Strolling into a local Toyota dealership back in 1985 could have you driving off the lot with a brand-new 4Runner SR5 for around $11,998, or $35,770 at 2025 prices. It's not hyperbole to say that everything has become more expensive, but the sixth-generation Toyota 4Runner is a special case. Toyota's hardy, reliable reputation continues to precede itself, but few versions of the current 4Runner could be described as inexpensive, with MSRPs starting upwards of $60,000. Yet there is some light at the end of this unpaved tunnel, as Toyota still offers a semi-affordable off-road version, aptly known as the 4Runner TRD Off-Road.2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-RoadThe LowdownWhen Toyota decided to completely revamp the 4Runner for 2025, it was long past due. The outgoing generation was 14 years old and starting to show serious signs of aging, even after Toyota threw some supersize screens at it. Now, the 4Runner lineup is modernized, offering the choice of both a standard straight combustion engine and a hybrid-electric version. While pricing peaks at $68,350 for the top-end Trailhunter hybrid unit, the exclusively gasoline-powered models start at a more reasonable $42,220 for a base model SR5. Our TRD Off-Road tester was priced right at its claimed sticker of $50,640 and offered a compelling blend of off-road ability and down-to-earth interior adornment. Vehicle Tested: 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Base Price: $50,640 Price as tested: $50,640 Location: Moab, UtahHow Does It Drive?2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-RoadJust because our test car was a near-base model didn't mean it was lacking in comfort or capability. I set off from the Gonzo Inn in Moab, Utah—which is surprisingly not owned by the family of Hunter S. Thompson—to conquer Hells Revenge, the 6.5-mile 4x4 trail in the confines of Sand Flats Recreation Area, in the bone-stock 4Runner TRD Off-Road. Both my ego and the ute's bumpers made it out unscathed.The trick to scaling these red rocks was equal parts driver patience and mechanical advantage. The TRD Off-Road trim comes stocked with a part-time four-wheel-drive system, thanks to an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case, Toyota's active traction-control system, and an electronically controlled locking rear differential. Dropping into 4Lo, the character of the TRD Off-Road immediately changed, making it feel close to unstoppable. Power delivery from the turbocharged 2.4-liter inline-four is shockingly linear considering the lack of any kind of hybrid assistance. Toyota claims peaks of 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque, the latter available from just 1700 rpm. That makes it possible to maintain a constant accelerator position when cresting even the steepest crag-rock walls. Similarly, the eight-speed automatic transmission was adept at intelligently holding a gear until it was sure that speed and surface confidence allowed an upshift, with shifting logic that takes account of pitch angle.2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-RoadSuspension articulation and traction were impressive as well. The TRD Off-Road comes standard with a set of Bilstein shocks, as well as 33-inch all-terrain tires on a set of 18-inch wheels. This combination ensures a total ground clearance of 9.1 inches, while the bodywork allows for respective approach and departure angles of 19 degrees and 24 degrees. These aren't the strongest figures of the 4Runner bunch, let alone by the standards of the off-roading world, but I managed to maneuver through the rock alleys, sand piles, and drop-offs without scratching either bumper. Notably, this base-model tester didn't come with Toyota's Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system, meaning I was going nose high over some obstacles without any vision below.Before taking on one of the hardest trails in Moab, I also spent some time with the TRD Off-Road model on the street. The positive trail-bound attributes of the engine and transmission carried over around town and on the highway, with plentiful power available for left-lane passing and smooth shifting throughout the powerband. Similarly, the suspension rides softly on paved roads, though the characteristic head-tossing wallow that accompanies most street-driven off-road rigs was present. Tracking within a given lane required a little more attention, and slowing down this 4850-pound SUV without drama required a little anticipation. Yet it is a comfortable place to spend hours at a time, even for a family of five. What's It Like to Live With?The screen shown here is of the 14-inch variety, not the smaller 8-inch model.The base-model character of my TRD Off-Road tester had plenty of charm. Cloth seats, an 8.0-inch infotainment display, and a single-zone climate control were the first signs that Toyota hadn't ordered an upscale version of its mid-level adventure rig, but the experience wasn't diminished in the slightest. The six-way, manually adjustable seats were properly cushioned and actually stayed cooler than their leather counterparts in the high-desert sun. Similarly, despite its relatively small screen, the infotainment display retained the only feature I really care about—Apple CarPlay—while improving my over-the-hood sightline on particularly steep ascents and descents. Leather is still present inside the TRD Off-Road trim, both on the steering wheel and shift knob, and the 12.3-inch instrument cluster is the same high-tech unit present on all other trims of 4Runner.2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-RoadDid I miss some of the more premium features present on higher-spec 4Runners? Not really, though the lack of the Multi-Terrain Monitor camera system made for more nerve-racking obstacle clearance. Even so, the TRD Off-Road's unfussy interior is beyond acceptable, especially for the likely customer base that is turning this new-car investment into a family hauler and off-road rig at once. Charging access is plentiful, with five USB-C ports plus a wireless charging pad built into the center console. Front-seat heating is also standard. So long as you aren't going to be wanting for extra screen size and leather seats, the TRD Off-Road is more comfortable on the road than its Trailhunter siblings and keeps up just fine on the trails.Should I Buy One?2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-RoadToyota shoppers are notoriously loyal, and it's likely that a prospective TRD Off-Road buyer will be cross-shopping other Toyotas alongside competitors from Jeep and Ford. Notably, the best competitor to the TRD Off-Road actually comes from its electrified 4Runner sibling, as the hybridized version of the TRD Off-Road trim starts at $53,440. That's only $3000 for a 48-hp boost in output and better mpg. Similarly, the TRD Sport Premium model loses out on off-road chops by way of a less capable suspension but swaps in SofTex power seats and the 14-inch infotainment display with JBL audio for less than $4000 more.The 4Runner primarily competes with Ford's Bronco and the everlasting Jeep Wrangler, both of which share a rugged, adventure-ready design with genuine off-road capability. While we'd be hard-pressed to recommend a Jeep Wrangler over the 4Runner for reasons of comfort, certain trims of the Ford Bronco, such as the Black Diamond and Outer Banks, are comparable mechanically while improving on interior digs and price point. Those shopping for a manual transmission will also be pleased by Ford's Bronco, though the bargain for a row-your-own Toyota comes in the form of the $43,295 Tacoma TRD Off-Road.It's no secret that the 4Runner has gained a strong lifestyle clientele, and it seems Toyota has priced it accordingly. There are certainly less expensive, more capable, and even more practical choices, but if you must have a Toyota 4Runner, it's hard to go wrong with a TRD Off-Road. You miss out on the TRD Pro and Trailmaster's rear sway-bar disconnection and other features, but you'll have to spend less or get a more affordable car payment while learning more about off-roading the old-fashioned way. 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-RoadHighlights and LowlightsWe Love: Muscular engine with plenty of low-down torque. Genuinely impressive off-road ability. Unfussy interior and those comfortable cloth seats.We Don't: No off-road camera system. Compact rear seat by segment standards. Middling fuel economy.Favorite Detail:The 4Runner has long been famous for its roll-down rear window, and it's still here for 2025. Dropping the window in dusty conditions isn't advised, but it's nice to be able to open it up around town.2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road
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