Perhaps recognizing the popularity of the COVID-caused overlanding phenomenon, Toyota, in crafting the “go anywhere” sixth-generation 4Runner, decided that in addition to having things like locking diffs, monotube shocks and capable approach, departure and breakover angles, it needed comfortable amenities for the occupants, as well as stylish accoutrements.
Consider, for example, the use of Dark Navy leather seats with bronze stitching in a hexagonal pattern in our evaluated Platinum grade: richness combined with ruggedness. (Certainly, there is an array of other materials, from fabrics to SofTex leather substitute, across nine grades of the vehicle, including the luxurious Platinum and adventure-focused Trailhunter, as well as the SR5 and TRD Pro i-FORCE MAX.)
And that’s something characteristic about the aesthetics and execution of the interior of the 4Runner. Robust design. (View slideshow: 2025 Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX Winner Toyota 4Runner)
In a period when there is the elimination or minimization of knobs and buttons, our Wards 10 Best Interiors & UX judges appreciate the 4Runner’s substantial, knurled knobs for things like audio and HVAC, and the selection of functions like Multi-Terrain Select, Downhill Assist Control and more. This is of particular ergonomic importance when the driver is more tuned in to keeping eyes forward. Selections can be made with confidence.
“Everything about this interior communicates function first,” says judge Bob Gritzinger. “Sit down, take hold of the meaty steering wheel, note the crisp beveled surfaces throughout, along with big control knobs for audio and HVAC and the big passenger grab handle on the center console.”
There is a purposefulness throughout the cabin in terms of the materials used for the various surfaces: Clearly there was a recognition that when you’re out driving hard, not only will the SUV get dirty but so will the occupants (they’re not going to stay in all the time: they get out and get muddy and bring it back in), so cleaning is something that was taken into account – swipe with a rag, hose off the mats and you’re good to go.
But the 4Runner is not just something to go bashing about in. More time will be spent doing daily drives. Wards 10 Best judge Dave Zoia credits Toyota for not skimping on rear-seat comfort, praising the spacious second row and its outboard heated seats in our 5-passenger, 2-row Platinum test vehicle.
As for user-experience technologies, a 12.3-in. (31-cm) digital gauge cluster, head-up display and a 14-in. (35.5-cm) touchscreen display put all important driving and entertainment info within easy view. Judge Christie Schweinsberg lauds the quick phone pairing, great voice recognition capabilities and plentiful USB-C ports in the 4Runner, with a multimedia system supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. She also likes the large fonts in the HUD, making it easier to read important detail in daylight, and the effortless-to-program navigation system and its highly detailed maps.
Audio quality is great thanks to a 14-speaker JBL audio system with the FLEX Bluetooth speaker that’s ordinarily housed in a slot on top of the instrument panel but that can be removed from the vehicle for when the overlanders go outside and want to take along their tunes.
And Toyota continues to stand out from the competition by making standard on all 4Runners Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, a sensor-based suite of advanced driver assist system (ADAS) technologies.
Despite its modern updates, there’s something important all of the 4Runner fans that have been with the vehicle through the generations will appreciate: Yes, the rear glass still retracts.
