Overview The Toyota 4Runner isn’t exactly known for being a cutting-edge vehicle, but it has staying power thanks to its strengths as both a formidable off-road machine and a comfortable mid-size family hauler. The 4Runner Hybrid preserves those traits and adds a modern twist by sandwiching an electric motor between its engine and transmission. With the electric assistance, the 4Runner Hybrid makes 326 horsepower, a 48-hp increase over the standard gasoline 4Runner. With its capable hybrid powertrain, fresh cabin design, and laundry list of off-road aids, the 4Runner Hybrid is contemporary without sacrificing any of the traits that have made Toyota’s signature mid-size SUV an icon. What’s New for 2026?Building on the tradition of creating exclusive color options for TRD-Pro models, Toyota now offers a new WaveMaker blue exterior paint option for the 2026 4Runner Hybrid TRD-Pro. It’s a shouty, Miami-reminiscent color that looks like it could’ve been sampled directly from a 90s Yamaha WaveRunner jet ski. While WaveMaker is only available on the TRD Pro for 2026, it will likely be available on other models for the following model year, as has been the case for Toyota’s other TRD Pro hues. Pricing and Which One to BuyThe price of the 2026 Toyota 4Runner Hybrid is expected to start around $54,000 and go up to $69,000 depending on the trim and options.TRD Off-Road$54,000 (est)TRD Off-Road Premium$60,000 (est)Limited$62,000 (est)Platinum$66,000 (est)TRD Pro$69,000 (est)Trailhunter$69,000 (est)The 4Runner Hybrid is available in six trim levels, starting with the TRD Off-Road and culminating with the top-spec Trailhunter and TRD Pro trims. Those models are the most capable of the bunch, as they come decked out with almost every off-road item Toyota has in its arsenal. Still, we prefer the more affordable TRD Off-Road, which might not have all the same goodies as its pricier siblings, but it’s still plenty capable.Engine, Transmission, and PerformanceThe 4Runner Hybrid’s powertrain combines a turbocharged 278-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with a 48-horsepower electric motor for a total output of 326 horsepower and 465 pound-feet of torque. The electric motor is integrated into an eight-speed transmission and relies on a 1.87-kWh battery pack for juice. Toyota notes the hybrid powertrain represents the most power ever in a 4Runner. When we drove the 4Runner Hybrid, we found that the hybrid powertrain is responsive off the line but runs out of steam at higher speeds. The hybrid version is heavier than the base nonhybrid model, but the TRD Pro and Trailhunter versions are still plenty of fun off-road, with a composed chassis and quick steering.0–60-MPH TimesThe 4Runner Hybrid Trailhunter we tested got to 60 mph in 6.7 seconds. That’s significantly quicker than the old V-6 model, but we don’t yet know how it compares to the new nonhybrid model.More on the 4Runner Hybrid SUVTowing and Payload CapacityThe maximum towing capacity of the Toyota 4Runner hybrid is 6000 pounds. That’s the same as the nonhybrid 4Runner, 1500 pounds more than the current Ford Bronco, and 1000 more than the Jeep Wrangler’s maximum in Rubicon four-door trim.Fuel Economy and Real-World MPGThe EPA hasn’t yet rated the 2026 4Runner Hybrid’s fuel economy yet, but last year’s model earned ratings of 23 mpg city, 24 mpg highway, and 23 mpg combined regardless of trim level. Since the 2026 model carries over unchanged from last year, the newest model should receive similar, or identical, ratings as the 2025 model. Once we test the 4Runner Hybrid on our real-world 75-mph highway fuel economy test, we’ll update this section with results.Interior, Comfort, and CargoThe 4Runner’s interior doesn’t stray far from the corporate playbook, sharing styling, materials, and switchgear with the Tacoma pickup. The dashboard and infotainment setup are crafted from the same stock, and, along with the seating and functional hardware like door pulls and seat adjusters, retain a purposeful, utilitarian layout. Though the nonhybrid 4Runner has an available third-row seat, the hybrid version lacks that option, as the battery pack resides under the cargo floor and complicates packaging. Of course, the 4Runner can’t match the true roof- and doorless experience of the Bronco and Wrangler, but the roll-down rear window and available sunroof let in enough of the outdoors to put a smile on your face.The Car and Driver DifferenceInfotainment and ConnectivityA standard 8.0-inch infotainment display runs Toyota’s latest software, which in our hands, has proven to be speedy and intuitive. A larger, 14.0-inch display is optional, as is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster. All models come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, USB-C ports, and a digital key system that lets you lock, unlock, and start the 4Runner via a smartphone app. A wireless smartphone charging pad is optional.How to Buy and Maintain a CarSafety and Driver-Assistance FeaturesToyota equips every 4Runner with a suite of driver-assistance features it calls TSS 3.0. This bundle of systems includes basics such as automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning, as well as more advanced offerings such as adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature and a system that can detect if the driver is nonresponsive and bring the 4Runner to a stop if needed. For more information about the 4Runner’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:
- Standard automated emergency braking with pedestrian detection
- Standard lane-departure warning with lane-keeping assist
- Standard adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
Warranty and Maintenance CoverageToyota provides two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, a rarity in this class. The coverage in other categories is less impressive but matches industry norms.
- Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
- Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
- Hybrid components are covered for ten years or 150,000 miles
- Complimentary scheduled maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles
SpecificationsSpecifications
2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter
Vehicle Type: front-engine, front-motor, rear/4-wheel-drive, 5-passenger, 4-door pickup
PRICE
Base/As Tested: $68,350/$68,350
POWERTRAIN
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve 2.4-liter inline-4, 275 hp, 317 lb-ft + AC motor, 48 hp, 184 lb-ft (combined output: 323 hp, 465 lb-ft; 0.9-kWh nickel-metal hydride battery pack)
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle
Brakes, F/R: 13.4-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc
Tires: Toyo Open Country A/T III
265/70R-18 116H 3PMSF
DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 194.9 in
Width: 79.9 in
Height: 74.0 in
Passenger Volume, F/R: 56/44 ft3
Cargo Volume, Behind F/R: 83/43 ft3
Curb Weight: 5441 lb
C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 6.7 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.3 sec @ 88 mph
100 mph: 21.1 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 7.4 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 4.1 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 4.8 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 112 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 178 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.74 g
C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 17 mpg
EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 23/23/24 mpg
C/D TESTING EXPLAINEDMore Features and Specs
Source: caranddriver.com
