By Steve Laser
Toyota pays homage to its history with nameplates that can be traced to its origins in the U.S. market. For example, the first two models that launched the brand here in the 1950s were the Crown (Toyopet) and Land Cruiser. Both have returned in thoroughly modern forms. Then there’s the Corolla badge of honor (50+ years), Camry (40+ years), and 4Runner (ditto).
To celebrate the 4Runner’s 40th, Toyota is introducing an all-new, sixth-generation lineup with bold, heritage-inspired styling, a wider array of trim levels, turbo-4 and Hybrid power, rugged off-road capabilities, new interiors with high-tech goodies, and a suite of safety and driver-assistance features.
The 2025 4Runner rides on Toyota’s TNGA-F ladder-frame platform, that also underpins the current Tacoma and Tundra pickups, along with the Sequoia and new Land Cruiser SUVs. The new 4Runner offers nine trim levels: SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro (shown above) and Trailhunter.
The new Trailhunter (above) features standard i-FORCE MAX Hybrid power. The 2.4-liter turbo-4 engine is teamed with an electric motor integrated with an 8-speed automatic transmission and NiMH battery. With total output of 326 horsepower and 465 lbs.-ft. of torque, the Hybrid system is also standard on TRD Pro and Platinum, and optional on TRD Off-Road and Limited.
Toyota says the Trailhunter offers adventure seekers a “manufacturer-developed overland rig straight from the factory.” In a collaboration with well-known suppliers, Trailhunter is equipped with ARB® Old Man Emu® 2.5-inch forged shocks with rear external piggyback remote reservoirs, an ARB roof rack, and 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires on bronze-finished 18-inch wheels.
Additional Trailhunter features include a low-profile high-mount air intake, rock rails and high-strength steel skid plates, a heritage grille with bronze Toyota nameplate, 20-inch LED light bar, color-selectable Rigid Industries® LED fog lights, and a 2400W AC inverter.
The new 4Runner lineup offers a wide array of adventure ready features including a new Stabilizer Bar Disconnect Mechanism designed to increase suspension articulation, Multi-Terrain Select, Downhill Assist Control, and an electronic locking rear differential.
Trailhunter, and other select models, sport a new 14-inch Toyota Audio Multimedia system, Android Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®, a wireless charging pad, 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and USB-C ports. A Digital Key is also available with Remote Connect, offering the option of vehicle entry and starting via compatible smartphones (dependent on 4G network).
Standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 features on all models include a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, Lane Tracing Assist, Road Sign Assist, and Proactive Driving Assist.
The new 4Runner is planned to go on sale at Toyota dealerships in the U.S. in the autumn of 2024. All models will be manufactured at the TMC Tahara plant in Aichi, Japan.
Note: 4Runner models shown in this story are prototypes. Features, specifications, and launch timing for U.S. market models are subject to change without notice.
News source and photos courtesy of Toyota USA
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