The 2025 4Runner started arriving at Toyota dealerships in mid-2024

Toyota began delivering the 2025 4Runner to dealerships around June and July 2024, making it available for purchase through the rest of 2024 and into 2025. This was a completely redesigned generation—the first full overhaul since 2010—so the timing mattered to buyers deciding whether to wait for the new model or buy the outgoing version.

If you are shopping now in late 2024 or early 2025, the 2025 model is already on dealer lots. Inventory varies by trim level and region, so what you find depends on your location and how quickly local dealers have received their allocation. Some trims and colors may still be on order from the factory, with delivery taking weeks or months.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2025 4Runner is a completely new generation that arrived at dealerships in mid-2024, not a carryover update of the previous model.
  • Toyota offers the 2025 model in SR5, Limited, and Platinum trims, with a standard turbocharged engine and available hybrid powertrain.
  • The new frame, suspension, and interior are substantially different from the 2010–2024 generation, affecting price, capability, and fuel economy.
  • Dealer inventory of specific trims and colors varies by region; popular configurations may require a factory order with a wait time of several weeks to months.

What changed from the previous 4Runner generation

The 2025 model sits on a new platform shared with the Sequoia and Tundra, replacing the body-on-frame design that had been in production since 2010. This means the frame, suspension geometry, engine mounts, and overall structure are different. The wheelbase is longer, the cabin is wider, and the cargo area has been redesigned.

Under the hood, Toyota replaced the naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V6 with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine as standard. This engine produces more torque at lower RPMs and improves fuel economy compared to the old V6, though some drivers prefer the character of the older engine. A hybrid option is also available for the first time in the 4Runner's history, pairing the turbo engine with electric motors for better efficiency on highway and city driving.

The interior has been completely redesigned with a larger touchscreen, updated climate controls, and revised seating. Safety features are more comprehensive, including standard automatic emergency braking and available adaptive cruise control. The exterior styling is more angular and modern, though it retains the recognizable 4Runner proportions.

Trim levels and pricing structure for 2025

Toyota offers the 2025 4Runner in three main trims: SR5, Limited, and Platinum. Each trim adds features and comfort upgrades, with the SR5 as the base model, the Limited adding leather and more technology, and the Platinum including premium audio, ventilated seats, and additional off-road features.

Pricing varies by trim and powertrain. The turbo engine is standard on all trims, while the hybrid option adds cost but reduces fuel consumption. Manufacturer's suggested retail price (MSRP) starts in the mid-$50,000 range for the SR5 and climbs toward $70,000 or higher for the Platinum with hybrid and optional packages. Actual selling prices depend on dealer markup, incentives, and your location—some dealers charge above MSRP for popular trims, while others may offer discounts depending on inventory levels.

Engine options and fuel economy differences

The standard 2.4-liter turbocharged engine produces 437 horsepower and 583 pound-feet of torque, paired with a 10-speed automatic transmission. This engine is more efficient than the old V6 but still uses premium fuel in most driving conditions to avoid knock. Real-world fuel economy ranges from the high 20s on the highway to the low 20s in mixed driving, depending on whether you have four-wheel drive or two-wheel drive and how you drive.

The hybrid powertrain pairs the same turbo engine with electric motors and a battery pack, improving efficiency to the mid-to-high 20s in combined driving for many owners. The hybrid adds weight and cost but reduces fuel consumption enough that some buyers recoup the price difference over five to seven years of ownership, depending on fuel prices and how much you drive. Both powertrains use an 8-speed automatic transmission for the hybrid and 10-speed for the turbo.

Off-road capability and suspension changes

The 2025 4Runner uses a new independent front suspension instead of the double-wishbone design of the previous generation. This change improves on-road handling and comfort but alters the approach angle and articulation compared to what long-time 4Runner owners are familiar with. The rear suspension remains a multi-link design, tuned for both street and light trail use.

Toyota added a new Multi-Terrain Select system that adjusts throttle response, transmission behavior, and traction control for different surfaces—Mud & Sand, Rock & Dirt, and Mogul modes. The available electronic locking rear differential provides additional traction on rocks and steep terrain. Ground clearance is 8.9 inches, slightly higher than the previous generation, and the new frame geometry allows for better departure and approach angles on technical trails.

For serious rock crawling or extreme off-road use, the 2025 4Runner is more capable on moderate terrain than before but less suited to extreme articulation than the previous generation. Most owners will find it more than adequate for forest roads, stream crossings, and rocky trails, with better on-road manners as a trade-off.

Interior space and cargo capacity

The new 4Runner is about 4 inches longer overall and 2 inches wider in the cabin, creating noticeably more shoulder room and legroom in all three rows. The second-row seats slide and recline, and the third row has more headroom than before. Cargo space behind the third row is 16.5 cubic feet, expanding to 52.1 cubic feet with the third row folded and 84.5 cubic feet with both rear rows folded.

The new interior layout includes a standard 12.3-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a digital instrument cluster, and revised climate controls that are easier to reach and use than the previous model. Storage cubbies and cup holders are more numerous, and the overall cabin feels more modern without abandoning the rugged aesthetic that 4Runner owners expect.

Warranty and maintenance coverage

Toyota covers the 2025 4Runner with a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty and a five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain warranty, standard on all new Toyota vehicles. The hybrid battery is covered for eight years or 100,000 miles. These warranties cover defects in materials and workmanship but do not cover wear items like brakes, tires, or wiper blades.

Scheduled maintenance intervals remain at 10,000 miles for oil changes, and Toyota recommends checking fluid levels and filters at regular intervals. The turbo engine requires premium fuel to avoid knock, which affects long-term fuel costs. Hybrid models require no special maintenance beyond standard checks, though the battery system adds complexity if major repairs become necessary after the warranty expires.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still buy a 2024 4Runner, or is it completely replaced?

The 2024 model is no longer in production, but some dealers may have leftover inventory on their lots. These remaining 2024 models are typically discounted compared to the 2025, though they represent the older generation with the naturally aspirated V6 engine and different interior. Availability depends entirely on your local dealer's stock.

Is the hybrid worth the extra cost?

The hybrid costs roughly $3,000 to $4,000 more than the turbo engine, depending on trim. If you drive mostly highway miles or in stop-and-go city traffic, the hybrid may save enough fuel to offset that cost over five to seven years. If you tow frequently or drive mostly short trips, the turbo engine may be the better choice. Calculate based on your expected annual mileage and local fuel prices.

How long is the wait if I order a specific color or trim?

Factory orders typically take six to twelve weeks, depending on the trim, powertrain, and color you choose. Popular combinations like the SR5 in silver or black may be available on dealer lots within days. Less common trims or colors may require a factory order. Ask your dealer for the current production schedule and expected delivery date before placing an order.

Does the new 4Runner have better fuel economy than the old one?

Yes, the turbo engine achieves roughly 2 to 3 miles per gallon better than the old V6 in real-world driving, and the hybrid improves that by another 3 to 5 miles per gallon depending on driving conditions. The new frame and aerodynamics contribute to the improvement, along with the more efficient engines.

What safety features come standard on the 2025 4Runner?

All 2025 4Runners include automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control on higher trims, and a 360-degree camera system. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert are standard on Limited and Platinum trims. These systems reduce the risk of collision and help prevent accidents, though they require regular maintenance of cameras and sensors to function properly.