The 2025 Toyota 4Runner mpg numbers are here, and depending on how you look at them, they’re both a big step forward and a slight step back.
Toyota’s long-awaited redesign of its iconic off-road SUV brought more power, a fresh interior, and yes, a hybrid option. But if you’re expecting the hybrid to turn this rugged beast into a fuel-sipping hero, pump the brakes and check the details.
Let’s dig into the 4Runner fuel efficiency story that has SUV fans scratching their heads.
What’s New Under the Hood?
The old 4.0-liter V6 is gone. That motor had a reputation for being bulletproof, but it wasn’t exactly known for great 4Runner gas mileage.
Now, all 2025 4Runners come with a 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine. Toyota calls it the “i-FORCE,” and it delivers 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. It’s paired with an 8-speed automatic, replacing the clunky 5-speed of the previous model.
Then there’s the new hybrid: the i-FORCE MAX. It keeps the same gas engine but adds an electric motor, pushing combined output to 326 horsepower and a massive 465 lb-ft of torque. This setup is standard on higher trims like the TRD Pro and Trailhunter.
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2025 Toyota 4Runner MPG: Gas vs Hybrid
Here’s where it gets weird.
Gas-Only 4Runner MPG:
- 2WD (SR5, Sport, Sport Premium): 20 mpg city / 26 mpg highway / 22 combined
- 4WD (Off-Road, Limited, etc.): 19 mpg city / 25 mpg highway / 21 combined
- Limited 4WD: 20 city / 24 highway / 21 combined
4Runner Hybrid MPG (i-FORCE MAX with 4WD only):
- All trims: 23 mpg city / 24 mpg highway / 23 combined
Yes, you read that right. 4Runner hybrid mpg is worse on the highway than the gas-only version.
Wait… Isn’t Hybrid Supposed to Be Better?
That’s what we all thought. But in the case of the 2025 4Runner, things aren’t so simple.
The hybrid does better in the city thanks to its electric boost off the line. But on the highway, it doesn’t hold up. Why? A few reasons:
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- Battery drain: At cruising speeds, the hybrid system can’t assist as much.
- Weight: The hybrid adds heft.
- Design: Off-road trims come with knobby tires, higher ride height, and fewer aerodynamic features. All bad news for 4Runner mileage.
Hybrid: More Muscle, Not More Miles
Toyota’s hybrid system in the 4Runner is about power delivery, not just fuel savings. That massive torque figure (465 lb-ft!) is great for rock crawling and towing.
But it comes at a cost. You’re not buying the hybrid for Prius-level efficiency. You’re buying it because you want a high-torque off-roader that just happens to be slightly easier on gas than older 4Runners.
Still, if you’re looking for frugal 4Runner hybrid gas mileage, this isn’t it.
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Real Talk: Is the MPG Actually Better?
Compared to the outgoing model? Absolutely.
The 2024 4Runner had an old-school engine rated at just:
- 16 mpg city
- 19 mpg highway
- 17 mpg combined
So, yes,the 2025 Toyota 4Runner mpg is a real improvement. Even the worst-case scenario (19 city / 25 highway) beats last year’s numbers.
Let’s break it down further:
| Model | City MPG | Highway MPG | Combined |
| 2024 Gas V6 | 16 | 19 | 17 |
| 2025 Gas 2WD | 20 | 26 | 22 |
| 2025 Gas 4WD | 19 | 25 | 21 |
| 2025 Hybrid 4WD | 23 | 24 | 23 |
The Tank Is Bigger Too
Here’s a win: the 2025 4Runner has a larger 19-gallon fuel tank. That means longer trips between fuel stops, especially helpful on remote adventures.
Even with only moderate boosts to 4Runner fuel mileage, that tank size means you’ll get further on one fill-up compared to the old 4Runner.
But Expectations Were Higher
Let’s be honest. Many buyers expected the 2025 4Runner mpg to make a bigger leap, especially with a hybrid in the mix. And technically, the Land Cruiser, which uses the same hybrid system and is slightly bigger, gets similar fuel economy.
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That’s a head-scratcher.
Why the Numbers Matter
When you’re only getting 20–22 miles per gallon on a good day, every little bit matters. That’s why the 4runner fuel efficiency story has people divided.
A 5-mpg city boost from the gas 4WD to the hybrid 4WD is a 25% improvement, that’s real money saved over time.
But a 1-mpg loss on the highway for the hybrid? That feels like a letdown to some buyers.
How Does It Drive?
Power-wise, this is the best 4Runner mileage you’ve ever had without feeling underpowered.
The hybrid is a torque monster. Acceleration is smooth and strong, even with big tires and a gear in the back. And the 8-speed transmission is a big upgrade from the old 5-speed slushbox.
City driving? Much better. Highway cruising? Still a bit loud. But overall, the ride is more refined.
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What About Price?
That’s the other catch.
The base 2025 4Runner SR5 starts at $42,220, which isn’t too far off from the outgoing model. But climb up the trims, and things escalate quickly.
The TRD Off-Road Premium costs over $58,000, and that’s without the hybrid. If you want the i-FORCE MAX, expect to pay more, since it only comes on the top trims.
Final Verdict on 4Runner Fuel Mileage
So, is the new 4Runner more efficient?
Yes, and no.
What’s Better:
- Better miles per gallon 4Runner than the outgoing V6
- Bigger fuel tank = longer range
- Stronger city mpg with a hybrid
- More powerful overall
What’s Worse:
- The hybrid highway mpg is lower than the gas-only 4Runner
- Not a big enough leap for MPG-focused buyers
- Off-road trims drag down numbers further
If you care most about raw power, trail capability, and having a rugged SUV that can finally crack the 20s in mpg, you’ll love the 2025 4Runner.
But if you’re looking for groundbreaking 4Runner hybrid mpg, this isn’t a revolution. It’s a refinement.
Key Takeaways
- Toyota 4Runner mpg is up from 2024, but not by a landslide.
- 4Runner hybrid gas mileage gains city efficiency but loses highway points.
- Gas mileage for a Toyota 4Runner still isn’t great, but it’s better than before.
- Toyota prioritized torque and drivability over dramatic MPG increases.
- It’s the most capable 4Runner yet, just not the most economical.
