The sixth-generation 4Runner arrived for 2025 with two powertrains: the i-FORCE 2.4-liter turbo four, and the i-FORCE MAX hybrid that's standard on the TRD Pro, Trailhunter and Platinum. The old 4.0 V6 is gone. That change matters for batteries, because hybrid trucks have two of them and very different price tags.
Which battery are we talking about?
| Battery | Which 4Runners | What it does | Typical cost or coverage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 12-volt | Every 2025+ 4Runner | Powers the computers, locks and lights, and wakes the system to start | $314 to $368 at a dealer (KBB, 2025 4Runner and 2025 i-FORCE MAX) |
| High-voltage hybrid battery | i-FORCE MAX only | Helps drive the truck. Sits under the load floor | 10 years/150,000 miles under Toyota's hybrid battery warranty |
| RepairPal "battery replacement" | 2025 4Runner | Not specified on the page | $2,531 to $2,571 |
RepairPal's older 4Runner years (2012-2023) also show $1,997 to $2,014 for "battery replacement," which is a lot for a regular battery on a V6 truck. We couldn't confirm what the estimator includes, so get a written quote that names the exact part.
Signs your 12-volt battery is the problem
- The dash stays dark or the truck won't go into READY (hybrid) or crank (turbo)
- Clicking or a slow crank on the i-FORCE engine
- Random warning lights or a "see dealer" message after it sat
- Power running boards or the tailgate acting weird when the battery is low
One 2025 4Runner owner told NHTSA the 12-volt charging system showed a "See the Dealer" message along with a bunch of orange warning lights, which cleared after a restart. We found 5 battery-related complaints out of 60 for the 2025 model when we checked, so this isn't a widespread pattern.
Easy things to try first
- Jump it from the engine-bay jump point. Follow the owner's manual for where to connect.
- Look for drains. Dash cams, lights left on, a cargo light, accessories wired into the 12-volt system.
- Drive it 30 minutes or more after a jump. Short trips won't refill it.
- Use a smart charger if the truck sits for weeks between trips or is parked at a trailhead a lot.
What it costs
| Job | Who | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| 12-volt battery, 2025 4Runner | Dealer | $314 to $368 (KBB) |
| 12-volt battery, 2025 4Runner i-FORCE MAX | Dealer | $314 to $368 (KBB) |
| 12-volt battery under warranty | Toyota dealer | Usually $0 inside the 3-year/36,000-mile basic warranty if it fails a test |
| Hybrid battery, i-FORCE MAX | Toyota dealer | Covered 10 years/150,000 miles under Toyota's hybrid battery warranty |
KBB's numbers are for one Ohio ZIP code. Independent shops and parts stores are often cheaper for a 12-volt swap, but on a truck this new, start with the dealer since it's likely still covered.
Recalls to know about
Recall 25V595 covers some 2025 4Runners whose instrument panel may not show speed, brake and tire pressure warnings at startup. Toyota fixes it with a free over-the-air software update. Two 2026 recalls (26V282 and 26V571) are about load capacity labels. None of these are battery recalls, but it's worth checking your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls while you're at it.
What to ask the shop
- "Is this quote for the 12-volt battery or the hybrid battery?"
- "Can you print the battery test result?"
- "Is it covered under my warranty?"
- "Did you check for a parasitic drain?"
Is it worth fixing?
Always. A 12-volt battery is a few hundred dollars at most, and on a 2025 or 2026 4Runner it's probably still under warranty. The hybrid battery is covered for a decade. Just make sure the quote matches the battery you actually need.
More 4Runner help is on the Toyota 4Runner repair page. Brakes squealing too? See our 4Runner brake job cost guide. Prices checked October 14, 2026.
