Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro -- For $70k Is This The Best Off-Roader?

The Toyota 4Runner has long been a favorite among adventure seekers and overlanding enthusiasts, and the TRD Pro model takes this to the next level with its enhanced suspension and aggressive styling.

Whether you're looking for a reliable SUV for daily driving or a rugged 4x4 for extreme off-road adventures, this video will help you decide if the 4Runner TRD Pro is worth considering.

In this review, I'll dive deeper into the features and capabilities of the Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro, and explore whether it's worth the investment for those seeking the ultimate off-road experience.

With its 4x4 performance and rugged design, let me know if this 6th-generation 4Runner TRD Pro is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable and powerful off-road vehicle.

Also check out Drive Culture on YouTube. Drive Culture is detailed car review YouTube channel hosted by the ultimate car enthusiast, Jonathon Rivers.

Who is Jonathon Rivers?

Well, he's a +15 year Auto Industry veteran, born and raised in the Motor City!

He lived several years in Japan, speaks & reads Japanese, and now works for American Honda Motor. (Although this channel is his own & not affiliated)

He's owned several fun cars including a Evo IV, multiple Civic Si, Focus RS, and most recently the Integra Type S (which he lead planning for Acura)!

He's also been lucky enough to drive just about every key new product in the market from compact cars, to SUVs, EVs and super cars!

If that isn't enough to prove his "car guy" status, Jonathon has also been featured in Motor Trend, Car and Driver, AutoBlog, Jay Leno's Garage, Raiti's Rides and the SavageGeese channels! He's on Instagram here and Facebook  here.

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A transcript, cleaned up by AI and edited by a staffer, is below.

[Image: YouTube Screenshot]

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Transcript:

0:00

Here we are. I’m going to get straight, then put it in Sport mode and mat it. Here we go.

0:14

Yeah—this thing really picks up speed.

0:21

Welcome to Drive Culture. I’m Jonathan Rivers, and today I have the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. I’m going to tell you why this new 4Runner is the best generation yet. We’ll go over the exterior, interior, powertrain, and, of course, take it for a drive.

If this is the kind of content you’re looking for, or if you’re new to the channel, be sure to subscribe and click the bell so you don’t miss future videos. With that, let’s get started.

Pricing & Trims

0:54

Here we are with the latest sixth-generation Toyota 4Runner, newly launched for 2025. This example is pretty much fully loaded, with a few extra options. Before we get into pricing and trims, let’s briefly talk about the history of the 4Runner.

1:13

The 4Runner debuted back in 1984, so it’s been around for quite some time. This is now the sixth generation, and based on everything I’ve read so far, it’s shaping up to be one of the best. Let me know in the comments which generation is your favorite and whether you’ve had a chance to drive this new N500-generation 4Runner.

1:55

Entry-level 4Runner trims start just over $41,000. As you move up through the lineup, pricing climbs to the TRD Pro, which sits at the top. Base MSRP for the TRD Pro is $67,400, and with a few extra options, this particular vehicle comes in just over $70,000.

It’s not inexpensive, but considering the capability—being able to tackle nearly any trail in the country—the price may be justified for some buyers. One nice detail is that this paint color, called Underground, is included at no extra cost. Toyota is known for offering unique, sometimes one-year-only colors on the TRD Pro to keep things fresh and interesting.

Next, let’s take a full walkaround of the exterior.

Exterior

3:16

This is the exterior design of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. As the sixth generation, it’s a full redesign with new styling, proportions, features, and powertrains, all built on Toyota’s TNGA platform.

The Underground paint color looks almost like a flat primer gray on camera, but in person it can appear nearly black from a distance, especially in certain lighting.

4:10

The hood features aggressive character lines and a large, non-functional hood vent. While it’s mostly for style, it works well with the overall design. You’ll also find unique TRD Pro badging along the side.

Up front, the grille is large and bold, featuring Toyota’s heritage-style lettering in a bronze finish instead of the traditional emblem. This model also has a 360-degree surround-view camera system.

5:19

The TRD Pro gets full LED headlights, a step up from lower trims. The daytime running lights are amber, which is common in off-road applications for improved visibility at night. A small but neat detail: the headlights include illuminated “TRD” and “PRO” lettering.

This example also has an optional front light bar that activates with the high beams, along with rigid LED fog lights and multiple front parking sensors.

6:50

From the side profile, the flared front and rear fenders stand out, along with the black fender trim that comes with the TRD Pro package. Ride height is noticeably tall, and the wheel-and-tire setup is purpose-built for off-road use.

7:27

The 4Runner rides on 18-inch matte-black wheels wrapped in 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires (265/70R18). You can also see the FOX suspension components behind the wheels, finished in red.

Other exterior features include power-folding mirrors with integrated turn signals, black roof rails, black door handles, and sturdy side steps.

9:00

At the rear, the boxy design really comes together. Toyota’s spelled-out badge returns here, again with a bronze finish. The power rear glass still opens, a signature 4Runner feature that carries over into this generation.

You’ll also find LED taillights, TRD Pro badging, the i-Force MAX emblem, rear parking sensors, a tow hitch, and a full-size spare mounted underneath. Towing capacity is rated at 5,800 pounds.

Next, let’s head inside.

Interior

10:42

Inside the 4Runner TRD Pro, the cabin feels purpose-built and noticeably different from other Toyota interiors. Visibility is excellent thanks to the high seating position. This trim also includes a digital rearview mirror, which is especially useful when the cargo area is fully loaded.

11:50

The interior design is bold and rugged, with durable materials and textured surfaces throughout. The dashboard features a carbon-fiber-style trim with red accents and “Toyota” branding. Overall, everything feels solid and intentional.

The steering wheel is thick and nicely contoured, wrapped in dimpled leather with a red center stripe and TRD branding. Controls for audio, safety systems, and driver assistance are easily accessible.

13:33

The center console features physical climate controls, which are a welcome touch, along with a wireless charging pad, USB-C ports, and a 12-volt outlet. There’s also a large drive-mode selector and controls for four-wheel drive, terrain settings, and off-road features.

Storage is generous, with large cupholders and a deep center armrest.

15:24

The door panels feature leather trim, red contrast stitching, carbon-fiber-style accents, and TRD Pro branding. All-weather TRD Pro floor mats add another rugged detail.

16:25

The seats are leather-trimmed with red contrast stitching and perforation. Both front seats are power-adjustable, heated, and ventilated. A moonroof is standard, and overhead controls are neatly arranged.

The JBL premium audio system includes 14 speakers, including a removable Bluetooth speaker integrated into the dash—a clever feature for camping or tailgating.

17:52

The infotainment system is a 14-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Ahead of the driver is a 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster with customizable displays and off-road-specific information.

Next, let’s check out the second row.

Second Row

18:24

In the second row, there’s plenty of legroom and headroom for a driver around 5'10". Materials match the front seats, including leather, red stitching, and perforation.

Rear passengers get air vents, two USB-C ports, and a 120-volt outlet. The center armrest folds down to reveal cupholders, and all three headrests are adjustable.

The rear seats use a tumble-style folding design rather than folding flat, which is a change from the previous generation. Let me know in the comments how you feel about that update.

Next up: cargo space.

Cargo

20:51

The cargo area offers a wide opening and a raised floor design. Underfloor storage is available in the forward section, while the rear portion houses hybrid battery components.

With the second row up, cargo capacity is 42.6 cubic feet. Fold the seats down, and total space increases to 82.6 cubic feet.

This model also includes optional LED lighting in the cargo area and an exterior tailgate-mounted LED light for nighttime use. There’s another 120-volt outlet back here as well.

Now let’s talk about what’s under the hood.

Powertrain

23:10

This sixth-generation 4Runner introduces an all-new powertrain. Gone is the old V6, replaced by a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with hybrid technology.

In this i-Force MAX configuration, it produces 326 horsepower and 456 lb-ft of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission with part-time four-wheel drive.

Now let’s see how it drives.

Drive Review

24:30

This is my first time driving the new 4Runner. Right away, it feels very much like a body-on-frame vehicle—more truck-like than a unibody SUV.

26:08

Noise levels are well controlled, though you do hear some tire noise from the aggressive all-terrain tires. There’s a bit of body movement over uneven pavement, but that’s part of the 4Runner’s character.

Drive modes include Eco, Normal, and Sport. Eco prioritizes efficiency, Normal is well balanced, and Sport sharpens throttle response.

28:08

Even in Eco mode, the torque is immediately noticeable. Acceleration is strong, especially at low speeds, which is where this powertrain really shines.

Over rough pavement and railroad tracks, the suspension does a good job absorbing impacts without upsetting the vehicle.

30:09

In Sport mode, acceleration is noticeably stronger. The turbo provides a smooth, linear surge of power, and while this isn’t a high-speed cruiser, it feels confident and stable.

Braking performance is solid, and overall ride quality is impressive given the ride height and tire size.

Outro

34:11

That wraps up our drive review of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. What do you think of this sixth-generation model? Is it the best 4Runner yet?

Let me know your thoughts in the comments, and tell me if you’d like to see other trims or competitors featured on the channel. Thanks for watching, and I’ll see you in the next episode.