Toyota of America has completely redesigned the new 4Runner (known as the Hilux Surf in Japan), which was unveiled for the first time in the world on April 9, 2024. It is scheduled to be released in the US in the fall of 2024 .
Toyota USA’s new 2025 4Runner
- It uses a ladder frame based on the “GA-F platform.”
- Equipped with a 2.4L 4-cylinder turbo engine (i-Force) and a 2.4L 4-cylinder hybrid engine (i-Force Max)
- Adopts a “12.3-inch full LCD meter” and a “large 14-inch infotainment system”
- Adopts Toyota’s “Toyota Safety Sense 3.0”
2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited
The new 4Runner uses a ladder frame based on the newly developed GA-F platform, also known as the Toyota New Global Architecture (TNGA), which is the same platform as the Land Cruiser 250 and Lexus GX. Compared to the previous model, the frame has been significantly strengthened by 50% and the overall vehicle rigidity has been improved by 30%.
“GA-F Platform” ladder frame
Toyota’s new 2025 4Runner exterior
The body measures 4,950mm long, 1,976mm wide, and has a 2,844mm wheelbase. It is 119mm longer and 51mm wider than the previous model, with a 61mm longer wheelbase for improved cabin space. It is also approximately 28mm longer than the new (North American) Land Cruiser. It has an approach angle of 32 degrees, a departure angle of 24 degrees, and ground clearance of 233mm. The Trailhunter and TRD Pro variants are expected to have slightly higher ground clearance due to their unique suspension setup.
2025 Toyota 4Runner
The new 4Runner features an upgraded Multi-Terrain Select system that operates in both 4WD-High and 4WD-Low modes. The system provides adjustable settings for mud, dirt, and sand terrain, optimizing traction control. Additionally, a quieter Crawl Control feature acts as low-speed off-road cruise control, and an electronically activated locking rear differential ensures balanced power distribution. Downhill Assist Control further assists with downhill navigation by adjusting vehicle speed.
Toyota’s new 2025 4Runner trim levels
Nine different trim levels are available, including SR5 (i-Force), TRD Sport (i-Force), TRD Sport Premium (i-Force), Limited (i-Force and i-Force MAX), TRD Pro (i-Force MAX), TRD Off-Road (i-Force and i-Force MAX), TRD Off-Road Premium (i-Force and i-Force MAX), Trail Hunter (i-Force MAX) and Platinum (i-Force MAX).
2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited
2025 Toyota 4Runner TRDPro
2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter
Toyota USA’s new 2025 4Runner powertrain
The 4Runner is available with a less powerful 2.4L four-cylinder turbocharged engine (i-Force) that produces 278 hp (207 kW/282 PS) and 317 lb-ft (429 Nm). The 2.4L four-cylinder hybrid ( i-Force Max ) produces 326 hp (243 kW) and 465 lb-ft (629 Nm) of torque, and can tow up to 6,000 pounds . Both the base i-Force and i-Force Max are mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. As before, rear-wheel drive, part-time four-wheel drive, and full-time four-wheel drive are available. Unfortunately, the 4Runner does not offer the manual gearbox option available in the Tacoma.
Toyota’s new 2025 4Runner interior
The higher-grade TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium also come standard with 4WD, and the TRD Off-Road has also been confirmed to come with a locking rear differential.
A locking rear differential also comes standard on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter.
The new Platinum model comes with nearly every interior feature, including a 14-inch infotainment system, a 360-degree camera system, and upgraded upholstery. Most notably, it also comes with an onboard air compressor, a rear power outlet, and removable JBL speakers.
Safety features for the new 2025 Toyota 4Runner
Toyota’s Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 safety system is standard across the range and includes proactive driving assistance, pre-collision detection, pedestrian detection, lane departure warning, adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and emergency braking.
Toyota’s new 2025 4Runner will feature a sliding rear window
New images were released on a teaser social media platform on April 4, 2024 (local time) . The image shows the rear window open. The vehicle features a sliding rear window , which the current 4Runner also features, highlighting its inheritance from the previous model. Additionally, a large display audio system can be seen in the center of the interior.
About Toyota Hilux Surf (4Runner)
The Hilux Surf is a large SUV from Toyota Motor Corporation. It was designed by Hino Motors, and developed and produced jointly by Hino and Toyota. It is exported to North America and other countries under the name “4Runner.” Domestic sales of the vehicle ended in August 2009.
First generation N60 series
- May 1984: Sales began in Japan.
- A minor change was made in August 1986. The Hilux Surf in Japan was given the option of a 5-number registration, an automatic transmission, and a wagon version, both of which were added for the first time.
Second generation N130 series
- Second generation N130 series: May 1989 – Full model change. In addition to the conventional 2-door body, a 4-door body was added to the lineup.
- May 1993: Minor change. The diesel engine for the Japanese market was changed to the 3.0L 1KZ-TE type. The van and 2-door models for Japan were discontinued.
- Production ended in November 1995.
Third generation N180 series
- December 1995: Full model change.
- Partially improved in August 1999. 180 series, fuel filter lightened.
- July 2000 (Heisei 12) – Minor change. The diesel engine was changed from 1KZ-TE to 1KD-FTV. At the same time, the manual transmission model was discontinued.
- December 2001 Some improvements.
- Production ended in September 2002.
4th generation N210 series
- Full model change in November 2002.
- A minor change was made in July 2005. The V6 3.4L gasoline engine 5VZ-FE was replaced with a V6 4.0L 1GR-FE, and a 5-speed automatic transmission was also available. The grille design was also changed.
- Partially improved in June 2007. Front and rear seats are now crash-proof, and the rear armrest shape has been changed. A special edition “Limited” model is released.
- Sales ended in July 2009.
5th generation N280 series
- It underwent a model change in August 2009, but was withdrawn from the Japanese market and became an overseas-only vehicle (4Runner). Despite being manufactured in Japan, it was only produced with left-hand drive and was not sold in Japan or other right-hand drive markets.
- For 2013 (2014 model year), the 4Runner received a facelift, consisting of front and rear exterior changes with projector headlamps and clear-lens LED taillamps, as well as other minor exterior changes. The interior is also updated.
- In 2014 (for the 2015 model year), the TRD Pro trim level, featuring Toyota badges on the front and an off-road package, was introduced in the United States as part of the TRD Pro series.
- For 2016 (2017 model year), the 4Runner Trail and Trail Premium were renamed TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium in the U.S. These trim levels shared the same mechanical features as the previous Trail editions, but added aesthetic differences and TRD badging to distinguish them from the base model.
- For the 2018 (2019) model year, Toyota began offering a “Nightshade” package based on the Limited trim, which blacked out the badging, front and rear lower fascias, wheels, and parts of the interior.
- For the 2020 model year, Toyota announced that all 4Runner trims will be equipped with the Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) standard and will include two rear-seat USB ports. The TRD Pro model will also be compatible with the TSS-P front radar sensor.
- For the 2021 (2022) model year, Toyota has made a push-button smart key system standard on all trims. A new TRD Sport trim has also been added to the lineup.
- In 2022 (for the 2023 model year), a 40th Anniversary Special Edition will be produced for the North American market in a limited run of 4,040 units, and will be available in three exterior colors and with standard four-wheel drive. Solar Octane paint is exclusive to the 2023 TRD Pro model year.
- For 2023 (2024 model), Terra paint (an orange-brown color) will be available exclusively for the TRD Pro.
Will the Hilux Surf be revived as a Japanese model?
Toyota has been reviving a series of models that were previously only sold overseas, such as the Land Cruiser 70 and Hilux, as Japanese models. The 4Runner was actually sold in Japan as the Hilux Surf, but when the current fifth-generation model underwent a full model change in 2009, sales of the Japanese model ended and it became an overseas-only vehicle. With the sixth-generation model, it may be time to consider reviving the Hilux Surf, just like the other models.
The Japan Patent Office has patent number 1868003 for the “Hilux Surf,” which has an expiration date of June 27, 2026, but it was renewed on May 10, 2016, and it appears that they are considering releasing it in Japan.
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