This week, we share our impressions of the redesigned 2025 Toyota 4Runner. Now in its sixth generation, the 4Runner retains its body-on-frame platform, preserving its rugged off-road identity while introducing some modern updates. We break down what Toyota got right—like easier access and more comfortable seating—as well as where the redesign falls short. Plus, we answer audience questions about vehicle drive modes and which manufacturers make the best physical controls.
Test results here:
Exclusive CR discount for Talking Cars viewers:
Talking Cars Archive:
2025 Toyota 4Runner:
First Drive: 2025 Toyota 4Runner:
Toyota 4Runner by Generation:
Toyota Brand Overview:
Tested: Does Eco Mode Really Save Gas?:
SHOW NOTES:
0:00: Intro
0:18: 2025 Toyota 4Runner Overview
1:29: What we love about the 4Runner
11:49: What we dislike about the 4Runner
22:56: Audience questions
23:17: Question #1: What does the Econ drive mode actually do?
26:22: Question #2: Which vehicles have easy-to-use controls? Will we ever see full voice-activated controls?
It is a nice car. Well built. IMO the TRD Off Road Premium gas version is the sweet spot, and this is what I bought. Everything one needs and nothing more. Of course we are talking about a highly off road capable vehicle which can be driven every day.
Love to see Ryan
It doesn’t matter how the 4Runner rides, handles, or the gas milage..they won’t build enough of them.
I love the rotary control on the Mazda. A vehicle screen is most often used when being driven, not sitting in a parking lot. Vehicles bounce along when driven, and touch screens make it difficult to hit the right spot on the screen. This is no problem with the Mazda system, and it keeps your eyes on the road more than a touch screen will. Mazda got it right.
Totally agree. To hear people complain (despite the support for touch when wireless CarPlay or Android Auto is enabled) that Mazda’s vehicle menu requires the control knob frustrates me—the complaints not the knob!
22 MPG in a body on frame SUV is awesome, regardless of the OEM.
Tesla voice controls work great. Doesn’t CR know this by now? A lot of the time we are laid back in automated driving too far to reach hard controls, both for comfort and to keep head and body far from the steering wheel and dash for safety in a crash. And “the best part is no part”.
I have 2017 SR5 4runner, yes lifted, but it has a power driver seat. To see Toyota remove that feature on $44k vehicle is disappointing. I have test driven a TRD off-road without the hybrid, and yes it has more power, but it doesn’t feel great. I feel like it would be fine replacement for my 5th Gen, but it doesn’t feel like a real upgrade.
Love the comparison between the forerunner with other off road vehicles. So tired of the comparison either Honda passport. Forerunner is a dad vehicle. Passport is a mom vehicle.
28:40 glad they moved away from the dual screen UI to a much better design.
But they’ll sell every one they *do* build, from $44k to $78k. Truck buyers always amaze me at what they’ll pay, given the COGS of body-on-frame trucks is roughly 40% of retail prices, as opposed to 60% for unibody cars & crossovers. IOW, trucks should cost at least 20% less!
I think a lot of the appeal is nostalgia and reputation. Toyota is the master using these to sell decontented, plain interior basic vehicles for top dollar. They know how to make money.
Great panel. Even though they had different specialties, they largely agreed. 4Runner has found the magic sauce if the overall evaluation is much better than evaluations on different attributes.
Really looking forward to your review of the RAV4.
I went to test the sr5. The dealer wanted 50k 😂. Walked out and decided to try a ford bronco instead.