2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport in Underground: First Drive, Specs, and Why I Bought One
I picked up my 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport in October, finished in Underground. Coming from a 2019 Tacoma TRD Sport, the jump to the new 6th gen 4Runner feels like a major upgrade — power delivery, ride quality, and the way the new body lines catch the light.
There's a Toyota dealership near me, and I drive past the lot a few times a week. The new 2025 4Runner TRD Sport kept catching my eye until I finally pulled in. Seeing it up close sealed the deal — the stance, the interior, the color. One test drive and that was it for me.
What I Bought: 2025 4Runner TRD Sport (Stock)
This is the factory configuration before any of the OEM+ mods I've added since. If you want to see how the build has evolved with wheels, suspension, fender flares, lighting, interior storage, and the Kuat bike rack, that lives on the 2025 4Runner TRD Sport build page.
First Impressions: Why It Already Feels Right
The new 4Runner's proportions and surfacing are a real step forward. In person, the character lines along the fenders and doors read clean and athletic — closer to the Land Cruiser language than the old, boxy 5th gen. The i-FORCE 2.4L turbo brings torque in early, so street driving feels relaxed but responsive. With Auto LSD on this RWD configuration, it's confident in bad weather while staying efficient and simple.
Coming from the 2019 Tacoma, the ride quality difference is immediate. The Tacoma was a workhorse — leaf springs, body-on-frame honesty, no apologies. The 6th gen 4Runner keeps the body-on-frame architecture but the chassis tuning is in another zip code. Highway miles disappear. Around town it never feels like it's working hard.
Build Direction: OEM+, Not Overland
The plan is aggressive but sleek — a clean blackout aesthetic that lets the factory design do most of the heavy lifting. Subtle OEM+ touches that enhance the stance and silhouette without fighting the bodywork. No giant lifts. No mods that stress CV joints, ball joints, or drivetrain components. No overland filler.
If you want to see exactly what's already on the truck — RockTrix RT107 wheels, Cooper Discoverer Road & Trail tires, Rough Country M1R Reservoir Loaded Struts, wide gloss-black fender flares, the Cali Raised LED Interior MOLLE System, the Kuat Piston Pro X bike rack, plus all the install notes and fitment details — the live build page is here.
Living With It vs. the 2019 Tacoma
The 2019 Tacoma TRD Sport was a workhorse and a huge part of how the @underrunner brand grew on TikTok. It earned its keep — Rough Country lift, Falken AT3W tires, Prinsu rack, the whole catalog of mods. But the 2025 4Runner blends capability with a more refined ride and a design that photographs beautifully under almost any light.
From daily errands to weekend shoots and road trips, the 4Runner is checking every box the Tacoma checked, plus the ones it never did. It's quieter on the highway. It's more comfortable on long drives. The cargo area is larger and more usable. And as a working photo vehicle for my Pittsburgh commercial photography work, it carries gear better and looks cleaner on location.
Quick Answers for 2025 4Runner Buyers
What engine is in the 2025 4Runner TRD Sport?
The 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport runs the i-FORCE 2.4L turbocharged inline-4 making 278 hp at 6,000 rpm and 317 lb-ft at 1,700 rpm. Twin-scroll turbo with air-cooled intercooler, paired to an 8-speed automatic.
Does the TRD Sport have drive modes?
Yes — Eco, Normal, and Sport via Drive Mode Select. Eco is what I leave it in for daily commuting. Sport sharpens throttle response when I want it.
What size wheels and tires come on the TRD Sport?
Factory setup is 20" dark-gray painted and machine-finished alloy wheels with 265/55R20 all-season tires. I've since swapped to 17x8.5 RockTrix RT107 wheels with 265/70R17 Cooper Discoverer Road & Trail A/T tires — fitment notes are on the build page.
Is the 2025 4Runner TRD Sport RWD or 4WD?
Both are available. Mine is RWD with Auto LSD, which keeps things simple and efficient for daily driving. Some buyers will want 4WD for trail use or harsh winters.
Why pick the TRD Sport trim?
Sporty, clean look with great daily drivability and a solid foundation for an OEM+ build. It's not the off-road-focused TRD Off-Road or TRD Pro — it's the trim built for people who want a refined daily that still looks aggressive and accepts modifications well.
What color is Underground?
Underground is a deep, stealthy gray that almost reads matte under indirect light and lets the factory body lines pop at golden hour. It's one of the new color options for the 6th gen 4Runner and pairs well with gloss black accents and aftermarket flares.
Follow the 2025 4Runner Build
Live mod list, install notes, fitment details, real photos, and product links — updated as new parts go on.
Open the Build PageI'll keep adding photo dumps and build updates to the 2025 4Runner TRD Sport build page. You can follow the build progress on TikTok at @underrunner.
All images in this post were shot on the Sony a1 paired with the Tamron 16-30mm f/2.8 Di III VXD G2. More on the lens at Tamron Americas.
Based in Pittsburgh and need product, food, or brand photography? I'm Ian Jones — a Pittsburgh commercial photographer serving Pittsburgh and Western PA. Check out my work or follow me on Instagram.