5 Minutes
A Fresh Take on a Legend
The Toyota 4Runner has been a stalwart in the off-road SUV segment for decades. With the arrival of the sixth-generation N500 model, Toyota has shifted course from the high-displacement V6/V8 formula of the N210 and N280 generations back to a modern turbocharged inline-four architecture. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off‑Road, shown here in Everest paint, already looks purposeful off the showroom floor — but as digital artist Nikita Chuicko (aka kelsonik) demonstrates, a set of aftermarket wheels can radically change the truck’s visual stance. In his CGI render, three distinct wheel styles are fitted to the 4Runner to show how wheel design, finish, and fitment impact aesthetics and capability.
Design & Styling: Subtle Changes, Big Impact
The N500 4Runner maintains the rugged, family-oriented SUV silhouette that made the model popular, while borrowing a classic nod from the original N60 generation — a raised rear window. The new 4Runner’s design language blends modern details with proven off-road proportions: high ground clearance, short overhangs, flat body panels and robust wheel arches make it a natural canvas for aftermarket wheels and larger off-road tires.
Aftermarket Wheel Options Shown
- Dual five-spoke Y-connected design: A contemporary, aggressive layout in a dark finish with deep concavity. This wheel allows for wider tire fitment and a more aggressive offset, enhancing both stance and off-road traction.
- Classic silver steelies with small hubcaps: A utilitarian, retro look that suits hardcore off-road use or a minimalist aesthetic. Steel wheels are durable, affordable, and easy to repair in remote conditions.
Multi-spoke black wheels with silver aero rings: A premium, detailed appearance that mixes performance cues with visual contrast. The aero rings highlight the spoke pattern and add a layered finish for showroom appeal.
Performance & Powertrain
Under the hood, Toyota returns to turbocharged four-cylinder engineering with a 2.4-liter i‑Force turbocharged engine as the base offering. The lineup also introduces the i‑Force Max electrified variant: a 2.4-liter turbo paired with an electric motor and battery assembly producing around 326 hp. This hybridized powertrain improves low-end torque and efficiency while retaining the 4Runner’s off-road capability. Compared to the previous V6 and V8 options, the turbo and hybrid approach delivers better fuel economy, lower emissions, and competitive performance for modern buyers.
Interior, Technology & Practicality
Where older 4Runner generations could feel dated, the N500 interior matches mid‑2020s expectations with updated infotainment, safety tech, and connectivity. The cabin balances durability — essential for off-road use — with comfort and driver assistance features, ensuring the 4Runner remains a practical daily driver and weekend trail rig.
Market Positioning & Competitors
Toyota positions the 4Runner as a family-friendly, off-road-capable SUV that blends everyday usability with trail-ready credentials. Early sales in some markets were lower than in 2024, partly because the refreshed Land Cruiser appeals to buyers who might otherwise have chosen the 4Runner, and partly because Toyota Motor North America took time to ramp up dealer stock and model availability after the late-2024 launch.
How It Compares
Against rivals such as the Jeep Wrangler, Ford Bronco, and Land Rover Defender, the 4Runner emphasizes a conservative evolution: proven chassis geometry, improved efficiency via the 2.4L turbo and i‑Force Max hybrid system, and enhanced interior tech. Aftermarket wheel and tire combinations remain a cost-effective way to personalize the 4Runner’s capability and look, whether you prioritize trail toughness or curb appeal.
Final Thoughts
Whether you prefer aggressive concave alloys, practical steelies, or multi-spoke contrast-finish wheels, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off‑Road is a versatile base vehicle for customization. Mountain trials, daily commuting, or digital showcases — the right wheel choice transforms the 4Runner’s character. Which of the three styles shown by kelsonik fits your vision for the next 4Runner build?
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