mobile-menu-icon
GM Authority

Redesigned 2025 Toyota 4Runner Debuts With No GM Off-Road Rival

After a series of previews and teasers, Toyota has finally unveiled the redesigned 2025 Toyota 4Runner, debuting an all-new sixth generation for the popular off-road SUV. The next-gen 4Runner features new turbocharged engine options, including a hybrid, as well as new trim levels, new styling, new tech, and more. At present, GM does not offer a direct rival to the Toyota 4Runner.

The front end of the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner.

Starting under the hood, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is equipped as standard with an i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4L four-cylinder engine, delivering 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. More power is available via an available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, boosting output to 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Under the skin, the new 4Runner rides on the TNGA-F platform. The new frame and hybrid powertrain enable towing up to 6,000 pounds. Drivetrain options include 2WD, part-time 4WD, and Full-time 4WD.

The 2025 4Runner also introduces the new Trailhunter trim level, which is designed specifically for overlanding enthusiasts and features integrated off-road equipment from brands like ARB, Old Man Emu, and Rigid Industries. The Trailhunter also incorporates high-strength steel skid plates, 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires, 2.5-inch forged shocks with external piggyback remote reservoirs, a heritage-style grille with bronze Toyota lettering, and pre-wired auxiliary switches.

The new generation also introduces the Platinum to the 4Runner lineup, a new range-topping trim level for the nameplate, offering up black exterior styling, a heated second-row, standard towing technology, and a Head-Up Display.

The full 2025 Toyota 4Runner trim level lineup includes:

  • SR5
  • TRD Sport
  • TRD Sport Premium
  • Limited
  • TRD Pro
  • TRD Off-Road
  • TRD Off-Road Premium
  • Trailhunter
  • Platinum

Moving into the cabin, we find a standard eight-inch infotainment screen and optional 14-inch screen, as well as wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, Qi wireless device charging, and a long list of safety tech features, such as Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist, and Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control. A seven-inch gauge cluster is standard, while a 12.3-inch gauge cluster is standard higher in the range.

Look for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner to go on sale this Fall.

Subscribe to GM Authority for more GM competition news, GM business news, and around-the-clock GM news coverage.

Jonathan is an automotive journalist based out of Southern California. He loves anything and everything on four wheels.

Subscribe to GM Authority

For around-the-clock GM news coverage

We'll send you one email per day with the latest GM news. It's totally free.

Comments

  1. GM needs a Colorado or Canyon SUV to go against this, I’d buy it!

    Reply
  2. Did GM and Toyota join forces on design? They are both bringing out such ugly vehicles. Especially the SUV’s. At least Toyota found a way to fully paint this ugly thing.

    Reply
    1. GM product development can’t see opportunities that are right in front of their faces. The Colorado frame has been sitting there since 2015, yet nothing. This company is so disappointing.

      Reply
      1. Maybe you do not understand how this works unfortunately. Product development does NOT mean it will sell well. It can cause lost money as well due to development money being spent.

        Reply
        1. You mean like the Hummer EV?

          Reply
  3. This thing looks awesome. I want one.

    Reply
  4. They ruined the styling. Pity. I would not buy one. Let the Toyota loyalists crow after it.

    Reply
  5. GM does NOT need a competitor to this. The 4R has been around for decades and the segment isn’t that large. Especially when 4R fans see the all 4-cylinder lineup AND the hefty price tags. Bet it starts over $40K and goes to over $60K, stepping on the new Land Cruiser’s toes. I see problems ahead.

    Reply
    1. Have to disagree… gm is trying hard to push turbo 4s for full size trucks. Many here say that any engine larger than a turbo 4 is based on nothing more than overcompensating men. The two philosophies do not align. Toyota will continue to have a loyal following for this. gm, if there is any answer at all, will respond with a boring FWD-based mall crawler with a small turbo 4.

      Reply
      1. They have a loyal fanbase who REFUSE to buy anything other than Toyota, and believe Toyota is SUPERIOR to everything out there when it is not.

        Reply
        1. @Ramaswamy Narayanaswamy
          I agree.
          Toyota pretty much has a Cult like following with the Taco, 4R, and Land Cruiser.
          They can pretty much offer anything to their customers and they will gobble them up.

          Reply
          1. Well, the cult like following is about to be tested…considering that the ADD on TFL’s tacoma failed on a simple off road course. Since the 4R shares parts with the 24 Tacoma, this could be a serious issue, not to mention other problems as well can appear over time (and are on the 24 Tacoma).

            Reply
      2. Sorry LostMe: The “loyal following” for this turd is the Toyota fan boys who are afraid to actually look at anything else. So they just go lay down the money for these over-priced turds and then buy the American flag decals to stick on it to make people think they are true Americans.

        Reply
    2. The current 4 Runner outsold the Blazer 2 to 1. The Blazer should have been the competitor to this, but alas we got a FWD based mall crawler. There is a big market here, which is why Ford brought back the Bronco. As far as pricing, the current 4Runner starts at over 40K and goes to nearly 60K for top trim with options. I suspect there will be some price increases, but they are also introducing more trim levels. The Land Cruiser starts at at 58K and goes to nearly 90K, so there is no overlap.

      Reply
  6. I will never understand how so called offroad enthusiasts are excited for the 4R and Land Cruiser with 4 Cylinder Hybrid power-trains.

    Get a Hummer to a Land Cruiser sized vehicle and price it the same and it will put these Toyotas to shame.

    Then offer a Wrangler/Bronco Hummer and price it the same and it is Goodnight for these Four Bangers

    NO Thank you on these tiny engined behemoths.

    Reply
    1. Do you feel the same way about gm’s TurboMax in full size trucks? What about the upcoming Acadia/Enclave/Traverse and their turbo 4s with no hybrid option?

      Reply
      1. The 2.7 Turbomax does offer lots of torque but the sound of it is cheap and mileage is not very good. I see they just lowered all the full sized pickups with this engine again down to a comical 17/18/19 rating which is worse than literally every competitors turbo V6’s and V8’s. If there is an engine in need of hybrid assist it is the 2.7. That would give it the mileage boost it needs because as it MPG is too low for having 2 to 4 less cylinders.

        Reply
      2. @
        I completely understand the need for Diesel in HD trucks. EV’s cannot tow long distances as of yet.
        I also understand the lack of V6 on the new GM Trio of large Three row Crossovers as most customers in that segment are not that much into performance. I would not be surprised if at least half of those driver had no idea what engine was powering their vehicle.

        But I just do not understand paying insane money for a lackluster Hybrid 4 Cylinder on a Land Cruiser. These customers are so called enthusiasts and they settle for a Hybrid 4 Cylinder. While I am not that old I am definitely old enough to remember enthusiasts making fun of Hybrids and now they are gonna be waiting in line to pony up like 70K for a Land Cruiser. NO Thank you.

        GM is missing a HUGE opportunity to take some serious market share with a smaller hummer EV

        I would 100% rather driver an EV than a tiny engine in a vehicle.

        Reply
    2. This is why Nissan should have kept the Xterra. It is a MUCH cheaper alternative to the 4R and every bit as reliable, aside from the “strawberry milkshake” which I believe was solved after a certain time.

      Or Nissan should have got the VTC Super Safari… Solid front and rear axles will destroy the 4R offroad. Pity the VTC is being discontinued.

      Reply
  7. Looking good, I like it. Still I am not even sure GM should build a Chevy or GMC competitor, reason being is that a potential Colorado or Canyon 5 passenger midsize SUV will be expensive approaching Tahoe and Yukon prices. This would result in serious price resistance leading to just moderate to low sales.

    Reply
    1. GM used to have a BOF midsize being the trailblazer and envoy. It had a really solid I6 engine and legit 4wd powertrain. The problem is they gave it the same ground clearance as the traverse so it really didn’t compete with the 4r.
      The trailblazer was significantly cheaper than the Tahoe at the time, and very nice proportions. The engine was almost as indestructible as a 3800 So in typical gm fashion they discontinued it.
      At gm If it isn’t a cash cow, they will neglect it until sales drop (even tho competitors update their models and sell well) and then cancel it.

      Reply
    2. If gm couldn’t build a BOF SUV based on the Colorado/Canyon and price it in the $42-$58k range (well below the Tahoe) to compete with the 4Runner and Bronco they shouldn’t be in business.

      They obviously could but they’ve clearly chosen to minimize ICE investment to only the highest ROI products with the majority of investment going to EV’s.

      Meanwhile, both the 4Runner and the Bronco will each consistently sell 120-140,000 units per year just in the US alone. I don’t know any competitive manufacturer that wouldn’t like that kind of volume. Especially as a spin-off product.

      Reply
      1. *oops, mistake on Bronco sales. Sorry

        Reply
      2. The sales are high, but they are ALWAYS in most cases bought by Toyota loyalists who were indocrinated by Youtube and “Social Media” mechanics or others who falsely believe that Toyota is the BEST, when it actually is not.

        I am sure the Ineos Grenadier will thrash the 4R offroad.

        Reply
        1. Rammy in a nutshell: “…indoctrinated by Youtube and “Social Media” mechanics or others who falsely believe (in GM)…”

          Reply
          1. GET LOST. Why are you trying to counterprove? Are you supporting Toyota?

            Reply
  8. Did ford and Toyota forget how to neatly package wiring under the hood? GM’s underhood wiring is so much cleaner. Toyota and Ford seem to just say hey it fits here and don’t care how hard it is to have to do maintenance or repair.

    The new Four Runner is obviously completely a Tacoma without a bed. Will it work sure. GM could make one but the question is, should they worry about a group that is limited and has more players. I say if they can do it I say yes. I personally would have like one instead of actual truck. But I am happy with my ZR2

    Reply
    1. I agree with you 100%. Toyota engines are already not very easy to work on. Example, the starter for the 4.7 2UZ and the 5.7L 3UR-FE is pretty difficult to access and remove. Not to mention the cam tower leaks on the 5.7….

      Chevrolet already has the body on frame Trailblazer in some other markets that competes with the 4runner/Fortuner.

      Reply
  9. 3 things they got right are the hybrid option, the interior color option of that nifty dark brown and the wheels on this example look normal for a change and add class to the exterior which doesn’t look bad either. This should do well. With that said the under hood packaging looks like a mess!

    Reply
    1. Yea, ICE+hybrid+turbo = messy underhood.

      Same with Ford.

      Reply
  10. They nailed the styling. I grew up in a GM household, but I truly liked the 4Runner growing up. My favorite 4Runner style was the 1990 – 1995 (second) generation. The 2025 definitely drew some styling elements from the first and second generations and I am here for it! The old school rear side windows. The roll down tailgate window. That aggressive stance and front fascia. I love it – it looks fantastic. I think it will most definitely be a hit.

    Reply
    1. Like the Tacoma and Tundra, I’d assume this is a Calty design which I’ve never been a fan of generally speaking. For this new gen 4Runner however I agree with you. It looks very good imo.

      Reply
  11. GM discontinued the body on frame Trailblazer and Envoy after 2008. The SUV’s sold well enough in 2001-2006, the OKC & Moraine, OH factories were maxed out building the various wheelbase models with the i6 and 5.3 V8. Leaving the midsize market to Toyota, Ford & Jeep. GM gave up on minivans about the same time. In the past five years the carlines have been discontinued after neglect. GM has no reason why they can’t offer the best CUV’s, SUV’s and pickups. EV’s seem to be the focus, but don’t neglect the ICE vehicles. They’re still the bread and butter, keeping the lights on. It’s a shame GM has abandoned several key market segments.

    Reply
    1. How about not competing in the small 4-door sedan arena, where the Accord, Camry, Carolla, Civic, Sonata, Sentra, Mazda3, and Jetta thrive? What a market segment to ignore….geez GM.

      Reply
      1. You seem to have forgotten either the Malibu or the Altima (Nissan).

        Reply
    2. That was not the Trailblazer I was referring to (the one with the 4.2 I6). I was mentioning the one that was sold in the Middle East and some other markets.

      Reply
    3. Remember the Uplander?

      Reply
  12. Not bad.
    For me, I wish it was a bit smoother in a few places.
    And I wish it had a more luxuriously styled interior.

    But it will do well in its intended market.

    Reply
  13. My 02 4Runner I’ve had since new, ironically just got a death sentence from my mechanic. Frame in rear is cracked. 255,000 miles all New England driving. Kept it going by getting under and cleaning and treating the complete underneath. I didn’t see the crack but I could tell something was off. RIP sweet Silver Chariot.

    Reply
    1. Frame rust is a BIG issue with 4runners unfortunately. Try and see if your dealer has replacement frames. That would be my advice.

      Reply
      1. It had a good life. It was made in Japan, Toyota never replaced the frames on the Runners.

        Reply
        1. I see. I can understand your situation. Toyota with all its “renown” customer service SHOULD HAVE replaced their frames.

          Reply
          1. Compared to gm’s stellar customer experience? My 2018 Avenir’s transmission failed under warranty. Dealer and gm refused to honor it for reasons. Had to hire an attorney just to get them to resolve it. Have been a gm-only family for life. Five in the fleet now… Sadly, my best cars are a 2009 Holden G8 GT and my 2019 Opel Regal TourX.

            Reply
            1. I’ll be sure to keep you updated as my fleet is replaced over time with non-gm vehicles.

              Reply
              1. Good luck. DO NOT ABUSE them like you did with your Buick, and hope you have good luck with the new cars.

                Reply
            2. Quit blaming the owners you know-it-all fool.

              When you see patterns of failures, or you have many people here saying the same things, it’s the manufacturing.

              Your internet-driven arrogance is pathetic. Cannot wait for your GM vehicle to strand you on the side of the interstate at 2am.

              Reply
              1. SHUT UP. It is evident that EITHER YOU OR THE OWNERS DO NOT KNOW HOW TO MAINTAIN THEIR CAR OR ABUSE THEM TO THE EXTENT THAT THEY BREAK. If you have a hatred against the manufacturer- GO AHEAD AND SPEW YOUR MOUTHY ATTITUDE ELSEWHERE. It is obvious that YOU or other owners DO NOT KNOW how to take care of cars properly RIGHT? Try lecturing the GCC nationals (Locals who bought these cars) about how bad they are. I GUARANTEE, YOU WILL GET SHOUTED AT.

                Reply
  14. New England is brutally bad on anything that’s on the road. We had a faithful old volvo 240 that was 20 years old. One nite at 2 am the front end completely collapsed in the driveway. We thought it was thunder. Well it wasn’t that loud but it awakened the dogs. The tow truck couldn’t get it on the flat bed. Ha

    Reply
    1. That is probably true with the rust.

      Reply

Leave a comment

Cancel