The wait is finally over. After years of rumors, spy shots, and endless speculation, the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner has arrived—and it brings with it the most capable, adventure-ready version ever: the Trailhunter.
Toyota has taken everything enthusiasts love about the 4Runner and pushed it to the next level, creating a rig that’s ready to tackle trails, deserts, and mountains right out of the box. For those who have dreamed of a turn-key overlanding machine, the Trailhunter might just be it.
Powertrain: Hybrid Muscle for the Trail
The heart of the 2025 4Runner Trailhunter is Toyota’s new i-FORCE MAX hybrid engine. This isn’t the same old naturally aspirated V6 that powered generations of 4Runners. Instead, it’s a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder paired with an electric motor, combining for 326 horsepower and a stout 465 lb-ft of torque.
That torque figure is the real headline. Torque is what gets you moving over rocks, through sand, and up steep grades, and the Trailhunter has more of it than ever before. The electric motor fills in the low-end response, meaning instant grunt when you need it most.
Paired with Toyota’s latest eight-speed automatic transmission and a part-time or full-time 4WD system (depending on configuration), the Trailhunter is engineered for both daily comfort and trail-crushing power.
ARB Partnership: Trail-Ready Hardware
Toyota knew that to create a truly capable overlanding rig, it couldn’t just slap on bigger tires and call it a day. That’s why they partnered with ARB, one of the world’s most respected names in off-road equipment.
Straight from the factory, the 2025 4Runner Trailhunter comes with:
- Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged shocks: Tuned for long-distance off-road travel, they provide durability and control over rough terrain.
- 33-inch Toyo Open Country all-terrain tires: Serious grip and sidewall strength for trails and rocks.
- Heavy-duty steel skid plates: Protect the underbody from rocks, stumps, and trail damage.
- Rock rails: Defend the sides against boulders and obstacles.
- High-mount air intake: Keeps the engine breathing clean air when crossing rivers or trails thick with dust.
- Integrated LED light bar: Adds visibility for night wheeling.
- Low-profile ARB roof rack: Built for carrying extra gear, tents, or recovery equipment.
These upgrades mean you don’t need to spend thousands on aftermarket parts after buying your SUV—it’s ready to go exploring right off the showroom floor.
Trail-Centric Design
The Trailhunter doesn’t just get functional upgrades—it looks the part, too. With a rugged stance, unique badging, and overland-specific accessories, it stands apart from the rest of the 4Runner lineup. Its aggressive body cladding, bold front fascia, and adventure-ready accessories signal that this SUV isn’t built for mall parking lots—it’s built for Moab, the Rubicon Trail, and everything in between.
Inside, the Trailhunter balances utility with comfort. Expect durable upholstery designed to withstand mud, dirt, and gear, along with Toyota’s latest 14-inch touchscreen infotainment system, Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, and a suite of driver-assistance tech under the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 umbrella.
Overlanding Ready—From the Factory
In recent years, the aftermarket world has exploded with overlanding builds. Enthusiasts often spend tens of thousands outfitting SUVs with suspension lifts, armor, lighting, roof racks, and recovery gear. The Trailhunter aims to simplify all that by offering a factory-backed, fully warrantied solution.
For those who want the adventure lifestyle without the hassle of piecing together parts, this is huge. Toyota has essentially legitimized overlanding as a mainstream segment, making the Trailhunter a direct rival to vehicles like the Ford Bronco Raptor, Jeep Wrangler Rubicon Xtreme Recon, and Land Rover Defender 110.
How It Fits in the 4Runner Lineup
The 2025 4Runner lineup now spans from practical trims like the SR5 and Limited to hardcore models like the TRD Pro and Trailhunter. While the TRD Pro has long been the go-to for off-road fans, the Trailhunter shifts the focus toward long-distance adventures.
Where the TRD Pro emphasizes high-speed desert running and aggressive off-road driving, the Trailhunter is more about sustained capability, comfort, and gear hauling. It’s less about Baja blasts and more about self-sufficient journeys into the wilderness.
Pricing and Availability
Toyota hasn’t released final pricing yet, but expect the Trailhunter to slot above the TRD Pro, which currently sits near the $55,000–$60,000 range. With all of its added ARB hardware and hybrid drivetrain, a price in the mid-to-high $60,000s wouldn’t be surprising.
Deliveries are expected to begin in late 2024 or early 2025, with the Trailhunter serving as one of the flagship trims for the new 4Runner generation.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter is more than just another trim—it’s a declaration that overlanding has gone mainstream. With factory-engineered durability, ARB hardware, hybrid torque, and adventure-ready features, it might just be the most capable 4Runner ever built.
For longtime fans, it’s the rebirth of a legend. For new buyers, it’s a one-stop shop for adventure. Whether you’re planning a weekend trip or a cross-country expedition, the Trailhunter promises to take you there—and bring you back—with confidence.
The only question is: Is this the overlanding rig you’ve been waiting for?
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