For decades, the Toyota 4Runner has been an SUV of choice for those looking to combine off-road capability with family-friendly practicality. With the all-new redesign for 2025, we believe Toyota has successfully walked the fine line between preserving the 4Runner's rugged heritage while introducing the comfort and technology modern drivers expect.
Our 4Runner adventure began in Denver, Colorado, where Craig attended Rocky Mountain Automotive Press' annual 4XFall event. The event brought together journalists and manufacturers to test some of the latest trucks and SUVs in real mountain conditions. What better way to experience the new 4Runner than driving it home from the Mile High City to Springville?
This trip from Denver to Springville, across the vast plains and then through the Rockies and Wasatch Mountains, gave us our first long-distance glimpses of Toyota's redesigned SUV. The 4Runner's 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, delivered more than enough power for mountain passes and highway cruising. With 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, the new powertrain not only feels livelier than the old V6, but also improves fuel economy – a welcome update for those used to the previous generation's thirstier engine.
As soon as Craig got into the driver's seat for the ride home, the differences were obvious. The interior felt more spacious and elegant, a mix of rugged utility and upscale detailing that's so well showcased in the Limited trim. The Heritage Blue paint turned heads at virtually every stop, often sparking conversations with curious onlookers about whether this was the “new 4Runner.” Toyota has managed to retain the iconic, boxy silhouette that off-road enthusiasts love while modernizing the front grille and lighting to give it a fresh but familiar face.
A workday road trip up north
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Inside the 2025 4Runner Limited, drivers are greeted with a sophisticated new cabin featuring soft-touch materials, a 14-inch touchscreen and a fully digital instrument display. The elevated driving position and updated technology make every mile – from city streets to mountain roads – more enjoyable.
We didn't have to wait long until the 4Runner was up and running again. Just a few days after returning from Denver, Craig and his sister Marci headed down I-15 to Ogden for a Tuesday work meeting at the Standard-Examiner.
This was the perfect test of the 4Runner's road manners. In the past, 4Runners have been known more for their trail capabilities than their long-distance comfort. However, the 2025 Limited 4WD impressed us with its quieter interior, supportive leather seats, and the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver assistance technologies. Adaptive cruise control, lane departure warning and a more advanced pre-collision system made the journey less tiring and safer.
Marci particularly appreciated the impressive view from the passenger seat. The higher seating position and large windows made the ride feel open and airy, a feature that has long been a hallmark of the 4Runner. When we arrived in Ogden, we were both reminded of how much easier road trips have become with Toyota's updated infotainment system, which now features a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and a 12.3-inch digital driver display.
The visit to the Standard-Examiner went smoothly, and on the drive back Craig couldn't resist finding a short gravel road outside of Ogden to feel how the 4Runner's new suspension handles rougher terrain. The result? A stable, secure feeling that inspires confidence both on and off the asphalt.
A third row for growing needs
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The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD offers additional versatility with an available third row of seats. When folded flat, the expanded cargo space provides plenty of space for gear, groceries or event equipment – perfect for family trips and weekend adventures.
One of the big updates for the 2025 4Runner Limited is the addition of an optional third row of seats. Although compact, the third row is a welcome addition for families that occasionally need to carry additional passengers.
We tested it after returning from Ogden by folding the seats up in the back. While it's not roomy enough for full-sized adults on a long trip, the third row is perfect for kids or a few friends who need a ride around town. The fact that Toyota managed to incorporate this feature without sacrificing much cargo space is a testament to the SUV's clever interior design.
Fold the third row of seats flat and you have a generous cargo area that can easily fit all of our stuff. The split-folding second row of seats provides even more flexibility, which we will soon put to good use.
We're making it happen in Springville
On Friday, the 4Runner once again demonstrated its versatility. Craig needed to transport black lighting equipment for a special event at a local elementary school in Springville. The event required bulky but fragile equipment that had to be carefully transported.
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The redesigned interior of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD combines comfort and practicality with premium leather seating, elegant stitching and impressive views of the road ahead. It's a perfect balance of rugged adventure and modern sophistication.
The 4Runner's wide tailgate opening and flat cargo floor made loading gear a breeze. Lashing straps in the cargo area ensured that everything was secured during the short drive to school. The Limited trim's power liftgate, which can be opened hands-free, was particularly useful when juggling boxes and bags.
It's moments like these that show why the 4Runner remains a favorite among families and outdoor enthusiasts in Utah. Whether you're heading to the mountains, driving to a business meeting or hauling equipment for a community event, this SUV can do it all.
Driving dynamics: robust meets sophisticated
One of the most impressive aspects of the new 4Runner is how much more refined it feels without losing its rugged character. The updated suspension, improved steering response and better sound insulation have transformed the driving experience on the road. Yet it retained the body-on-frame construction and high ground clearance that make it such a capable off-road vehicle.
Our Limited 4WD tester was equipped with Toyota's advanced full-time four-wheel drive system and a limited-slip differential. We didn't have a chance to tackle any serious trails during our week-long drive, but the brief detour over gravel near Ogden showed the 4Runner's suspension soaking up ruts and washboards with ease.
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The Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD.
The ride is noticeably smoother than previous models, which sometimes felt stiff on uneven roads. Combined with the turbo engine's rich low-end torque, the 4Runner now feels equally at home on the highway or off-road.
At the end of the week
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD impressed us as a true all-around SUV. It retains the rugged performance and adventurous spirit that has defined the brand for over 40 years, while offering the comfort, technology and versatility that modern families demand.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD honors its legendary roots while evolving for the future. With improved comfort, a more efficient engine and new family-friendly features like a third row of seats, it remains one of the most versatile SUVs on the market. Whether it's a cross-state road trip, a business trip or a community event, the new 4Runner impresses with confidence and style.
Basic price: $57,400
Destination fee: $1,450
Price as driven: $62,740