So, you finally got your hands on the 2025 Toyota 4Runner. It’s been a long wait for the sixth generation, and Toyota delivered. With that new TNGA-F global truck platform, the 2025 model is a beast right out of the gate. But let’s be honest: even a brand-new 4Runner looks a little "polite" sitting on the showroom floor. If you’re planning on hitting the Wasatch back or making your annual pilgrimage to Moab, you know that factory rake and street-tuned suspension aren't going to cut it.
When it comes to Toyota suspension, ICON Vehicle Dynamics is the gold standard. They don't just "lift" trucks; they engineer performance systems. But when you start looking at their catalog, you’re immediately faced with a choice: Stage 1 or Stage 2?
At Sexton Offroad, we see this debate every day at our Salt Lake City and Park City shops. Choosing the right kit comes down to how you use your rig, your budget, and how much "trail-ready" geometry you actually need. Let’s break down the differences between ICON Stage 1 and Stage 2 for your 2025 4Runner so you can buy once and cry once.
The Foundation: Why ICON for the 2025 4Runner?
Before we dive into the stages, you need to understand what makes ICON different from those cheap "spacer" kits you see online. A spacer kit just shoves a piece of puck-shaped metal on top of your factory strut. It gives you height, but it ruins your ride quality and limits your suspension travel.
ICON builds vehicle-specific systems. For the 2025 4Runner, they’ve tuned their 2.5-inch diameter shocks specifically for the weight and handling characteristics of the new platform. You’re getting increased wheel travel, better damping, and a ride that feels more planted on the highway and more capable on the rocks.
ICON Stage 1: The Performance Entry Point
Best For: Daily drivers, weekend campers, and owners looking for a massive upgrade over stock without breaking the bank. ($)
The ICON Stage 1 system is the foundation for everything they do. If you want your 2025 4Runner to sit level, clear larger tires, and handle the occasional rough forest service road with ease, this is your kit.
What’s in the Box?
- Front 2.5 Series Coilovers: These are adjustable from 0-3 inches of lift. They feature ICON’s internal reservoir design and are nitrogen-charged for consistent performance.
- Rear 2.0 Aluminum Series Shocks: These provide a significant upgrade over the stock rear shocks, offering better heat dissipation and valving.
- Rear Lift Springs: Specifically wound for the 4Runner to handle extra gear and provide the necessary height to match the front.
Performance Impact
Stage 1 is a night-and-day difference over stock. The "nose dive" during braking that 4Runners are famous for? Gone. The body roll in the corners? Significantly reduced. Off-road, the 2.5-inch coilovers soak up the small chatter and mid-sized bumps that would have your factory suspension bottoming out.
Pros:
- Most affordable entry into high-end performance suspension.
- Completely bolt-on installation.
- Significant improvement in both on-road and off-road handling.
- Levels the vehicle for a more aggressive stance.
Cons:
- Uses the factory Upper Control Arms (UCAs), which can limit down-travel.
- Alignment can be "close" but sometimes tricky to get perfect at higher lift heights.
If you're looking for a solid rear shock for older models while you save for the big build, check out the Eibach 96-02 4Runner Rear Sport Shock. But for your 2025, ICON Stage 1 is the way to start—and you can browse the right parts here: ICON suspension for 4Runner.
ICON Stage 2: The Sweet Spot for Enthusiasts
Best For: Frequent off-roaders, those running larger/heavier tires, and anyone who wants the best possible alignment and suspension travel. ($$)
Stage 2 is where things get serious. It includes everything in the Stage 1 kit but adds one critical component: ICON Delta Joint Upper Control Arms (UCAs).
Why the UCAs Matter
When you lift a 4Runner 2.5 or 3 inches, the factory upper control arm is pushed to its limits. The geometry changes, which can lead to "wandering" on the highway because you can't get enough caster in the alignment. Furthermore, the factory ball joint can bind at full suspension droop, which limits your actual off-road travel.
ICON’s Stage 2 UCAs feature their patented Delta Joint. This joint combines the durability of a ball joint with the performance of a high-angle uniball. It allows for more articulation without the squeaking or premature wear associated with traditional uniballs.
Performance Impact
With Stage 2, your 2025 4Runner becomes a much more refined machine. Because the UCAs correct the suspension geometry, the truck tracks straighter on the highway: even with 33 or 34-inch tires. Off-road, you gain more usable "droop" travel, meaning your tires stay in contact with the ground longer when you're navigating uneven terrain.
Pros:
- Corrected suspension geometry for better alignment.
- Increased suspension travel and articulation.
- Improved durability for frequent trail use.
- Better high-speed stability on the road.
Cons:
- Higher initial cost than Stage 1.
- Slightly more complex installation.
Wheel & Tire Fitment for the 2025 4Runner (What Actually Works)
Best For: Anyone planning to run bigger tires without turning their rig into a rub-and-trim science project. ($)
If you’re lifting your 2025 4Runner, wheels and tires are the next domino. For real off-road use, 17-inch rims are the sweet spot: you get more tire sidewall, which means you can air down more effectively for traction and ride comfort without beating your wheels to death.
A quick, practical way to think about it:
- More sidewall = more flex over rocks and washboard.
- More sidewall = better protection for the wheel lip when you’re aired down.
- Less sidewall = harsher ride and a higher chance of wheel damage on sharp stuff.
You’ll see a ton of crossover shopping between platforms too—17 inch rims 4runner setups often mirror what people run when they’re searching 17 inch rims toyota tacoma because the goals are the same: sidewall, strength, and predictable fitment.
Fitment reality check: tire size and wheel offset matter as much as lift height. Stage 1 will clear more than stock, Stage 2 helps you keep alignment and geometry happy when you add heavier wheels/tires—so the truck drives straight and stays planted instead of feeling twitchy.
Comparing the Two: Which One Suits Your Build?
| Feature | Stage 1 | Stage 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Lift Height | 0-3" Adjustable | 0-3" Adjustable |
| Front Shocks | 2.5 Series Coilovers | 2.5 Series Coilovers |
| Rear Shocks | 2.0 Aluminum Series | 2.0 Aluminum Series |
| Upper Control Arms | Factory | ICON Delta Joint UCAs |
| Alignment Ease | Moderate | Excellent |
| Off-Road Travel | Improved | Maximum Possible |
| Best Use Case | Daily/Weekend Camping | Frequent Trails/Overlanding |
The "Buy Once, Cry Once" Philosophy
We see it all the time at our off road garage near me searches. A customer comes in with a Stage 1 kit they installed themselves or bought elsewhere, and six months later they are back because they want more travel or they can’t get the alignment right after adding heavy wheels.
If you have the budget, we almost always recommend starting with Stage 2. The Upper Control Arms are the single most important "supporting mod" for any Toyota lift. By doing it all at once, you save on labor costs because we only have to pull the suspension apart once, and we only have to align the truck once.
If you're already looking for lift kit installation places in Utah, you're likely the kind of person who values doing the job right. Installing a Stage 2 kit ensures your 2025 4Runner handles the way Toyota intended: just with a lot more capability.
Expert Installation at Sexton Offroad
The 2025 4Runner is a sophisticated machine. With new safety sensors, potential KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) components, and electronic power steering, installing a lift kit isn't as simple as it was in 1995.
At Sexton Offroad, we are a premier 4x4 shop with locations in Salt Lake City and Park City. We don't just bolt parts on; we ensure every nut and bolt is torqued to spec, the brake lines are clear, and the alignment is dialed for Utah’s unique driving conditions: from 80 mph on I-15 to the technical climbs of Sand Hollow.
Whether you need an Eibach 2010-2018 4Runner Shock for an older project or a full ICON Stage 2 install for your brand-new 2025, our team has the experience to get it done.
Want it done right the first time? Book a professional install with us in Salt Lake City or Park City. Bring the parts (or grab them through our shop search here: ICON suspension for 4Runner) and we’ll handle the full setup—install, torque specs, alignment-ready geometry, and a final once-over so your 4Runner drives straight and hits the trail hard.
Final Thoughts: Which One Wins?
Choosing between ICON Stage 1 and Stage 2 for your 2025 4Runner really comes down to your long-term goals.
- Go with Stage 1 if you are on a stricter budget, stick mostly to pavement and well-maintained dirt roads, and just want that "leveled" look with better-than-factory ride quality.
- Go with Stage 2 if you plan on keeping the truck for years, wheeling it regularly, or if you simply want the peace of mind that comes with corrected geometry and maximum suspension travel.
In our opinion, the Stage 2 kit is the "sweet spot." It addresses the 4Runner’s inherent geometry limitations and provides a platform that you can grow with.
Ready to get your lift kit Utah build started? Give us a shout or swing by Sexton Offroad. We’ll help you pick the right stage, get the right tires, and make sure your 2025 4Runner is the most capable rig on the trail.
