Just picked up my brand new 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4×4 on February 1st, straight from a dealership in sunny Southern California, and right at MSRP! I opted for the Underground exterior color with the Boulder cloth interior, a configuration that also includes the highly practical third-row seats and durable aluminum running boards/side rails.
To give you a full visual tour, I’m starting with an extensive photo collection showcasing my new ride, followed by my initial thoughts and driving experience.
After putting about 100 miles on the odometer, I’m ready to share my initial driving impressions. The new powertrain in the 2025 4Runner SR5 is definitely a highlight. Despite some concerns about potential turbo lag, I’ve experienced absolutely none. The engine feels responsive and powerful in all driving situations. Fuel efficiency has also been impressive, precisely matching the EPA estimates. I’m currently averaging 22.6 MPG with a balanced mix of highway and city driving in hilly terrain.
The SR5 trim is undeniably utilitarian and well-built. While some reviews suggested missing features in the US trim, it’s worth clarifying that heated steering wheel, heated seats, and inverter plugs for both the second row and trunk are not standard on the SR5. However, these could be added aftermarket, except perhaps the heated steering wheel. Another minor point is the absence of USB-C ports in the third row, which seems a bit odd given the availability of third-row seating in this trim.
What truly stands out is the inherent build quality of this truck. Having owned and driven numerous vehicles across different trims in recent years, the 2025 4Runner SR5 surpasses them all in terms of solidity and refinement. The cabin is remarkably quiet and free from rattles, squeaks, or creaks, even when carrying cargo. Road and wind noise are minimal, creating a surprisingly isolated and premium feel inside. If not for the cloth seats and smaller displays, you might easily mistake this for a higher trim level.
The third-row seats offer practical benefits beyond just extra passenger capacity. They create a more even cargo floor when folded down, which is excellent for car camping. Furthermore, they provide valuable additional seating for kids or smaller adults, increasing the vehicle’s versatility without a significant price jump. For just an extra $700, the third row is a worthwhile addition to the SR5, even if not used daily.
Payload and GVWR figures are important for any truck, and the door stickers on my 2025 4Runner SR5 provide the following details:
Payload: 1160 lbs / 525 kg (reduced 61 lbs / 28kg by modifications – per yellow sticker)
GVWR: 6075 lbs
Here are a couple more daylight photos, showcasing the Underground color under natural light. The 2025 4Runner is truly stunning.
Addressing Common Questions:
Based on some early questions, here are a few answers regarding the driving experience:
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Steering Feel: The steering is notably light, making it easy to maneuver at low speeds. Road feel is present but minimal, with lane keep assist being more prominent. It’s effortless to turn, even with just a finger.
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Front Seats and Seating Position: The manual seats are comfortable and easy to adjust. The Boulder cloth feels durable and pleasant. At 6’2″, I find the seating position excellent, and the center console doesn’t intrude on legroom. While the seat box might be slightly narrower than some larger SUVs, it’s still comfortable and spacious enough.
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Ride Quality: The ride quality is significantly improved compared to the previous generation. The 2025 4Runner feels more agile and planted, with reduced body roll. Nose dive during braking is still present, typical for this type of vehicle, but likely improvable with suspension upgrades. Keep in mind the SR5 has the base suspension setup.
Overall, my first impressions of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4×4 are overwhelmingly positive. It’s a well-rounded SUV that blends rugged capability with everyday comfort and practicality.
