The highly anticipated 2025 Toyota 4Runner is here, and in this review, we take a deep dive into the SR5, the base trim that offers the best value in the lineup. With a minimal price increase of just $190 for the 4×4 variant compared to the previous generation, this rugged SUV brings a host of improvements. We’ll explore its exterior and interior features, lighting, driving dynamics, and even put it through a 0-60 test. Let’s find out what makes the new 4Runner a standout choice.
Exterior Design & Lighting
Toyota has given the 6th-gen 4Runner a fresh look while retaining its signature rugged appeal. The blacked-out double-handlebar mustache grille looks sharp, blending seamlessly into darker body colors. Lighter shades highlight the grille’s bold design, but a fully blacked-out look enhances its aggressive stance.
Standard fog lights add a premium touch, while fully LED turn indicators on both the front and rear enhance visibility. However, Toyota has omitted turn indicators on the side mirrors in this trim, reserving them for higher-end models.
Premium trims also boast fancier headlights, first introduced on the Tacoma, but the absence of turn indicators on the side mirrors remains a downside.
Rear Features & Practicality
At the rear, bright taillights and stylish turn indicators ensure excellent visibility. A signature Toyota feature—the tucked-up windshield wiper—remains, allowing for the rear window to slide down with a simple switch press.
Under the hood, the SR5 is powered by a 2.4L turbo engine paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, enabling a towing capacity of approximately 6,500 lbs. While this trim offers an optional third-row seating arrangement, the model reviewed here sticks to a traditional two-row setup.
Running boards are available from the factory, but this particular model does not include them. Optional roof rails enhance the vehicle’s versatility for adventure enthusiasts.
Interior Comfort & Features
Inside, the SR5 prioritizes functionality over luxury. Interior materials are basic, with only the rear window switch button featuring illumination for nighttime visibility.
A large dome light provides ample lighting, but ambient lighting is reserved for higher trims. The SR5’s appeal lies in its durability and potential for customization rather than premium comfort.
The window switches, door locks, and mirror controls are illuminated for added convenience. The seats, available in gray or black, offer a comfortable seating experience.
Lighting Controls & Missing Features
A dial for adjusting beam height—a feature also seen in the Toyota Crown Signia—is included. Interestingly, this pre-production model features heated seats and a 120V AC accessory power outlet, but these amenities may not make it to the final production version of the SR5.
Infotainment & Technology
The 4Runner SR5 features a well-integrated 7-inch infotainment screen, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Unlike the 12-inch screen found on higher trims, which can feel cluttered, this smaller unit is user-friendly and straightforward. A conveniently placed volume knob enhances ease of use.
Fuel efficiency is respectable, averaging over 19 mpg despite aggressive driving and idling. In mixed driving conditions, an estimated 22 mpg can be expected.
While the i-Force Max hybrid variant provides additional torque, its increased weight from the electric motor and battery pack doesn’t significantly boost fuel economy or towing capacity, making it a less compelling option.
Driving Modes & Performance
The climate control system is simple and intuitive, featuring traditional dials for temperature and fan speed adjustments. The SR5 offers 2WD, 4WD high, and 4WD low settings. Given the wet road conditions during testing, the 0-60 test was conducted in both 2WD and 4WD high modes.
The steering wheel, borrowed from the Tacoma, feels comfortable with well-lit controls. The single illuminated USB port next to the screen serves as the primary data connection, though it can create a cluttered look with wired connections.
0-60 Test & Driving Dynamics
During the 0-60 mph test, the SR5 clocked 7.42 seconds in 4WD high and 7.45 seconds in 2WD. However, the 0-100 km/h time was slightly quicker in 2WD at 7.84 seconds. While outright speed isn’t the 4Runner’s focus, its smooth torque delivery ensures effortless acceleration without turbo lag. It maneuvers through city traffic with surprising ease, making it an enjoyable daily driver.
Handling & Ride Quality
Despite its body-on-frame construction, the 4Runner delivers impressive handling. It feels stable and lightweight, almost like a lifted sports car. Compared to the Tacoma and Land Cruiser, it provides a more engaging drive, likely due to its rear-wheel-drive configuration.
Ride quality is plush, effectively absorbing road imperfections. As someone who typically doesn’t find truck-based SUVs exciting to drive, the 2025 4Runner SR5 stands out as an exception.
Lighting Performance
The standard low beams offer excellent visibility, while the high beams provide a uniform spread of illumination. Fog lights effectively light up the sides and the first 10 feet ahead.
Though higher trims offer more advanced headlights with enhanced daytime running lights and amber turn signals, the SR5’s standard lighting setup is more than sufficient. Aftermarket modifications remain an option for those looking to upgrade.
Interior Comfort & Build Quality
While the cabin features hard-touch materials, key contact points like the armrests are well-padded. Cloth seats are comfortable, and the center armrest offers additional cushioning. The overall ergonomics are well thought out, making the interior practical and user-friendly.
Manufactured at Toyota’s esteemed Tahara plant in Japan, the 2025 4Runner SR5 exudes a solid build quality that surpasses models like the Tacoma, Land Cruiser, and Lexus GX 550. The engine tuning is particularly well-executed, delivering a refined driving experience compared to its implementation in other Toyota and Lexus models.
