Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter 2025: Overlanding Dream Tested
Introduction to Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter is a bold addition to Toyota’s redesigned sixth-generation 4Runner lineup, tailored for overlanding enthusiasts. Tested by Car and Driver in California’s San Bernardino Mountains, this hybrid-powered SUV combines rugged capability with modern refinement. Priced at $68,350, it’s the priciest trim, packed with off-road gear and a 326-hp i-Force Max hybrid powertrain. In this blog, we explore how the Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter delivers on its overlanding promise, hitting trails in fall 2025.
Off-Road Prowess and Hybrid Power
The Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter shines off-road, equipped with 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/T tires, Old Man Emu 2.5-inch shocks, and a disconnecting front stabilizer bar for enhanced articulation. Its 2.4-liter turbo four-cylinder, paired with a 48-hp electric motor, delivers 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, ideal for crawling over rocks or powering through mud. Car and Driver noted its “floaty yet controlled” ride on rutted trails, with a high-mount air intake (not a true snorkel) feeding cleaner air. The hybrid’s 6000-pound towing capacity matches non-hybrids, surpassing the Jeep Wrangler’s limit.
Design and Overlanding Features
Designed for adventure, the Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter sports a high-clearance bumper, steel skid plates, and an ARB roof rack supporting 700 pounds—perfect for rooftop tents. Its bronze wheels and retro “TOYOTA” grille add style, while Rigid LED fog lights (white or yellow) and a 20-inch LED light bar illuminate dark trails. The interior, shared with the Tacoma, features a 14-inch touchscreen, Multi-Terrain Monitor, and a 2400-watt inverter for powering gear. However, the hybrid battery reduces cargo space to 42.6 cubic feet versus 48.4 in non-hybrids, a trade-off for electrified power.
Real-World Performance and Drawbacks
Car and Driver’s test revealed the Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter excels in overlanding but isn’t flawless. Its soft suspension causes body lean on pavement, and the 15.9 mpg observed (versus EPA’s 23 mpg combined) reflects its rugged setup. The raised cargo floor and lack of a sunroof (to prioritize the roof rack) may deter some. Still, features like the roll-down rear window and rearview camera mirror enhance practicality. Compared to the TRD Pro, the Trailhunter prioritizes slow-speed crawling over high-speed desert running.
Why It Appeals to Adventurers
The Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter is a factory-built overlanding rig, eliminating the need for aftermarket upgrades. Starting at $68,350, it’s pricier than a base SR5 ($42,220) but offers unmatched trail-ready gear. While a Land Cruiser costs less, the Trailhunter’s specialized features—like rock rails and a locking rear differential—cater to serious off-roaders. For more on Toyota’s off-road lineup, see . Full review at Car and Driver.
Conclusion
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter blends hybrid efficiency with overlanding prowess, making it a top choice for adventure-seekers. Despite minor on-road compromises, its trail-ready design and robust features deliver. Whether you’re exploring remote trails or camping under the stars, this SUV is built to get lost in style. Stay tuned for its dealership arrival in early 2025!
