Toyota has been busy lately, churning out new models at a rapid pace and even resurrecting nameplates for the Canadian market, such as Crown and Land Cruiser. They have also given the 4Runner a new lease on life for its sixth-generation model. Brand new from the ground up, the 4Runner rides on the same platform as the Tacoma pickup truck. More importantly, it preserves the sturdy spirit of the original while featuring a modern interior, updated creature comforts, and top-shelf amenities, offering you plenty of reasons to upgrade from your older models. 

The 4Runner starts at $54,200 for the base SR5 but quickly swells up to $80,502 for our TRD Pro, and even further for the Trailhunter. The top trims, featuring fully decked interiors and off-roading equipment, are exclusive to the Hybrid powertrain, and many of the eye-catching paint colours such as our Mudbath test vehicle, are also tied to more expensive tiers. Is the Hybrid TRD Pro we are driving worth the pretty penny, then? Absolutely.

Square and boxy with a jawline stronger than David Coulthard, the new 4Runner is an eye-catcher on the road. The TRD Pro package further elevates its road presence with a shouty front grill that replaces the Toyota badge with TOYOTA script, similar to the Sequoia. Only this package and the Trailhunter adopt this grill, making it easy to differentiate. TRD Pro also includes an LED light bar, hood scoop, aluminum front skid plate, Rigid LED fog lamps, TRD Performance air intake and exhaust, FOX Shock absorbers with three damper settings, and Toyo Open Country 33-inch all-terrain tires wrapped around 18-inch alloy wheels. The yellow DRL lights give it Dakar vibes and we appreciate the lack of side steps that consistently muddy the back of our pants – power running boards are available on other trims. 

The interior is where the 4Runner makes its biggest strides. There are innovative and thoughtful features implemented, such as the purposeful addition of a flat window sill for drivers to comfortably rest their arms, as they would on their living room couch. It’s nicely padded in leather as well. Or the retention of the 4Runner’s signature operable rear window. The switch is on the headliner next to the sunroof controls and they’re all automatic, so it only takes a few quick movements to engage ‘full open-air mode’. Wind buffeting is minimal with all windows down, resulting in little turbulence entering the cabin, even at highway speeds. Again, minor improvements that have a significant impact. 

The 4Runner TRD Pro houses a supersized 14.0-inch center screen, the largest we’ve seen in a Toyota or Lexus. The interface is the same simple unit in the Corolla and Camry but its basic functions are made even easier with such large button prompts and fonts – helpful for the geriatric crowd. The chunky steering wheel also features multiple buttons for infotainment use. The grips are large and while devoid of paddle shifters, they’re not needed here. 

There are plenty of tools in the armoury, such as disconnecting stabilizer bars, a locking rear differential, and an off-road cruise control system. Four auxiliary switches for powering tools and add-ons are located on the left side of the steering column. The dashboard-mounted JBL speaker can be easily ejected from its slot for portable listening—a neat touch that appeals to campers or outdoor trekkers who want to take their music with them. You can also sync the music with the car’s radio.

The 4Runner is the automotive equivalent of an M1 Abrams tank – piloting it imparts a keen sense of invincibility on the road due to its elevated seating position, off-road tires, and Fox shock absorbers. But that also slashes any hope of on-road civility. The Toyo Open Country tires aren’t unbearable as a daily driver – we’ve experienced the same tires in the Lexus LX 700h and GX 550 Overtrail+. Don’t expect it to handle vertical oscillations with grace, or settle quickly after negotiating a deep rut. It’s undeniably off-road capable as a result, but we’re certain most of these rigs will be destined for more basic uses. TRD Pro backs up its looks with real pedigree and frankly, you do get acclimatized to the busy ride after a week. Once you come to expect it, a rough ride becomes an afterthought as you focus on other aspects of driving, such as feathering the throttle as lightly as possible to maximize electric driving and to keep the engine from firing up.

Yes, this 4Runner is a hybrid. There is a non-hybrid variant available but it’s limited to lower trims. The unit is a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine mated to an electric motor and a 1.87-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery, the same type used in the Land Cruiser, and produces a healthy 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque through an 8-speed automatic gearbox. 

The hybrid is designed to augment the powertrain and smooth out the edges, rather than being a sole source of propulsion. Like Toyota’s other hybrids, the engine will switch off under low-power demands such as during low-speed cruising, but the 4Runner’s weight and intensive demands mean it seldom occurs. That said, it does significantly increase efficiency. We averaged a respectable 12.1 L/100km over a mix of city and highway driving, not bad considering the off-road tires, and it only requires regular 87-octane fuel. Furthermore, it emits a suitably bass-filled, burly noise thanks to the TRD Performance exhaust, replacing the fire-breathing noises of the outgoing 4.0-litre V6.

Toyota has made substantial improvements to the 4Runner for 2025, elevating it from a dated model to a modern-day marvel. Ergonomics and durability remain top-notch, featuring driver-friendly elements that enhance functionality and connectivity. Toyota has also kept fan-favourite features alive like the operable rear window, tailgate speakers, and overall simplicity of use – we’re just missing a Party Mode button. And remember that the 4Runner isn’t available in many global markets such as in Europe and the Middle East. To them, it’s forbidden fruit just as the Land Cruiser was to us. And while you can’t go wrong with either, a non-hybrid 4Runner Limited with its adaptive suspension and leather seats has our vote of confidence.

Specifications:

Model: 2025 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid TRD Pro
Paint Type: Mudbath
Base Price: $67,336
Price as Tested: $80,502
Curb weight (kg): 2,488
Engine: 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder, electric motor, 1.87-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery
Horsepower: 326 hp
Torque: 465 lb-ft
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Engine & Drive Configuration: Front engine, 4WD
Observed Fuel Consumption (L/100km): 12.1
Tires: Toyo Open Country all-terrain 33-inch tires; 18-inch wheels