Last Wednesday, I was working out on my elliptical machine when it started thundering and pouring rain. A few seconds later, lights were flickering when I heard the unmistakable crack of a transformer dying. The lights – and air-conditioning – zapped. I spent the next days hopping between coffee shops seeking connections, cool air, and comfortable seats…until I realized the 2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited had all of that and more.
By Friday afternoon, the 4Runner had become my mobile office and family refuge from living like citizens of Walnut Grove. It had everything we needed: Wi-Fi, heated and ventilated seats, automatic climate control, phone charger, satellite radio, JBL audio and a plethora of USB ports for charging iPads. During the day, I slid the passenger seat back and took Teams calls, and at night, we enjoyed a driveway party in cool comfort. I even contemplated flipping the rear seats and camping inside. Instead, we moved to a hotel.
Good thing we didn’t have more than four of us because the third-row seat is difficult to enter and is little more than a pad with seatbelts. In the up position, there’s barely room for a couple of computer bags behind. So, we just flipped them down and loaded in enough luggage to travel coast-to-coast and back again. Kids don’t travel light, even for a night. LED cargo lights aided packing, but would also be helpful if setting up camp later in the evening.
Moving forward, the cabin was a luxury hotel stoked with thick comfy seats, heated leather-wrapped steering wheel, power moonroof, and cubbies that rival YMCA lockers. The look is a bit industrial, but technology flows from an intuitive 14-inch touchscreen, flatscreen gauges, and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The large volume knob was nice, but one for tuning would be even better. Everything feels like it will outlast you.
Looking at the 4Runner, it’s obvious the truck-based SUV has capability far beyond hosting conference calls and driveway sing-a-longs. This latest generation looks more sophisticated with bulging fenders and deep body creases. Added chrome on Limited editions adds a Lexus flair while roof rail crossbars, 20” wheels, and power running boards are as practical as they are stylish. Rear side windows crib every 4Runner back to the 1980s.
Given a basic architecture shared with the Tacoma pickup and Land Cruiser, the 4Runner drives well for a trucky truck that tackles flooded streets, muddy trails, and rocky roads. You can definitely feel its stiff underpinnings as it shakes over rough pavement, but capability comes with compromise. Besides, Toyota offers the RAV4 and Highlander for legit car-like behavior.
Performance was never a problem, though. A hybrid is available, but ours came with the 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, connected to an 8-speed automatic transmission and four-wheel-drive. Dispensing 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque, moving a family or 6,000 lbs. of trailer is child’s play. Fuel economy is rated 20/24-MPG city/highway.
Toyota doesn’t compromise on safety, equipping our 4Runner with adaptive cruise, automatic emergency braking, blind spot warning, and rear cross path detection. A digital rearview mirror and trailer reversing assist come in handy when indulging in weekend fun. I wish we had more of that!
After three days, the power company flipped on the juice, so we loaded up the 4Runner and returned to the casa. It was nice to crank up the radio, open the sunroof, and just enjoy the drive. Our Limited is a bit pricey at $62,875, but 4Runners start at $40,770. Competitors include the Subaru Outback Wilderness, Ford Bronco, Jeep Wrangler, Honda Passport TrailSport, and Nissan Pathfinder Rock Creek.
Storm Forward!
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