2025 Toyota 4Runner Teases Its First Major Update In 15 Years

The Toyota 4Runner is old, one could say ancient by modern automotive standards, yet it still serves its purpose as a rugged, body-on-frame SUV. Not much has changed about the vehicle since the introduction of its fifth generation 15 years ago, back in 2009. However, that’s all set to change as the automaker has given us an early glimpse of the next-gen model, hinting at what promises to be the start of several weeks of teasers before its grand debut later this spring.

The first teaser was a playful Instagram post that you might have scrolled past, unless you’re a die-hard 4Runner fan. The automaker posted a six-photo slideshow of the model, asking fans if they could identify each vehicle’s model year.Although five of the photos showed a full vehicle, the sixth was a closeup of a 4Runner’s tailgate. Unlike the current SUV, the “4Runner” badge on the tailgate has migrated downward, and sits just above the bumper, rather than below the Toyota badge.The new model’s bumper is also painted silver, unlike the current 4Runner, whose bumper is painted the same color as the body.

The taillight on the next-gen model also appears to be redesigned, with black outlines around each segment.Read: 2025 Toyota 4Runner Rendered, Is Expected To Drop V6 For 4-Cylinder TurboElsewhere, the design of the next-gen 4Runner is expected to be evolutionary, and it is expected to be similar in size to the current model. The 2025 model will be based on Toyota’s TNGA-F, which it shares with the Tacoma, the Sequoia, and, the Land Cruiser, which is finally returning to America.That’s a bit awkward for the 4Runner, since it will be quite similar to the Land Cruiser. Toyota believes that it can differentiate them enough to keep them from cannibalizing each other’s sales, though.For instance, the Land Cruiser will only offer five seats, while the 4Runner is expected to hold onto its fold-down third row.