2025 Toyota 4Runner: i-FORCE vs i-FORCE MAX Engine Comparison

[TRD JON]

So, the i-FORCE engine is solid for everyday driving. It’s got a good mix of power and efficiency that’s hard to beat.

But, if you’re looking for more towing power, extra torque off the line, and maybe even a little better gas mileage, then the i-FORCE MAX hybrid might be the way to go.

It's definitely the beefier option if you’re planning on hitting some serious trails or need that extra muscle for hauling or towing. Below is the spec sheet for the i-FORCE vs i-FORCE MAX Engine Comparison but let us know your thoughts below. Which one are you going with?

[/HEADING]

Engine Type & Technology​

• i-FORCE (2.4L Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine):
  • Engine Type: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Turbocharged, Double Overhead Cam (DOHC)
  • Fuel System: D-4ST Fuel Injection
  • Ignition System: DIS (Direct) with iridium-tipped spark plugs
  • Fuel Type: Regular
• i-FORCE MAX (2.4L Hybrid Turbocharged 4-Cylinder Engine):
  • Engine Type: 2.4-liter 4-cylinder Hybrid Turbocharged, Double Overhead Cam (DOHC)
  • Fuel System: D-4ST Fuel Injection
  • Ignition System: DIS (Direct) with iridium-tipped spark plugs
  • Fuel Type: Regular

Performance​

• i-FORCE:
  • Horsepower: 278 hp @ 6,000 rpm
  • Torque: 317 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm
• i-FORCE MAX:
  • Horsepower: 326 hp @ 6,000 rpm
  • Torque: 465 lb-ft @ 1,700 rpm

Fuel Economy (MPG)​

• i-FORCE (EPA Estimated):
  • 2WD:
    • City: 20 MPG
    • Highway: 26 MPG
    • Combined: 22 MPG
  • 4WD:
    • City: 19 MPG
    • Highway: 25 MPG
    • Combined: 21 MPG
• i-FORCE MAX (EPA Estimated):
  • 4WD:
    • City: 23 MPG
    • Highway: 24 MPG
    • Combined: 23 MPG

Powertrain & Towing​

• i-FORCE:
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission
  • Max Towing Capacity: 6,000 lbs (SAE J2807)
• i-FORCE MAX:
  • Transmission: 8-speed automatic transmission with Hybrid powertrain
  • Max Towing Capacity: 6,000 lbs (SAE J2807)

Torque & Efficiency​

• i-FORCE:
  • The i-FORCE engine delivers solid performance with 278 horsepower and a torque output of 317 lb-ft. It's efficient for everyday driving with good fuel economy for a non-hybrid engine.
• i-FORCE MAX:
  • The i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain significantly boosts torque to 465 lb-ft, offering superior low-end power and towing capacity. This makes the i-FORCE MAX an excellent choice for those who need additional power for off-road adventures or heavy towing, all while maintaining impressive fuel economy.

 

[Trail4R]

Does the added cost of the i-FORCE MAX justify the benefits for everyday driving or off-road use though? We need to see you wheeling the crap out of one of these Hybrids Jon. Don't let us down. haha

 

[rustytaco]

Does the added cost of the i-FORCE MAX justify the benefits for everyday driving or off-road use though? We need to see you wheeling the crap out of one of these Hybrids Jon. Don't let us down. haha

New Tacoma owners that have had both report good things. The power is way better and more enjoyable to drive. I would think the torque would be very helpful off-road as well. More hp and tq. And better MPG. And better resale. How could you go wrong?

 

[TRD JON]

Does the added cost of the i-FORCE MAX justify the benefits for everyday driving or off-road use though? We need to see you wheeling the crap out of one of these Hybrids Jon. Don't let us down. haha

Ya, I'd say it is the power and the enjoyable driving you get out of the hybrid vs the insane MPG. The around-town MPG is solid compared to the nonhybrid, especially for the OR.

 

[Riviera]

New Tacoma owners that have had both report good things. The power is way better and more enjoyable to drive. I would think the torque would be very helpful off-road as well. More hp and tq. And better MPG. And better resale. How could you go wrong?

Hybrid should have better resale only because its costs a few grand more to begin with. These aren't huge but there are a couple downside factors to consider re: total cost of ownership of hybrid vs nonhybrid: Insurance is higher, and in states where registration is based on value, that's higher every year too. I'd bet the resale increase won't be 1-for 1 though, but time will tell.

Unless I'm mis-reading the price numbers, adding the hybrid to the '25 4Runner is about $900 cheaper than adding hybrid to the Tacoma (for '24 it cost $3700 to add hybrid to a taco). Any ideas why adding the hybrid would cost less for the 4Runner? I thought they were essentially the same platform.

 

[Relented]

I'm sure there are owners who will want the extra torque of the hybrid for ease of towing and hauling. And perhaps it will have good benefits off road. But for me the hybrid is out of the question for several reasons:

1. I want a third row. Having that really increases the utility of this platform and it's great you can get that combined with BOF toughness and good off road chops. I'm psyched I can get three rows without settling for a ubiquitous crossover or spending 70K on a GX.

2. Acceleration has been shown to be actually worse than both the non-hybrid and the 5th Gen, which is really saying something. All the extra weight is a killer.

3. The added complexity. Toyota is already asking a lot from 5th Gen owners who might consider trading in. Many of us prize -- indeed, love -- the proven reliability and longevity of the 4.0 V6 and 5spd trans. Swapping in a 4 cylinder turbo and 8 spd is a big enough ask as it is. Because let's be honest: Does anyone really believe this new drivetrain will pile up as many repair-free miles as the old V6 and 5spd? Does anyone really believe that it will be common for the 6th Gen to crest 300K miles with no or few significant repairs? It just seems impossible -- and even more so in the hybrid configuration.

4. Even if I was happy to have a two-row, the compromise on cargo space and lift-over height would really irritate me.

5. It's a lot of extra money for benefits that don't mean that much to me. The towing, hauling and off road ability of my 5th Gen is already adequate for my use, and the non-hybrid 6th Gen seems to improve on those. The higher MPG is nice but not any kind of deciding factor, nor do I expect to see much of that benefit it in real world driving. Plus I get higher MPG in the non-hybrid anyway.

Again, I'm sure the hybrid will make good sense for some. But I bet that many people who end up paying for it would have actually been better off without it.