By: Uday Mohan
November 12, 2025
If you handed a ten-year-old a pencil and told him to draw his dream truck, there is a good chance it would look a lot like the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. It is big, bold, and standing on tires that instantly set the tone. It has the kind of stance and presence that make it clear this is a purpose-built machine. I enjoyed every minute with it.
The 4Runner TRD Pro looks ready for an adventure the moment you see it. It carries that action-movie confidence without trying too hard. Park it next to anything else and the contrast is obvious. Most modern SUVs focus on sleekness and quiet refinement. This one is here for dirt, rocks, and whatever the weekend brings. It does not need to hint at capability because it wears it openly.
For all the tough styling and off-road hardware, the 4Runner TRD Pro is more composed on pavement than expected. The aggressive tires do not drone the way you would imagine and the ride is surprisingly smooth. It feels controlled and settled, almost refined, which makes daily driving easier than you might think. It reminds you that Toyota understands how to build trucks that work everywhere, not just in one environment.
Inside, the cabin leans toward durability. Toyota chose materials that can handle mud, dust, and gear without looking worn after one trip. The layout is simple and functional with large, easy to reach controls. Grab handles and high friction surfaces are placed where you need them. It feels built for trail use without abandoning everyday practicality.
The hybrid powertrain is a welcome addition. It provides strong torque, better fuel efficiency, and a calm overall character. The raised trunk floor and lack of a third row are the only real compromises. Buyers choosing the TRD Pro are not here for maximum seating. They are here for capability, and the setup makes sense in that context.
The JBL audio system is one of the nice surprises. It is powerful, clean, and tuned well for everything from podcasts to a trail playlist. Two speakers in the liftgate help keep the mood going when the truck is parked. The optional portable Bluetooth speaker is a fun touch for camping or time at the lake.
Toyota kept the infotainment system straightforward. The controls are physical where they matter, and the screen is responsive with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. There is no digging through layers of menus for basic functions. It is a welcome break from some of the more complicated systems out there.
A few things stand out as drawbacks. The gloss black fender arches do not feel like the most practical choice for a vehicle aimed at hard use. Forward visibility is reduced by the tall bodywork and the large rear headrests limit the view out back. The digital rearview mirror helps, although it can look grainy at night.
Toyota anticipated some of this with a camera system that gives you a full view around and under the truck. The 360 degree camera and terrain specific angles make technical sections easier to navigate. If you plan to explore at night, the optional TRD light bar is genuinely useful. With four auxiliary switches already wired in, adding accessories is simple and clean.
I did not take the TRD Pro off-road during my time with it. The truck is capable of far more than my own experience level allows, and it deserves someone who can push it properly. Features like the locking rear differential, stabilizer bar disconnect, and terrain modes are designed for real use. In capable hands it becomes something special. In mine, it was a very comfortable, very competent daily driver with a rugged personality.
That is the appeal of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro. It does not try to be everything. It is not chasing luxury or blending into a crossover segment. It is a focused, purpose built machine that delivers on its promise. For drivers who want something honest, durable, and ready for adventure, it hits the mark. It feels like a tribute to the kind of trucks many of us grew up admiring. Big, bold, and built for the parts of the map that are not paved.
Vehicle Specs
Segment: Mid-Size SUV
Powertrain: i-FORCE MAX 2.4L Turbo L4 Hybrid
Horsepower: 326Horsepower at 6,000rpm
Torque: 465lb-ft at 1,700rpm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
Fuel Economy (City/Highway/Combined): 10.3L/100 / 9.5L/100 / 9.9L/100
Observed Fuel Economy Mostly City): 10.4L/100
Price as tested: $83,979.17 (Before Taxes & Fees)