2025 vs 2026 Toyota 4Runner: What to Know Before You Buy
2025 vs 2026 Toyota 4Runner: What to Know Before You Buy
The sixth-generation 4Runner arrived for 2025. Here is what Toyota updated for 2026, which engine and grade suit local driving needs, and what to check on a used 2025.
The 4Runner waited a long time for a redesign, and the sixth generation arrived for the 2025 model year, according to Toyota. Toyota says the 2026 4Runner enters the second year of that generation, so if you are shopping now, you are likely choosing between a new 2026 and a lightly used 2025. The bigger decisions are which engine, which grade and how much off-road gear you really need.
*EPA estimate as published by Toyota. Actual mileage will vary.
What changed for 2026
Toyota calls the 2025 4Runner the all-new sixth generation, built on the TNGA-F global platform it shares with the Tacoma, Tundra, Land Cruiser and Sequoia. The 2026 is the second year of that generation, so a 2025 and a 2026 share the same basic design, engines and platform.
One update Toyota notes for 2026 involves the Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism. It lets drivers increase suspension articulation at the push of a button, and it is standard on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter and now optional on the i-FORCE MAX TRD Off-Road Premium. The 2026 lineup includes nine grades, including the Trailhunter and Platinum, and the TRD Pro-exclusive Wave Maker color.
Engines: i-FORCE or i-FORCE MAX
| 2026 4Runner | i-FORCE | i-FORCE MAX |
|---|---|---|
| Type | 2.4L turbocharged | 2.4L turbocharged hybrid |
| Output | Up to 278 hp, 317 lb-ft | 326 hp, 465 lb-ft |
| EPA-est. highway MPG* | 26 | 24 |
| Standard on | SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium | TRD Pro, Trailhunter, Platinum |
| Also available on | Select TRD Off-Road and Limited | TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited |
All i-FORCE MAX models come standard with 4WD, and Toyota says hybrid models also add a standard 2400W AC power supply in the cabin and cargo area. The 4Runner is offered in 2WD, part-time 4WD and full-time 4WD, with the Limited and Platinum using full-time 4WD with an electronic locking center differential.
Toyota rates the 4Runner for up to 6,000 lbs of towing, with available tech like a trailer brake controller and Trailer Back-Up Guide with Straight Path Assist. If you carry a full load up the Cajon Pass or tow regularly, the i-FORCE MAX’s extra torque is worth a test drive.
Which 4Runner grade suits how you drive?
Everyday and family use
The SR5 includes an 8-inch multimedia screen, LED headlights and fog lights, a power rear liftgate window and 12 cup holders. The TRD Sport adds sport-tuned suspension, 20-inch wheels and a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. The Limited adds heated and ventilated leather-trimmed front seats, a 14-inch touchscreen and JBL Premium Audio. Toyota offers an available third row on the SR5 and Limited.
Weekend dirt roads
The TRD Off-Road adds high-strength underbody protection, 33-inch all-terrain tires, Bilstein remote reservoir shocks and Multi-Terrain Select with Crawl Control, plus a standard electronic locking rear differential. It is a strong match for trails out toward Stoddard and Johnson Valley.
Serious off-road and overlanding
- TRD Pro: FOX QS3 adjustable shocks and a TRD performance air intake
- Trailhunter: Old Man Emu shocks, onboard air compressor and ARB roof rack
- Both: Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism and 33-inch Toyo tires
- Platinum: Head-Up Display and a standard tow tech package
Every 2026 4Runner includes Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 with Proactive Driving Assist, according to Toyota.
Buying a used 2025 4Runner? Check these first
- Engine: i-FORCE or i-FORCE MAX
- Drivetrain: 2WD, part-time or full-time 4WD
- Third row, if you need seven seats
- Off-road wear on TRD and Trailhunter models
- Service records and open recalls
- Remaining factory coverage
Browse certified used Toyotas or used inventory. For more on the 4Runner, read how much cargo fits in the 4Runner Trailhunter and how well car seats fit in the 4Runner.
What else do High Desert shoppers ask about the 4Runner?
What is the difference between the 2025 and 2026 4Runner?
The 2026 is the second year of the sixth-generation 4Runner, so it shares the 2025’s design, engines and platform. For 2026, Toyota made the Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism optional on the i-FORCE MAX TRD Off-Road Premium, in addition to being standard on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter.
Does the 2026 4Runner have a hybrid?
Yes. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid makes 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. It is standard on the TRD Pro, Trailhunter and Platinum, and available on the TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium and Limited.
How much can the 2026 Toyota 4Runner tow?
Toyota lists a maximum towing capacity of 6,000 lbs for the 2026 4Runner. Towing requires additional equipment.
What MPG does the 2026 Toyota 4Runner get?
Toyota lists EPA-estimated highway ratings of 26 MPG for the i-FORCE engine and 24 MPG for the i-FORCE MAX hybrid. Actual mileage will vary by grade, drivetrain and driving conditions.
Which 4Runner grades are built for off-roading?
The TRD Off-Road adds Bilstein shocks, Crawl Control and a locking rear differential. The TRD Pro adds FOX QS3 adjustable shocks, and the Trailhunter adds Old Man Emu shocks, an onboard air compressor and an ARB roof rack. Both the TRD Pro and Trailhunter include the Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism.
See the 2026 4Runner in Victorville
Compare 4Runner grades at Valley Hi Toyota, 14612 Valley Center Dr in Victorville.
*EPA-estimated fuel economy as published by Toyota. Actual mileage will vary with driving conditions, driving habits and vehicle condition. Towing requires additional equipment. Specifications and grade details from Toyota’s 2026 4Runner announcement (Nov. 5, 2025), toyota.com and Toyota’s 2025 4Runner materials, and may change. See Valley Hi Toyota for details.
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