Five Cool 4Runner Features According to U.S. News

The previous generation 4Runner had an impressive 15-year run, which is about three times the lifespan of most model designs. Sales stayed strong for the mid-size SUV with good towing capacity and genuine off-road ability throughout its production. However, towards the end, some 4Runner fans started to get restless. People here at Valley Hi Toyota, or others affiliated with Toyota in any way, were often asked, “When is the new 4Runner coming out? And what can you tell me about it?” The sixth-generation 4Runner finally debuted in 2025, and there was no shortage of things to discuss. U.S. News highlighted what they think are the five coolest features of the 2025 4Runner. 

Disconnecting Stabilizer Bar 

Stabilizer bars are good things.  They effectively keep independent suspensions from being a bit too independent by discouraging excessive vertical movement of the wheels, thereby limiting body roll in curves and corners.  That is great on the road, but can be limiting off it, particularly when the ground gets very uneven and you want all that vertical movement to keep your powered tires in contact with the ground. Standard on the TRD Pro and Trailhunter grades, the front stabilizer bar can be disconnected with the push of a button inside the cab, when needed to allow for full available wheel articulation. 

Built-in Air Compressor 

Every experienced off-roader knows that reducing tire pressure can increase traction off-road.  Reducing pressure can be pretty easy but bringing it back to proper road surface levels is not.  This built-in device eliminates the need to bring a separate unit with you with its own power supply. This unit is powered by the 4Runner itself, located on the passenger side of the cargo area, and includes a digital gauge.   

Heritage Design Points 

The first 4Runner, 1984, was a two-door model that was little more than the 1984 pickup truck with a cap to extend the roof and a second set of seats installed inside.  One of the most distinctive features of that cap was the rear quarter window that started higher than the other windows and wrapped an inch or so into the roof. The current 4Runner rear window design is a homage to the window treatment of the first two generations of 4Runners.  In the same vein, the roll-down tailgate window, long a staple of vintage station wagons, rare on SUVs, but present on every 4-Runner, continues on the sixth generation.   

The Snorkel 

You can’t miss it on every Trailhunter model.  It gives the impression that it is for providing air when much of the rest of the drivetrain is underwater, but that is not its actual purpose.  In fact, it is there to handle excessively dry surfaces rather than wet.  Wheels kick up dust off-road, and it can be even worse if you are following someone.  The snorkel is to prevent the engine from sucking in too much dust, giving your air cleaner a break and reducing the times you need to clean or replace it. 

Pop-Out Bluetooth Speaker 

Sure, the birds, bugs, and breezes of Mother Nature can provide their own enticing soundtrack, but sometimes, the right song can just perfect the outing.  The removable Bluetooth speaker is part of the JBL audio system and acts as that system’s front center speaker.  After you’re parked and kicking back outside, a push of the button will remove the speaker, which can be paired with your phone to provide that perfect musical enhancement to the great outdoors. 

Sure, there are countless other features of the 4Runner line. These are not only the most distinctive, but also demonstrate how Toyota understands its customers and life beyond the pavement.  Visit Valley Hi Toyota two view these and all the other great features of the sixth-generation 4Runner.