- The ever-popular Toyota 4Runner is finally getting a complete redesign after 15 years with minimal changes.
- It’s expected to ditch the old V6 for the Tacoma’s new 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine range, likely in both standard and hybrid variants.
- The 4Runner will remain the budget-friendly choice compared to the new Land Cruiser, with a starting price likely in the low $40,000s and familiar trim options.
Update: Toyota dropped one final teaser before tomorrow night’s big reveal (10:15 PM EST on April 9th). This time, they confirmed the addition of a new overlanding trim level called Trailhunter. We only catch a glimpse of the badge, but this will be the second production Trailhunter model from Toyota after the new Tacoma. This gives us a good idea of what to expect from the new 4Runner Trailhunter, and frankly, we’re pretty curious to see what Toyota has cooked up.
Expected to mirror the Tacoma’s upgrades, the overlanding 4Runner Trailhunter trim will cater to adventure seekers by offering essential off-road enhancements without going overboard. In the pickup truck, these include a more rugged exterior appearance, along with equipment specifically geared towards tackling tough terrain, such as an ARB rear bumper, tow hooks, and upgraded suspension, wheels and tires.
More: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Trailhunter And TRD Pro Debut With 33-Inch Tires And 326 Hybrid Ponies
Original story follows below.
The Toyota 4Runner is old—one could say ancient by modern automotive standards, yet it still serves its purpose as a rugged, body-on-frame SUV. Not much has changed about the vehicle since the introduction of its fifth generation 15 years ago in 2009.
However, that’s all about to change as the automaker has given us an early glimpse of the forthcoming sixth-generation model ahead of its world premiere, which has been confirmed to take place on April 9.
Modernized Interior
Let’s begin with the two official teasers that Toyota dropped over the past couple of weeks to pique our curiosity. The most recent one is a brief 10-second video clip offering a glimpse of the rear, featuring a power-operated roll-down window. Similar to the current model, it’s controlled by a button on the overhead console, as demonstrated in the video.
Upon retraction, we get a quick peek at the interior, revealing part of a modern center console hosting a large, tablet-style infotainment display atop the dashboard. While Toyota hasn’t explicitly confirmed it, it’s expected that the 4Runner will share its running gear with the new Tacoma Pickup truck. This suggests that it’s likely to share a host of other parts as well, such as the 14-inch touchscreen (though lower trims might feature a smaller 8-inch screen).
Based on what we can discern from the teaser photo, the new 4Runner and the Tacoma could end up having a strikingly similar-looking dashboard, complete with the 12.4-inch digital gauge cluster and hood above it, starter button, volume knob, and air vents.
Exterior Design
When Toyota unveiled the first teaser for the new 4Runner, it was a playful Instagram post that might have slipped under your radar unless you’re a die-hard enthusiast of the series. The automaker posted a six-photo slideshow, challenging fans to identify each vehicle’s model year. While five of the photos displayed full vehicles from older generations, the sixth showcased a close-up of a 4Runner’s tailgate.
Unlike the current SUV, the “4Runner” badge on the tailgate has been relocated downward, just above the bumper rather than below the Toyota badge. The new model’s bumper is also painted silver, in contrast to the current 4Runner, where it matches the body color. Additionally, the taillight on the next-gen model appears to be redesigned, featuring black outlines around each segment.
Nikita Chuicko, the skilled artist at Kolesa, crafted a rendering of the 2025 4Runner based on these teaser fragments, incorporating elements from the Tacoma to complete the picture and offer an informed prediction of the final product’s appearance. Overall, the design of the next-gen 4Runner is expected to evolve, potentially retaining or enhancing the boxy aesthetic of the current model while incorporating contemporary design elements from Toyota’s recent trucks like the Tacoma.
Underpinnings and Powertrains
As mentioned, the 2025 version will be based on Toyota’s TNGA-F body-on-frame platform, shared with the Tacoma, Sequoia, and the new Lexus GX and Toyota Land Cruiser 250 siblings, which is finally returning to America.
This creates a bit of an awkward situation for the 4Runner, as it shares similarities with the Land Cruiser. However, Toyota believes it can differentiate them sufficiently to avoid cannibalizing each other’s sales. For instance, while the Land Cruiser will only offer five seats, the 4Runner is expected to retain its fold-down third row.
First Look: 2024 Toyota Tacoma Is The Swiss Army Knife Of Pickups
The current 4Runner’s 270hp naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V6 won’t make a return this time around. Instead, it will borrow the new Tacoma’s 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine range, possibly in both standard and hybrid forms.
It’s yet to be determined which versions will make the cut on the 4Runner, but the Tacoma offers a base 2.4-liter turbo four with 228 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque connected to an 8-speed automatic, followed by a mid-level 2.4-liter i-Force powertrain with 270 hp and 310 lb-ft of torque, available with a 6-speed manual or an eight-speed automatic transmission (278hp). Whether Toyota offers the option of a manual gearbox on the new 4Runner remains to be seen, but we’re keeping our fingers crossed.
At the top end of the Tacoma range is the i-Force Max powertrain, pairing the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder with a 1.87 kWh nickel-metal hydride battery and an integrated electric motor, delivering 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, identical to the engine found in the new Land Cruiser. This version is exclusively offered with the automatic transmission.
It’s plausible that the standard engine for the 4Runner will be the 270 hp version, with the 326 hp hybrid powertrain (or a slightly detuned version) offered as an optional upgrade.
Pricing, Trims, and Availability
Compared to the Land Cruiser, the 4Runner is expected to be the more budget-friendly option. Currently, the starting price for the 2024 model is $40,155, whereas the Land Cruiser has an MSRP starting at $55,950. This pricing strategy leaves ample room in the lineup for both vehicles, with the new 4Runner expected to start from the low $40,000s, going up to just under $60,000 for the fully optioned hybrid flagship.
More: 2024 Toyota Land Cruiser Returns To America With Hybrid Power And Huge Price Cut
Although Toyota hasn’t confirmed trims, we anticipate that the current SR5, Limited, and at least a trio of TRD options like the Pro, Sport, and Off-Road will be carried over. We’ll learn more about Toyota’s precise plans for the 2025 4Runner next week when they unveil the new model in its entirety.
- Update: This article has been thoroughly revised to include all the latest information we have on the 4Runner as well as new renderings created by Kolesa. Additional reporting by John Halas.