Snorkels, Skid Plates, and Swagger, Oh My!

2025 | automotive critiques | critiques | suvs | toyota | toyota 4runner

The Trailhunter grade takes the bones of the brand new 4Runner and cranks up the ruggedness issue. It seems like a manufacturing unit SEMA construct, with bronze 18-inch wheels wrapped in Goodyear Territory R/T tires, a high-clearance entrance bumper, practical rock rails and tow hooks, and skid plates product of high-strength metal.

Whereas some Trailhunter patrons might by no means totally faucet into its boulder-crawling potential, that does not change the truth that Toyota constructed this factor to take abuse, and look good doing it.

There’s a ten,000-lumen LED gentle bar nestled into the bronze heritage grille and dual-mode Inflexible fog lights beneath. Toyota even suits an air consumption snorkel-style consumption on the A-pillar, which appears like a jet engine when the home windows are down and also you’re hammering the throttle, although it quiets down significantly with the glass rolled up. Below the hood, the Trailhunter shares the Tacoma’s I-Drive Max hybrid powertrain. That’s a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an electrical motor, good for a stout 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft. of torque. It drives all 4 wheels by a strong part-time 4WD system with a two-speed switch case.

The engine by no means feels underpowered, and is much more responsive and satisfying to drive than the getting old V6 within the last-gen 4Runner. The Trailhunter additionally affords Multi-Terrain Choose, Crawl Management, a locking rear differential, and even a entrance sway bar disconnect that will increase wheel articulation for tackling tough trails. There’s a Tow/Haul mode as nicely, and the SUV can pull as much as 6,000 kilos, excellent for bringing alongside ATVs, dust bikes, or a fishing boat.

The Trailhunter’s driving expertise is outlined by the Previous Man Emu 2.5-inch solid monotube shocks with exterior reservoirs. They’re tuned extra for experience consolation and terrain compliance than for high-speed desert blasts, which is strictly what most 4Runner patrons are after. The SUV’s lifted stance, 2 inches up entrance and 1.5 inches out again, improves strategy and departure angles to 33 and 24 levels respectively, with a 24-degree breakover and 10.1 inches of floor clearance. There’s additionally a disconnecting entrance sway bar to additional enhance wheel journey. Regardless of its off-road intentions, the 4Runner Trailhunter nonetheless feels safe and composed on pavement, and its high-torque hybrid drivetrain helps masks a few of the weight you’d in any other case really feel in a car of its measurement.

Inside, the Trailhunter is extra sensible than luxurious, but it surely’s nonetheless fairly snug. The entrance seats are heated and ventilated, with bolstering and a supportive seating place that gives glorious visibility. The seats are trimmed in Softex, a clean, artificial leather-based that is indistinguishable from the true factor, and simpler to maintain clear.

A big 14-inch touchscreen dominates the middle stack, operating Toyota’s newest multimedia interface with wi-fi assist for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. 4 auxiliary switches make it simple to wire in equipment like roof-mounted lights or a winch. There’s a digital rearview mirror and a number of cameras to assist spot obstacles, in addition to a complete suite of driver help options, together with adaptive cruise management and lane protecting.

The cabin supplies are rugged and sturdy with out feeling spartan, and the door panels function deep storage pockets that are perfect for bottles, gloves, or restoration gear. The dashboard features a considerate passenger-side tray for storing a telephone or small gear. There’s additionally a detachable JBL Bluetooth speaker built-in into the audio system, excellent for fireplace tunes after an extended day on the path.

Second-row passengers will discover enough headroom however might discover the legroom is tighter than anticipated. Just like the Tacoma, the rear seats are extra about sturdiness and performance than lounging consolation. Nonetheless, they tumble ahead simply to develop cargo house, and rear-seat vents and USB ports make the house extra accommodating. There’s no third row within the Trailhunter, which is sensible given its deal with hauling gear slightly than additional passengers.

Cargo capability is 42.6 cubic toes with the seats in use and 82.6 cubic toes when folded. It is plentiful, however price noting that the hybrid battery takes up a few of the underfloor storage you’d discover in non-hybrid 4Runner variants, which provide about 10% extra cargo room. That stated, the load ground is flat and vast, and there’s nonetheless ample house for overlanding necessities or a weekend’s price of tenting tools. The cargo space is properly lit for nighttime gear sorting. One other good Trailhunter function is the built-in air compressor, which is nice for airing tires again up after driving on rocky or sandy terrain.

As an alternative of swinging outward, the 4Runner’s liftgate opens vast and excessive, and the rear window might be raised or lowered from exterior utilizing pushbuttons on the tailgate.

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter is a showcase of how far Toyota has are available in constructing factory-tough autos that require nearly no aftermarket modifications to hit the path. It’s not low cost, however it’s impressively well-equipped. If the $66,900 base price ticket feels steep, it’s price remembering that it undercuts totally constructed aftermarket rigs, and it comes with a manufacturing unit guarantee. For patrons in search of a professional off-road SUV with Toyota reliability and hybrid torque, there’s nothing else fairly prefer it. In case you’re planning to discover locations the place the pavement ends, and perhaps disappears altogether, the Trailhunter is able to lead the cost.