The Toyota 4Runner planted its adventurous roots forty years ago and since then its been flourishing. Now for the 6th gen, it’s emerged as an all-new adventure vehicle down for anything mother nature throws at it.

We waited roughly fifteen years for a new 4Runner. Was it worth the wait? Toyota invited us to a First Drive outside San Diego to find out.

“I’m behind the wheel of the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner. Right now I’m at Vogt Ranch going off-roading and so far today is a lot of fun.”

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner now offers two powertrains, including a hybrid, and nine grades that include the first ever Trailhunter and Platinum grades.

The base powertrain is a 2.4-liter turbo four cylinder i-force engine which is standard on the SR5, TRD Sport, n TRD Sport Premium and available on other grades. It offers up to 278 hp and 317 lb ft or torque.

A 2.4-liter turbocharged i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain is standard on the TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum and available on other grades. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid produces up to 326 hp and 465 lb ft of torque. So it has substantially more power and torque than the standard engine and compared to last year’s V6, this new hybrid powertrain greatly improves fuel economy to an EPA estimated 24 MPG highway rating.

Both engines have an 8-speed automatic transmission with optional 4-wheel drive.

“So far it’s handling really well, it’s very capable on the trails.”

The mid-size 4Runner uses the same basic, very stiff body-on-frame platform as the Tacoma, Tundra, Land Cruiser and Sequoia which results in a more comfortable ride. As I drove through the off-road trails, 4Runner’s great ground clearance and advanced multi-terrain management systems were especially helpful while off-roading.

“I’m noticing its traction for 2025 is really impressive.”

As I mentioned earlier there are nine grades to choose from for 2025, the Trailhunter is built for overlanding and comes standard with off-road equipment from Old Man EMU.

“I found a secret compartment in this Trailhunter. Check this out, you turn it and then pull it out of here and it actually becomes a flashlight that you can take with you. It has several different modes as well which is really great.”

For 2025, 4Runner even offers a luxury experience with the first ever Platinum grade. It includes unique black exterior styling elements, premium leather trimmed seats and a standard tow tech package.

“And not to worry, the fan favorite novelty feature- the power back window didn’t go anywhere. It’s been around since the first gen.”

And it’s still standard on all models.

Inside 4Runner, there are a lot of positive changes. It feels spacious and has a rugged and bold aesthetic yet it’s modern and tech-savvy with more available features than ever before. There’s a giant available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen that’s easy to operate plus several USB-C ports and a wireless charging pad.

4Runner does have an available third row and can now tow 6-thousand pounds.

As we found out during our California adventure, 4Runner is up for anything and proved it’s just as refined off road as it is on road.

The 2025 4Runner is starting to arrive in dealerships now. Pricing starts at around $41-thousand dollars. We’ll have much more on the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner coming up soon on MotorWeek.