Just How Similar is the New 2025 Toyota 4Runner to the Toyota Tacoma?

Toyota revealed the all new 2025 Toyota 4Runner yesterday after teasing the new off roader the past few weeks on Instagram. The all new 4Runner comes with new engine, trim, interior, and color options and the styling is very similar to the design language of the 2024 Tacoma. This has gotten us thinking of just how similar the 2025 4Runner is to the 4th generation Tacoma.

Engine & Transmission

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner will carry over the same 2.4L turbocharged i-Force engine producing 278 horsepower and 317 lb ft of torque as well as the hybrid i-Force Max hybrid engine producing 326 horsepower and 465 lb ft of torque. These are the same power figures as you get in the 2024 Tacoma and the transmissions will carry over from the Tacoma to the 4Runner as well.

This isn't the first time we've seen Toyota share the i-Force Max from the Tacoma in other models. The same i-Force Max engine is the only engine option for the 2024 Land Cruiser which releases later this year. However, this is the first time we have seen Toyota share the non hybrid i-Force engine outside the Tacoma and we are excited to see this engine in the 4Runner

Interior

The driver and passenger area of the new 2025 4Runner is almost identical to the 4th generation Tacoma. The 4Runner will have the same optional 14" infotainment system that has been seen in most Toyota models across their off road lineup and the interior features the same digital dash, transfer case selector, and passenger grab handle as the Tacoma. The door side molle panels will also carry over to the 4Runner adding to the amount of storage capabilities. 

Styling

The front end of the 2025 4Runner looks very similar to the Tacoma but there are differences. The front grille of the 4Runner is split into two parts unlike the Tacoma where the grille is bigger and more pronounced. The new 4Runner also gets similar headlights as the Tacoma but this time with an amber DRL option that I hope carries over to the Tacoma for the 2025 model year. The design of the DRL on the 4Runner is also slightly different than the Tacoma although I do prefer the design of the Tacoma DRL.

Toyota has gone with black fender flares on TRD Off Road, TRD Pro, and Trailhunter trims of the Tacoma and we now see similar black fender flares on higher end 2025 4Runner models which I think is a great touch. The new 4Runner is also bringing back the rear roll down window to this new generation which is something Tacoma owners still miss out on. 

Trims

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner will come in 9 different trim options ranging from SR5 to the TRD Pro. This is one more trim than the Toyota Tacoma which ranges from the base SR trim to the fully loaded TRD Pro. The Trailhunter is also being carried over from the Tacoma to the 4Runner which will include accessories from ARB and Rigid Lighting and will include 33" tires as standard. A new Platinum trim of the 4Runner has also been introduced but we will not be seeing it on the Tacoma for the time being. 

Final Thoughts

With the release of the 2025 4Runner, Toyota completes its overhaul of their off road trucks and SUV's to the TNGA-F platform and we are so excited to see how well this next generation of Toyota trucks handle the trails! I personally love the look of the new 4Runner and I like how Toyota brought the 4Runner back to being similar to the Tacoma.

Let us know in the comments what you guys think of the next generation of Toyota off roaders and if you want to learn more about the 2025 4Runner check out this article here. We're starting to see more and more 4th generation Tacomas on the road so if you're just building out your Tacoma check out our selection of 4th generation Tacoma mods here.