2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro: Off-Road Beast or Daily Drive Disaster?
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner has arrived with a complete redesign, marking the start of its sixth generation. It’s a massive moment for Toyota’s legendary SUV, which has built a reputation for reliability and ruggedness over decades. But this time, Toyota has made big changes under the hood and throughout the cabin—changes that could either excite fans or frustrate purists.
This in-depth review covers everything you need to know about the 2025 Toyota 4Runner, with a focus on the TRD Pro trim. We’ll look at what’s new, how it performs both on-road and off-road, full specifications, pricing, and whether this SUV is still the go-to choice for adventurers—or if it’s becoming too compromised for everyday drivers.
What’s New in the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is not just a facelift—it’s a full redesign. Here’s what Toyota changed this year:
- New Powertrain: The old V6 is gone. The new standard engine is a 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder producing about 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque. Toyota also added a new hybrid option (i-FORCE MAX) that delivers around 326 hp and an impressive 465 lb-ft of torque.
- Updated Platform: Built on Toyota’s TNGA-F platform (shared with Tacoma and Land Cruiser), it offers better rigidity, ride quality, and improved off-road capability.
- Expanded Trim Options: There are now nine trims, including SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, Limited, Platinum, and the all-new Trailhunter edition.
- Improved Towing: The 2025 Toyota 4Runner can now tow up to 6,000 pounds, making it more versatile for people who need to haul boats, trailers, or campers.
- Tech Overhaul: Toyota added a new infotainment system with a large touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and an improved safety suite with driver-assist features like Proactive Driving Assist.
- Interior Upgrades: Materials feel more premium, seating is more comfortable, and there’s available third-row seating on some trims.
Driving Experience: On-Road vs. Off-Road
Off-Road Performance
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is an off-road monster. High ground clearance (around 10 inches), aggressive all-terrain tires, Fox shocks, and skid plates make it ready for trails right out of the box. Whether it’s rocky climbs, muddy roads, or sandy dunes, this SUV feels unstoppable.
On-Road Performance
However, daily driving tells a different story. The suspension that makes the TRD Pro a star off-road can feel punishing on paved streets. Drivers report that every bump and crack in the road is transmitted into the cabin, and there’s noticeable body movement over rough pavement. If you’re buying this as a commuter car, be prepared for a firm, somewhat noisy ride.
Handling and Steering
Steering is heavy but precise enough for an SUV of this size. It doesn’t feel sporty, but that’s not why you buy a 4Runner. The emphasis is on control and stability, not corner-carving.
Power and Acceleration
The turbocharged four-cylinder provides more low-end torque than the outgoing V6, which is helpful for towing and off-road crawling. The hybrid powertrain is the one to pick if you want maximum performance, with significantly more torque available at low RPMs.
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Interior & Comfort
Toyota clearly listened to customer feedback. The new 4Runner’s interior feels more modern and comfortable than before. Higher trims feature leather upholstery, ventilated seats, and a digital instrument cluster. The infotainment screen is massive and easy to use.
Space is generous in both rows, and the available third row is a nice bonus for families. Cargo space remains one of the 4Runner’s strong suits, with plenty of room for gear.
Noise insulation has improved, but in the TRD Pro trim, you’ll still hear more tire and suspension noise due to its off-road hardware.
Tech & Safety Features
All trims come with Toyota Safety Sense, which includes:
- Pre-collision warning with pedestrian detection
- Adaptive cruise control
- Lane departure alert
- Road sign assist
- Proactive Driving Assist (can be disabled if it feels too intrusive)
The TRD Pro and higher trims get additional off-road driver aids like Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, and a Multi-Terrain Monitor (a camera system that shows the terrain around your tires).
2025 Toyota 4Runner Full Specifications
| Category | Specification |
|---|---|
| Engine (Base) | 2.4L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder, 278 hp, 317 lb-ft torque |
| Engine (Hybrid) | i-FORCE MAX Hybrid, 326 hp, 465 lb-ft torque |
| Transmission | 8-Speed Automatic |
| Drivetrain | RWD (base), 4WD (available) |
| Towing Capacity | Up to 6,000 lbs |
| Seating Capacity | 5 (optional 7 with third-row) |
| Fuel Economy | Approx. 20-23 mpg combined (varies by trim) |
| Ground Clearance | ~10.1 inches (TRD Pro) |
| Wheelbase | 112.2 inches |
| Length x Width x Height | ~195 x 80 x 74 inches |
| Curb Weight | ~5,500 lbs (TRD Pro) |
Pricing: 2025 Toyota 4Runner
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner lineup is priced competitively but climbs quickly as you add trims and options.
| Trim | Starting Price (USD) |
|---|---|
| SR5 | ~$40,700 |
| TRD Sport | ~$47,200 |
| TRD Off-Road | ~$50,600 |
| TRD Off-Road Premium | ~$56,400 |
| Limited | ~$55,400 |
| Platinum | ~$62,800 |
| TRD Pro | ~$66,900 (fully loaded models cross $70,000) |
| Trailhunter | ~$68,000 |
Pros and Cons of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Pros
- Excellent off-road capability
- Powerful new engines, especially the hybrid
- Improved towing capacity
- Modern tech features and safety systems
- Rugged styling and proven durability
Cons
- Firm, sometimes harsh ride on pavement
- Expensive at higher trims
- Fuel economy still lower than many crossovers
- Large size makes city driving tricky
Is the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Worth It?
If your lifestyle involves frequent off-road trips, camping, overlanding, or towing, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner—especially in TRD Pro or Trailhunter form—makes perfect sense. It’s tough, reliable, and capable of handling terrain that would stop most SUVs.
But if you spend 90% of your time commuting or running errands in the city, you might want to look at other trims or even other vehicles entirely. A Limited trim with softer suspension might suit you better, or a hybrid version that saves fuel and offers a smoother ride.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner remains a unique option in a sea of crossovers, delivering true body-on-frame toughness. Just know what you’re getting into: capability comes with compromises.
FAQ – 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Q1: What’s new in the 2025 Toyota 4Runner?
A: The 2025 model gets a full redesign, a new turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, an optional hybrid powertrain, updated tech features, improved towing capacity, and additional trims like the Trailhunter.
Q2: How much does the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro cost?
A: The TRD Pro starts around $66,900 and can exceed $70,000 with options.
Q3: Is the ride quality comfortable for daily driving?
A: The TRD Pro’s suspension is tuned for off-road performance, so the ride can feel stiff on regular pavement. Softer trims like Limited offer more comfort.
Q4: How does the 2025 4Runner compare to rivals like the Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler?
A: The 4Runner offers Toyota’s legendary reliability and excellent off-road capability, while Bronco and Wrangler provide more customization and slightly better on-road manners in some trims.
Q5: What is the towing capacity of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner?
A: It can tow up to 6,000 pounds, making it a solid choice for hauling trailers, boats, and campers.
Q6: Does the 2025 4Runner have a hybrid version?
A: Yes, Toyota offers an i-FORCE MAX hybrid option with more power and torque for better performance.
Q7: Is the 2025 4Runner good for families?
A: Yes, it has roomy seating, available third row, and excellent safety features, making it a good choice for adventurous families.
Q8: When will the 2025 Toyota 4Runner be available at dealerships?
A: Deliveries have already begun in most regions, with more inventory arriving throughout the year.
