The Toyota 4Runner changed generations for the 2025 model year, its first full redesign in about 15 years. The fifth generation covers 2010 through 2024, and the sixth starts with 2025. The platform, powertrains and body all changed, so parts and accessories made for one often won't fit the other.
At a glance
| Feature | 5th gen (2010 to 2024) | 6th gen (2025 on) |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | Body-on-frame with a fully boxed ladder frame, coil springs and a four-link rear axle | Toyota's TNGA-F platform, shared with the Tacoma, Tundra, Land Cruiser and Sequoia |
| Engine | 4.0-liter V6: 270 hp, 278 lb-ft (2015 and 2024 ratings) | 2.4-liter turbo four: 278 hp, 317 lb-ft. i-FORCE MAX hybrid: 326 hp, 465 lb-ft (2025 ratings) |
| Transmission | Five-speed automatic with the V6 | Eight-speed automatic |
| Drive | Rear-wheel drive or 4WD; full-time 4WD on Limited, part-time on other 4WD trims | Rear-wheel drive, part-time 4WD or full-time 4WD by trim; hybrids are 4WD only |
| Third row | Optional on SR5 and Limited (2015 specs) | Optional on SR5 and Limited |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb (2024) | 6,000 lb (2025) |
Fifth generation (2010 to 2024)
The fifth-generation 4Runner launched for 2010 in SR5, Trail and Limited trims. Most used the 4.0-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic, though a 2.7-liter four-cylinder was offered with rear-wheel drive in 2010 only. It has a roll-down rear window, a feature the sixth generation keeps.
Off-road hardware depended on trim. SR5 4WD models used a two-speed transfer case, while Trail and later TRD Off-Road models added a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select and Crawl Control, with Kinetic Dynamic Suspension available.
Key changes during its long run:
- 2014: An exterior refresh with new headlights
- 2015: The TRD Pro arrived with TRD front springs, Bilstein shocks with rear remote reservoirs, Nitto Terra Grappler tires and a front skid plate
- 2017: The Trail trim was renamed TRD Off-Road
- 2020: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus standard adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking
- 2022: The TRD Sport trim was added
The 2024 lineup, the last of this generation, included SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Sport, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited and TRD Pro.
Sixth generation (2025 on)
The sixth generation moved to the TNGA-F platform and replaced the V6 with turbocharged four-cylinder power. The i-FORCE MAX hybrid builds its electric motor into the eight-speed automatic. The roll-down rear window stays, now with an available hands-free power liftgate, and Toyota builds the 4Runner at its Tahara plant in Japan. The styling takes many cues from the current Tacoma.
There are nine trims:
- SR5, TRD Sport and TRD Sport Premium: The 2.4-liter turbo is standard.
- TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium: Trail-oriented, with either engine available.
- Limited: Either engine is available, and hybrid versions get full-time 4WD with a locking center differential.
- Platinum: New for this generation and slotted between Limited and TRD Pro, with features such as heated second-row seats and a head-up display. The hybrid and full-time 4WD are standard.
- TRD Pro: Fox QS3 adjustable shocks with rear remote reservoirs, 33-inch Toyo tires, an electronic locking rear differential and a stabilizer disconnect, with the hybrid standard.
- Trailhunter: New and aimed at overlanding, with Old Man Emu shocks, a high-mounted air intake, an onboard air compressor, an ARB roof rack, auxiliary LED lighting and the hybrid standard.
Edmunds reports no significant changes for 2026.
Which one do you have?
The model year settles it: 2010 to 2024 is the fifth generation, and 2025 or newer is the sixth. When a part listing gives a year range, make sure it matches your generation, since a 2024 and a 2025 4Runner differ underneath. Within each generation, trim and drivetrain matter for parts such as wheels, shocks and skid plates, so confirm them on the window sticker or with a VIN lookup.
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