Our adventure with the 4Runner started in Denver, Colorado, where Craig had attended the annual 4XFall event hosted by the Rocky Mountain Automotive Press. The event brought together journalists and manufacturers to test some of the latest trucks and SUVs in true mountain conditions. What better way to experience the new 4Runner than to drive it home from the Mile High City to Springville?

That trip from Denver to Springville, across the wide-open plains and then through the Rockies and Wasatch mountains, gave us our first long-distance impressions of Toyota’s redesigned SUV. The 4Runner’s 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, paired with a smooth eight-speed automatic transmission, delivered more than enough power for mountain passes and highway cruising. With 278 horsepower and 317 pound-feet of torque, the new powertrain not only feels livelier than the outgoing V6 but also improves fuel economy — a welcome update for anyone used to the previous generation’s thirstier engine.

As soon as Craig settled into the driver’s seat for the journey home, the differences were obvious. The cabin felt roomier and more refined, a mix of rugged utility and upscale touches that the Limited trim does so well. The Heritage Blue paint turned heads at virtually every stop, often sparking conversations with curious onlookers about whether this was the “new 4Runner.” Toyota has managed to keep the iconic boxy silhouette, which off-road enthusiasts love, while modernizing the front grille and lighting to give it a fresh but familiar face.

A workday road trip north

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We didn’t have to wait long to put the 4Runner to work again. Just a couple of days after returning from Denver, Craig and his sister Marci headed up I-15 to Ogden for a Tuesday work meeting at the Standard-Examiner.

This was the perfect test of the 4Runner’s highway manners. In the past, 4Runners were known more for their trail prowess than long-distance comfort. However, the 2025 Limited 4WD impressed us with its quieter cabin, supportive leather-trimmed seats and the latest Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 driver-assist technologies. Adaptive cruise control, lane-keeping assist and a more advanced pre-collision system made the drive less tiring and safer.

Marci especially appreciated the commanding view from the passenger seat. The higher seating position and large windows made the ride feel open and airy, a feature that’s long been a hallmark of the 4Runner. As we rolled into Ogden, we were both reminded how much easier road trips have become with Toyota’s updated infotainment system, which now features a a 14-inch touchscreen, wireless Apple CarPlay and a 12.3-inch digital driver display.

The visit to the Standard-Examiner was seamless, and on the return trip, Craig couldn’t resist finding a short gravel road outside of Ogden to feel how the 4Runner’s new suspension handled rougher terrain. The result? A stable, planted feel that inspires confidence both on and off pavement.

A third row for growing needs

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One of the big updates for the 2025 4Runner Limited is the addition of an optional third row of seating. Although compact, the third row is a welcome addition for families who occasionally need to transport extra passengers.

We tested it out after returning from Ogden by folding up the seats in the back. While it’s not spacious enough for full-sized adults on a long trip, the third row is perfect for kids or a couple of friends who need a ride across town. The fact that Toyota has managed to include this feature without compromising much cargo space is a testament to the SUV’s clever interior design.

Fold the third row flat, and you’re left with a generous cargo area that handled any of our stuff with ease. The split-folding second row adds even more flexibility, which we would soon put to good use.

Putting it to work in Springville

On Friday, the 4Runner once again proved its versatility. Craig needed to haul some black lighting gear for a special event at a local elementary school in Springville. The event required bulky but fragile equipment that had to be transported carefully.

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Thanks to the 4Runner’s wide rear hatch opening and flat cargo floor, loading the gear was a breeze. Tie-down points in the cargo area kept everything secure during the short trip to the school. The Limited trim’s power liftgate, which can be opened hands-free, was especially convenient when juggling boxes and bags.

It’s moments like these that highlight why the 4Runner has remained a favorite among Utah families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re heading into the mountains, driving to a business meeting or hauling gear for a community event, this SUV handles it all.

Driving dynamics: rugged meets refined

One of the most impressive aspects of the new 4Runner is how much more refined it feels without losing its rugged character. The updated suspension, improved steering response, and better sound insulation have transformed the on-road experience. Yet, it still retained the body-on-frame construction and high ground clearance that make it such a capable off-roader.

Our Limited 4WD tester came equipped with Toyota’s sophisticated full-time four-wheel-drive system and a locking center differential. We didn’t get a chance to tackle serious trails during our weeklong drive, but the brief gravel detour near Ogden showed the 4Runner’s suspension soaked up ruts and washboards with ease.

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The ride is noticeably smoother than in previous models, which sometimes felt stiff on uneven roads. Combined with the turbocharged engine’s ample low-end torque, the 4Runner now feels equally at home on the highway and the backcountry.

At the end of the week

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD impressed us as a true do-it-all SUV. It retains the rugged capability and adventurous spirit that have defined the nameplate for over 40 years while finally offering the comfort, technology and versatility that modern families demand.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD honors its legendary roots while evolving for the future. With improved comfort, a more efficient engine, and new family-friendly features like a third row, it remains one of the most versatile SUVs on the market. Whether it’s a cross-state road trip, a business commute or a community event, the new 4Runner delivers with confidence and style.

Base price: $57,400

Destination charge: $ 1,450

Price as driven: $62,740