3 Minutes
Built for the mud — with a carbon twist
Toyota’s rugged 4Runner has always been a favorite for off-roaders, and a fresh aftermarket build shows how bold the N500-generation platform can look when pushed beyond factory spec. Hawaii-based MJ Motorsports recently completed a standout 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro that channels last year’s coveted Mudbath tone while adding an exposed carbon-fiber hood scoop and heavy-duty off-road upgrades.
Market backdrop: Why the 4Runner still matters
As automakers wrestled with declining EV deliveries after the federal tax-credit changes, Toyota — buoyed by strong hybrid sales — posted a better-than-expected month in North America. The 4Runner remains a hot seller following its switch to the sixth-generation N500 architecture in 2024, and dealer interest only increased with the 2026 model year arrivals. Pricing spans from the base SR5 to well-equipped TRD models, but the TRD Pro's rugged appeal keeps it on many buyers' lists despite higher asking prices.
What makes this TRD Pro special?
At first glance the build reads like a tasteful restomod: an earth-toned exterior reminiscent of the discontinued Mudbath color, contrasted by glossy black trim. The tweaks are focused on capability and visual impact rather than pure showmanship.
Key aftermarket highlights:
- Exposed carbon-fiber hood scoop — the most eye-catching upgrade.
- Aftermarket LED headlights and full activity lighting with both white and amber LEDs.
- Aerodynamic roof rack fitted with a roof tent, colorful recovery boards and utility mounts.
- 3-inch King Shocks coilover lift for increased wheel travel and ground clearance.
- 17x9 Vossen HFX-2 concave wheels in gloss black, wrapped in 295/70R17 Mickey Thompson Baja Boss all-terrain tires.
Powertrain and capability
This TRD Pro retains Toyota’s i-Force Max hybridized 2.4-liter turbocharged engine, paired with an eight-speed automatic and part-time 4WD with an electronic locking differential. Output figures are 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, which translates into a factory-rated towing capacity of about 5,800 pounds — more than enough for trailers, boats or overlanding rigs.
Design, ride and on-trail usability
Ride height and damping get a major boost from the three-inch King Shocks coilover kit, which not only improves approach and departure angles but also allows the larger 295/70R17 rubber to perform effectively on loose terrain. The Vossen HFX-2 wheels provide a modern concave look while the heavy-duty tires offer traction for sand, mud and rock.
Inside and out, the build balances form with function. The roof tent and recovery gear signal a real-world overlanding intent, while the carbon hood and black wheel treatment reinforce a purposeful aesthetic that’s equally at home at a trailhead or a weekend meet.
Quote-worthy takeaway: The 4Runner TRD Pro remains a versatile platform. With a few select upgrades, it becomes a capable expedition vehicle without losing the everyday usability that buyers expect.
Highlights:
- Factory hybrid turbo power with 326 hp and 465 lb-ft
- Notable aftermarket: carbon hood, King Shocks lift, Vossen wheels
- Practical off-road kit: roof tent, recovery boards, amber/white LED lighting
Is this mud-ready TRD Pro a success? For enthusiasts who want a near-factory feel with serious off-road chops and standout looks, this MJ Motorsports build is a clear yes. For buyers who prefer untouched originals or strictly factory warranty conformity, it might be a pass. Either way, it’s a vivid reminder that the 4Runner’s aftermarket life is far from over.
Source: autoevolution
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