
4Runner shares the same platform as Toyota’s Land Cruiser, Sequoia and Tacoma pickup. And it’s offered in nine model configurations including hybrid and FWD versions. We were privileged to test the 2025 4Runner TRD Sport with the latter denoting a Toyota Racing Division (TRD) sport tuned suspension and 20-inch TRD Sport alloy wheels with 33-inch, 9-inch wide Dunlop all-terrain tires. In addition, and with the slightly lifted suspension, 4Runner has 8.8-inches of ground clearance, an electronic disconnecting front anti-roll bar plus a racy functional hood scoop.
We also tested the off-road oriented 2025 Trailhunter 4WD model with identical looks but it has 9-inch wide, 18-inch Toyo tires, rock rails, 10.1 inches of ground clearance, a locking rear axle in addition to the disconnecting stabilizer bar and an air intake that looks like a snorkel.
If you’re into off-roading, the Trailhunter is for you. If you desire a sportier SUV, the TRD Sport is the choice. Both have similar attributes, but for a good compromise, the Pro is our choice as it satisfies both, albeit a tad milder world.
Upon a tall 23-inch step-in, TRD Sports’ interior has two-tone, supportive, long-wearing, heated, cloth seating surfaces (Trailhunter has leatherette heated seats and a 24-inch step-in over the rock rails). This and an overall pleasing cockpit that sports an 8-inch touchscreen (Trailhunter has a 14-inch display) with a rearview camera and a close-up rear view, plus apps. Below the display are hard switches with rotary dials for HVAC controls that are a pleasure to use instead of display selections that are far too common on cars today. Both models come with Toyota’s Safety Sense 3.0 that includes a 4G network, blind spot monitor and rear cross traffic alert.
A burly gear selector for the 8-speed automatic transmission is surrounded by a wireless cell charger in front and a rotary dial for Sport, Normal, Eco and Tow-Haul modes to its rear. The 4WD mode switch is also selected there for traditional 2H, 4H, 4L gearing.
The 12.3-inch gauge cluster is digital and includes a driver information display for alerts, features and functions, and it’s easy to view at a glance for both models.
With wide opening rear doors, they allow easy rear seat access for two adults, or three youngsters as the transaxle hump is low for appreciable legroom. Headroom is ample fore and aft.
Back in the cargo area, that has a 33-inch lift-over (Trailhunter has a 36-inch hoist), and with the rear seatbacks upright the area offers 42.6 cubic feet of space that measures 42 inches deep, 45 wide and 34 high or 72 inches when flipped. Tumble the seat bottoms with the tops flipped and there’s 60 inches of loading depth for 82.6 cubic feet (Trailhunter’s measures 42.5x46x28.5 inches). While the liftgate is manual, the rear window opens which is nice if having to haul long items that can be secured out the open window. The cargo underfloor has a bin for the spare, jack and tools plus a shallow flat bin for small item storage.
As expected from a sport-tuned suspension SUV, the ride is on the taut side but it’s a planted ride in sharp turns and cloverleafs as it sports rear coil springs and a double wish-bone front suspension. It parks easily thanks to electric power steering that allows a tight 19.7-foot curb-curb turn diameter.
Power wise, the standard 2.4-liter turbo 4-cylinder puts out 278-hp and an impressive 317 lb/ft of torque for EPA mileage estimates of 19 city, 25-highway mpg. This isn’t bad considering it’s moving 4,850-pounds of curb weight. Coupled to the 8-speed transmission, 4Runner carries a tow rating of up to 6,000 pounds. Trailhunter Hybrid, with its electric motor assist, ups horsepower to 326 and torque to 465 lb/ft, with the same tow rating. It gets EPA mileage ratings of 23 city, 24-highway mpg.
4Runner Sport came nicely equipped with optional premium paint ($475) that with delivery took the base price of $49,250 to $49,725. Now this is a lot of 4WD SUV for the money. The Trailhunter is base-priced at $68,120 before adding Digital Key ($275), towing ball mount ($65), accessory ready LED lantern ($160), cargo lights ($375), carpeted cargo mat ($130), carpeted floor mats ($199), trailer towing ball ($24), plus delivery which took the bottom line to $68,128.
It’s a tough choice, but two good choices with Toyota’s solid build and dependability.