2025 Toyota 4Runner: Big but affable with a lot of personality

The fully-redesigned 2025 Toyota 4Runner is an even tougher vehicle than last year, and now can truly go off-road and off-script with power and prowess.  Just make sure you are ready for it.

The 4Runner is considered a midsize SUV yet it is built on a truck (not a car) platform.  That gives it extra width and girth in a commanding way, but again, make sure you are ready to handle all of that girth and mirth.  Parking can be a challenge, and indeed, it does not stop on a dime.

Also, it’s a body-on-frame build.

Steering and handling are precise, which is important for a tank such as this vehicle.  Yes, there are bigger SUVs out there, but this one is impressive just on size alone. (If you want a smaller SUV, consider the Toyota RAV4.)

The base engine is a 2.4-liter turbo with 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque. Rear-Wheel Drive is standard with the option to get 4WD, yet I really do think for a vehicle of this impression, 4-Wheel Drive or at least All-Wheel Drive should be standard.

Average miles per gallon is 21. You will get almost 50 cubic feet of storage behind the second row of seats – and over 90 cubic feet when you fold the backseats down.  You can haul a lot of supplies and food with the 4Runner, and when it comes to those of who identify as LGBTQIA++, since we all do a lot of volunteer work for our community, well, we do need the room.

There is a lot to like about this year’s 4Runner: it has a lot of utility and functionality for those of you who have largess to go along with your prowess. If you need a bit more flash and glamour, you will need to get a higher-end trim, like the 4WD Limited trim which I tested.  A touch of class, a lot of comfort and impressive first impressions make this year’s 4Runner a standout.

For now, new-car prices have not risen as much as had been expected, just two months into these unnecessary Trump tariffs.  We shall see how long that lasts. If you are looking to buy and can afford to do so, go shopping now. 

Pride is still in the air across the world.  Don’t let all those Beach Boys Brian Wilson Good Vibrations fly away without you taking in all that you can.

Remember, today (June 19) is a federal holiday for Juneteenth here in the U.S.  Post offices, government buildings and other places where friendly men in uniform can be found will be closed. If nothing else, go to the festivals and taste the barbeque: hot links are my favorite.

And as always, stay safe.  And out. And Proud.

U.S President Franklin Delano Roosevelt famously said, “We have nothing to fear but fear itself.”

Boy, are we being tested on that one right now.