The sixth-generation Toyota 4Runner continues to impress us with its up to date inside and extra environment friendly powertrains, however choosing the proper mannequin isn’t straightforward given the quite a few trims and packages obtainable. There’s sufficient right here to embarrass a Porsche configurator, however this Restricted mannequin in Heritage Blue simply would possibly take the cake for the right spec.
Over the bottom SR5 mannequin, Restricted comes with notable options like a 3rd row of seats for 7-passenger functionality, 20-inch wheels, leather-based seats, a 14-speaker JBL system with a conveyable Bluetooth speaker, selectable drive modes, full-time 4WD, and most significantly, an adaptive variable entrance suspension. Restricted calls for a $13,684 improve from SR5, so it’s not for the faint of coronary heart, however when paired with the non-hybrid powertrain, we expect it’s one of many extra inviting, satisfying, and pragmatic off-road SUVs on the street as we speak.
We examined the hybrid earlier than within the 4Runner TRD Professional, however this non-hybrid variant is the one to decide on. Using a 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine, it produces 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque by way of an 8-speed computerized transmission. With out the batteries and motors, the 4Runner weighs 256 kg lower than the hybrid, which pays dividends in acceleration, dealing with, and decreasing put on and tear on objects like brakes.
The hybrid was a passable unit however it appeared centered on effectivity, rewarding sluggish driving and gradual acceleration maneuvers to maintain the electrical motor engaged and maximize its effectiveness. With out it, the engine feels extra at one with the automobile. It’s much less complicated, extra singular in be aware, and crucially, extra predictable. Whereas not as fast to speed up with out assistance from electrical propulsion, the four-cylinder nonetheless delivers a broad low- and mid-range, albeit missing top-end efficiency, in contrast to the outgoing V6, as anticipated from an engine making an attempt to push 2,197 kg of mass. Regardless of a hood silencer, this additionally results in extra engine noise seeping into the cabin, and a thunderous racket beneath wide-open throttle. It’s a tough, nearly agricultural noise that really fits the 4Runner’s rugged, outdoorsy vibe.
The non-hybrid is much less gas environment friendly, however not by a lot. We averaged 13.3 L/100 km over metropolis and freeway driving, whereas the TRD Professional achieved 12.1 L/100 km beneath related situations, outfitted with off-road Toyo tires. And whereas the hybrid was in a position to cruise round at low speeds on electrical energy alone, we didn’t discover ourselves lacking these capabilities all that a lot. To every their very own and the way it suits into your life-style, however we don’t suppose the disparity justifies the price of upgrading to the hybrid.
What’s extra necessary is the newfound civility and street consolation supplied by the extra standard avenue tires on the Restricted. The TRD Professional is provided with 33-inch, Toyo Open Nation tires, whereas this one wears visually and bodily quieter, 20-inch Dunlop Grandtrek PT5A all-season tires. The unbiased entrance double wishbone suspension and rear coil springs are paired with the Restricted’s adaptive suspension, leading to a civil warrior that doesn’t crash and unsettle when negotiating damaged roads. It stands head and shoulders above the outgoing mannequin too, dealing with vertical oscillations higher and quelling them right into a smooth and tolerable shudder.
The 4Runner reveals wonderful lateral grip and cornering means, which means you possibly can carry extra pace into corners and keep a continuing radius at a gradual pace, greater than you’ll initially anticipate from such a big and boxy rig. It nonetheless rides very very like a pickup truck and isn’t almost as absorbent or supple as a unibody SUV, such because the Honda Passport or Toyota Highlander. Nevertheless, it’s usable every day with out lots of the compliance compromises that sometimes include an SUV like this.
Heritage Blue is a basic, almost-baby-blue color that gives a pleasant change from the everyday shades of white and black usually seen on the street. We expect this retro hue will age nicely because it showcases the 4Runner’s broad shoulders with out showing too female or toy-like. The working boards are electronically deployed everytime you open the doorways, and they’re extra handy and trendy than the fastened ones within the Land Cruiser, however taller of us received’t want them and can solely serve to muddy their pants throughout the winter months. Fortunately, there’s a swap for these energy steps subsequent to the steering column that may hold them from deploying.
Whichever trim you end up behind the wheel of, the 4Runner imparts a eager sense of invincibility on the street attributable to its elevated seating place. That ought to give drivers extra time and mind energy to understand the brand new inside. There’s a supersized 14.0-inch heart touchscreen, the most important we’ve seen in a Toyota. The interface is similar easy unit within the Corolla and Camry however its primary capabilities are made even simpler with giant button prompts and fonts, that are useful for the geriatric crowd. The chunky steering wheel additionally options a number of buttons for infotainment use, and doesn’t make the most of these haptic contact sensors that proceed to plague new autos.
On that be aware, the 4Runner options progressive and considerate additions reminiscent of a flat window sill that permits drivers to comfortably relaxation their arms, simply as they’d on their lounge sofa. It’s properly padded in leather-based as nicely. The 4Runner has additionally retained its signature rear window. The swap is on the headliner subsequent to the sunroof controls, and so they’re all computerized, so it solely takes a couple of fast actions to interact ‘full open-air mode’. Wind buffeting is minimal with all home windows down, leading to little turbulence coming into the cabin, even at freeway speeds. These are minor enhancements that make a major influence. There’s even a dashboard-mounted JBL speaker that may be ejected from its slot for transportable listening—a neat contact that appeals to campers or out of doors trekkers who wish to take their music with them. You may also sync the music with the automotive’s radio.
All Restricted fashions are outfitted with a 3rd row of seats for 7-passenger functionality. Whereas tempting, the third row just isn’t a viable possibility for taller occupants because the seats are mounted on the trunk flooring and elevated above the remainder. My six-foot body has to sit down hunched and contorted with my again towards the headliner and my knees nudged into the seat in entrance. The excellent news is that when the seats are folded down, you get a flat trunkbed for simpler loading of enormous, flat objects.
Toyota has hit some main residence runs lately, resurrecting the brand new Crown and Land Cruiser nameplates with an efficient platform and product to match. The brand new 4Runner has additionally knocked the ball out of the park with substantial enhancements to journey high quality, ergonomics, and effectivity, elevating this dated dinosaur right into a modern-day marvel. The Restricted trim stays our prime advice for its pragmatic choices listing and fan-favourite options such because the operable rear window, removable JBL speaker, and adaptive suspension. Paired with leather-based seats and 20-inch wheels on avenue tires, it’s the 4Runner we need and the one we are able to’t assist however suggest.
Specs:
Mannequin: 2025 Toyota 4Runner Restricted 7 Passenger
Paint Sort: Heritage Blue
Base Value: $54,200
Value as Examined: $68,999
Curb weight (kg): 2,197
Engine: 2.4-litre turbocharged four-cylinder
Horsepower: 278 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque: 317 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm
Transmission: 8-speed computerized
Engine & Drive Configuration: Entrance engine, 4WD
Noticed Gasoline Consumption (L/100km): 13.3
Tires: Dunlop Grandtrek PT5A all-season tires; 265/55R20
