2025 Toyota 4Runner i-FORCE MAX Hybrid Vs. Non-Hybrid: Owners Review & Overview

I test-drove both versions of the new 6th Gen 4Runner back-to-back — the standard 2.4L turbo and the i-FORCE MAX hybrid. I ultimately purchased the hybrid. Here’s everything I noticed, from daily driving and freeway power to low-speed crawling and general off-roading.

If you’re wondering which one to get, this breakdown covers the power, performance, feel, and driving modes in the real world.

I’ve owned more than five 5th Gen 4Runners, and this new 6th Gen is something else; much faster, more tech, better handling, more creature comforts, and because it’s so much faster, it’s a lot more fun. If you want the short answer on which 6th Gen 4Runner to buy (hybrid vs. non-hybrid), buy the former. It takes the standard 8-speed transmission and turns it into an absolute unit! Enable Sport Mode and you’re now driving the most aggressive 4Runner you’ve ever experienced. It’s pretty wild, guys.

For more consistent content on the 6th Gen 4Runner, head over to 6G4R.com:

• The #1 6th Gen 4Runner Forum: https://6thgen4runner.com/

Engine & Powertrain Overview

Let’s talk powertrains. Both versions of the 2025 4Runner share the same basic engine: a 2.4L turbocharged inline-4. The difference is that the Hybrid (branded i-FORCE MAX) sandwiches a 48-hp electric motor into the 8-speed automatic transmission, juiced by a small battery pack.

Take a look at the chart above to see how both models compare.

After test driving the non-hybrid and then the hybrid, there’s a night-and-day difference in how each shift point moves from one gear to the next. The non-hybrid still gets on it for what it’s worth, compared to the 5th Gen 4Runner, but the hybrid model blows the non-hybrid out of the water down low off the line, around town, and at freeway speeds. You can feel the power of the snappy transmission moving at lightning speed through gears. There is zero lag from one gear to the next on the hybrid model, whereas it moves a bit slower on the non-hybrid model.

Both models are much faster off the line than the 5th Gen 4Runner, but the hybrid just adds another level of fun. After driving the 6th Gen around for a few days and then jumping back in the 5th Gen, there is a noticeable difference in torque—the 5th Gen just isn’t as fun to drive.

Despite the differences, both hybrid and non-hybrid models use a traditional transfer case for 4×4. The hybrid simply adds an electric boost to the conventional drivetrain. Power still routes through a robust 8-speed automatic and a two-speed 4WD transfer case with low range.

One thing to note: the battery does take up some space in the cargo area. Third-row seating is only offered on non-hybrid models, since the hybrid’s battery lives in the rear cargo area (raising the cargo floor a few inches).

By The Numbers: Specs & Performance

On paper, the i-FORCE MAX hybrid is the clear powerhouse. It cranks out 48 more hp and a massive 148 lb-ft more torque than the standard turbo. However, it also carries extra weight. The electric motor, battery, and associated hardware add roughly 300–400 lbs. to the 4Runner’s curb weight.

Real-world acceleration times are still trickling in, but estimates suggest 0–60 mph for the 278-hp turbo 4Runner should be in the high-6 to low-7 second range. The hybrid i-FORCE MAX shaves that down a bit, closer to the mid-6s. After test-driving both models and now owning a hybrid, I can say that the hybrid’s extra power is most noticeable in mid-range passing others on the freeway and from a dead stop when you stomp it.

Fuel economy is better across the board on the new 6th Gen. Preliminary figures suggest the base 2.4L turbo will land around ~21–22 mpg combined, and the hybrid ~22–23 combined. On the highway, the small battery doesn’t help much, so both versions have similar MPG. The hybrid can save a bit in the city by shutting off at lights and using electric assist off the line.

The hybrid battery can also be the biggest downfall. That extra power adds extra fun, and when you enable sport mode, it’s really tempting to drive this 4Runner like a sports car—just hard on the skinny pedal all the time. Sport Mode is the coolest thing I’ve ever experienced on a 4Runner.

If you’re leaning toward the non-hybrid, you still get sport mode. All 2025 4Runner models, regardless of powertrain, come equipped with Drive Mode Select, which includes Eco, Normal, and Sport modes. These modes adjust throttle response, transmission shift points, and steering feel to suit different driving preferences.

Around Town: City Driving Impressions

Both 4Runner powertrains feel more powerful and responsive in city driving compared to the old 4.0L V6. The hybrid’s extra low-end torque is immediately noticeable in stop-and-go traffic. It jumps off the line with an effortless surge — almost like a V8 at low speeds. I’m not joking – go test drive one.

Creeping in traffic feels smoother in the hybrid. It glides on electricity briefly and shuts the engine off at stops. The gas-only 4Runner also has auto stop-start, but the restart isn’t as seamless.

The 8-speed transmission in both versions is excellent. The shifts are quick and imperceptible. In the hybrid, that electric motor stands in for a torque converter and smooths out acceleration even more from one gear to the next. The downside of the hybrid is that there’s a slight delay as it switches between electric and gas power. You almost think something’s not working for a second, and then BOOM—it’s slamming through gears. It takes some getting used to.

Sport Vs. Eco in City Driving

Eco mode dulls throttle response. In the gas 4Runner, the turbo feels more sluggish. The hybrid leans on electric motor use and shuts off the engine more. It’s good for traffic, but slow to respond, which is pretty annoying. I don’t use Eco mode at all.

Sport mode is the opposite. In the gas 4Runner, it keeps the turbo in the power band and feels zippier. In the hybrid, Sport makes it feel like an outstanding blend of sports car + SUV. I used to own a Porsche Macan GTS, and the new 4Runner really does give me the same feeling. It surges forward with minimal throttle; you don’t need to give it much. The throttle response on the new 4Runner is night and day better than the previous generation 4Runner.

Sport mode also adds a little bit of engine rumble to the fun factor. It sounds great, handles well, and provides more than enough power to get off the line fast or weave in and out of traffic comfortably. To touch on MPGs again, Sport disables any fuel-saving coast-down features, so don’t expect great MPG. On average, I am seeing 16.9 MPGs in that mode full time around town and on the freeway.

Normal mode is the best blend of smoothness and responsiveness. It’s still fun and powerful, but nothing compares to Sport.

Highway Manners & Passing Power

Both engines have plenty of power on the freeway, but the hybrid feels more confident. It pulls harder in the midrange and passes more effortlessly.

The gas turbo needs to downshift more often. Once it does, it’s quick. But there’s definitely some lag before it hits. The hybrid skips that pause. It just goes.

Both are refined at speed over the last generation. Wind and tire noise are not noticeable at all, but I’m also coming from 5th Gen 4Runners on 35″ or 37″ mud terrains. The suspension is firmer but more planted than the last gen – there is much less body roll and nose dive than before.

Cruising MPG is similar in both versions. The hybrid’s real advantage is in stop-and-go or variable-speed driving.

Off-Road Performance

Both versions share the same chassis and geometry. Ground clearance and approach/departure angles are identical. The hybrid’s battery is tucked up high and doesn’t impact off-road capability.

Throttle control in 4-Lo is excellent in both. The hybrid has re-tuned mapping to avoid jerky power delivery. You can feather the throttle over rocks just as easily as in the gas version.

The hybrid’s torque helps on steep climbs or loose terrain. It crawls without drama. High-speed dirt is more fun in the hybrid. It explodes out of corners and feels eager. The gas version is more predictable and traditional.

Here’s a quick summary of the driving modes on both powertrains:

• Both have Crawl Control, Multi-Terrain Select, and SDM sway bar disconnect (on select trims).
• Sport, Normal, Eco Modes – How they change the drive.
• Sport (Hybrid): Massive low-end punch. Aggressive shifts. More power everywhere. Fun and fast.
• Sport (Gas): Sharpens throttle. Holds gears longer. Feels quicker and more responsive.
• Eco (Both): Slower throttle. Early upshifts. More relaxed. Best for efficiency.
• Normal (Both): Balanced. Great for daily driving. Best all-around setting.

Final Thoughts – Hybrid or Non-Hybrid?

If you want the most powerful, responsive, and fun 4Runner ever built, get the i-FORCE MAX. It’s fast, smooth, and surprisingly capable on and off-road. Sport mode makes it a blast to drive.

If you prefer a simpler, lighter setup or need a third row, the 2.4L turbo still delivers great performance. It’s a huge improvement over the old V6 and will serve most people very well.

Both are solid; it just depends on how much torque and throttle response you want.

Go test drive both, back-to-back, and put them in Sport mode. You’ll feel the difference instantly.