2025 TOYOTA 4RUNNER 4WD LIMITED

This new 4Runner is the smoothest one I have driven, and I have driven quite a few in my time. In the past, I wrote about how stiff the 4Runner’s suspension was for daily driving and how the V6 would groan so loud when accelerating, that the neighbors were sure to complain, even when you’re just moving the car across the parking lot. The 4Runner has always been rough, but livable. However, this new version has a new sense of luxury and charm.

Exterior

The 2025 4Runner looks handsomely rough in its new skin. It has bold fenders and muscular bulges in certain areas, like a Pitbull but with a little more elegance. Speaking of elegance, the 20-inch wheels on the top-trim Limited give it a touch of class, while the all-weather tires keep it stuck to the ground. The front end has a familiar square look to it and rear end is blocky, but modern, which is what this new model needed. As always, the roll-down rear window is still present, because we can’t live without that.

Interior 

Inside, the 4Runner feels like a different league from the older models. The materials are high quality, leather feels great, and the woodgrain trim adds some warmth. Front seats are heated, ventilated, and super adjustable. Plus, there are memory settings for the driver. Second-row passengers get real legroom and comfort, and there’s an optional third row if you need it (though, fair warning, that’s more for kids). Getting in and out of the third row is a little tricky, too.

Driving Impressions and Powertrain

On the road, the Toyota 4Runner is smoother and quieter than ever, with much improved handling and steering. The i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine offers plenty of grunt for city driving or merging onto the highway. It’s not as powerful as the upgraded hybrid-assisted i-FORCE MAX engine available in the higher trim levels, but the turbo engine can hold its own with its 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque ratings. That power may not seem like much, nor will it sound like much compared to the outgoing V6, but keep in mind that that engine only put out 270 horsepower. The turbo engine also has more grunt off the line, making acceleration quicker and quieter than before.

The 4Runnner’s suspension also feels smoother and it can be changed with the twist of a knob on the center console. Its steering also feels a little more direct, not racecar-like, but much better than the numb on-center feel that the past models had. As for fuel economy, the EPA estimates that the 4Runner can get up to 21 mpg in combined driving (20 city, 24 highway), which is fairly accurate because I got 19.4 mpg during the week I had it.

Technology

The 14-inch touchscreen is central to the experience, running wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto without a hiccup. The JBL speakers are impressive, and there’s a panoramic sunroof, wireless charging, plenty of USB-C ports, and a customizable digital driver display. The classic power rear window is still here, and the power-folding rear seats make cargo management easy.

Safety

Toyota packed in all their latest safety tech: adaptive cruise, lane tracing, blind-spot monitors, emergency braking, and more. The Limited trim adds a 360-degree camera, parking sensors, and a head-up display that’s actually useful. Voice controls are easy to use, and over-the-air updates mean the system won’t feel outdated any time soon. Additionally, the adaptive cruise control system worked well and didn’t make the car ping-pong within the lanes.

Summary

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner feels and drives better than ever. I was thoroughly impressed with its well-crafted, near-luxury interior, smooth ride, and turbo engine, which is more of an upgrade than a downgrade over the V6. Ultimately, no matter how much Toyota modernizes the 4Runner, it will always have that rugged classic charm, so I think it’s headed in a good direction.