The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter arrives as a highly capable, factory-built overlanding machine packed with rugged suspension, a powerful hybrid powertrain, and thoughtful off-road features, but with a price tag near luxury territory and some trade-offs like limited payload and a firmer ride, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the drawbacks before deciding if it’s the right adventure rig for you.
PRO: Factory Built to Take on Overlanding
Instead of piecing together your ideal rig bit by bit, the Trailhunter hands you the keys to a turn-key overland vehicle with real capability baked in. It comes straight from the factory with an ARB roof rack, rock rails, and high-strength skid plates, making it genuinely trail-ready right out of the gate. A 2,400-watt inverter, a snorkel, and Rigid fog lights round out more of the features you would need for having fun off of the pavement.
PRO: The Suspension
With Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged shocks and rear remote reservoirs, the Trailhunter shrugs off rocks, ruts, and washboards like they’re barely there. As if that isn’t enough, the front stabilizer disconnect adds a whole new level of flex on uneven ground, giving the suspension room to work when you need it most.
PRO: The Powertrain
The Trailhunter’s i‑Force MAX hybrid powertrain pairs a 2.4L turbocharged four-cylinder with an electric motor to crank out 326 horsepower and a stout 465 lb-ft of torque. It’s a setup that feels powerful yet surprisingly refined. Whether you’re hauling gear into the mountains or towing up to 6,000 pounds, the 8-speed automatic transmission delivers smooth shifts and puts the power down with confidence.
PRO: Updated Interior
From the available 14-inch touchscreen to the 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster, the tech is a huge leap forward, and it makes everyday driving more intuitive. Toyota gave the Trailhunter thoughtful details like SofTex-trimmed seats, bronze interior accents, and rubberized floor mats that feel both upscale and adventure ready.
CON: Very Close to Lexus GX Price
For a vehicle that wears a Toyota badge, it’s hard to ignore that the Trailhunter’s price creeps dangerously close to Lexus GX territory. As capable as it is, the Trailhunter’s price tag makes you think twice, especially when vehicles like the Lexus GX offer both comfort and trail credibility for not much more.
CON: Lower Payload
In comparison to the old 5th generation 4Runner, the payload was nearly halved. Under 900 pounds of payload feels limiting, especially when you consider how much weight rooftop tents, recovery gear, and supplies can add up to.
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