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The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Arrives with More Tech and Off-Road Capability

Mike Ginsca on July 2, 2025

15 years. That’s how long the 5th generation Toyota 4Runner has been on sale. By automotive standards, that is an eternity. But in 2025, Toyota has given us a brand new, 6th generation 4Runner that promises to continue the off-road characteristics that the 4Runner is known for in addition to providing a refined and technologically advanced SUV. 

Like the previous generations, the new Toyota 4Runner has a body-on-frame chassis. This is the same one that is shared with the Tacoma, Land Cruiser and Tundra. It’s a high strength, boxed, steel ladder frame with multi-link coil suspension on the back and double wishbone suspension on the front.  

This new platform improves the ride quality when driving on city streets in addition to providing a stronger chassis when off-roading. Speaking of which, the new 4Runner receives some of the off-road goodies from the Tacoma and Land Cruiser. 

Some of these goodies include a front disconnecting sway bar, Bilstein, Old Man Emu, or Fox shock absorbers, a locking rear differential, and rock rails to protect the body. 

These off-road features vary depending on which off-road trim of the 4Runner you choose. There’s the TRD off-road, the TRD Pro and the new Trailhunter trim. These trims can provide an approach angle of up to 32 degrees and a departure angle of up to 24 degrees. They also use the Multi-Terrain Select system, which now functions in both 4WD high and 4WD low, to adjust various vehicle settings for better traction in mud, sand, and dirt environments.  

All three of these off-road ready trims of the 2025 4Runner are available with the new hybrid powertrain. 

The V6 is gone and in its place is the 2.4L turbocharged 4-cylinder hybrid engine of the Land Cruiser and Tacoma. It produces 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque. Not only is this the most powerful 4Runner but it’s also much more economical.  

The hybrid version of the 2025 Toyota 4Runner is rated for 9.9 L/100km combined.  That is a drastic improvement over the 13.8 L/100km combined of the old Toyota 4Runner.  

This is achieved not only by the aid of the 48 hp electric motor but also the new 8-speed automatic transmission. Furthermore, this hybrid powertrain enables the 2025 4Runner to tow up to 6,000 lbs. 

But unlike the Toyota Land Cruiser, this new 4Runner is available with a second engine. It’s the same 2.4L turbo 4-cylinder but without the hybrid assist. It produces 278 hp and 317 lb-ft of torque.  

Of course, this non-hybrid engine isn’t quite as fuel efficient with a combined rating of 11.1 L/100km but that’s still better than the previous generation 4Runner.  

The interior of the new 4Runner is almost identical to that of the Tacoma which is not such a bad thing. It means that a vast majority of controls are operated by physical buttons and physical knobs.  

As standard, the 2025 Toyota 4Runner comes with an 8” infotainment touchscreen and a 7” digital driver display. Moving up in the trims increases these sizes to 14-inches and 12.3-inches respectively. 

The infotainment system displays Toyota’s Multimedia system that is found in all other current Toyota vehicles. It supports wireless Apple CarPlay and wireless Android Auto with this new generation 4Runner allowing for a digital key. The digital key can be connected to a smartphone to allow for vehicle entry and vehicle start up. 

The new 4Runner can also be equipped with features that were never available on the previous generation. Some of these include power operated running boards, a head up display, heated rear seats, ventilated front seats, and a digital rearview mirror. 

But of course the one feature that everyone wanted to remain on this new 4Runner is the power operated rear window. Simply press on the up or down switches, with the key near the SUV, and the rear window goes up and down. Of course you can also control this window from the inside. 

Opening the power operated liftgate reveals three rows of seats. But the 7-seat capacity is only available on certain trims of Toyota 4Runners equipped with the non-hybrid engine. Those with the Hybrid Max powertrain only have 2-rows of seats.  

Nevertheless, this new 4Runner provides a bit more legroom in the 2nd row over the previous generation. Front legroom remains unchanged. As for the 3rd row, it is very tight and should ideally be used for kids or in emergency situations when you need to ferry 6 others over a short distance. They will not want to sit in that 3rd row for very long.  

Like most other Toyota vehicles, the 2025 4Runner comes equipped with standard Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 along with blind spot monitor, rear cross traffic alert, and hill start assist. Of course, it also comes with 8 airbags to keep you and your family safe in the event of an accident. 

The 2025 Toyota 4Runner starts at $54,200 for the SR5 trim. This new generation has a total of 8 different trims, some of which are only available with the hybrid max powertrain while others are only available with the gasoline-only powertrain. The most expensive is the Trailhunter with a price of $84,201. 

So that is a look at the all-new 2025 Toyota 4Runner! What are your thoughts on this new SUV? Or do you still prefer the older generation? Let us know in the comments.  

And should you want to learn more or test drive the new 4Runner, please contact our knowledgeable product specialists at any one of our 6 OpenRoad Toyota dealerships throughout BC and Ontario.

Coupe SUV Showdown: 2025 Genesis GV80 Coupe vs 2025 Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe

Mike Ginsca on June 25, 2025

A coupe-SUV is a type of sports utility vehicle with a sloping rear roofline akin to a sporty sedan. It offers the tall driving position of an SUV but with the stylish design of a low-slung compact car. 

One of the first cars to have this design was the BMW X6 way back in 2008. It took a few more years before other manufacturers created their own Coupe-SUVs but now, almost every luxury brand offers one. The latest to join this trend is the all-new Genesis GV80 Coupe. 

Like the standard GV80, the GV80 Coupe is a spacious SUV with a luxurious cabin. The quilted Nappa leather seats are among the most comfortable you’ll ever sit in. The D-shaped steering wheel and available carbon fiber trim add a touch of sportiness to complement the stylish exterior.  

But the main focal point of this interior is the 27” OLED display. This is a seamless integration of the driver instrument cluster and the infotainment system. These are not split screens made to look as though it’s one like how it is in some other vehicles. 

To further add to the ambiance of luxury, the GV80 Coupe has a built-in fragrance system. This is integrated into the climate controls and Genesis offers three distinct aromas; Coming Home, Jaunty Breeze, and Down to Earth. 

However, there is a small drawback to having a coupe-SUV design which is most noticeable in the back seats. Legroom between this and the regular GV80 is the same but headroom is a bit less in the coupe version. Also, there’s no optional 3rd row and you get a little bit less cargo space behind the seats.  

But what you take away with one hand, you give with the other. Under the hood, the GV80 Coupe has a more powerful engine than the one in the standard GV80.  

Both cars have 3.5L twin-turbocharged V6 engines. But the one in the Coupe version produces 409 hp whereas the one in the standard GV80 produces 375 hp. Why the difference? Well, the GV80 Coupe has a 48-Volt mild hybrid system. 

It’s not a traditional hybrid system in the sense that it will allow the SUV to be driven for brief periods on nothing but just electricity. Instead, this system provides a little bit more power to the engine through the use of an electric supercharger. In addition, it also provides a smooth auto start/stop function and improved fuel economy, particularly in a city environment.  

And then of course, there is the design. The sleek roofline and subtle spoiler give this SUV the sporty stance that sets these types of vehicles apart from every other. The GV80 coupe also comes with standard 22” wheels and like all other Genesis vehicles, the signature double lines of the headlight daytime running lights are carried to the side turn signals and the rear taillamps. 

But as I said at the start of the article, this is the latest coupe SUV to join the market. So how does the new kid on the block compare to something that’s been around the block a few times already?  

Like the GV80 Coupe, the Mercedes-Benz GLE Coupe has a similar sporty silhouette. Looks are subjective which is why to some, the GLE Coupe may look a bit more elegant from certain angles. The slim taillights and subtle spoiler make the GLE Coupe look timeless, especially if you get it in black. 

But looks are one thing. What’s available under the hood of the GLE is something completely different. You can get it with the bi-turbo V8 engine which produces just over 600 hp. The Genesis GV80 Coupe can’t match that. Of course, if that’s too much for you, there’s the GLE 53 AMG with 429 hp or the GLE 450 with 375 hp.  

Sure, the GLE 450 doesn’t produce the same power as the twin-turbo V6 in the Genesis, but it has a clever engine. It has a 48-Volt mild-hybrid system like in the GV80 Coupe but if you switch the drive mode to Eco and then take your foot off the throttle pedal while driving over 60 km/h, then the engine will shut itself off and let the car coast. This in turn provides better fuel economy because it allows the GLE to coast a little bit further down the road with minimal loss in speed due to engine braking. It does this for brief periods and the engine immediately starts up whenever you touch the throttle pedal again. This gives the GLE Coupe a combined fuel consumption figure of 11.2 L/100km vs 12 L/100km for the GV80 Coupe. 

But you’re not just buying a car like this for the fuel economy and the looks, you’re also getting it for the luxury. Both cars have similar features such as heated, ventilated, & massaging front seats, head-up displays, wireless phone charging pads, and soft close doors. But it’s the Mercedes can be optioned with just a few more convenience & luxury features which just sets this car further apart from others. 

Some of these features include a 4-zone climate control system, heated front arm rests and upper door panels, heated & chilled cup holders, and one of the smoothest drives of any luxury SUV thanks to the Airmatic suspension. 

So, these two coupe SUVs have elegant silhouettes, similar interior space and similar features. Where they differ is with their prices. The Genesis GV80 Coupe is only available in one trim level and it will cost you $104,000. The Mercedes-Benz GLE 450 Coupe starts at $99,900 but in order to have similar options to the GV80 Coupe, you will have to add on a few packages. 

In the end, which one fancies your eye more? Let us know in the comments. And if you’d like to learn more about either car, please contact our knowledgeable product specialists at OpenRoad Mercedes-Benz Surrey or Genesis Richmond.

An Icon Like No Other; 2025 Porsche 911 Carrera

Mike Ginsca on June 18, 2025

The Porsche 911 is arguably the most iconic sports car of all time. From its sleek silhouette to its rear engine layout, there’s almost no person on Earth that doesn’t know what the Porsche 911 is. As such, when it came time to update the 911 for 2025, Porsche didn’t mess with the recipe. They enhanced it. 

Part of the enhancement for the 2025 model year, code named 992.2, is a tweak to the exterior styling. The 911 has updated matrix LED headlights with standard four-point daytime running lights. This update also does away with the auxiliary lights that were just above the bumper intakes of the previous model year.  

Around back, the LED light strip has been redesigned to make the 911 appear wider. You can also option the 911 Carrera with an aerokit for a more distinctive look. But the most noticeable design change is with the GTS. It has 5 vertical flaps to either side of the front bumper which can close for better aerodynamics or open for better cooling. 

And the GTS needs better cooling because it has to keep the new hybrid battery cool. Yes, the Porsche 911 is now a hybrid sports car. 

Available on the GTS, for now, the T-hybrid powertrain consists of an electric motor situated inside the strengthened 8-speed PDK gearbox and a new single electric exhaust turbocharger. The latter utilizes Formula 1 technology whereby an electric motor between the exhaust and intake turbines spins the turbocharger to provide instantaneous boost at any engine rpms.  

Power for the new hybrid components comes from a 1.9 kWh battery pack that is roughly the same size and weight as a conventional 12-Volt starter battery. The GTS also does away with a conventional starter motor and instead relies on the gearbox integrated electric motor to start the 3.6L boxer engine. 

In addition to providing better response and better efficiency, the T-Hybrid engine is of course more powerful than the older 911 GTS. It produces 532 hp & almost 450 lb-ft of torque. 

But the GTS is not the only 911 model that received an updated powertrain. The standard 911 Carrera is more powerful as well. 

The twin-turbocharged 3.0L flat-6 engine produces 388 hp and 331 lb-ft of torque. This is achieved through turbochargers that were previously used in the older generation 911 GTS. With the Sport chrono package, the 911 Carrera can accelerate from a stop to 100 km/h in just 3.9 seconds.  

The Carrera S bumps the power to 473 hp and drops the 0-100 km/h sprint to 3.3 seconds, with the sport chrono package.  

But in order to make these cars faster, Porsche ditched the manual transmission. At least for the standard Carrera, Carrera S and the GTS. You can still get a 6-speed manual transmission on the Carrera T, and of course the GT3. But all other standard models get an 8-speed PDK.  

Sticking with the interior, it has received a few updates for this model year. Most notably is the fully digital driver instrument cluster. The centrally mounted analog tachometer is gone and in its place is a digital version. This not only allows for various information panels to be displayed but the driver can also choose from different themes such as the classic view with a centrally located tachometer or the rev counter view where the rev needle is situated so that it is at the 12 o’clock position at shift speed. This was the case with many historic Porsche racing cars. 

Other changes to this interior include a new push button start on the left side of the steering column, the drive mode switch is now standard on all models of the 911, there’s a new wireless phone charging pad with up to 15 Watts of power, and there are new options and combinations of leather trims. 

The infotainment system also sees a few new changes. Firstly, you can listen to streaming music through Spotify or Apple music without your smartphone being connected to the car. Simply scan the QR code that is displayed on the touchscreen and you can start listening to your favourite tunes.  

Another change is the ability to stream videos to the main touchscreen. The ScreenhitsTV app integrates numerous popular streaming services, but it does require a subscription to use. However, Porsche Connect customers receive a 3-year voucher with data allowance. Needless to say, video streaming is only available when the car is stationary.  

In addition to all of the updates on the 2025 Porsche 911, this still remains as one of the most customizable vehicles on sale today. The 911 Carrera starts at $143,600 while the new 911 GTS starts at $188,300.  

Our knowledgeable product specialists at Porsche Centre Richmond or Porsche Centre Langley are more than happy to help you customize your very own Porsche 911.

Porsche Introduces the All-New Macan Electric

Mike Ginsca on November 13, 2024

10 years ago, Porsche introduced the compact Macan SUV. It quickly became a hit among consumers for its city-sized dimensions and exhilarating Porsche driving dynamics. Now in 2024, it will be available alongside the 2nd generation, all-electric, Porsche Macan.  

Staying in Control

The new Macan Electric retains the city-sized dimensions of its gasoline counterpart. It is roughly the same height and same width, but it is a little bit longer. However, you don’t need to worry about the Macan Electric being cumbersome to maneuver in a tight parking lot because it is available with rear wheel steering. 

The back wheels can turn in the opposite direction to the front wheels, by 5 degrees, when the car is moving slowly. This reduces the turning circle. When you’re driving down a highway, the wheels turn in the same direction at the fronts, which helps make the car feel more stable. 

But that’s not all that the new Macan Electric uses to keep the driver in control. It comes standard with adaptive air suspension with 4 selectable modes, 5 ride-height positions, and the ability to lower the rear axle only for easier loading and unloading.  

Then there’s the Macan 4, 4S, and Turbo which come equipped with a dual-motor layout for an AWD system. So should you want to take your new Porsche Macan Electric on a snowy mountain road, just slap on some winter tires and it’ll handle the white fluff without a fuss. The standard Macan Electric, however, is a single-motor RWD only SUV. 

Powerful Motors

The single-motor Macan Electric is capable of producing 335 hp & 451 lb-ft of torque. But if you engage launch control, the overboost function will momentarily provide 355 hp. That’s enough to accelerate the Macan Electric from a stop to 100 km/h in 5.7 seconds. 

The Macan Electric 4, 4S, and Turbo have incremental increases in power outputs. From just over 400 hp all the way up to 630 hp with the overboost function and launch control in the Macan Turbo Electric. 0-100 km/h in that car is in the low 3 second range. 

Providing the motors with the electric power is a 100-kWh battery pack. A pretty sizable battery pack for such a compact luxury SUV. That battery also gives the Porsche Macan Electric a driving range of up to 654 km. That’s like driving from Vancouver to Seattle, and back, on a single charge with a bit of charge left in the battery. In fact, all versions of the Macan Electric, including the 630 hp Turbo, have driving ranges of over 600 km.  

All versions of the Macan Electric can be recharged at a maximum rate of up to 270 kW. Porsche doesn’t say exact charging times at this rate but we’re estimating that it’ll be around 20 minutes from 10% to 80%. From at 11 kW, level 2 charger, it can be recharged from 0% to 100% in about 10 hours. 

Supple Interior

The power and exhilarating driving experience is only part of the equation of a Porsche vehicle. The other part is the luxurious interior. The Macan Electric takes some inspiration from the Cayenne, which was updated for the 2024 model year. It has the same steering wheel, a configurable digital driver instrumentation screen, a large infotainment touchscreen and an optional passenger touchscreen which allows access to navigation and streaming apps such as YouTube.

There’s also a new Head-up display which Porsche says that is meant to look like an 87-inch TV screen at about 30-feet away. This means that you can still clearly read all of the vital information that is displayed but your eyes don’t need to refocus when you’re looking at it thus reducing eye strain. That’s German thinking. 

Depending on which seats you have optioned on your Macan Electric, the driver and passenger sit up to one inch lower in this new Macan compared to the gasoline version. But you don’t need to worry about visibility if you’re a shorter individual, the Macan Electric is equipped with standard 8-way power seats. 

The rear occupants sit half an inch lower than in the gasoline version and have a bit more legroom thanks to the longer wheelbase of the car. There’s also a standard panoramic sunroof to allow for more light in the back seats. 

The Cost

The Porsche Macan Electric has a starting price of $94,900. Of course, going up in the trim levels will incrementally increase the price with the Turbo starting at $127,800. Then there is the options list where you can customize your new Macan Electric to your liking. 

Should you need help in customizing your new Porsche, our knowledgeable product specialists at Porsche Centre Richmond and Porsche Centre Langley are more than happy to help you get behind the steering wheel of your very own Macan Electric.