The Toyota 4Runner – the extra aggressive, ute-based relative of the brand new Prado – brings daring styling, optionally available hybrid energy, and a well known Australian title on the spec sheet.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner four-wheel-drive has been unveiled as a less expensive sibling to the newest Toyota Prado – and one other preview of the design and know-how of the following Toyota HiLux and Fortuner.
The 4Runner is to the Tacoma – Toyota’s “mid-size” HiLux-sized pick-up within the US – what the Fortuner is to the HiLux, an SUV constructed on the underpinnings of the ute, with the identical engines and options.
It’s the first new 4Runner in 15 years – the outgoing mannequin dates again to 2009 – and adopts the ‘TNGA-F’ ladder chassis utilized by almost all different new body-on-frame Toyotas, together with the newest Prado.
The Prado and new 4Runner seem to make use of the identical floorpan – and can be found with the identical 2.4-litre turbo-petrol hybrid system within the US – however Toyota says the 4Runner is pitched as a extra “enjoyable” automobile, whereas the Prado is claimed to be extra refined.
MORE: 2024 Toyota Tacoma: Australian components, cues subsequent Toyota HiLux
The 4Runner – also called the HiLux Surf – started as a wagon model of the HiLux within the Eighties, and was final bought in Australia within the mid-Nineties.
At that time it moved into the next place in Toyota’s US vary, and have become extra carefully associated to the then-new Tacoma, and the Prado of the time – somewhat than the HiLux bought in Australia.
The brand new mannequin just isn’t anticipated to mark a return to Australia, the place patrons can be left to decide on between the Fortuner, Prado and full-size LandCruiser 300 Collection.
Nonetheless there may be some Australian affect within the new 4Runner, within the type of elements from Australian off-road specialist ARB on the top-of-the-range Trailhunter model.
The rollout of the brand new 4Runner – accessible with turbo-petrol four-cylinder hybrid energy – means all body-on-frame Toyotas bought within the US are underpinned by the TNGA-F chassis debuted on the 300 Collection in 2021.
In the remainder of the world, there are nonetheless just a few extra dominoes left to fall – together with the Toyota HiLux ute and associated Fortuner, that are anticipated of their subsequent generations in 2025 on the Tacoma and 4Runner’s platform.
Whereas it has not been confirmed, the design themes seen on the newest Tacoma and 4Runner – derived from the full-size Tundra pick-up more likely to attain Australia subsequent 12 months – are anticipated to encourage the following HiLux and Fortuner.
The brand new 4Runner is successfully an SUV model of the brand new Tacoma, although it has styling variations – except for its wagon physique – to set it aside.
It retains the roll-down rear window glass – a signature function of the 4Runner – however provides extra aggressive sheet steel with flared wheel arches and ‘TOYOTA’ grille script on some fashions.
In contrast to the US model of the brand new Prado – the place it’s bought merely because the LandCruiser – the 4Runner is offered with seven seats, and has bolder styling.
The window glass beside the boot and third row of seats now wraps as much as the sting of the roof, in a nod to early 4Runner generations.
Changing the outdated 4Runner’s 4.0-litre V6 and five-speed automated transmission is a 2.4-litre turbo-petrol four-cylinder – which is offered with hybrid know-how to cut back gasoline use.
In customary kind it develops 207kW and 430Nm – matched with an eight-speed auto – or 243kW and 630Nm as a hybrid, because of its 36kW electrical motor and 1.87kWh battery.
The towing capability is as much as 2721kg for the hybrid – a system shared with the US-market Prado, however not but deliberate for Australia – and US patrons can select from rear-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, or full-time 4WD.
Aiding off-road functionality is a set of Multi-Terrain Choose off-road modes, plus Crawl Management low-speed off-road cruise management, a locking rear differential, and a low-range switch case.
Additionally accessible is the entrance anti-roll bar disconnect system supplied within the new Prado.
In comparison with the Prado, the 4Runner is similar in wheelbase (2850mm), and 28mm longer bumper to bumper (to 4950mm) – however 3mm narrower (to 1976mm) and a considerable 135mm decrease (to 1798mm).
Floor clearance is claimed as 233mm – in comparison with 203mm within the US-market Prado – whereas Toyota USA claims a 32-degree method angle, 24-degree departure angle (down from the earlier mannequin’s 33 levels) and 26-degree breakover angle.
The flagship hybrid-only Trailhunter contains Previous Man Emu shock absorbers with ARB reservoirs, plus 33-inch off-road tyres and 18-inch bronze-coloured wheels which contribute to a trip peak carry of 38mm to 50mm.
It additionally scores inexperienced entrance higher suspension management arms with Trailhunter logos, an ARB roof rack, metal skid plates, rock rails, 508mm-wide mild bar, LED entrance fog lights which may illuminate white or yellow, high-mounted air consumption (which isn’t waterproof), and an in-built air compressor.
In the meantime, the opposite off-road-ready flagship – the TRD Professional – shares the Trailhunter’s locking rear differential and entrance sway bar disconnect, however positive aspects Fox Racing shocks – as used on Ford Raptor fashions.
It additionally scores retuned springs, pink higher entrance management arms with TRD wording, black and pink 18-inch wheels, 33-inch all-terrain tyres, white-only LED fog lights, and a bonnet scoop.
Inside, top-of-the-range variations include a 14-inch touchscreen providing wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, plus leather-look upholstery, a JBL premium stereo, 360-degree digital camera, and bodily controls for air con, off-road modes and the gear shifter.
Additionally accessible are heated entrance and second-row seats, a head-up show, and on luxurious variations, chrome trim on the surface.
A collection of security options – together with autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian detection, adaptive cruise management, lane centring help and visitors signal recognition – is customary throughout the US vary.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner is due in US showrooms later this 12 months.
The submit 2025 Toyota 4Runner unveiled as new Prado’s cheaper sibling with Australian affect appeared first on Drive.
