It looks like the time has finally come for Toyota’s mid-size SUV to get a redesign. The current generation has been long overdue and it desperately needs changes. So far, the Japanese manufacturer has been hesitating with this move, mainly because of the great popularity of the current, quite outdated model. The new generation is coming in the next year and we have big expectations from it. This will be the first redesign in 15 years. So, there is no doubt that the 2025 Toyota 4Runner will bring a full load of significant changes.
So far, we know for sure that this redesign will bring a completely new design, based on the new platform. The new model will get completely new, along with a significantly improved interior quality and a full load of new tech features. Still, we are pretty sure that one of the most anticipated novelties is the one under the hood because the new generation is expected to get two new powertrain options, including a hybrid version.
We expect to see it sometime in the next year, though a more precise date is yet to be specified.
Fresh Styling for the New Generation
so, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner will finally get a complete redesign, after so many years. The changes will be significant and we should start with the most basic thing, the platform. Just like the rest of Toyota’s body-on-frame lineup, this model will also switch to the new TNGA-F architecture. We expect to see the same iteration that underpins the new Tacoma, which had a presentation last month.
The new 4Runner will be lighter than the predecessor and feature a stiffer chassis setup. All this will have an impact on the overall ride quality. Speaking of the ride quality, we count on much nicer on-road manners. That doesn’t mean that any of the 4Runner’s off-road magic will go away. Instead, this should be the most off-road capable 4Runner so far, with higher ground clearance, better approach and departure angle, and many more. Of course, off-road TRD-badged models will carry on, while there is also a big chance to see another off-roader in the lineup. That would be the Trailhunter, a new trim that has just been presented with the new Tacoma. Compared to the rest of the lineup, this trim would come with a full load of off-road accessories, along with a little bit different but equally impressive suspension setup as the TRD Pro.
READ ALSO: All-New 2024 Toyota Sequoia TRD Pro (Still Not Replaced by Trailhunter)
2025 Toyota 4Runner Exterior
in terms of the exterior design, there is no doubt there will be a completely new styling. We presume we could see some influence from the new Tacoma, especially at the front. As for the overall proportions, we don’t believe that the new model could bring bigger changes in terms of size, though the wheelbase could be slightly longer.
In other words, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner would feature similar lengths but shorter overhangs, which would improve the off-road potential for sure. Speaking of the off-roading, the most capable variants would come with goodies like locking differentials, disconnecting front sway bar and many more.
2025 Toyota 4Runner Interior
As for interior design, we presume that a lot of inspiration could be taken from Tacoma. The new pickup looks way better than the previous generation. The same level of improvement is expected in the case of this SUV, just like all those tech and convenience features. This means we would see the same 14.0-inch infotainment screen available in higher trim levels, as well as a digital instrument cluster, the latest connectivity features and many more.
As for the passenger space and seating configuration, the new model wouldn’t be much different than its predecessor. Base models would probably come with two rows of seas, while the third row would be optional.
New I Force Hybrid Engine Specs
As mentioned, big changes are coming under the hood. The biggest novelty will be the new hybrid powertrain, the same one as in the new Tacoma. That hybrid system is based on a 2.4-liter turbo-four engine. It gets significant help from a single electric motor. Total output goes up to 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Another big novelty will be a new 8-speed automatic transmission.
On the other hand, base models will rather use a gas-only powertrain. Once again, we can refer to the new Tacoma and its version of the turbo-four engine. That unit puts out 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, which should provide a notable improvement over the old 4.0-liter V6, especially because of the additional low-end torque. Just like the hybrid, this version will come coupled with the new 8-speed automatic gearbox.
2025 Toyota 4Runner Release Date and Price
Considering the 4Runners current popularity, we are pretty sure that Toyota won’t rush with the new model. We presume it won’t arrive before the second half of the next year. As for the price, we estimate that the 2025 Toyota 4Runner could start at around 45.000 dollars.
