Fifteen years. That is how long we waited for a new 4Runner. When Toyota finally pulled the sheet off the sixth-generation model, the internet collectively lost its mind over the Trailhunter’s snorkel and the TRD Pro’s fancy shocks. But let’s be real for a second. Most people aren't spending $65,000 on a dedicated rock crawler. They’re looking at the 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5. It is the "bread and butter" model, the one that sits at the front of every dealership lot from Maine to California, and honestly, it’s the version that defines whether this redesign is a success or a massive flop.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 is a total departure from the ancient 4.0-liter V6 we’ve been driving since the Bush administration. It’s built on the TNGA-F global truck platform—the same high-strength steel bones you'll find under the massive Tundra and the new Land Cruiser. This isn't just a facelift; it’s a transplant.
The Death of the V6 and the Rise of i-FORCE
If you’re looking for that old, grumbly V6, you’re out of luck. Every single 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 comes standard with the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine.
People get weird about four-cylinders in trucks. I get it. We’ve been told for decades that "there’s no replacement for displacement." But the numbers tell a different story here. This turbo setup cranks out 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. To put that in perspective, the old V6 only managed 278 lb-ft. You’re getting a massive jump in low-end grunt, which is exactly what you need when you’re trying to merge onto a highway or crawl over a curb at the grocery store.
The power delivery feels different. It’s snappier. The old five-speed automatic—which was basically a relic from a museum—has been replaced by a modern eight-speed automatic transmission. This means the 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 doesn't hunt for gears or scream at 4,000 RPM just to maintain speed on a slight incline. It’s smoother. Way smoother.
Does the SR5 Still Feel "Rugged" Inside?
Toyota knew they couldn't turn the 4Runner into a soft crossover. If you wanted a Highlander, you’d buy a Highlander. The interior of the SR5 is still built to take a beating, but it finally looks like it belongs in the current decade.
Standard equipment now includes an 8-inch touchscreen, but you can option it up to a massive 14-inch display that runs Toyota's latest Audio Multimedia system. It’s the same one designed by the Texas-based Connected Technologies team. It works. It doesn't lag. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are finally standard across the board, so you can stop fumbling with those braided lightning cables that always break.
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The materials in the SR5 are "sensible." You’ll find more plastics than you would in a Limited or a Platinum, but that’s kind of the point. It’s meant to be wiped down. It’s for people with dogs, kids, or muddy boots. You still get the physical knobs for volume and tuning—thank God—and the toggle switches for the climate control feel chunky and deliberate.
One thing that hasn't changed? The power rear window.
Toyota’s engineers confirmed that keeping that "roll-down" back glass was a non-negotiable part of the design. It’s the 4Runner's calling card. Whether you’re hauling long pieces of lumber from Home Depot or just want some airflow for your Golden Retriever, that window is still there, standard on the 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5.
Capability Without the "TRD" Tax
You don't need a TRD badge to go off-road.
The SR5 comes in both 2WD and 4WD configurations. If you opt for the 4WD, you're getting a part-time system with a two-speed transfer case. It has high and low ranges. It also features an Automatic Limited-Slip Differential (Auto LSD).
One of the biggest mechanical upgrades for this year is the addition of an optional electronic locking rear differential on the SR5. Previously, you usually had to jump up to a TRD Off-Road to get a factory locker. Now, you can build a 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 that is genuinely capable of handling 90% of the trails in Moab without paying the premium for fancy stickers and blacked-out wheels.
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The towing capacity has also seen a bump. It’s now rated for 6,000 pounds. That’s an extra 1,000 pounds over the previous generation. It might not sound like much, but it’s the difference between struggling with a small camper and towing it comfortably.
Safety Is No Longer an Afterthought
Old 4Runners were... let’s say "analogue" when it came to safety. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 (TSS 3.0). This is a massive suite of tech that includes:
- Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection
- Lane Departure Alert with Steering Assist
- Full-Speed Range Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
- Lane Tracing Assist
- Road Sign Assist
- Proactive Driving Assist
The Proactive Driving Assist is actually pretty cool. It uses the vehicle's camera and radar to provide gentle braking or steering support to help maintain distance between you and a preceding vehicle or cyclist. It’s not "self-driving," but it makes long road trips significantly less exhausting.
Addressing the Reliability Elephant in the Room
There is a segment of the Toyota fanbase that is terrified of this new engine. They look at a turbocharger and see a ticking time bomb.
It’s a valid concern if you’re planning on keeping a car for 300,000 miles. However, this 2.4-liter engine isn't exactly "new." It’s been used in the Lexus NX, the Highlander, and the new Tacoma. Toyota has a reputation for over-engineering their cooling systems and internals. While only time will tell if it matches the "unkillable" status of the old 1GR-FE V6, the early data from the Tacoma forums suggests it’s a stout powerplant.
Besides, the trade-off is efficiency. The old 4Runner was famous for getting "smiles per gallon" (usually around 17 or 18 MPG if you were lucky). While official EPA numbers for the 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 are still being finalized, the same engine in the Tacoma gets significantly better mileage. You're looking at a much more livable daily driver.
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Why the SR5 Wins on Value
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 is the "blank canvas" of the SUV world.
If you buy a TRD Pro, you’re paying for Toyota’s vision of a modified truck. If you buy an SR5, you save $15,000 to $20,000 upfront. That is a lot of money left over for aftermarket parts. You can choose your own lift kit, your own tires, and your own roof rack.
Even if you keep it bone stock, the SR5 gives you the core experience: the body-on-frame toughness, the legendary resale value, and the utility of a massive cargo area. It’s the smart play. It’s the version that makes financial sense for a family that needs a rugged commuter that can still handle a camping trip on the weekends.
What to Look for When Ordering
If you’re heading to a dealer to put a deposit down on a 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5, keep these things in mind:
- Check for the Third Row: The 4Runner is one of the few mid-size body-on-frame SUVs that still offers a small third row. It’s tight—really tight—but it’s an option on the SR5. If you have kids, it’s worth checking if the specific unit on the lot has it.
- Monitor the Packages: Toyota likes to bundle things. You can get an SR5 Premium package that adds SofTex-trimmed seats and a few more creature comforts. Decide if you really need the "fake leather" or if the durable cloth is fine.
- Color Matters: Toyota is known for "Heritage" colors, but those usually go to the higher trims first. The SR5 will have the standard palette—white, silver, black—but look out for colors like "Mudbath" or "Underground" which might show up later in the production cycle.
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 isn't the flashiest truck in the lineup. It won't win many beauty contests against its more expensive siblings. But it is the most honest version of the 4Runner. It’s a tool. It’s built to work, built to last, and finally, it’s built for the 21st century.
Next Steps for Potential Buyers:
- Locate a Dealer: Reach out to your local Toyota fleet or sales manager to see when their first allocation of SR5 units is expected to arrive.
- Test the i-FORCE: Don't take my word for it. Drive the 2.4L turbo back-to-back with an old V6 if you can find one. The torque difference is immediately noticeable.
- Compare the Tacoma: Since they share the same platform and engine, sitting in a new Tacoma will give you a very accurate feel for the 4Runner's driver ergonomics and infotainment before the SUVs hit the showroom floors in volume.