel overpriced compared to competitors like the Lexus GX.
- Fuel economy, while improved, still lags behind many modern SUVs.
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