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    First Drive: 2025 Toyota 4Runner Proves Ready for Adventures

    Redesigned SUV improves comfort, convenience, and capability, but trim choice matters

    2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro on the rock hill course at Consumer Reports' Auto Test Center
    The Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro comes with a hybrid engine and added equipment for off-roading, including upgraded tires and wheels, specialized shocks, and an electronic locking rear differential.
    Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports

    True to its roots, the redesigned 2025 Toyota 4Runner is an off-road-capable SUV spun off a platform shared with the latest Tacoma, Land Cruiser, and other body-on-frame Toyota models. 

    Larger than before, the new 4Runner is the same length bumper to bumper as a Highlander, making it an inch longer than the Land Cruiser. The wheelbase is the same as both of those models, at 112 inches. 

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    This sixth-generation 4Runner shares powertrains with the Tacoma pickup truck, offering a choice of two turbocharged four-cylinder engines—with the top one being a potent hybrid. 

    There is quite a range of available equipment as the trim lines move up from the base configuration, with its humble screen sizes and basic features, to the relatively luxurious and safari-ready top versions. 

    There are 12 configurations total (combining trims and powertrains), including SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off Road, TRD Off Road Premium, Limited, TRD Pro, and for the first time, Platinum and Trailhunter. Buyers will have many tough decisions to navigate their choices. There are two clear paths with on-road focused comforts and conveniences (SR5, Limited, Platinum) and a series of trail-prepared models that layer on mechanical upgrades, including some from leading aftermarket outfitters. 

    All 4Runners feature the robust Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 suite of active safety and driver assistance features. 

    To gain experience with the 4Runner’s off-road capabilities and potential on-road trade-offs, we rented a TRD Pro with the hybrid engine from Toyota. Below are our initial experiences with that version, which we will update later with insights from the lower-priced 4Runner SR5 that we are buying for testing. 

    If you’re a Consumer Reports member, our initial expert assessment of the Toyota 4Runner is available to you below. Once we purchase our own model and complete 2,000 break-in miles, we’ll put a 4Runner through more than 50 tests at the CR Auto Test Center, including empirical measurements of acceleration, braking, handling, car-seat fit, and usability. CR members will have access to the full road-test results as soon as they’re available.

    ​Sign up for CR’s Cars email newsletter to be notified when we post our latest road-test results.

    What we rented: 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
    Powertrain: 326-hp, 2.4-liter turbocharged hybrid four-cylinder engine; 8-speed automatic transmission; four-wheel drive
    MSRP: $66,900
    Destination fee: $1,395
    Total cost: $68,295
    Final assembly point: Aichi, Japan

    2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro driving
    The TRD Pro is bouncy and noisy on the road, but it is in its element once it leaves the pavement.

    Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports Photo: John Powers/Consumer Reports

    Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

    We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.


    Jeff S. Bartlett

    Jeff S. Bartlett is the managing editor for the autos team at Consumer Reports. He has been with CR since 2005. Previously, Jeff served as the online editorial director of Motor Trend for 11 years. Throughout his career, Jeff has driven thousands of cars, many on racetracks around the globe. Follow him on X: @JeffSBartlett