Few SUVs inspire the kind of loyalty the Toyota 4Runner has held over generations. For decades, it has been the go-to choice for buyers who want genuine body-on-frame toughness without stepping up to a full-size truck. Whether it’s dragging a boat to the lake or crawling over rocks on a Saturday morning, the 4Runner has built its reputation on doing both without complaint. But with a brand-new sixth-generation now on the road, how does it stack up against the outgoing model when it comes to what matters most, towing capacity and the engine doing the heavy lifting?
Toyota
The Sixth Generation (2025): New Engine, More Muscle
Toyota completely redesigned the 4Runner for 2025, building it on the TNGA-F platform, the same architecture underpinning the Tacoma, Tundra, and Land Cruiser. They also replaced the naturally aspirated V6 with a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. In standard i-FORCE form, it produces 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. That’s right, three more gears than its predecessor, which should make highway cruising noticeably less dramatic. For buyers who want even more grunt, the available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain combines the turbo four with an electric motor, producing 326 combined horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque.
Toyota
On the towing front, the 2025 4Runner maxes out at 6,000 pounds when properly equipped with the hybrid powertrain. Non-hybrid trims still offer a respectable 5,000 pounds of towing capacity. Either way, it’s enough to haul a small camper, a pair of jet skis, or your questionable impulse-buy trailer project.
What about previous model years?
As aforementioned, the fifth-generation 4Runner relied on a 4.0-liter naturally aspirated V6 producing 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. Yes, five speeds, a gearbox so ancient it practically qualifies for a museum exhibit. Toyota kept this powertrain virtually unchanged for the model’s entire 15-year production run, which speaks volumes about both its durability and Toyota’s philosophy of leaving well enough alone.
Toyota
Every fifth-gen 4Runner model offered a towing capacity of 5,000 pounds, regardless of trim or drivetrain configuration. It was consistent and dependable, much like the truck itself. No hybrid option existed, and no turbocharged alternative was offered. You got the V6, and that was that.
Is the Extra 1,000 Pounds of Towing Worth It?
So the sixth-generation 4Runner can tow 6,000 pounds compared to the fifth generation’s 5,000. But here’s the catch: the full 6,000-pound figure is available only on trims equipped with the i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain, and those don’t come cheap. 2025 and newer 4Runners start at around $41,000 for the base SR5, which is only marginally more than the older model’s starting price. At that level, you’re still looking at the same 5,000-pound towing capacity as the old truck. To unlock that extra 1,000 pounds, you’ll need to step up to a hybrid-equipped trim. The TRD Off-Road with the hybrid option starts north of $49,000, while the TRD Pro and Trailhunter both land at over $65,000.
Toyota
Now, is that worth it? If you’re someone who regularly tows near the 5,000-pound limit, that extra headroom is genuinely useful. A thousand pounds is the difference between white-knuckling it up a mountain pass and cruising with confidence. You’re also getting 465 lb-ft of torque in hybrid form versus the old V6’s 278 lb-ft, which means the new truck won’t just tow more, it’ll do so with far less strain. Add in the modern eight-speed transmission, improved fuel economy, and a completely updated platform, and the price gap starts to make more sense.
The Bottom Line
If towing capability is a priority, the sixth-generation 4Runner is the clear winner. The hybrid powertrain’s 6,000-pound towing capacity and vastly superior torque make it the stronger choice for anyone regularly hauling trailers, boats, or heavy loads. That said, the fifth generation remains an excellent used-market option for buyers who need a proven, reliable SUV with solid 5,000-pound towing and a powertrain that could probably outlast civilization itself. Either way, you’re getting a 4Runner, and that’s never been a bad bet.
About the author
Kyle Edward
Editor-in-Chief, Autoblog