If you had asked me a month ago whether I had any interest in the 2025 4Runner, I would have simply said, “Nope, I’m happy with my 5th Gen.” A month later, I drove off the lot with a 6th Gen SR5 in Ice Cap.
Why the change of heart? Simply put, I missed my 2024 Tacoma. You can read what happened to it here. With the new 4Runners being similar in design, I was excited to find one with the third-row option I needed (dad/coach life).
This article will focus on the SR5 trim, but I’ll also touch on some options not offered on the SR5, which are available on the TRD Sport, Off-Road, Pro, and Limited.
For more 6th Gen 4Runner content, find me and a bunch of other owners on 6G4R.com.
Table Of Contents
Reliability
If you search the web or scroll social media, you’ll likely come across people criticizing Toyota for moving from the V6 to a 4-cylinder engine. However, I can confidently say that the i-FORCE 2.4L 4-cylinder turbocharged powertrain paired with the 8-speed automatic transmission provides more than enough power while shifting smoothly.
It rides and drives better than previous generations. Some might claim that reliability will be an issue, but I have no concerns whatsoever with that. I have peace of mind with the factory’s 3-year/36,000-mile basic coverage, 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, and a 5-year/unlimited-mile rust-through warranty. Toyota has been in the game for a long time, and this is not their first rodeo with engines (or reliability). If there is an issue with the new 6th Gen 4Runner, I’m 100% confident that Toyota will stand up and address the issue. Toyota has gone to great lengths to address the 3rd Gen Tundra motor issue, replacing thousands of engines, which demonstrates the same integrity and accountability they’ve always been known for. I’m not worried about long-term reliability because Toyota consistently stands behind its products when it counts.
Exterior
The 2025 4Runner has been completely redesigned for its 6th generation, including LED headlights and horizontal fog lights, moving away from the traditional round design. The new all-red taillights complement all color options, but I especially love the look of the white model.
When the 6th Gen was first announced, there was some concern that Toyota might remove the electric rear roll-down window, which has been an iconic feature of the 4Runner. Fortunately, that rear roll-down window lives on.
There is no shortage of controversy about the new 4Runner’s looks, but I think Toyota did a great job of balancing the new with the old. It offers a familiar look with some great changes, making it appealing to anyone looking for a capable SUV.
There are a ton of other details that I will get into for future posts but just know that the design inside and out is amazing and I belive it’s only a matter of time before more 5th Gen owners start making the move.
Interior
The interior is very modern (though some might argue the 5th Gen interior is also modern enough), featuring wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road have a 14-inch touchscreen, but the SR5 only offers an 8-inch screen. For my needs, the latter is just fine.
There are multiple USB-C outlets throughout the vehicle, as well as a push-button ignition. The rear seats feature a fold-down middle console and two vents, which are useful for backseat passengers.
There have been concerns about space in the 6th Gen 4Runner, but in my opinion, this shouldn’t be a deterrent. The backseat is perfectly fine for me at 5’9″, with the driver seat in its normal position. The third-row option is suitable for kids and even adults in a pinch. No one buys a 4Runner for its spacious third-row seating, but it’s a nice feature to have if needed.
One new feature in the 4Runner’s interior is the tumble-forward rear seats vs the fold-down ones found in the 5th Gen. This makes it much easier to access the third-row seating or the rear hatch through the back door. The good news is that the seat can still lay flat if you’d like. Simply pull it down from its tumbled position, which will be similar to the 5th-gen 4Runner. However, there is a small height difference between the back seat and the hatch space, so you won’t be able to lie completely flat without some adjustments.
Safety
New Toyotas come standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0. This includes but is not limited to, blind-spot monitoring, radar cruise control, lane assist, and much more. In my article, which is linked at the top, you’ll see how Toyota’s safety performed in a high-speed crash.
Off-Road Ready
One great feature of the 4th Gen Tacoma and 6th Gen 4Runner is the ability to add 33-inch tires without any cutting. A +25 offset seems to be the sweet spot for the 6th Gen. I installed a set of -10 offset wheels from my previous 5th Gen, and there’s a small amount of rubbing. But instead of trimming, I just had to unbolt a couple of bolts from the fender liner, and now I have none.
There’s good ground clearance straight from the factory, and I had no issues handling steep areas with loose rocks in the mountains. Some might opt for the TRD Off-Road, which has a few more off-road modes, but people need to ask themselves if those features are truly necessary. For me, they were not.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 4Runner comes in the following trims (there are many, just like the 4th Gen Tacoma):
- SR5
- TRD Sport and Sport Premium
- TRD Off-Road and Off-Road Premium
- Limited
- Platinum
- TRD Pro
- Trailhunter
That’s a lot of options, but the SR5 checked off all the boxes I needed for what I’m going to be doing. So far, I feel the 6th Gen 4Runner is a great vehicle that balances modern features with legacy design. This blend of two different eras makes me excited to start modifying!
Great write up. I’m fairly certain Toyota will have any kinks ironed out by the 2027-2028MY. What I’m having a tough time getting around is 7/12 trims feature plastic cladding on the wheel arches. I realize some may like it, and I can see it serving a purpose as a protection against scratches, but it seems like such a copout in the name of savings and/or profit.
We all know the jury is out on long-term engine reliability. I have hope though. Sadly, I can never justify a reason to get myself a new vehicle when the ’17 4Runner I have, and like many of us, put a lot of time and money into works perfectly fine.
Nice write up but I still won’t buy one.
Bottom line, No Thanks, Not interested! I’ll just keep fixing mine.
At 5’9″ those smaller spaces might not matter as much, but at 6’2″ I remain somewhat unconvinced the 6th Gen is for me.
Great write up Kevin. Enjoy the details you point out.
One question though. As a 2020 TRD Pro owner, do you feel like it would be a downgrade To go to an SR5 6th gen and try to keep the price difference in check? I like the idea of the power train options and potentially better gas mileage. But I’m on the fence losing the off road and luxury options. If I go with the TRD Off-road Premium Pro, I’m out of my price range and I feel to get the options I mostly already have and can’t seem to justify difference. If I had the option, I’d want another Pro, it’s definitely outta my range for now. Thanks again.
I would recommend keeping what you already have.
appreciate the write up. Love toyotas, but anything new and I really worry about the engine and transmission. I know they have to do these upgrades, but its at the expense of the bulletproof reliability, which sets the 4runner apart historically.
The Trump administration’s 24% tariff on the 4Runner, which is built in Japan, will definitely slow down their sales. I guess that means Canadian’s will get it at a «discount » with no tariff.
Things are already changing pretty rapidly since this comment. We need to watch and see what happens. I saw something that, at least for now, Toyota is absorbing any added costs. Which partially means they have plenty of margin in the first place… Anyway. I think we’ll be alright. Trying not to be too reactive as things happen, at least not right off the bat. And even if we see resale values go up, it’s not anticipated that it will be anything like 2020, and I work in the automotive industry from a dealer perspective. But time will tell!
…and the resale value of 5th Gens will likely increase.
Thanks Kev on this post. I sure would like to see more space under the hood to add a 2nd battery, power panels & a couple sets of switch pros & a ARB dual compressor. Are we noticing any gains in the Cargo Area? I agree with you on hanging onto the 5th Gen. I am sure with any Gen, there will be some great mods added.
I did not notice any gains in the cargo area. Measured out it’s definitely a few inches smaller, but it’s nothing for me that will be noticeable or affect any of my camping or trips.
as far as under the hood, I agree that it is cramped. It doesn’t really affect me too much as I usually just hook up a few dig lights and light bars.
Same goes for the backseat… It’s smaller, but again no major difference for space or comfort in my opinion. I’m actually working on another article that will cover that a little more. I appreciate you taking the time to read.
I will look forward to your next article and will google the rest of your stuff. I like the Integrity of your writing, the nuts and bolts of that you have shared. With the Tariffs & the way of the markets, looks like we’ll all hang onto our 5th Gen for another 2,000,000 miles 🙂