When Toyota introduced an all-new 4Runner for 2025, it was big news. In its 40-year history, the 2025 was only the 5th generation. The previous model was with us for 15 years – that’s a long lifecycle for any vehicle. But the lovable, rugged truck-based SUV also remained popular, and the reliability is legendary – go look at the price of used ones and be ready for your jaw to hit the ground!
Our first foray in the new model was a 2025 Trailhunter, a rugged capable beast, brimming with tech, including Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX hybrid, a 2.4-liter, turbo 4-cylinder hybrid with gargantuan power, including 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft of torque. Our only real problem with the vehicle was the as-tested price at just under $70k. That’s a lot of money, even in today’s pricey market.
So, when we were offered a chance to test drive the more reasonably priced (more on that in a bit) 2026 TRD Off-Road model, we jumped at the chance – we love the idea of all the new 4Runner goodness at a price that more can afford. So how did it work out? Let’s take a look!
Desert Race Inspired
The 4Runner is part of a new design direction that we’ve also seen on the all-new Tacoma – inspired by the desert racing scene, it’s an interesting blend of fresh sharp angles, and familiar shapes.
The TRD Off-Road shares much with the previous 2025 Trailhunter model we tested, except a large hexagon grille with an Illuminated Toyota logo that replaces the Trailhunter’s T O Y O T A spelled out in cool block letters. (we like the block letters)
LED projector headlights, and squared off fog lights light up your way, while the optional gray powder coated TRD front skid plate gives added off-road cred.
The profile is pure 4Runner with a heavy dash of Tacoma thrown in, with muscular sides, massive black fender flares, and deep cut-ins in the doors, and iconic wrap-over rear quarter window glass. Adding to the tough looks are standard step rails (and they come in quite useful). And we loved the 18-inch TRD alloy wheels with a black and silver design that really pops.
Out back, 4Runner fans will be pleased that the power retracting window continues – great for added ventilation, or longer items like surfboards. Wrap-around taillights are bright and prominent. Our tester had blacked-out badging, so the 4 R U N N E R block lettering is stealthy.
There’s also an aero spoiler at the top of the rear window while a ribbed top of the bumper helps stepping in to the cargo area. A rugged lower fascia echoes the front skid plate, and our tester’s integrated tow hitch added to the capable vibe. Finishing off our tester was a dark charcoal gray Toyota calls Underground, and it really adds some subtle menace. This is one mean-looking 4Runner!
Toughness and Tech on Display
Open the door and it’s clear this is designed to be rugged, handsome and tech-heavy in a friendly way. Sharing much with the Tacoma pickup, it’s a wide horizontal space with a massive center console and equally massive info-tainment display.
Those standard running boards help you hop into the tall saddle – even at 5’9″, our tester found it a big step up – but once you’re there, you’re set, with Softex (faux cow hide) covering supportive heated and cooled front seats. Worth noting, where previous 4Runner models always felt short on headroom, the new model feels spacious.
All the materials are of high-quality and high-durability with heavy duty plastics that look built to last. Without a sunroof, our tester felt a little on the dark side, but otherwise a nice place to spend time.
We love the extra chunky steering wheel and shift lever – much more than the tiny toggle on the RAV4 we recently tested. The driver looks ahead into a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, and Toyota includes off-road dedicated displays like side and front inclinometers – sure to be useful when the going gets serious. It’s also driver configurable to let you serve up the information that matters to your drive.
Everyone will enjoy the info-tainment system, with a massive 14-inch display, standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, and wireless smartphone charging. Even though we’re getting spoiled with all the manufacturer’s big displays, we still appreciate how good navigation apps like Waze look on the screen.
A couple of other standouts are the 14-speaker JBL audio system, with a cool removable speaker built into the center dash – tailgate party anyone? – and an honest to goodness volume knob just below the display.
Controls are big and chunky and would be easy to operate even with gloves on, and we like how Toyota groups similar features in the same location, making it easy to get familiar quickly with key items you’ll use, including 4WD/Off-Road tech.
The spacious theme continues with adult-friendly rear seats that flip down easily to make for a massive cargo hold and also tumble forward for easy cargo access. Do so, and you’ll find it’s a huge hold. We also love that Toyota continues the 4Runner tradition of a power lowering hatch window, great for access when you don’t have room to swing up the tailgate or just need some extended space for longer items. Not on our tester, some 4Runner models offer available 3rd row seats, but they’re only useful for small kids or pets.
Nothing Basic with the Performance
Under the hood of our TRD Off-Road is Toyota’s new i-Force 2.4-liter, turbo 4-cylinder engine, with a strong 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft of torque. This is the engine that replaces Toyota’s legendary 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V-6. We can thank fuel efficiency and emissions for the new motor, going from 17 mpg combined to 21 mpg is a healthy bump.
More important, the torque comes in low and plenty, and it makes the 4Runner lively and quick off the line – no small thing for a relatively large SUV. 0-60 is probably in the low 7-second range, and the 8-speed automatic helps make sure you’re always in the right gear at the right time.
The 4-cylinder has a bit of a gruff tone to it, but we like the added texture – it’s got a truck-like vibe that we find endearing. Those wanting more power may consider the available i-FORCE MAX hybrid, with 326 horsepower and 465 lb.-ft of torque. We’d stick with the non-hybrid, it’s got plenty of go to get the job done.
The truck-ish vibe also comes through in the ride, and it is firm. The 4Runner feels impressively solid, but if you’re not planning much off road, we’d recco one of the less aggressively tuned models. We do like the new model’s lighter steering, making it easier to zip around traffic and parking spaces.
While the Trailhunter may be the king of the off-road hill, with the TRD Off-road model you get plenty of all-terrain capability, including part-time 4WD, specially-tuned suspension with Bilstein shocks, and an electronically-controlled locking rear differential. Helping you conquer just about anywhere you want to go; you also have Multi-Terrain Select along with crawl control w/downhill ascent control.
One cool bit of tech here is the 4Runner’s Multi-Terrain Monitor that provides real-time, 360-degree views of immediate surroundings. It can display front, rear, and side camera angles on the center touchscreen, helping to spot obstacles, low curbs, and trail debris that are otherwise hidden from the driver’s seat. It’s even handy on-road with tight parking spaces, narrow drive-thru’s, and high curbs and berms!
How Much to live the High (riding) Life?
The 4Runner is an impressively robust line-up of vehicles, so there should be something to fit most any budget. The base 2WD SR5 model starts at $42,070, and it could be all the tough, rugged and handsome SUV you’ll ever need. Add $2,000 for 4WD.
Stepping up to a 4WD TRD Off-road Premium trim brings a load of goodies at a starting price of $55,770. We had a few tasty options, including front TRD skid plate ($560), assorted accessories, and Connected Services Package ($325). Add in $1,495 for Destination and we rang the bell at $59,188. (And we’d like to point out it’s still a cool $10k less than the Trailhunter we tested at $69,713.)
We still think one of the strongest competitors is the sibling Toyota Land Cruiser. It’s a larger vehicle and features the more powerful i-Force MAX hybrid engine. Like the Trailhunter, at $70,655 it’s a significant step up in price.
Budget concious buyers should also look at the new Honda Passport Trail Sport, now more capable off-road than before, but a little softer than the Toyota – for those looking for a bit more of a comfy ride. And at $54,355, it’s a strong value, too.
With a great blend of superior off-road capability, everyday livability, smart value and rugged looks, the 2026 Toyota 4Runner continues its legacy and is one of our favorite SUV’s!
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