After a decade and a half, Toyota has FINALLY revealed to us, their new 6th Generation 4Runner! I was insanely lucky enough to have been invited out to California this past week, to get hands-on content for all of you to bring you this new vehicle. I’m not going to lie, I was a bit nervous going into this week, unaware of what it had in store for me, or even what this new 4R looked like. The reason is that the outgoing 5th Gen is so iconic. That model will go down in history as one of the best 4Runners that Toyota has ever offered, so needless to say, this new 6th Gen has some massive shoes to fill.
“This all-new 4Runner has incredible versatility and capability that nicely rounds out our truck family story. We’ve sold over 3 million in the 40 years it has been on sale, and this sixth-generation model offers a cool new look and incredible features, yet retains the rugged style and capability our customers love about this icon of adventure.”
– Dave Christ, Toyota group vice president and general manager.
Toyota clearly recognized this as well, and let me know you, they knocked the new design outta the park. The cherry on top? We will still get a 4R made in Japan too! They are keeping true to the DNA of previous generations.
In this article, I will break down both the exterior and interior changes, along with the new powertrain options that this vehicle receives. Two new trim levels also join the lineup, so we will touch on those as well.
As of right now, there are no packaging details, price, MPG numbers, etc… We only have our first brief look at this new icon.
Finally, here is the official Forum for the 2025+ 4Runner (https://6thgen4runner.com/) and the Facebook group (https://www.facebook.com/groups/6thgen4runner). We will be posting a ton of exclusive content on the forum and Facebook group soon.
Table Of Contents
New Exterior Design
Well, I’m glad to see that it looks like a 4Runner, as it should. This new 6th Gen literally looks like a proper evolution of the current 5th Gen which most of us know and love. This is especially true as you look down the side of this vehicle towards the rear quarter panel. The evolution continues as you make your way around back to the newly redesigned hatch, which is also finally an automatic lift gate! I know, stop the world, modern tech in a 4Runner.
Toyota Michigan-based CALTY designers pulled inspiration from past generations of 4R by integrating a feature from the first and second generations by bringing back the legacy “wrap over” quarter glass, and of the popular roll-down rear window stays. It’s no secret too that this vehicle was designed alongside the Tacoma to share a brand/family resemblance, but Toyota made them both unique in their own way.
“Designing the legendary 4Runner began with identifying its unique and memorable aspects linked to fun, outdoor recreation. Inspired by Baja desert racing, the high lift, lean body, big tire, and rugged athleticism define the core of 4Runner’s go anywhere purpose”.
Calty President, Kevin Hunter.
Photos never do new vehicles justice at all. You have to see them in person to get a good sense of what they look like. I thought that the new 4Runner looked good when I first saw it. In photos, however, I don’t care for the front end a whole lot, however in person, it looks really good. When I first laid eyes on it, I said, “Yep, that’s a freaking 4Runner”. The interior though, well, that’s another story…
New Updated Interior
So, Toyota mentioned that the new 4Runner retained its own identity even though it was designed hand-in-hand with the new 4th Gen Tacoma, while true with the exterior, this could not be less true when it comes to the interior. This new 6th Gen is pretty identical to the new Taco when you step inside of it. Thankfully though, since this vehicle is built in Japan, the materials used (at least in the prototype models that I saw), were a bit higher quality than those used on the Tacoma. The soft-touch materials seemed more premium along the plastics felt a bit sturdier. Aside from that, the rest of the interior is essentially identical to the new Tacoma.
A new 8-inch or available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen displays Toyota’s latest Audio Multimedia system, wireless Apple CarPlay, and Android auto. There are a plethora of USB-C chargers spread throughout the cabin as well. For the lower grades, there is a 7-inch digital gauge cluster is standard on land and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster that is insanely customizable standard for higher grades. Additional features like heated and ventilated seats, AUX switches, dual climate control, digital mirrors, and 360 cameras are available as well.
More Trim Level Options
For the new 2025 Model year, 2 more trim levels have been added to the lineup in addition to all of our returning favorites. That makes nine grades now available including SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off Road Premium, Limited, TRD Pro, and lastly the two new models, Trailhunter & Platinum. The first-ever Platinum grade will be high-end luxury and slot itself above the once top-of-the-line Limited grade. I’m curious to see how much more luxurious the Platinum will be over the Limited. The new Trailhunter has some ARB and Old Man Emu bits to help it stand out among the other models offered in the lineup.
Improved Powertrain
New Engine & Transmission
Well V6 lovers, I am sorry, the legendary 4.0L is gone and in its place is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder offering 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque. This new 4cyl is mated to an eight-speed automatic transmission. So if you are following along with Toyota’s latest vehicles, this is the same i-FORCE powertrain that was introduced with the 4th Gen Tacoma. The SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, and Limited grades will come standard with this setup. The new 4R also gets an i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain option as well. This package is available on TRD Off-Road and Limited, while standard on the TRD Pro, Trailhunter, and Platinum models. This hybrid option makes 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque which is insane.
Off-Road Upgrades
The new 4R added even more off-road capability for this new generation. The newly available Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism increases suspension articulation at the push of a button. This feature will most likely just be available on TRD OR, Pro, and Trailhunter models. This allows the vehicle to flex while helping keep tires in contact with the trail, kinda acting as a pseudo locker for the front allowing to keep contact with the ground and traction to the tires. The new 4Runner still retains its rear locking diff as well as a center locking diff on full-time 4WD models.
We have a 32-degree approach and 24-degree departure angles with this new design. The Multi-Terrain Select system now functions in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low. Lastly, we get the new, quieter CRAWL Control function. Gone are the days of loud ABS banking and clanking. This new version is super quiet and works super well on my Tacoma, so I’m sure it will be amazing here on the new 4R.
Increased Towing
The frame is also all-new from the ground up and is built on Toyota’s global TNGA-F platform which is shared with Tacoma, Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia. This platform utilizes a high-strength boxed, steel-ladder frame and features a multi-link coil rear and double wishbone front suspension improving overall ride comfort. This new frame design, paired with the i-FORCE MAX powertrain, allows 4Runner to tow up to 6,000 pounds, which is more than the outgoing 5th Gen.
TRD Jon’s First Impressions
So I refused to look at any photos of this new 4R that Toyota had provided us before seeing it for myself in person. I’m glad I did. I have my raw reaction over on my YouTube, but I was genuinely excited when I saw it. I love the fact that it looked like a 4Runner and the fact that it is still built in Japan. I expected it to have the Tacoma powertrain but wasn’t shocked when there was no manual option mentioned, it’s an SUV so I mean it makes sense. Honestly, my only gripe is just the Tacoma copied interior. I get it that it makes sense from a business standpoint to keep costs down which will hopefully be passed onto us as the customer, but it would have neem nice for it to have its own flare at least up front on the dash.
The TRD Pro and Trailhunter colors were awesome too! I will dive deeper into those later when I have a little more information after the reveal tonight and I pick the designer’s brains on some things. But I think the TRD Pro is calling my name.
Final Thoughts
So, what do you all think? Was it worth the wait? I honestly feel Toyota knocked it out of the park with the design.
They kept it true for us 4Runner enthusiasts and I love that. We should see this new 4Runner later this year, hopefully around October/November timeframe. Will you be picking one op? Let us know in the comments below!
What’s the curb weight of 6th gen?
Did toyota finally decide on 6th G to put trailer light hook up plug at back bumper and not at spare tire requiring after market pigtail?! IMHO a monumental blunder if they didnt.
Here are a few photos of the spare tire and trailer plug I shot at Jamboree. It’s mounted on the cross-member right next to the spare tire.
Not going happen like the new body, but will keep my 5th gen until better engine options.
Thanks, Jon! Good job!
I like all that I see. That 465 torque is awesome, so is the sway bar disconnect, bigger wheel bay, power hatch, interior, tech, compressor, aux ports, etc. I’m going to keep my trusty 2018 TRD ORP and get me a souped up 2026 Trailhunter.
Is the turbo hybrid going to take regular or premium gas? Toyota says regular is ok, but… Either way, not such a big deal
Most of the midsize 4×4/AWD SUVs and crossovers that I’ve encountered here in the US that are equipped with a twin-scroll have a minimum of 89AKI and usually experience noticeable knock at WOT when fueled with lesser gas. I’ve also experienced significantly worse knock with sooner onset in vehicles fueled with a higher percentage of ethanol blended gas when operated without a necessary flash to adjust for knock and timing. Hot summer days, high engine demand or both often magnify all that. If you want trouble free operation, I’ll assume you can expect to fuel with 89 or higher in one of these engines.
The same turbo engine in Lexus NX takes Premium.
Nicely done! I want one. Never wanted/needed hybrid until now. Looking forward to mid cycle facelift already, because historically updated versions of generation are the best looking. Toyota got to fix that front diff, though. It snapped something in identical Tacoma and I think that is the reason journalists are prohibited from driving new 4Runner.
Jon wrote a nice article here and pointed out a great many of the good things. Being real, the exterior looks way too much like a new RAV4. The front interior even more so minus the grab handle. The features and options feel like just tiered versions of the new Sequoia. Seems ridiculous to replace my 5th Gen with one of these. I think it was foolish for Toyota to go forward with the 6G4R so different from the outgoing 5th especially when you consider the new tundra is in engine turmoil. Hate to say I’ll be shopping Broncos and Raptors because I’ll be able to expect similar problems and wear but with better capability. Toyota hit the easy button here and solved their own emissions problems over what buyers in the first and secondary were asking for. Very disappointing!!
The 4 cylinder turbo is DOA (Dead On Arrival) in my book. This will greatly increase wear and tear on the engine and increase the cost of engine maintenance and repairs. What made the 4Runner loved by so many was its simple and rugged reliability. That seems to be gone now.
I agree! A 4 cylinder?? What are they thinking?! I was hoping for a beefier (and still simple) V6…
Great read and awesome review by TRD Jon as always. I’m not a fan of the 6th gen appearance. I think I’ll need to see one on the lot or highway. The sculpted body is a bit too much for my personal taste. It looks like a Giant RAV4 with a hint of Tacoma, Tundra and Sequoia. Though I am interested in viewing some real MPG data and a test drive. Right now and If I’m being honest, I think I would rather buy a Land Cruiser. Or I will spend the down payment on my 5th Gen and have a shop install a Magnuson SC, Sony head unit, OEM Audio Plus speakers + amps with dual subs. That’s all of that is about 15k.
Thanks for the info. Good review, especially the mention of the rear window! And it looks like the cargo space folds flat, which is a requirement for us. Did you happen to notice if the hybrid versions have reduced cargo space in the rear (as with the new Sequoia)? If so, that would be a shame. Thanks, again.
Big NOPE for me. My 19 4R has done everything I’ve asked of it and taken me to many gnarly places. Will be interesting to see if the dreaded 4R front wheel shake is gone on the new ones.
Don’t want some tiny high strung turbocharged engine in the middle of nowhere. I’d wait a few years for the bugs to work out even if I did.
No thanks. Had 15 years to knock it out the park and we get this cross between a bronco sport and a pontiac aztek? Lets start modding Sequoias since at least their windows are aligned.
Looks shorter and more compact. Doesn’t work for me, first impression. Will see as the vids start coming out but right now, disappointed. I’m glad I bought my 4R in 2019 and plan to keep it for many yrs.
Wheelbase is longer. It will be roomier.
I have a 2020 Limited which is the first 4Runner I’ve owned. It’s a great vehicle. It is absurd that all 2025 trims will only come with a turbocharged 4 banger. Big GM SUV’s come with a V-8 option. I don’t give a crap about Biden’s shove it down your throat CAFE, EV, fabricated climate “crisis” but obviously Toyota has bowed down to the fallacy which is sad. But it’s okay for the POTUS bragging about his fuel burning Corvette.
Will never purchase an EV and would be very hard pressed to consider a hybrid. I’ll buy high hp used first (like I did for many years) and avoid all the bs put out there to scare people into believing the government lies that fossil fuel ICE vehicles are the main source of climate catastrophe. Hell an EV,s construction materials make more measurable emissions than any ICE vehicle.
Nice review of the latest 4Runner. Thanks
I agree completely. If people only were aware of all the heavy diesel equipment emissions used as part of the mining for lithium. And only a small amount is extracted for a ton of earthen material.
Not to mention our dependence on foreign adversaries like China and Russia in order to obtain the raw materials required to make EV batteries. Looking forward to a hydrogen or nuclear powered Gen10 T4R!
From the various videos, it appears that rear leg room appears to have lost 8-10 inches, presumably because it is essentially a modified Tacoma and so you start with that seating configuration. Doug D’s video was particularly notable on that point. Do you have any official measurements on how much room was lost? The hood is way longer than the 5th Gen, so they needed to reclaim space somewhere I guess.
Also, any shots of the back cargo when the seats are folded down? It’s hard to tell if there is less usable space back there as well, and if that are has shrunk (those of us that camp in our 4Runners care.)
Doing the Lord’s work as usual. Thanks TRD Jon
Jon,
Great review; hope to get more of the finite details in the near future. Seems that all the trim level options are going to muddy the field a bit but only time will tell. All those bells and whistles are nice to have and hope that Toyota has worked all the kinks out of the new system both Tacoma and 4R.
Question though for those of us that love the 5th Gen or recently purchased it; will the newer 8 speed (non-hybrid) be able to be swapped into the older 5th gens? This would solve many of the power train/power band hunting issues we have now.
has anyone done Viper Cuts on it yet ha ha.
I’ve read online that the wheel base is 2 inches longer as well as the vehicle length being 4 inches longer than the 5th Gen. I am all about the additional Cargo Space . . . Can anyone confirm the additional Cargo Space?
Thanks for the coverage Jon . . . Now lets see the prices of the different Trim Levels!
“This allows the vehicle to flex while helping keep tires in contact with the trail, kinda acting as a pseudo locker for the front allowing to keep contact with the ground and traction to the tires.”
The sway bar disconnect is in NO WAY a locker, pseudo or otherwise. It allows for more articulation but has nothing to do with the drivetrain.
Jon may have meant that to read more like “less need for a locker with the increased range of tire contact”. Maybe give him a break… Savages! This is the FIRST real world trail article I’ve seen on the 6G4R and he did great. I might not like the design but there was a lot of work to do in telling us about it. Thanks again, Jon!
I concur. Perhaps TRDJon simply meant better articulation provides better traction, which is true. Good job TRDJon, thanks for the long awaited reveal.
How much does the height of the cargo space decrease due to the battery installed in the i-FORCE MAX hybrid?
Dude… I love what I’m seeing so far! And I wasn’t the biggest fan of the 5th Gen at first. Which grew on me over time.