Written byThe 2025 Toyota 4Runner retains its body-on-frame SUV heritage in the name of adventure. Famous for its off-road capability and dependability over the long run, the 4Runner is still the go-to option for users needing daily city driving and rugged off-road readiness.
Still, Toyota offers several trim levels, such as Platinum and Limited, which represent premium trims, a slightly sportier feel, and higher luxury and tech elements. Although both trims have Toyota’s legendary reliability in common, they diverge more in pricing and capabilities.
- 4Runner Platinum — $64,310
- 4Runner Limited — $56,850
Buyers will need to be careful about the differences, as there is a $8,000 price difference between the two. The Platinum has better features, more tech, and is better off-road, while the Limited offers a less expensive, well-rounded blend of luxury and practicality.
In this comparison, we’ll examine how the two trims compare in terms of performance, features, interior, safety, and off-road capability to help you determine which Toyota 4Runner is best for you.
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Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | 4Runner Platinum | 4Runner Limited |
| Price | $64,310 | $56,850 |
| Engine | 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 | 4.0L V6 |
| Horsepower | 349 hp | 270 hp |
| Torque | 479 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 10-speed automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD or RWD |
| Towing Capacity | 7,500 lbs | 5,000 lbs |
| Fuel Economy | 18 MPG combined | 17 MPG combined |
Price and Value Comparison
With this update, the Toyota 4Runner Limited is priced at $56,850, and the 4Runner Platinum is priced at $64,310, meaning there’s a $7,460 price gap separating each respective trim. The important question: Is the premium price worth it?
What You Get for the Extra Cost
More luxurious interior materials, tech upgrades, and exterior touches than the Limited. Expect higher-grade leather upholstery, a more premium dashboard layout, and an advanced infotainment system with more driver-assist functions. Also, the Platinum trim gets adaptive suspension, noise-reducing glass, and more expensive safety tech for a more premium ride for the luxurious truck.
Warranty, Resale Value, and Ownership Costs
Both trims come with Toyota’s standard warranty:
- 3-year/36,000-mile basic coverage
- 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty
Toyota has a well-deserved reputation for reliability, which means the resale value is pretty well guaranteed. The 4Runner maintains its status as the best SUV. Still, buyers in the used market typically gravitate toward mid-tier trims like this one, so Platinum’s high starting price may not mean much in resale value.
The 4Runner is the least expensive option regarding ownership costs, thanks to its solid reliability in balancing maintenance costs. However, the Platinum’s extra parts may add to repairs or insurance.
Is the Upgrade Worth It?
The Platinum is well worth the expense for anyone wanting to add more luxury and tech. Still, for buyers prioritizing rugged capability and long-term value above flash, the Limited trim is better and still delivers the 4Runner legendary toughness.
Winner: 4Runner Limited
For most buyers, the Limited trim offers the best value, delivering premium features at a lower cost. The Platinum trim is ideal for those wanting top-tier luxury, but the Limited remains the more brilliant buy for balancing price and performance.
Performance & Engine
The 4Runner Platinum and the 4Runner Limited deliver different driving experiences when it comes to performance. The Platinum gets a 3.4L Twin-Turbo V6 with 349 hp and 479 lb-ft of torque. The move to a turbocharged engine means quicker acceleration, more low-end torque, and overall efficiency. On the other hand, the Limited uses a 4.0L naturally aspirated V6 that produces 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. The Limited engine will go the distance as it is very reliable, just not the power and snappy response of the Platinum.
The other big difference between the two trims is the transmission. The Platinum boasts a new 10-speed automatic that shifts smoothly and maximizes power delivery, resulting in soft acceleration, fuel economy, and highway performance. In contrast, the Limited retains a dated 5-speed automatic that comes across as old and coarse. Fewer gears make for lower-efficiency highway cruising, and acceleration isn’t as strong or seamless as in the Platinum.
The Platinum once again comes up ahead when it comes to towing capacity. It also has a maximum towing capacity of 7,500 lbs, making it a more capable solution for towing trailers, boats, or heavy cargo. The Limited lags behind it with a 5,000-lb towing limit, which may not cut the mustard for more serious towing requirements.
Winner: 4Runner Platinum
Platinum is the distinct leader in terms of performance. Its twin-turbo engine produces more power and torque, the 10-speed automatic enables smoother shifts, and its superior towing capacity makes it a more capable machine. If towing, performance, and efficiency are top of your list,the Platinum is the better choice.
Interior & Comfort
The Toyota 4runner Platinum ups the ante regarding cabin decor with a premium leather interior, ventilated and heated front seats, and a 12.3-inch touchscreen for infotainment. Convenience is added as a head-up display (HUD), with relevant content projected on the windscreen. Heated second-row seats add comfort for rear occupants, and a panoramic sunroof gives an extra airy feel. A hands-free power liftgate is also included with the top Platinum trim, so you can walk over to the with arms full of groceries and open it automatically.
The Limited is still posh, but features leather-trimmed seats instead of leather inside and lacks ventilated front seats. The Toyota 4runner also uses the 12.3-inch touchscreen infotainment system, though there’s no HUD. The Limited’s moonroof is standard, and while it is more panoramic, it doesn’t afford the expansive view like the Platinum. Rear-seat passengers continue to receive much room but no ventilated seats.
The two trims include a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster as standard and modern instrumentation, as well as a JBL premium audio system. The pair’s cargo capacity with the second and third rows in use is the same, but the Platinum also receives the luxury of power-folding third-row seats, which is handy for loading and unloading stuff.
Winner: 4Runner Platinum
The Platinum wins with its ventilated front seats, heated second-row pews, and handy comforts, including the HUD and power-folding rear seats.
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Technology & Safety
4Runner Platinum features Toyota Safety Sense 3.0, which includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian detection. It also has a 360-degree camera system that assists while parking and navigating off-road.
4Runner Limited with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 offers many driver-assist features but excludes advanced safety technologies from Platinum trim. However, traffic jam assist and front cross-traffic alert are absent, which provide enhanced safety in congested traffic.Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard on both trims. The car also has a top-end 15-speaker JBL audio system that provides premium sound.
Platinum includes a heads-up display, which projects vital driving information onto the windshield so drivers can keep their eyes on the road. The Limited trim lacks this feature. Another significant benefit of the Platinum is the digital rearview mirror, which offers a crystal clear, camera-based view of the road behind, even if the cargo area is complete.
Winner: 4Runner Platinum
Its better safety technology, head-up display, and additional driver assist technology make it the right choice for tech and convenience aficionados.
Off-Road Capability
Toyota 4runner Platinum Adventure awaits, equipped with full-time 4WD with Multi-Terrain Select. It’s an automatic traction system that perfectly fits as needed, whether muddy, sandy, or rocky. The reverse holds for the Limited trim, which comes standard with RWD but provides available 4WD for those looking to handle various weather conditions. Limited does fine on light trails; it isn’t built with the same terrain-tackling intent as the Platinum.
One significant benefit of the 4Runner Platinum is the standard electronic locking rear differential, which distributes power evenly between the rear wheels for improved traction. It’s a true lifesaver when the going gets tough (as it will in extreme off-road conditions), so you don’t end up stuck in deep ruts or lose the truck in soft dirt or sand. The Limited trim gets a more pavement-focused design typology.
Both trims include off-road technology like Crawl Control, which automatically adjusts throttle and brakes at low speeds when driving over challenging terrain. However, the platinum model goes the extra mile with Downhill Assist Control for more stability on steep declines. Platinum is a superior option if challenging trails or mountains are on the agenda.
The Platinum trim’s ruggedness gives it the edge on highways or city streets over the well-mannered 4Runner Limited. The Platinum is the better option if you need to seamlessly traverse off-road obstacles.
Winner: 4Runner Platinum
- Standard full-time 4WD and a locking rear diff are the apparent winners.
- The Downhill Assist Control and Multi-Terrain Select are more adept for hardcore off-roading.
- Refined for the city Limited but More rugged Platinum.
Fuel Efficiency & Ownership Costs
Fuel economy and ownership costs are critical to long-term value when evaluating the Toyota 4Runner Platinum vs. Limited.
Platinum: 18 MPG combined with its modern twin-turbocharged V6 ,which offers a good balance of performance and efficiency. However, the complexity of the turbochargers may result in higher repair and maintenance costs over time.
Limited: The Limited is rated at an estimated 17 MPG combined and utilizes a simpler, tried-and-true naturally aspirated V6. It drinks marginally more gas, but it sidesteps the possible reliability issues that often accompany turbo engines down the road.
However, maintenance costs are the other central aspect besides the fuel economy you must consider. It Could Mean Less Expensive Ownership Than the Limited’s Simpler V6. The same cannot be said for the Platinum’s twin-turbo engine, which could mean more expensive repairs, particularly as it ages.
Both trims score well in the resale value department. The Toyota 4Runner has good resale value and often ranks with the best. The pricing premium for the Platinum will likely correspond to quicker depreciation, while the Limited stands to hold its value better in the long run.
Winner: 4Runner Limited
- Upfront is less expensive and probably will also have lower long-term maintenance costs.
- Proven durability without the progressive complexity of turbocharging (in the North American market, anyway).
- More significant resale value retention potential than the pricier Platinum.
Final Thoughts: Which 4Runner Should You Purchase?
The Platinum vs. Limited: Choose your priorities. It is the better pick if you want your 4Runner Platinum for more power, better off-road performance, and luxury. With a more powerful engine, updated tech, and plush interior appointments, it was as ready for adventure as it was for comfort. Alternatively, if you are looking for cheaper reliability with good city manners, the 4Runner Limited makes for a decent choice. That means dependability, a smooth ride, and a few necessary features without the lofty cost.
However, the 4Runner Platinum has higher marks for performance, features, and off-roading as an overall value evaluation. Combining rugged durability with premium content, Toyota 4runner SUV offers the best of both worlds for those who insist more on their SUV. Be it off-roading or cruising in style, the ultimate power, luxury, and adventure-ready capability choice for buyers is effortlessly the 4Runner Platinum.
