Experienced by Leon Brittain
It’s time for a mud bath, but not that long-awaited spa treatment! I’m referring to the earth-toned Mudbath color scheme from the Land of the Rising Sun which conjures adventurous mindsets. Therefore, if your spirit craves a rugged sport utility vehicle that brings out the thrills of the Great Outdoors, then look no further than the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro.
Since 1984 the midsize SUV has been taking loyal owners on family quests and expeditions. For additional bravado, step up to the tough-as-nails 4Runner TRD Pro 4×4 featuring enthusiastic off-road prowess that allows you and the crew to venture into the wild whenever euphoria is needed.
Incorporating a boisterous front end and contrasting blacked-out everything, including the aggressive black fender flares, 18″ TRD Pro Matte Black alloy rims wrapped in knobby 33” Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires (replaces the prior Nitto Terra Grapplers), TRD Pro badges, tailgate spoiler, mirror caps, roof basket, door handles, taillamp covers, and the split black, honeycomb grille.
The new 4Runner is extremely capable and looks the part with a physique that is as chiseled and athletic as that of Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley. However, don’t expect fancy amenities that would typically sway the direction of luxury SUVs because that’s not this Toyota’s forte.
My test model came with the 2.4-liter 4-cylinder turbocharged i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine producing 326-horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission, acceleration is excellent and braking is confident. The 4Runner can be selected with 2-wheel, part-time 4-wheel, or full-time 4-wheel drive. Again, this is an off-road vehicle so don’t anticipate smooth sailing on highways. The suspension is also bouncy and the SUV tends to lean when turning. Remember, TRD PROs are designed for aggressive use in sand, mud, and off-road trail running.
Inside you will find a vertical center stack with large robotic dials and an available 14″ Toyota Audio Multimedia touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. The husky cabin features dual USB-C ports up front, a power-adjusting steering wheel, passenger grab handles, and the impressive 14-speaker JBL sound system to keep the drive alive. The rear windows roll down completely, yet second-row legroom is tight. The coolest amenity of the 4Runner’s cabin is the portable JBL FLEX Bluetooth speaker. You can remove it from atop the dash for listening pleasures while grilling, camping, or hanging out. It can also withstand 30 minutes in 3 ft of water.
I mentioned TRD Pro a few times for various reasons. It is the progressive 4Runner model to choose if you want to showcase your body-on-frame utility with both style and capability. TRD, which stands for Toyota Racing Development, has been revered in off-road motorsports for years. TRD Pro SUVs and trucks are engineered with the finest equipment for confidently handling off-road courses. You can also customize your Toyota with TRD Pro accessories specifically made for the brand. For example, a set of TRD Pro rock sliders is fitting to set off the exterior’s aggression. My 4Runner TRD Pro loaner was enhanced with a front TRD skid plate and red tow hooks, TRD Pro signature LED headlights, a TRD Pro steering wheel, red stitching on the SoftTex seats, a TRD Pro leather shift knob, and TRD Pro-tuned FOX Shocks.
Expect 23 city and 24 highway mpg from the 4-cylinder engine. The MSRP for a 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro 4×4 is $66,900. It’s geared for nomadic owners with active lifestyles, whether traversing through muddy tracks to campsites or rolling over boulders for a natural high.
