2025 Toyota 4Runner revealed as tougher Prado relation, not for Australia

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner off-road SUV has been unveiled as the first all-new version since 2009.

Sharing plenty in common with the all-new 2024 Toyota Prado 250 Series due in Australia within the next three months, the latest 4Runner is also heavily related to the Tacoma ute – with all three models sharing the brand’s TNGA-F platform also common to the full-size LandCruiser 300, Tacoma and Sequoia.

The latest Tacoma is a preview for the all-new HiLux, due in Australia within the next 24 months. Some elements from the 4Runner revealed this week could eventually reach the Fortuner SUV sold in Australia as the HiLux and Fortuner are tipped to switch to the TNGA-F platform in next-generation form.

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However, don’t expect this new 4Runner in Australia as it will remain limited to select left-hand drive markets – including the United States and Canada – with the Fortuner and Prado offered here as alternatives.

"Toyota Australia is continually studying the market for new opportunities to offer exciting new products to Australian customers," said a brand spokesperson

"At this stage however, we have no announcements to make on the Toyota 4Runner for the Australian market."

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Original versions of the Toyota 4Runner were sold in Australia between 1984 and 1996, also known as the HiLux Surf and HiLux 4Runner.

Now in sixth-generation form, the 4Runner adopts the same 2850mm wheelbase as the Prado, LandCruiser 300, Lexus GX and Lexus LX – a dimension considered ideal for off-roading that originates back to the LandCruiser 80 Series.

This is 61mm more than before, while length and width are up 119mm and 51mm to 4950mm and 1976mm, respectively.

The 4Runner has a 32-degree departure angle (-1), a 24-degree approach angle (-2), and a ground clearance up to 233mm (-11mm).

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Under the bonnet, the 4Runner features two versions of the 2.4-litre turbocharger four-cylinder petrol common to the Tacoma and Prado, known simply in North America as the ‘LandCruiser’.

Paired to an eight-speed automatic transmission, base models will have a non-hybrid ‘I-Force’ version with 207kW and 430Nm – an improvement over the 201kW/376Nm 4.0-litre naturally-aspirated V6 and five-speed automatic in the old 4Runner.

Flagship models upgrade to the hybridised ‘I-Force Max’ setup with an electric motor sandwiched between engine and transmission and a 1.87kWh nickel-metal hydride battery pack for a 246kW and 630Nm total system output – making it the most powerful 4Runner ever.

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The 4Runner will be offered with rear-wheel drive and part- or full-time four-wheel drive.

Four-wheel-drive models include Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, a locking rear and centre differential, downhill assist control, active traction control, and an automatic limited-slip differential.

Off-road-focused variants are the TRD Sport, TRD Pro and Trailhunter, with the latter model featuring parts developed with Australian accessory supplier ARB, such as Old Man Emu forged shocks with rear external piggybank remote reservoirs and a unique roof rack.

The Trailhunter also includes 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tyres, rock rails, high-strength steel skid plates, bronze exterior highlights, an LED light bar, and colour-selectable RIGID LED fog lamps.

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New features for the 4Runner include an 8- or 14-inch infotainment system, a wireless phone charger, USB-C ports, a 7- or 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster, a detachable JBL speaker, and digital key functionality.

There’s also an improved active safety suite with enhanced autonomous emergency braking detection, lane-keep assist, full-speed adaptive cruise control, traffic sign recognition, and emergency stopping for inattentive or non-responsive drivers.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner will be built at the Tahara, Japan factory alongside the Prado, LandCruiser and Lexus GX. It is due to arrive in North America between September and November.