Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter is one heck of an off-road rig

The Toyota 4Runner has been one of the automaker's staple SUV offerings since the first generation in 1984. The sixth generation was revealed in April 2024 with nine total trim levels, six of which came from the previous generation and three completely new ones. At the top of the trim tree sits the Trailhunter, the most expensive 4Runner available, and the model's overlanding-focused version.

Off-road chops set the 4Runner Trailhunter apart from its siblings
Headlining the Trailhunter's list of features are 18-inch bronze wheels wrapped in 33-inch Toyo all-terrain tires and ARB's Old Man Emu (OME) 2.5-inch forged shocks with rear external remote reservoirs. Together, these raise the 4Runner by 2 inches in the front and 1.5 inches in the rear, allowing for more off-road prowess than the SUV's other trims.

Other features to aid in your off-road adventure include an ARB roof rack, a Stabilizer Disconnect Mechanism (SDM), which allows you to remotely disconnect your sway bar, a Multi-Terrain Select (MTS) system, and Crawl Control (CRAWL) to make sure no rock stands in your way.

The 4Runner Trailhunter's aesthetics match its capabilities
As for aesthetics, the 4Runner Trailhunter can be clad in Ice Cap (white), Gray (Underground), Black, or my favorite, Everest (green). Exterior details include the "Toyota heritage grill" with bronze “TOYOTA” lettering, an integrated 20-inch LED light bar, and RIGID color-selectable LED foglights.

The 5-seater interior largely retains the same features of the standard 4Runner but gets Mineral SofTex-trimmed seats with yellow stitching so all passengers remember they're riding in something special. Various bronze accents throughout the cabin serve as callbacks to the Trailhunter's bronze wheels. The Trailhunter doesn't skimp out in terms of cargo room either, featuring 47.2 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seats and 89.7 cubic feet with the second row folded down. 

Under the hood is the more powerful i-FORCE MAX 2.4L turbocharged hybrid I4 mated to an 8-speed automatic transmission, putting out a combined 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Off-road chops include an air intake for the engine, part-time 4-wheel drive, and an electronic locking rear differential. If you've got a trailer to tow to the campsite, the 4Runner Trailhunter features a 5,800-lb. towing capacity.

The price tag is as high as you likely expected
As for price, well, you certainly get what you pay for. The Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter has an MSRP of $66,900, the same as the more high-speed desert runner that is the TRD Pro. With an estimated MPG of 23 city, 24 highway, and 23 combined, you might end up paying a little more in gas bills, too.

Final thoughts
The Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter is not only capable and spacious but damn attractive in that Everest shade of green with the OEM bronze wheels. Its off-road chops should also make it a welcome companion for the trails or any other non-paved adventure.

Of course, all of that comes with a hefty price tag, but if you're willing to open up your checkbook, you'll get an SUV that is just as happy for everyday around-town errands as it is tackling rocky terrain with fellow off-roaders.