Just picked up my brand new 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4×4 on February 1st, directly from a dealer in sunny Southern California, and paid only the MSRP! My specific model comes in the sleek Underground color, paired with a comfortable Boulder cloth interior. It’s also equipped with the practical third-row seats and sturdy aluminum running boards/side rails, making it ready for both family duties and weekend adventures.
Let me start by sharing a comprehensive photo collection showcasing my new ride, followed by my initial thoughts and driving impressions of the 2025 4Runner.
Driving Experience and Initial Impressions
After putting about 100 miles on the odometer of my new 2025 4Runner, I’m thrilled to share my initial driving experiences. The new powertrain is a standout feature. Despite some reviews mentioning concerns about power, I’ve found it to be more than adequate. There’s absolutely no sense of weakness, and I haven’t experienced any turbo lag or hesitation whatsoever. The engine response is smooth and immediate, making for a very confident driving experience.
Fuel efficiency has also been surprisingly accurate to the EPA estimates. In a mix of 50/50 highway and hilly city driving in Southern California, I’m averaging 22.6 MPG. This is precisely in line with expectations and a welcome improvement for a vehicle of this size and capability.
SR5 Trim: Utilitarian and Well-Built
As the photos hopefully convey, the SR5 trim of the 2025 4Runner is exceptionally utilitarian. It provides everything you need without feeling stripped down. There were some initial confusions from reviewers regarding features in the USA trim, specifically heated steering wheel, heated seats, and inverter plugs for both the second row and trunk. It’s confirmed that these are not standard on the SR5. However, for those interested, adding heated seats and inverter plugs aftermarket should be relatively straightforward. The heated steering wheel might be a more complex addition. Another minor point is the absence of USB-C ports in the third row, which seems a bit unusual given the availability of third-row seating in this trim.
What truly impresses me is the inherent build quality of this truck. Having owned and driven numerous vehicles across different trims over the past five years, I can confidently say the 2025 4Runner stands out. The cabin is remarkably solid and quiet. Even when driving over uneven surfaces, there are absolutely no rattles, squeaks, or creaks, even with items stored in the rear under-floor storage. Tire noise is minimal, and the cabin is well-isolated from both road and wind noise. Honestly, if it weren’t for the cloth seats and the standard-sized displays, you might easily mistake this for a higher trim level in terms of refinement and quietness.
Third-Row Seating Practicality
The inclusion of third-row seats in the 2025 4Runner SR5 adds significant versatility. Firstly, when folded down, they create a nearly flat cargo floor, minimizing the height difference between the second-row seats and the cargo area. This is a great advantage for anyone considering car camping. Secondly, the third row genuinely expands passenger capacity, comfortably accommodating two additional kids or smaller adults (around 5’8″ or less). While I don’t anticipate using the third row constantly, it’s a valuable feature to have, adding considerable functionality to the SR5 for a modest additional cost.
Payload and GVWR Details
For those interested in the practical specifications, here are the payload and GVWR figures from the door stickers of my 2025 Toyota 4Runner:
Payload: 1160 lbs / 525 kg (reduced 61 lbs / 28kg by modifications – as indicated by the yellow sticker)
GVWR: 6075 lbs
And just to showcase how great this SUV looks in daylight, here are a couple more photos:
Addressing Common Questions
Based on some common questions I’ve seen, here are my initial answers after driving the 2025 4Runner SR5:
Steering Feel: The steering is indeed light, very easy to turn even with just a finger. Road feel is present but minimal. You’re more likely to notice the lane keep assist. It’s not a negative, but worth noting.
Front Seats and Seating Position: The seating position is excellent. Manual seat adjustments are quick and convenient, especially when sharing the car. The cloth seats are very comfortable and feel durable. At 6’2″, I find the seat to be comfortable, though the seat box might feel a bit narrower compared to some larger SUVs. The center console design is not intrusive at all.
Ride Quality: The ride quality is significantly improved compared to the previous generation. It feels more agile and controlled, with reduced body roll. Braking does still exhibit some nosedive, which is typical for SUVs, and likely 개선able with suspension upgrades. Keep in mind the SR5 has the standard suspension setup.
I know this is a lengthy initial review, and perhaps commenting on each photo individually would have been another approach. However, I wanted to provide a comprehensive overview of my first impressions. Feel free to drop any questions in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer them and provide more photos or information as needed!
