2025 Toyota 4Runner Debuts in The US with New Hybrid Option

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner debuts in the US as the more rugged Fortuner twin that we won’t be getting.

After more than 15 years in production, the beloved fifth-gen Toyota 4Runner SUV is finally getting a next-gen redux. Similar to its pick-up truck twin, the Toyota Tacoma, the new 2025 Toyota 4Runner is now more aggressive and extreme than before, featuring tons of improvements inside and out.

The new 4Runner underpins the same TNGA-F platform as both the Tacoma and J250-gen Land Cruiser.

For starters, the 4Runner SUV now underpins the same TNGA-F platform as its pick-up truck twin, featuring a better chassis build that promises better handling performance than its predecessor. Aside from sharing the same platform, both vehicles also look somewhat identical to each other, with the obvious difference being the lack of a flatbed on the new SUV.

Not wanting to step on the Land Cruiser’s toes as Toyota’s flagship off-roading SUV mode, the 4Runner takes a more rugged and extreme approach instead of having a retro-inspired and upscale design like the new J250 Land Cruiser. More importantly, the 4Runner’s ruggedness is not for show per se, as this SUV boasts some key off-roading gears like optional all-terrain tyres, flared-out wheel arches, and built-in metal skid plates on both ends.

Besides a more rugged facade, the new 4Runner is also bigger than the J250 Land Cruiser, with the former measuring 4,950 MM long, 1,976 MM wide, and a wheelbase of 2,844 MM.

The Tacoma similarities continue as we get inside the new 4Runner, with this rugged SUV model getting the same cabin layout as its pick-up truck twin. Depending on the trim level, the 4Runner’s innards are laden with modern tech equipment and accessories like the 14-inch central infotainment display, 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, TRD-badged floor mats, TRD leather steering wheel, carbon fibre accents, and many more.

The 4Runner drops the V6 engine for the sixth-gen, opting for a new 2.4-litre petrol hybrid engine instead.

As for the mechanical bits, the new 4Runner no longer comes with a V6 engine, as it is now offered with a new 2.4-litre 4-cyl turbocharged petrol mill known as the iForce. In its standard form, this mill is capable of delivering up to 278 HP and 429 NM. Additionally, the 4Runner also gets a new series-hybrid (HEV) powertrain option known as the iForce Max, which boasts a higher total system output of 326 HP and 629 NM.

Regardless of variants, both the iForce engine options come with the same 8-speed automatic gearbox, along with the rear-wheel drive (RWD), part-time four-wheel drive (4WD), or full-time 4WD drivetrain options. Additionally, these new powertrain options are also accompanied by Toyota’s latest Multi-Terrain Select driving system, which now offers adjustable settings for mud, dirt, and sand terrains.

With up to nine trim levels available in the US market, the all-new, sixth-gen Toyota 4Runner is set to go on sale later this fall. Although Toyota USA has yet to unveil the pricing for this new rugged SUV, we can expect it to be higher than the previous-gen model’s asking price of $40,705 (RM194,488), but still lower than the new J250 Land Cruiser, which currently retails at $55,950 (RM267,329).

Hopefully, we’re not making you too excited about the new 4Runner, as this rugged SUV won’t be available for our market. Instead, UMW Toyota Motor (UMWT) offers the Toyota Fortuner, which is often touted as the de facto 4x4 SUV in our market.