Get your first look at the 2025 Toyota 4Runner ahead of its official unveiling
- The ever-popular Toyota 4Runner is finally getting a complete redesign after 15 years with minimal changes.
- While the overall look is expected to be an evolution of the current model, subtle design cues like a relocated tailgate badge and updated taillights hint at a modernized aesthetic.
- Toyota plans to avoid sales cannibalization between the 4Runner and the returning Land Cruiser by offering distinct powertrains and seating configurations.
The Toyota 4Runner is old, one could say ancient by modern automotive standards, yet it still serves its purpose as a rugged, body-on-frame SUV. Not much has changed about the vehicle since the introduction of its fifth generation 15 years ago, back in 2009. However, that’s all set to change as the automaker has given us an early glimpse of the next-gen model, hinting at what promises to be the start of several weeks of teasers before its grand debut later this spring.
The first teaser was a playful Instagram post that you might have scrolled past, unless you’re a die-hard 4Runner fan. The automaker posted a six-photo slideshow of the model, asking fans if they could identify each vehicle’s model year.
Read: 2025 Toyota 4Runner Rendered, Is Expected To Drop V6 For 4-Cylinder Turbo
Although five of the photos showed a full vehicle from the older generations, the sixth was a closeup of a 4Runner’s tailgate. Unlike the current SUV, the “4Runner” badge on the tailgate has migrated downward, and sits just above the bumper, rather than below the Toyota badge.
The new model’s bumper is also painted silver, unlike the current 4Runner, whose bumper is finished on the same color as the body. The taillight on the next-gen model also appears to be redesigned, with black outlines around each segment.
Elsewhere, the design of the next-gen 4Runner is anticipated to be evolutionary, possibly retaining or even enhancing the boxiness of the current model, while maintaining a similar size. The 2025 version will be based on Toyota’s TNGA-F body-on-frame platform, which it shares with the Tacoma, the Sequoia, and, the Land Cruiser, which is finally returning to America.
That’s a bit awkward for the 4Runner, since it will be quite similar to the Land Cruiser. Toyota believes that it can differentiate them enough to keep them from cannibalizing each other’s sales, though.
For instance, the Land Cruiser will only offer five seats, while the 4Runner is expected to hold onto its fold-down third row. In addition, the two SUVs will get different powertrains. While the Land Cruiser getting an i-Force Max hybrid powertrain, the 4Runner will reportedly get a less powerful turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes up to 278 hp (207 kW / 282 PS) and 317 lb-ft (429 Nm) of torque.
As a result, the 4Runner is expected to be the more budget-friendly option. Currently, the starting price for the 2024 model is $40,155, whereas the Land Cruiser has an MSRP starting at $55,950. This pricing strategy leaves ample room in the lineup for both vehicles.
We’ll discover Toyota’s precise plans for the 2025 4Runner in the upcoming weeks when they unveil the new model in its entirety.