2025 Toyota 4Runner Interior Review: Huge Improvement With Plenty to Love
The new Toyota 4Runner’s interior represents a serious overhaul, including lots of cool details.
The beloved 2025 Toyota 4Runner returns for its sixth generation with fresh looks and upgraded hardware—check out our First Look for all the details and tons of photos—but at its core, it remains the rough-and-tumble off-road SUV its fans have come to know and love. Look at it head-on, and you’ll recognize it immediately for what it is; but peek inside, and you’ll be glad to know the new 4Runner has also been thoroughly modernized.
The outgoing 4Runner’s center stack had a bit of a ’90s-boombox aesthetic; the upcoming one freshens things up with a bigger screen, simpler lines, and truckier textures. If you note that the cabin seems right out of the new Toyota Tacoma, it basically is. This is no bad thing.
We poked around inside three 4Runner trims, the TRD Pro, Limited, and new Trailhunter. Here’s what we thought:
Clean Lines
The cabin in the new 4Runner has a simple and straightforward design. Right angles are clearly the theme here, but the result is something that’s easy to use.
Optional 14.0-Inch Screen
The new 4Runner benefits from an optional 14.0-inch touchscreen that’s used in the Tundra and Tacoma. Those who have used it know how big the icons appear.
Screen-Mounted USB Port
Accessible to the front passenger, there’s a screen-mounted USB port in case any extra devices need charging.
Chonky, Trucky Grab Points
Something we like about the new Tacoma is how trucky its grab handles and gear lever are. They feel good and substantial in the hand—appearing now in the 4Runner, they’re a nice, tactile match for a rugged off-roader.
Big Drive Mode Selector
Adding to the rugged feeling, the 4Runner’s drive modes are controlled via a big, physical dial.
Upright Wireless Charge Pad
This is another carryover from the Tacoma, and a good one, too. Wireless charging pads are super handy, and having one in this orientation means you can still view your phone for directions or critical notifications.
Roll-Down Rear Window Stays!
As was previously reported, the 4Runner’s beloved roll-down rear window feature sticks around. You can access it via this ceiling-mounted button.
Digital Rearview Mirror
This feature gives you a wider range of view, which is good when reversing out of tight or confined spaces. That said, many of us find it too difficult to adjust our vision depth of field to use a digital mirror full-time.
Physical Buttons on the Steering Wheel
Those frustrated with haptic touchscreen buttons on steering wheels will be happy to know all the 4Runner’s steering-wheel buttons are physical ones.
Accessories Cubby
On the driver’s side console, a hidden cubby with “Accessory Ready” printed across it in Morse code pops out for a little extra storage. It’s the same as the one in the Tacoma.
Rear Climate
Back-seat discomfort, begone! There are rear-facing climate vents in the 4Runner, ensuring everyone is at optimal temperature.
Third-Row Cupholders
There are big cupholders for third-row passengers should you opt for the extra seats.
Decent Cargo Area
Owing to its boxy shape, the 4Runner offers customers a nice-sized trunk.
Outlet in the Cargo Area
All 4Runners equipped with the hybrid engine get a 120-volt outlet in the cargo area.
Limited Trim: Upscale Interior
4Runner Limited models will benefit from a more upscale interior. The one shown here has lovely saddle-colored leather seats.
4Runner TRD Pro: Big Red Button
4Runner TRD Pro models will have a big red start/stop button.
Badged Steering Wheel
Lest you forget you have the TRD Pro, the steering wheel badging reminds you.
More Off-Road Functions
The TRD Pro offers way more off-road-specific functions than the Limited, and they can be accessed via this button bar to the right of the drive mode dial.
4Runner Trailhunter: Onboard Air Compressor
The 2025 4Runner sees a new trim in the form of the Trailhunter. This is the one for overlanding. As such, the trim includes an onboard air compressor in the cargo area so you can air up your tires after airing them down for better traction during off-road adventures. It’s exclusive to the Trailhunter for now, although it may become a TRD Pro option in the future.
Foglights
Trailhunter 4Runners come with LED fog lights and a front-mounted light bar (the latter is only functional when the high beams are active), and you control them with this button pad.
I got into cars the way most people do: my dad. Since I was little, it was always something we’d talk about and I think he was stoked to have his kid share his interest. He’d buy me the books, magazines, calendars, and diecast models—everything he could do to encourage a young enthusiast. Eventually, I went to school and got to the point where people start asking you what you want to do with your life. Seeing as cars are what I love and writing is what I enjoy doing, combining the two was the logical next step. This dream job is the only one I’ve ever wanted. Since then, I’ve worked at Road & Track, Jalopnik, Business Insider, The Drive, and now MotorTrend, and made appearances on Jay Leno’s Garage, Good Morning America, The Smoking Tire Podcast, Fusion’s Car vs. America, the Ask a Clean Person podcast, and MotorTrend’s Shift Talkers. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, and watching the Fast & Furious movies on repeat. Tokyo Drift is the best one.
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