For over 40 years, the Toyota 4Runner has been the go-to midsize SUV for adventurers who want Jeep-like off-road chops without the constant fear of a breakdown. Launched in December 2024, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro is the sixth-generation pinnacle of this cult classic, sporting a new frame, a hybrid powertrain, and a tech-loaded interior that finally feels modern. We took this beast for a spin in its exclusive Mudbath color, tackling trails and tarmac to see if it can outshine rivals like the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler. With a 2.4L turbo hybrid pumping out 326 hp, Fox shocks, and a rugged yet refined vibe, this $67,000–$73,500 USD (~€62,310–€68,355 EUR) off-road king is ready to conquer. But is it worth your cash? Let’s dive into our full review and find out.
Exterior: Muscular, Mean, and Ready to Rumble
The 2025 4Runner TRD Pro looks like it could bench press a boulder. At 194.9 inches long, 78.7 inches wide, and 75.5 inches tall (with ARB roof rack), it’s 4 inches longer and 3 inches taller than its predecessor, with a 112.2-inch wheelbase. The Mudbath paint—a metallic bronze with a subtle sparkle—pairs with gloss black fender flares, a heritage-style “TOYOTA” grille, and a beefy hood scoop (likely cosmetic, but it adds swagger).
Full LED headlights, Rigid Industries fog lights, and an off-road LED light bar scream capability, while red tow hooks and a 10.1-inch ground clearance (1.5 inches more than the Limited trim) prep it for Dubai dunes or Colorado trails. The 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires on 18-inch TRD wheels and a thick steel skid plate seal the deal. Our gripe? Those gloss black flares will scratch easily on Sydney’s bush tracks.
Wow Factor: 8.5/10—aggressive yet iconic, but durability could be better.
What’s New:
- New TNGA-F platform, 2.5 inches longer wheelbase.
- Mudbath color, heritage “TOYOTA” grille, LED light bar.
- 10.1-inch ground clearance, 2 inches wider than non-TRD trims.
- Bolder than Land Cruiser, less flashy than Bronco.
Real-World Vibe: A Denver trailblazer cruises Moab’s slickrock in Mudbath glory.
Interior: Modern Comfort Meets Off-Road Grit
Inside, the TRD Pro is a massive leap from the dated fifth-gen 4Runner. The black interior (with camo-like inserts and red stitching) feels rugged yet upscale, with 12-way power driver’s seats and 8-way passenger seats that hug you through bumps. Soft-touch materials on the doors and dash, paired with synthetic carbon fiber trim, elevate the vibe, though hard plastics linger below.
A 14-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital cluster, and JBL sound system (decent but bass-light) bring it into 2025. Features like a removable flashlight, 120V outlet, and roll-down rear window add charm for Sydney campers. However, the 42.6 cu.ft. cargo space (82.6 cu.ft. with seats folded) is compromised by a 6-inch raised floor for the hybrid battery, and the non-flat load floor irks for overlanding. No third-row option (unlike SR5/Limited) limits family appeal.
Wow Factor: 8/10—comfy and techy, but cargo quirks disappoint.
What’s New:
- 14-inch touchscreen, 12.3-inch digital cluster.
- Camo-style seats, removable flashlight accessory.
- 2 inches more rear legroom (34.8 inches) than last gen.
- More refined than Tacoma TRD Pro, less plush than Lexus GX.
Real-World Vibe: An Australian family loads gear for an Outback adventure, loving the roll-down window.
Powertrain: Turbo Hybrid Muscle with a Catch
Say goodbye to the old V6. The TRD Pro’s i-Force Max hybrid pairs a 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder (278 hp, 317 lb-ft) with a 36 kW electric motor (48 hp, 184 lb-ft) for a combined 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, sent through an 8-speed automatic. It’s the most powerful 4Runner ever, hitting 0–60 mph in 7.1 seconds—peppier than the Land Cruiser and last-gen’s 8.5 seconds.
The part-time 4WD with a locking rear diff and sway bar disconnect tackles trails like a champ. But at 5,500 lbs, it’s 700 lbs heavier than before, and the 19-gallon fuel tank limits range to ~280–400 miles (real-world 16–18 mpg vs. EPA 23 mpg combined). The hybrid’s 1.87 kWh NiMH battery allows brief EV coasting, but it’s more about torque than efficiency.
Wow Factor: 8/10—torquey but thirsty and heavy.
What’s New:
- i-Force Max hybrid: 326 hp, 465 lb-ft, 8-speed auto.
- 0–60 mph in 7.1 seconds, faster than Land Cruiser.
- 5,800-lb towing capacity (down from 6,000 lbs on non-Pro trims).
- More powerful than Bronco, less efficient than Wrangler.
Real-World Vibe: A UAE off-roader powers through desert dunes with torque to spare.
Technology: Off-Road Smarts Meet Modern Conveniences
The TRD Pro is tech-loaded for trails and tarmac. Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 includes adaptive cruise, lane-keep assist, and auto cross-traffic braking, keeping Toronto commuters safe. A 360-degree camera with off-road views and trajectory lines makes Moab rock crawling a breeze. The 14-inch touchscreen supports wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto and OTA updates, though it lacks the RAV4’s latest software. Multi-Terrain Select (sand, mud, snow) and Crawl Control enhance off-road prowess, while a rear diff lock and sway bar disconnect tackle tough terrain. No heads-up display (unlike Land Cruiser) and no auto walk-away lock feel like misses. The ARB air compressor ($1,500) is a pricey but handy add-on for Dubai trailblazers.
Wow Factor: 8.5/10—trail-ready tech, but could use more polish.
What’s New:
- Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, 360-degree off-road camera.
- Multi-Terrain Select, Crawl Control, sway bar disconnect.
- 14-inch touchscreen with wireless connectivity.
- More advanced than Wrangler, less intuitive than Bronco’s tech.
Real-World Vibe: A Colorado adventurer uses Crawl Control to conquer a rocky incline.
Ride and Handling: A Truck That Feels Like One
Built on the TNGA-F body-on-frame platform, the TRD Pro is a beast off-road, with Fox Q3 shocks (remote reservoirs) and 33-inch Toyo A/T tires shrugging off potholes and rocks. The 10.1-inch ground clearance and sway bar disconnect make it a trail king, outclassing the Land Cruiser in rugged terrain. On-road, though, the 5,500-lb weight and soft suspension lead to a jittery, shaky ride with loose steering, feeling more truck-like than a Bronco. It’s quiet for a body-on-frame SUV, but the ARB roof rack adds wind noise. Wow Factor: 7.5/10—unstoppable off-road, wobbly on pavement.
What’s New:
- TNGA-F platform, stiffer than last gen.
- Fox Q3 shocks, 1-inch lift over TRD Off-Road.
- 33-inch Toyo tires, 10.1-inch ground clearance.
- Tougher off-road than Land Cruiser, less refined than Bronco.
Real-World Vibe: A Sydney off-roader tackles bush trails with ease but feels the shake on highways.
Pricing: Premium Price for Premium Capability
The TRD Pro starts at $67,000 USD (€62,310 EUR), plus a $1,400 destination charge, with our test car hitting $73,500 USD (€68,355 EUR) after $4,700 in accessories (ARB roof rack, air compressor, rear skid plate). The base 4Runner starts at $40,770, but the hybrid-only TRD Pro and Trailhunter are top-tier. In Australia, expect ~$90,000–$100,000 AUD (~€55,800–€62,000 EUR). It’s pricier than a base Bronco ($38,000) or Wrangler ($40,000), but comparably equipped rivals hit $70,000–$75,000. For the tech, power, and reliability, it’s a solid deal. Wow Factor: 8/10—expensive but competitive.
What’s New:
- Base price: $40,770 USD; TRD Pro: $67,000 USD.
- $2,000 premium for i-Force Max hybrid vs. non-hybrid.
- ~$90,000–$100,000 AUD in Australia.
- Matches Bronco/Wrangler pricing at high trims.
Real-World Vibe: A Seattle adventurer snags a TRD Pro for trail-ready reliability.
Final Thoughts: A Worthy Evolution with Some Quirks
The 2025 4Runner TRD Pro is a Japanese tank that lives up to its legend, blending wild off-road capability with modern tech and comfort. Its 326 hp hybrid, Fox shocks, and iconic styling make it a compelling rival to the Bronco and Wrangler, especially for Denver or Dubai trailblazers who value Toyota’s bulletproof reliability. But the jittery ride, compromised cargo space, and so-so fuel economy (16–18 mpg real-world) might give urban buyers pause. At $67,000–$73,500, it’s a premium buy, but the TRD Pro’s off-road prowess and cult appeal make it worth it for the faithful.
Comparison Table
| Feature | Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro | Ford Bronco (Wildtrak) | Jeep Wrangler (Rubicon) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price (USD/EUR) | $67,000–$73,500 / €62,310–€68,355 | $58,000–$75,000 / €53,940–€69,750 | $55,000–$75,000 / €51,150–€69,750 |
| Powertrain | 2.4L turbo hybrid, 326 hp | 2.7L V6, 315 hp | 3.6L V6, 285 hp |
| 0–60 mph | 7.1s | 6.5s | 7.5s |
| Fuel Economy (mpg) | 23 combined (16–18 real-world) | 19 combined | 20 combined |
| Ground Clearance | 10.1 inches | 11.6 inches | 10.8 inches |
The 4Runner offers superior reliability and tech but lags in on-road refinement and fuel economy.
Buyer’s Guide: Who’s It For?
- Off-Road Enthusiasts: TRD Pro’s Fox shocks and sway bar disconnect suit Colorado or UAE trailblazers.
- Toyota Loyalists: Cult fans in Australia wanting reliability over flash.
- Urban Adventurers: Seattle commuters needing weekend trail capability.
- Avoid If: You prioritize smooth on-road handling or max cargo space. Check Toyota dealers or carsguide.com.au for Q4 2025 availability.
Top 10 Reasons to Buy the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
Top 5 Reasons to Avoid the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro
On sale in the USA since December 2024; Australia and UAE expected Q4 2025.
Tackles tough trails with Fox shocks, 10.1-inch clearance, and Crawl Control.
Adds power but compromises cargo and fuel tank size; non-hybrid better for cargo needs.
About the Author
Redline Reviews Redline Reviews formally known as 2theRedline, produces detailed and honest videos on all things automotive with special attention placed toward actual in-market consumers looking to purchase their next new vehicle.
Sources
- YouTube: “The 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Is A Japanese Tank Built To Take On The Best Off-Road Trails” – https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rQIbUn_XyY
- Car and Driver: https://www.caranddriver.com
- MotorTrend: https://www.motortrend.com
- CarsGuide: https://www.carsguide.com.au
- AutoBlog: https://www.autoblog.com
- The Drive: https://www.thedrive.com
- Edmunds: https://www.edmunds.com
- Kelley Blue Book: https://www.kbb.com
- Top Gear: https://www.topgear.com
- AutoExpress: https://www.autoexpress.co.uk
- CarExpert: https://www.carexpert.com.au
- Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org
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