Review by Veeno Dewan
The Toyota 4Runner is a Canadian icon beloved for its ruggedness, durability, and longevity. It can be found wherever its toughness and reliability are needed: in the high desert, deep jungles, Arctic conditions, outside the coffee shop, and on family driveways worldwide. The new 2025 4Runner is an all-new version with several changes. Toyota offers Canadians eight grades, including the first-ever Platinum 4Runner plus the first-ever 4Runner Hybrid grades, which are built around Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX electrified powertrain.
The 2025 4Runner is built off Toyota’s rugged TNGA-F global truck platform, which is shared with the Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia trucks and SUVs. Toyota designers crafted a high-lift, lean body riding on big tires for a rugged athleticism that expresses the core of the 4Runner’s identity. Rugged with a purpose, the 4Runner features legacy wrap-over quarter glass and retains the popular roll-down rear hatch window.
Inside, designers created a cabin that emphasizes functionality and ease of operation. The 4Runner is available in five or seven-passenger configurations, depending on grade. Under the hood, Toyota offers a choice of powertrains: The 4Runner features an i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine with active noise control, mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. This generates 278 peak horsepower and up to 317 lb-ft of torque. 4Runner models are offered in a choice of part-time 4WD or full-time 4WD, depending on the model.
This seven-passenger, three-row model features part-time 4WD, 17-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, heated front seats, fabric upholstery, LED headlamps, a seven-inch multi-information display, a six-speaker display audio system, and the Toyota Multimedia system with Service Connect, Safety Connect, and Remote Connect, plus an eight-inch touchscreen display.
Technology highlights include the Toyota Multimedia system with Service Connect, Safety Connect, and Remote Connect plus a 14-inch touchscreen, a 14-speaker JBL audio system with JBL FLEX Bluetooth-connected portable speaker, a 12.3-inch complete digital gauge cluster, a wireless charging dock for personal electronics, and four pre-wired auxiliary switches with pigtails.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner price starts at $57,840 for the SR5 and goes to $67,342 for the non-hybrid Off-Road Premium. It is a hit of $84,138 for the TRD Pro and an alarming $87,841 for the top Trailhunter version. Toyota also offers Canadians the first-ever 4Runner i-FORCE MAX hybrid in four grades. Meanwhile, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner i-FORCE MAX Trailhunter has many professional-grade, factory-fitted, integrated off-roading equipment packages.
The 4Runner Hybrid, the first electrified 4Runner, features an i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain. This pairs the 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a 48-horsepower electric motor integrated into the eight-speed transmission, and a 1.87-kWh nickel metal hydride battery pack. This is the most potent powertrain ever offered on a 4Runner—generating a total system output of 326 horsepower and an astonishing 465 lb-ft of torque. 4Runner Hybrid models are offered in a choice of part-time 4WD or full-time 4WD, depending on grade. These new powertrains offer more power and torque than the outgoing V6 engine and are much more fuel-efficient.
Every member of the 4Runner family is a technology showcase, headlined by the Toyota Multimedia system. This bundle of innovative connectivity technologies helps keep drivers informed and safe while simplifying their lives behind the wheel. Toyota Multimedia integrates wirelessly with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto and features Toyota’s newest interface, which improves interaction between people and vehicles through sight, touch, and voice. All models feature Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, designed to enhance driver awareness, decision-making, and control. All models also feature the Toyota Star Safety system, eight airbags, the Blind Spot Monitor System with Rear Cross Traffic Alert, a backup camera with back guide monitor and rear camera washer, a tire pressure monitoring system with auto location, and an anti-theft alarm system with engine immobilizer.
The positives are the impressive off-road capability and excellent vehicle configurations to suit most buyers. The negatives are the premium prices for the fully loaded and equipped versions. The 4Runner is at its best when off-road exploring or adventure camping. Its multimode 4WD system and high ground clearance make it masterful on rocky trails and in the boonies. In a world of pretender ‘soft roaders,” the rigid truck-based body on the 4Runner is extremely capable off-road, with good towing ability and cargo carrying capacity. The 4runner is a legend, and deservedly so.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is priced from $57,840 – $87,841.
