Since the inception of the Toyota 4runner in 1984, it has cycled through five generations. The fifth generation debuted in 2009 and has basically been the same with facelifts here and there. But 2025 marks a new beginning for the Toyota 4runner as the sixth generation rolls out in style. Without further ado, let’s dive right in.
A Little History of The 4Runner
What we have today as the Toyota 4Runner began as something called a Toyota Trekker. The Trekker itself was sold in North America as a replacement for the FJ40 LandCruiser that was discontinued in the states in 1979. The Trekker was basically a Toyota Hilux with a removable fiberglass topper over the cargo area. Despite the Trekker being a makeshift SUV, it performed really well in the American market. Toyota then decided to make the Trekker a permanent model, so they got to work designing what would eventually become the 1984 4Runner.
The name 4Runner also has an interesting and witty, yet lazy story to it. According to Toyota, combine ‘4-wheel drive’ and ‘off-road Runner’, and you have a 4Runner. I meant it when I said it was a lazy story, but a smart one. A simple name like this has carried this toyota model for close to three decades earning multiple awards along the way. Unlike its early days, the 4Runner is now based on the Tacoma rather than the Hilux platform. In essence, the 4Runner is an SUV version of the Toyota Tacoma mid-size pickup.
Exterior of the New 4Runner
On the exterior, the new 4Runner retains its some-what boxy nature that it adopted in its fifth generation. At first glance, a noticeable feature of the 2025 4Runner is how high it is off the ground. By this, I mean ground clearance which is about 9.2 inches on the 2025 4Runner. However, it can be adjusted for ground clearance as high as 10.1 inches at the maximum. With such ground clearance, the 4Runner has an approach angle of 32 degrees and departure angle of 24 degrees. All of that car jargon means that the 2025 Forerunner can handle nearly any terrain that Nigeria throws at it. The 2025 4Runner is also adorned with alloy wheels fitted with rugged tires, which makes it ever ready for any off-road course. Generally, the 2025 4Runner looks very pleasing to the eyes. It may not win the beauty contest, but it will definitely have an honorable mention.
Interior and Infotainment of the New 4Runner
On the interior, the 2025 4Runner looks very similar to the Tacoma of its year model. It shares much of its styling in the dashboard and infotainment setup with the Tacoma. An 8.0-inch infotainment display adorns its centre console and comes standard in all 2025 4Runners. The infotainment also comes with Toyota’s latest software, which is both easy to use and quick to load. A larger, 14.0-inch display is optional, as is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, but those will cost you a few more dollars. All models come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. More so, it has a digital key system that lets you lock, unlock, and start the 4Runner via a smartphone app.
Performance of the New 4Runner
For most cars, performance means 0-60 mph times. But I doubt anyone buys a 4Runner just to take it to the drag strip. The 4Runner is rather bought to be taken into the woods for off-roading and camping. On that note, the 4Runner comes standard with all manner of terrain-conquering equipment including optional disconnecting stabilizer bars, a locking rear differential and an off-road cruise control system. The hybrid models are available with even more off-road goodies, including manually adjustable dampers. I know that was a load of off-roading jargon, but it is a case of, ‘if you know, you know’. Nonetheless, all you need to know is that the 2025 4Runner is birthed off-road ready. A very good vehicle option to tackle Nigerian roads in my opinion.
Additionally, all 4Runners come with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder turbocharged engine that makes 278 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. Those horsepower numbers produce a 0-60 mph time of 6.7-7.2 seconds depending on trim level. The 4Runner’s torque figures are nearly twice that of its horsepower figure for obvious reasons. 4Runners are built to go up mountains and ride on routes away from civilization, so it will need all that torque. For its transmission, a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) layout is standard, but a full-time four-wheel drive (FWD) system is optional. As a ‘big boy’, the 2025 4Runner has a maximum towing capacity of 6000 pounds. Compared to many of its competitors like the Jeep Wrangler that can tow just about 5000 pounds, the 4Runner definitely hauls.
Specs/Trims and Pricing of the 2025 4Runner
The 2025 4Runner comes in three main trims; the SR5, TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road. The entry-level, rear-wheel-drive 4Runner SR5 trim starts at 42,220 USD (approximately 63 million naira) highest trim. While the highest trim, the TRD Pro starts at $68,350 (approximately 102 million naira).
Safety & Practicality
The 4Runner comes with a driver-assistance feature called TSS 3.0 which includes basics such as automated emergency braking (AEB) and lane-departure warning. Other features include more advanced offerings such as adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature and a system that can detect if the driver is non-responsive and bring the 4Runner to a stop if needed. adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature.
Overall, I consider the sixth generation 4Runner a true step up from the previous years and not merely a facelift. The pricing is quite steep, but for a capable off-roader with all these features, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner to me is a good bargain. I would definitely get one if I could, the question is, would you?
