Toyota Finally Adds Modern Features To The 2025 4Runner and Here Are Four Really-Good Ones Of Them

While the 2024 Toyota 4Runner was the last old-school, Toyota SUV, the 2025 4Runner brought a much-needed, complete redesign. The brand's latest trends in neo-retro design are apparent here, as the new Toyota 4Runner's exterior design is inspired by the second-generation, N120/ N130 model, which in turn was an evolution of the first-generation 4Runner. 

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner brings much-needed upgrades in the tech department, but don't let that fool you. The 4Runner remains a rugged 4x4, meant to explore the unknown. With that said, I found four cool features of the new 4Runner I think you will love. 

The new engine options 

While I would argue that the Tundra and Sequoia's V-6 would have made sense in the 2025 4Runner, Toyota chose to go with two versions of the 2.4-liter turbo-four engine. That said, the new generation 4Runner is the most powerful yet, despite only having four cylinders.  

The base engine produces 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet while the hybrid variant gets 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet. In both cases, the engine is mated to an eight-speed automatic. The hybrid powertrain matches the one found in the 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser J250.

In terms of fuel economy, there are no official figures yet, but judging by the 2024 Land Cruiser's 23 combined MPG with the hybrid engine, we can expect similar figures from the 2025 4Runner.

The towing capacity for the 2024 Toyota 4Runner matches the 6,000-pound figure of the Land Cruiser. 

The classic design cues 

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is clearly inspired by the early 4Runner models and some of the retro-themed design elements are very obvious.  

• Wrap-around glass for the cargo area – a neat feature that until now, was exclusive to the first and second-generation models.  
• Roll-down rear windshield - another feature that has been brought back for the 2025 model year, making the SUV that much more functional.  
• Small taillights, reminiscent of older 4Runner models, but now featuring unique LED graphics. 
• Headlights, inspired by the N120/N130 generation, with signature LED DRLs and illuminated TRD Pro logos (TRD Pro trim only). The neat feature here is that one headlight illuminates “TRD” while the other one illuminates “Pro”. Think of it as the Jeep easter eggs, but for Toyota. 

Part-time four-wheel-drive 

The previous 4Runner was either RWD or full-time 4WD and while you can still get the 2025 model with either of those options, there is also an optional part-time 4WD system, with different, all-terrain modes to choose from.

More importantly, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner has 9.2 inches of ground clearance, which is more than the Land Cruiser J250's maximum ground clearance of 8.7 inches. The 4Runner's range-topping, Trailhunter trim comes with a 2.5-inch taller suspension, courtesy of Old Man Emu shocks.

Multi-functional all-terrain selector switch 

One of the coolest features of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is the selector switch, controlling anything from drive modes, to switching to tow mode, crawl control, and the different terrain settings. You can also lock and unlock it with a physical switch at the bottom.

Essentially, you can adjust the shifter itself, to control different aspects of the car's driving dynamics.

The new 4Runner also has Toyota's KDSS, which allows the car to automatically disconnect the stabilizer bars, allowing for better articulation off-road. This along with other off-road-essential functions, like the electronically-controlled rear differential lock, can be manipulated with a single push of a button. Hurray for physical buttons.  

About the author

Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.