(Keywords: TNGA-F architecture, Prado same platform, disconnectable anti-roll bar, ARB shock absorber)
The new generation of 4Runner and the new Prado belong to the same platform model, but the previous generations are based on pickup trucks, more off-road temperament, 2025 model after the use of the new platform, the overall more refined, but also more Toyota high-end SUV off-road equipment, after 40 years of change, now 4Runner has evolved to the sixth generation, what are the highlights of the new generation of models?
Chassis suspension
The sixth-generation Toyota 4Runner is based on the new TNGA-F global architecture, sharing the platform with Tacoma, Tundra, the new generation Prado and other models, still using a non-load-bearing body, a high-strength box-type steel ladder frame forms the core frame of the vehicle, and the structure with large beams ensures off-road durability, and adopts the front double wishbone independent suspension and semi-independent multi-link coil spring suspension.
The design of the new generation 4Runner is inspired by Baja Desert racing, including a narrow body, high ground clearance, large tires, a powerful body design, and some features are directly derived from off-road racing, such as the new anti-roll bar disconnect mechanism, which can decouple the left and right wheels at the push of a button, and without the central anti-roll bar, the wheels are easier to stick to the ground, making it easier to pass through cross-axles and shell craters off-road.
The 4Runner is available in several versions, among which the off-road-focused Trailhunter version is equipped with an ARB-branded OME 2.5-inch forged shock absorber from the factory, with an independent cushioning structure that can absorb a certain amount of vibration when the vehicle jumps, reduce discomfort, and prevent the vehicle from bouncing twice, OME shock absorbers are compatible with the 33-inch Toyo Open Country A/ T all-terrain tires are fitted with two inches at the front and 1.5 inches at the rear compared to the standard version, with high ground clearance for increased passability.
The Trailhunter version also features a high wading hose for cleaner air when playing in creeks or deserts, as well as additional protection in the lower part of the chassis, including gravel fences and high-strength steel protection plates, and bronze "TOYOTA" lettering on the front of the car, a nod to older models.
Practicality of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner
First drive
The Toyota 4Runner is available in two powertrains, with a 2.4T i-FORCE four-cylinder engine with 278 hp and 430 Nm of torque, mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission. The other hybrid version is equipped with the same engine and gearbox, but inside the bell of the gearbox, a 48-horsepower electric motor is integrated, powered by a 1.87-degree nickel-metal hydride battery pack, with a total system output of 326 horsepower and a combined torque of 632Nm, which is even better than Toyota's old self-priming V8, and of course the fuel consumption is smaller than that of the old large-displacement engine.
Second, off-road
The 4Runner has three drive systems, including two-wheel drive, just-in-time four-wheel drive and full-time all-wheel drive, providing different consumers with a variety of choices, the two-wheel drive model is equipped with an automatic limited-slip differential (Auto LSD), the timely four-wheel drive model is equipped with an electronically controlled two-speed transfer case, the differential on the rear axle can be locked, and one lock has a certain off-road ability. The off-road-focused version of the Trailhunter features full-time four-wheel drive with a central differential lock. The 4Runner has been specially designed with mud and sand modes to make off-roading easier.
4Runner also has a CRAWL Control function, which is simply an off-road low-speed cruise function, you only need to focus on turning the steering wheel when driving, and the vehicle automatically controls the speed to reduce the difficulty of off-road. If you attach a trailer, the manufacturer recommends that the towing weight should not exceed 2.7 tons, and there is no problem in towing a small RV.
Third ride
With a length of 4.95 meters, the 4Runner is slightly longer than the Prado, and has a wheelbase of 2.85 meters. The front row is equipped with a 7-inch LCD instrument and an 8-inch central control screen, which can be optional12.3-inch LCD instrument and a 14-inch large screen, although the shape is rough, the in-car entertainment system is more than the traditional off-road vehicle, such as supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto wireless interconnection, with 4G car networking and Wifi function, the mobile phone can be used as a digital key, directly open the vehicle.
Fourth, assisted driving
The 2025 4Runner's driver assistance system is not eye-catching, but the basic equipment is all there, and it comes standard with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, including Collision Warning System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Warning with Steering Assist, Adaptive Cruise Control at Full Speed, Lane Keeping Assist, Road Traffic Sign Recognition, Automatic high and low beam switching and a series of active driving assistance functions, the new model has a new feature is the emergency stop system, which is an enhanced version of lane keeping assist, which monitors the driver's steering actions, if the concentration or unresponsiveness is unresponsive, the vehicle will send a reminder, if there is no response, such as the driver suddenly falls ill, the vehicle will automatically pull over, automatic emergency call.
Car selection detective point of view: Toyota 4Runner was born in the eighties of the last century, the early 4Runner is based on the Hilux pickup, is a closed cockpit pickup, rough and primitive, used as a tool car by many users, over time, 4Runner is more and more refined, based on TNGA-F global architecture to build means that 4Runner has changed, become a sister model of Prado, the shape is more tough, focus on off-road, and follow the trend of the times, there is a hybrid version, but the shortcoming is that the model is not well-known, biased off-road sacrifice a certain degree of comfort。 What do you think of the new 4Runner?