2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro 4x4 - Bottom Line Review

HISTORIC FIFTH TIME FOUR- RAN FOREVER:

No architecture, in Western Civilization, has endured as long as the Classical Hellenistic Doric order. See the columns and capitals of the Iktinos' and Calicrates' Parthenon, standing atop Athens' Acropolis since 432 B.C. and replicated infinitely ever since.

Among automotive designs, the most enduring sport utility vehicle silhouette belonged to the fifth generation Toyota 4Runner. The one and a half decades that the N280 4Runner spanned is double the industry norm. Over one million came out of the Tahara and Hamura plants in Japan. For years it has been considered the less compromised and more reliable alternative to the Jeep Wrangler and (more recently) the Ford Bronco.

Just as the Doric capitals were succeeded by the Ionian and Corinthian the time had come for a fully revised "Runner." The flagship all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro 4x4, hot on the heels of last year's introduction of a new Tacoma mid size pickup truck, embarks on a sixth chapter of mid-size body-on-frame SUV, seeking to perpetuate the model's 80% continual operation rate.

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WHAT: 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro 4x4 two row, mid-sized sport utility vehicle, succeeds the N280 series truck. The sixth generation body-on-frame 4Runner, designated N500, is built on the pervasive TNGA-F platform, shared with the J250 Land Cruiser Prado SUV and is most closely related to the fourth generation North American N400 Tacoma pick-up truck.

WHAT MOTIVATES:

For the first time in eons not all 2025 4Runners are powered the same. None have more than four pistons under the bonnet. At the baseline there is the newly ubiquitous 2.4 liter Turbo petrol inline four. Higher trims, including the tested TRD Pro, are pumped up with a supplemental hybrid electric motor, marketed as "iForce MAX." There is but one transmission , an Aisin eight-speed torque converter planetary automatic slush-box. Rear wheel drive is standard, with an electronic two-speed transfer case, optional in lower trims, rendering part-time four-wheel drive. More luxurious trims add a viscous center differential for full time all wheel drive.

Net Hybrid Horsepower / Torque (pound-feet): 326 hp / 465 lb.-ft @ 1700 r.p.m.

• POWERTRAIN HITS and MISSES:
• +1 Energetic, responsive powertrain
• +/- It's still a chatty four banger under that massive bonnet
• -1 Long throttle travel; Fuel economy less than advertised;^{(though still competitive)} Audio system exaggerated in-cabin exhaust growl

WHAT (A) STYLING DIFFERENCE(S): Descending from a vehicle with legendary boxy sport utility look appeal, the sixth generation 2025 Toyota 4Runner line is evolutionary.

Naturally, the 2025 4Runner TRD Pro features appropriately military color combinations, ruggedized grills, front fascia, rear bumper, darkened flared wheel arches, modified hood with deep center valley fitted air intake snorkel, and the expected rock climb lift and 33"-inch tire wheel combo.

Additionally unique to TRD Pro visible cues include red frame mount front tow bars, and red aluminum upper control arms and a large aluminum front bash plate embossed with red "TRD" lettering. Most of the distinctive cues are lock step with the latest Tacoma pick-up trucks, corresponding to their trims. (This should be no surprise as both "trucks" were designed for the first time by an all American Calty team of Adam Rabinowitz and Kevin Hunter.)

Badging: "TOYOTA" lettering at the grille; "4RUNNER" lettering on the mid liftgate integrated handle; TRD Pro (latter in red) set in black frame on upper hood flanks; No more elliptical "T" symbol

Proof that the new 4Runner is cut from the same cloth as its Tacoma cousin with the cargo bed are shared hoods, flared fenders, bodies with lower creased flaring. Obviously things change at the "C"pillars and aft, though the nose goes its own way, with smaller upturned hockey stick lighting, a slimmer upright cantilevered upper grille and deeper version occupying the lower fascia. Corner folding is less acute and fang-less. The darkened over-sized lower front valance recedes into the light metal bash plate.

The "C" pillar does retain the traditional 4Runner forward tilt, however without any of the old trim nomenclature. Rear quarter body panel flaring is far more substantial than its predecessor, resulting in elevated and smaller cargo bay side windows with a skylight curvature. Second row door handles elevated above first row handles are distinct from the Tacoma and preceding 4Runners.

The back of the re-designed 4-Runner TRD Pro, is where more heritage has been retained: witness the substantial roof spoiler (now with contrasting body coloring); a deep double beveled style, with slight forward canting of the motorized retracting backlight. The taillamps retain the small squarish slight wrap around style, this time with more symmetrical inboard "C" framing. While the license plate bowl is retained at mid-center, the sub glass lift handle is now a rugged graphite color composite piece.

Though the old bumper cover is lost, rising tandem creased corners protrude for some rear impact protection. The bottom of the liftgate recedes with "TRD pro" lettering embossed. A beveled lower valance is piano gloss black to match wheel arch cladding, with lateral corner reflectors and center tow hitch aperture. The single exhaust tailpipe is down-turned under the body.

WHY: The Sun rises for the sixth generation Land of the Rising Sun's 4-wheelin' SUV answer to the Jeep Wrangler and Ford Bronco.

WHEN: On-Sale (in the U.S.) since late Winter 2024-2025

WHERE: Toyota new vehicle dealers

WHERE MADE: Tahara, Aichi, Japan

WHERE TO: A twist of the center console chunky corporate transfer case selector knob, garners high four-wheel drive on the fly. Tapping the left button on that is but a twist of the electronic two-speed helical gear transfer case selector knob. Where paved roadway ends, the amply articulated all-terrain Toyos dig in while a TRD alloy skid engine plate protects below.

• MULTI-TERRAIN SELECT: adjusts throttle + transmission for Loose Rock, Mud, or Sand conditions
• TWO SPEED PLANETARY TRANSFER CASE, part time 4 wheel drive
• e-LOCKING REAR DIFFERENTIAL
• CRAWL Mode low traction automatic acceleration & braking
• Fox QS3 twin-tube, variable rate internal piggyback bypass dampers, TRD springs
• Terrain cameras, vehicle attitude, traction displays
• Selectable front stabilizer bar disconnect
• Aluminum front bash plate, powertrain + drivetrain, fuel tank skid plates
• Off road driving lights bar, fog lights

Off Road, Toyota's Multi Terrain still rates as an accomplished computer controlled traction system for a plethora of surfaces, supplemented by a few driver manipulations. The center console hosts the left side knurled rotary Terrain Mode knob. Depressing the 9 o'Clock knob collar release button, allows rotation of the collar counter-clockwise from 2-H[igh] one click to 4-H[igh] then, when desired, another click to 4-L[ow]. The default top 9 o'Clock DRIVE MODE button on top of the controller varies from Eco, to Normal to Sport powertrain setting, while the top 3 o'Clock MTS button brings up the terrain programs.

Left in 4-H Automatic, traction optimizes for typical trail side to side slippage and load shifting inputs, by clutch vectoring the rear differential. In the event when some slippage is desired, the driver's left knee side lower dashboard holds, among others, a traction control disabling switch.

The lower four-wheel drive electronic transfer case ratio, meant for steep grades, is only available once the 4Runner is stopped and the gear selector lever is set to Neutral. 4-L is the only ticket to DAC (downhill assist cruise) and Crawl operation, engaged by depressing the 6 o'Clock knob button. That populates the instrument cluster right side with a 2 m.p.h. speed adjuster, advanced by rotating the MT center console controller knob.

4-L also serves up greater side-to-side wheel articulation with selectable front stabilizer bar disconnect. The steepest grades might call for rear axle lock. These mountain goat features are electronically engaged with center console buttons.

HOW ROADWORTHY: Even the new Toyota 4Runner N500 base turbocharged four-cylinder powerplant out musters the N280's old war horse 4.0L V-6. With the extra off-road swag mass of the TRD Pro, the extra grunt of hybridization, matched to a transmission with three extra gears, is warranted and welcome. Not that the 20% improved economy will go unnoticed. Low speed approaches to the house driveway almost always engage near silent electric mode, great for arriving unfashionably late, un-announced.

Despite the added thrust, twist, efficiency and stealthy crawl home, all is not entirely superior to the geriatric V-6. While the TRD Pro is hardly focused on refinement, the old 4.0L V-6 warm-up induction whooshing is replaced by an annoying subtle intake sucking, under throttle, likely amplified by the massive hood air-intake. Worse yet, one would be hard pressed to recall when any Toyota truck bonnet has ever vibrated as visibly, causing the operator to wonder whether it was fully closed.

Nonetheless, the breadth of gear multiplication dances well with deep hybrid electric supplemented torque. The N280's characteristic transmission being a step behind the throttle demand has been excised. Instead there is far more linear response, although the transmission pauses prior to any brisk kickdown.

• -1 Annoying instrument cluster warning to "Depress Brake Pedal Firmly" to actuate engine idle start/ stop.
• -1 Some tire and wind noise penetrates the cabin

HOW LIMBER: The latest N500 Toyota 4Runner may continue its ancestors body-on-frame ways. However the newfound body rigidity and tuning is nearly revolutionary. Ride quality has ditched much of the N280's bucking truck harshness, reacting to impacts with a newfound mellowness. Not even the extreme TRD Pro is an exception to this newfound coddling ride.

The front double wishbone coil-over suspension benefits from enhanced caster angle for more accurate steering. Part of the reason for the 2025 4Runner TRD Pro's sticker shock are its piggyback bypass 2.5" inch Fox QS3 manually adjustable shock absorbers and longer travel TRD Pro coils. The upper A-arms are red forged alloys. This makes for greater articulation, while imparting enhanced rebound control for running in the wild. To further billy goat over uneven terrain, wheelbase extended in the front clears the firewall sufficiently to accept 33" inch diameter tires and active front sway bar release is included.

The sixth generation Toyota 4Runner also makes the switch from hydraulic to electric rack & pinion steering assist, while accepting lane tracing. There is reduced wind heft at slower speeds, but surface communication is more filtered.

Braking kit is also Tacoma derived, with 4 piston front calipers and considerable rotor diameter at all corners. Brake dive is much better mitigated compared to the N280, however pedal feel is a wee bit inert.

HOW FAR: 21 mpg combined fuel economy; 437 miles highway range on 87 octane unleaded gasoline

HOW BIG/ LITTLE: √ Mid-size two-row body-on-frame SUV; √ Space for five average sized occupants; √ 2nd Row 60/40% reclining seating

• By Comparison:
  • 112.2" Wheelbase: 3.9" < Ford Bronco 4-door
  • 36.3" Row 2 legroom: 1.5" > Ford Bronco 4-door
  • 48.4 cubic feet cargo bay: 36% > Ford Bronco 4-door
  • 6000 pounds towing rating: 1500 lbs. < Ford Bronco Raptor 4-door

HOW USEFUL: √ 2nd Row 60:40% split elevated folding seatbacks; √ Cargo bay access 2nd Row 60:40% split jacknife seating; √ Cargo bay fore & aft subfloor bins; √ Power liftgate - 20% lighter than before; √ Power retracting backlight; √ Cabin A & B pillar grab handles; √ Trailer tow hitch connector, brake control, back-up guide & braking;

• Aft cargo bay wall armrests, cup holders, USB power ports (deleted 3rd Row seating vestiges)
• "Molle" style door and cabin pockets

♦ 115VAC, 2400W outlet, 12V, USB-C in cargo bay; ♦ Cargo bay programmable air compressor; ♦ Three (3) upfiited accessory driver's left side middle dashboard pre-wired switch panel; ♦ 1st & 2nd Row door pocket management; ♦ 1st Row overhead console retracting sunglasses bin; ♦ 1st Row overhead capacitive area segmented cabin map lights control

• +1 Deep center armrest w/ cooled storage bin, oversized glovebox
• Accessory roof rack - 165 pounds dynamic rating
• -1 Tall liftgate; No cargo bay remote 2nd row seatback fold releases

HOW SAFE: IIHS - Not tested (related Toyota Tacoma pickup earned Top Safety Pick rating).

STANDARD: √ 9 airbags; √ Rear camera w/ predictive grid; √ Audible rear park assist; √ Roll mitigation

Driver assist technology: √ STANDARD Toyota SafetySense 3.0 = Pedestrian & daytime cyclist detection braking; Forward collision avoidance braking; Blind spot & rear cross traffic warning; Lane departure; Road edge & Sway Warning, Lane Keep Assist; Lane tracing + driver inattention emergency stopping; Adaptive cruise control - full; Automatic High Beam headlights; 2nd Row occupant minder

• AVAILABLE (included in test vehicle)
  • ♦ Multi-Terrain view cameras; ♦ Blind Spot, rear cross traffic warning; ♦ Front & rear sonar audible/ visible park warning; ♦ Digital display rear view mirror; ♦ Traffic sign display

HOW PEOPLE FRIENDLY:  Twenty-first century Toyota truck occupant modernity finally drapes the new 4Runner's cabin. Gauges & screens have grown massively and controls have been condensed into more ruggedized knobs and shift levers. The age old parking brake hand lever is replaced by a e-toggle switch, freeing up considerable center console space, adding a passenger side grab handle. Contrasting finishes appear in a tiered dashboard, padded glovebox and door cards, shiny bezel corner climate ducts and tandem contrast stitching.

√ Softex camouflage print seats, 1st Row heated, cooled, 8-way power, lumbar, 2-position driver memory; √ Pillar grab handles x 2 (2nd Row); √ 12.3" variable Digital Meter instrument cluster; √ Power locks, windows: express driver's; √ Proximity keyless entry, push button ignition; √ Tilt/ telescoping, heated leather wrapped steering wheel + horizontal spoke ventral side MFI & driver assist controls; √ 2-zone auto climate control w/ 2nd Row vents; √ 2nd Row privacy glass; √ Cupholders x 6, Bottle holders x 6; √ Power moonroof - 1st Row

• +1 Wide center armrest; Generous steering wheel reach adjustment
• -1 Stiff seat cushions

Cool Gizmo(s): Cool Gizmos: "Molle" style storage management; JBL Flex bluetooth speaker; Driver's entry dashboard cap twist to dislodge LED flash / S.O.S. light; Cargo bay air compressor

Details Done Right: Improved seat cushioning; Tiered dash board; Padded glove box door; Tandem contrast seat, padded mid dash & upper door card contrast stitching; Ruggedized drive control knobs; Elegant framed infotainment screen, 1st Row corner climate vents; Wet suit style door pull & pillar covers

Nearly Non-Descript: Sub waist coarse grain cabin panels

HOW CONNECTED: √ Toyota Connected 14.0" landscape touch LCD media screen, in a shared frame with the instrument cluster; √ Voice command, Bluetooth hands-free communications x 6 devices; √ GPS HDD cloud Navigation w/ 3-D map, voice guidance, Google POI data, OTA updates; √ 10-speaker, 250 Watts HD radio streaming audio; √ SMS voice to text messaging; √ USB-C x 6, 12V x 1; 2400W 120V AC x 2 (2nd Row & cargo bay); √ Qi inductive wireless device charging pad x 1 device

• +1 Mammoth touch infotainment display; straightforward user interface
• Drive Connect "Hey Toyota" system voice interaction, Google queries, Corny joke interaction
• -1 Non-concealed forward center console wireless device storage shelf
• -1 Low instrument cluster & infotainment display color contrast

HOW AUDIBLY: √ 1200 watt, 14-speaker, 12 channel JBL Quantum-Logic DTS + Clari-Fi premium audio, HD Radio streaming audio = limited depth, muddy artifacts ^{(250 watt, 10 speaker 4-channel streaming audio standard)}

• JBL Flex detachable dash top cradle Bluetooth speaker

HOW "APP" -LICABLE:

Free Apps: ♦ Toyota Connected; ♦ wireless Android Auto / Apple CarPlay projection ♦ Amazon Alexa

By Subscription (trial): ♦ Sirius XM radio (3 months); ♦ WiFi by AT&T (2 GB trial); ♦ Toyota Connected Services including remote functions (3 years); ♦ available Connected Navigation

HOW MUCH: $73,568 = as tested 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro 4x4 M.S.R.P^{($42,765 SR5 4x2)}

WHAT'S MISSING: Driver's A-pillar grab handle; nicer grained plastics; more wallet friendly price

ANY COMPETITION: Ford Bronco: it's a Bronc; Jeep Wrangler: it's a CJ; Land Rover Defender 110: ingot grade build, off-road displays; Toyota Land Cruiser: better cabin materials