2025 Toyota 4Runner revealed and a hot chance for Australia

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner has been revealed in the US and looks set to bolster the brand’s SUV range Down Under, with a nameplate that’s familiar to Australians and production in Japan already confirmed.

The local branch said it currently has no announcements to make on the Toyota 4Runner for Australia, but that it is “continually studying the market for new opportunities to offer exciting new products to Australian customers”.

Bearing a moniker that hasn’t been seen in Toyota showrooms for 15 years, the new-generation 4Runner could serve as yet another appealing off-road-capable 4x4 from Toyota, slotting in underneath the incoming new-generation 250 Series Prado.

It uses the same TNGA-F ladder-frame platform as Prado, LandCruiser 300 and a slew of other models and could possibly serve as a replacement for the current Toyota Fortuner, which is based on the HiLux ute.

The 4Runner is closely related to the US-market Tacoma ute, so just as the new Tacoma has shown the way towards the next-generation (and similarly sized) HiLux due in 2025 – in styling, architecture, technology and key mechanical areas – the 4Runner does likewise for Toyota Australia’s next ute-based SUV.

But whereas the Tacoma is built in Mexico, the 4Runner will be produced at Toyota’s Tahara plant in Japan, with first deliveries for North America scheduled for later this year.

The new 4Runner has emerged with a shorter wheelbase compared to the Tacoma, and uses a coil-sprung rear-end, however the two models have a similar tough, blocky design with bold creases.

Under the bonnet is the same 207kW/430Nm 2.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol engine, along with a 235kW/630Nm hybrid powertrain.

An eight-speed automatic is the default transmission across the board, with the 4Runner set to be offered in North America in both 4x2 and 4x4 configuration, the latter spanning part-time and full-time systems.

All 4x4s will come with a low-range transfer case and an automatically locking rear differential (shared with 4x2s), while the TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro and Trailhunter models score a proper rear locker.

Supporting the 4x4 systems will be Toyota’s latest Multi-Terrain Select, which can now be employed in both high and low range.

The full portfolio will comprise the SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off Road, TRD Off Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and Trailhunter models (in that order), the latter coming with a series of unique enhancements like Old Man Emu suspension, an ARB roof rack and an integrated 20-inch LED light bar.

Headline standard equipment across the range includes an 8.0- or 14.0-inch infotainment system (variant dependent) offering wireless smartphone mirroring, a 7.0- or 12.0-inch digital instrument cluster, keyless start, radar cruise control, powered rear (tailgate) window and the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 package.

The latter comprises a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert with steering assist, lane tracing assist, road sign assist, automatic high beam and proactive driving assist (semi-autonomous driving).

With the unveiling of the 4Runner today, Toyota USA said the SUV “stays true to its original concept as an extremely capable, dynamic and durable off-roader and will continue to provide owners a window to bigger worlds”.

“The all-new youthful and dynamic 4Runner nicely rounds out Toyota’s rugged lineup of tough body-on-frame vehicles,” the company said.

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