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With an air of nostalgia, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner introduces an engine reminiscent of the iconic 22RE. The new 4Runner borrows signature elements such as the rear quarter glass from the original model and the ever-present drop-down back window. But, it’s the 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that strikes a chord with legacy enthusiasts.
Those familiar with the first and second generations of the 4Runner will recall the legendary 22R and 22RE engines. Despite their modest output of 116 horsepower and 140 lb-ft of torque after numerous enhancements, they were renowned for their durability and ubiquity, powering Toyota’s body-on-frame models from the ’80s through the ’90s.
The current era brings us to the 2025 Toyota 4Runner with an identical displacement for its four-cylinder powertrain. Dubbed the T24A-FTS, this contemporary engine with turbocharging—and in some variants electrification—forges a path well beyond its ancestors. The engine’s impressive specs boast 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque and, in hybrid form, 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, cementing it as the mightiest 4Runner engine to date.
There’s a romantic notion that this new engine is a modern tribute to the 22RE, and though I am not present at the Toyota event to confirm such intentions, my colleague José Rodríguez Jr. is inquiring on my behalf. We are awaiting their official stance but, regardless, the two engines are emotionally linked for those who revere the historical 22RE.
An even more appealing prospect for enthusiasts would be if Toyota introduced a six-speed manual 4Runner, given the shared components with the Tacoma, including the engine and TNGA-F platform. A manual 4Runner would pay homage to the sensory mechanical experience offered by the original 22R and its notable induction noise.
The era of the 22RE may have concluded, but the legacy lives on through the T24A-FTS—a new chapter for rugged reliability and power in Toyota’s storied 4Runner line.
Do you have insights or questions for the author? Reach out directly: caleb@thedrive.com
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FAQ Section
What engine will the 2025 Toyota 4Runner have?
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner will feature a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, known as the T24A-FTS. This engine comes in both gas-only and hybrid versions, producing up to 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque.
What makes the 2025 4Runner’s engine reminiscent of the 22RE?
Although the technologies are quite different, the new T24A-FTS shares the same displacement as the legendary 22RE engine, which invokes a certain nostalgia among Toyota enthusiasts.
Will the new 4Runner have a manual transmission option?
While there’s a strong case for a six-speed manual 4Runner due to shared architecture with the Tacoma, there is no official confirmation yet from Toyota regarding the inclusion of a manual transmission.
How does the power output of the new 4Runner compare to past models?
The 2025 4Runner’s engine is the most powerful to date, surpassing even the fourth-generation’s 4.7-liter V8, which produced 235 hp and 320 lb-ft of torque.
Conclusion
As Toyota unveils the 2025 4Runner, the heart of its appeal lies in the balance of modern performance and a nod to its rich legacy. While infused with cutting-edge technology, the spirit of the dependable 22RE engine lives on in the new model. The 4Runner continues to be a testament to Toyota’s commitment to longevity, reliability, and evolving with the times without losing touch with its heritage.
