Overview & Reviews

Few SUVs have the level of name recognition that the Toyota 4Runner enjoys. Launched in 1984, the 4Runner has always been Toyota's smaller and more affordable complement to the legendary Land Cruiser. Even though the first 4Runner was little more than Toyota's compact two-door pickup with a removable top, it was nonetheless rugged and tough. Over time, the 4Runner has earned its own reputation as a durable vehicle -- off-road and on.

During the SUV-crazy '90s, Toyota introduced more models, which allowed the company to move the 4Runner up a few notches in size, accoutrements and price. Still truck-based and still outfitted with a solid rear axle, the current Toyota 4Runner boasts old-school brawn. A midsize crossover SUV will likely be a better choice for most shoppers, considering a crossover's more carlike handling and fuel economy, but the 4Runner continues to be a top choice for a dependable SUV that's both comfortable, yet rugged enough for recreational off-road duty.

Current Toyota 4Runner
The current Toyota 4Runner is based on the same platform as the rugged FJ Cruiser. As ever, it has a trucklike solid rear axle for superior off-road performance. There are three trim levels: SR5, Trail and Limited. All are powered by a 4.0-liter V6 that makes 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque. The sole transmission offered is a five-speed automatic. The SR5 and Limited can be had in either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive (part-time system on SR5, full-time system on the Limited), while the Trail comes only with part-time 4WD.

The SR5 comes standard with alloy wheels, skid plates, foglights, air-conditioning, cruise control, a rearview camera, full power accessories with a power rear window, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel, Bluetooth, a touchscreen interface, Toyota's Entune smartphone integration system and an eight-speaker audio system. The Trail adds a locking rear differential, Crawl Control (which automatically modulates the engine and brakes when ascending or descending hills), off-road tires and water-resistant upholstery.

The luxurious Limited gets Toyota's X-REAS adaptive suspension dampers (for controlling body roll), keyless entry and ignition, dual-zone automatic climate control and an upgraded audio system. Major options include a third-row seat and a navigation system. The available Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) can disconnect the front and rear stabilizer bars at speeds below 40 mph for greater wheel articulation over uneven terrain.

In reviews, we've been pleased with the Toyota 4Runner's excellent off-road ability and strong V6 engine. It's also useful for carrying people and cargo thanks to its available third-row seat and 90 cubic feet of maximum cargo space. Just don't expect it to drive like a car-based crossover -- this is a traditional SUV. If all you need is an urban runabout, there are better choices.

Used Toyota 4Runner Models
The current 4Runner represents the fifth-generation model that debuted for 2010. The new styling had an edgier look, highlighted by a blocky front grille and pronounced fender flares. At first the SR5 2WD came standard with a 2.7-liter inline-4 (157 hp and 178 lb-ft) matched to a four-speed automatic gearbox. Given its underpowered nature, we weren't sad to see it discontinued in the next model year. For 2012, the 4Runner received Toyota's available Entune smartphone integration system. These 4Runners lack the current version's rather aggressive front end styling, revamped interior and a few newly standard features including the Entune system and a rearview camera.

Prior to this, there was the fourth-generation 4Runner, which was produced from 2003-'09. As before, this 4Runner was meant to be off-road-worthy, good-looking and built to last. The frame employed fully boxed side rails that significantly increased torsional rigidity. This eliminated much of the body flex that gave the previous version a sloppy ride on the highway. The fourth-generation 4Runner also featured a roomier and much-improved cabin.

The standard engine was a 4.0-liter V6 rated at 245 hp, and it originally came with a four-speed automatic. There was also an optional V8 that produced just 235 hp but a healthy 320 lb-ft of torque (vs. 282 lb-ft for the V6); a five-speed automatic was mandatory here. In 2005, the V8 was bumped up to 270 hp and 330 lb-ft, and the V6 received a five-speed automatic. A revised power-rating procedure for 2006 caused output numbers to drop a bit, but actual power was unchanged.

This 4Runner was available in SR5, Sport or Limited trim, and a third-row seat was optional on SR5 and Limited beginning in 2004. Even the SR5 was quite nicely equipped, including features like automatic climate control and full power accessories. The Sport added off-road-ready items like a roof rack and side steps, as well as bigger wheels and front brakes and Toyota's X-REAS suspension system for reducing body roll. The Limited was the top-of-the-line model, boasting leather seating and dual-zone climate control. A navigation system was optional, and it included a back-up camera starting in 2004. Model year 2006 brought more styling tweaks and extra sound-deadening material, and the previously optional side curtain airbags became standard for '08.

In reviews, we found the fourth-generation Toyota 4Runner to be surprisingly light and responsive for a truck-based SUV. For general use, the powerful and more fuel-efficient V6 was satisfactory, but the torquey V8 was useful for towing, and it was also more refined. As expected, this 4Runner shined off-road. On the downside, it provided less cargo space than most of its midsize competitors, and the optional third-row seat didn't fold completely flat and offered limited legroom. Also, the 4Runner's utilitarian roots produced trucklike body motions at times.

The third-generation 4Runner was sold from 1996-2002. It came in three trims -- base, SR5 and Limited. It looked great but lacked power, and it also had a hefty price tag. Depreciation has neutralized much of the price premium, however, and this 4Runner still holds its value quite well, which is advantageous when it comes time to sell.

As numerous car-based SUVs entered the market, the third-generation 4Runner grew old quickly, and its weaknesses began to show. Two engines were available: a 150-hp 2.7-liter inline-4 and a 183-hp 3.4-liter V6 engine, neither of which was particularly strong for the time. Some of our editors also thought that the body was too narrow, making the cabin feel tight and claustrophobic. Furthermore, the stereo was difficult to operate -- an unusual criticism for a Toyota product. Still, this model impressed with its off-road prowess and typically high Toyota build quality. Buyers in search of a tough, capable SUV with a reputation for durability could do much worse than a 4Runner from this era.

Prior to the third generation, the Toyota 4Runner was even rougher around the edges, but it was a solid value in its day. The second-generation 4Runner, sold from 1990-'95, came in two trim levels: SR5 and SR5 V6. The SR5 was powered by a 116-hp 2.4-liter four-cylinder, while the SR5 V6 came with a 150-hp 3.0-liter V6. Most models sold were four-doors, though two-door models were also offered.

User Reviews:

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  Wish Id gotten the X-3 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By blade - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Dont see how it gets a high rating. Ergonomics are atrocious, fuel milage is awful, power steering grabs at low speed. Easy to lock yourself out or in as the case maybe. On 04 back quarter panel looks like its falling off and these big prongs stick out the back, no obvious utlitiy. Power outside mirrors are constantly fogged up rendering them useless, tried RainX to no avail.

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  Noisy Relays/ABS Actuator Pump - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Safari3006 - August 3 - 2:00 am

  This truck has a major flaw. You will hear the 3-clicking noise when you first start it in the morning even if you do not step on the brake. Drive the truck for 10 minutes and make a complete stop, and after a few seconds you will hear the clicking noise again for 3 seconds as if something is engaging and disengaging. The local dealer and the District Office of Toyota Motors informed us that the noise we hear is the ABS Actuator Pump and it is normal so Toyota would NOT replace it. This persistent noise can be really annoying so buyer beware...

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  what a mistake - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dougie G - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle with 8000 miles. 4 wheel drive has gone out. parts coming from japan. Brakes soft, master cylinder bad. Very bad smell from engine. Told its sulfur and nothing I can do. Horrible gas mileage,17 mpg.Started to rust on the back. Told it was rail dust. It seems no one knows what that is. We have had it. I am buying a Sequoia.

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  Dont waste your money... - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dissapointed - April 2 - 2:40 pm

  This was my first and will be my last Toyota. Toyotas 4 Runners are not the high quality advertised. My past 6 Jeeps and 3 Buicks were all better. Worst, for a vehicle that is advertised to perform well in adverse weather, beware. Its rear doors freeze to the wheel wells after running through even the slightest mud and allowing the vehicle to sit overnight in below freezing temporatures. Bad design. Despite numerous contacts with Toyota, they refuse to even acknowledge the problem or do anything about what could be a serious safety defect, one that would prevent emerency egrees. "Oh, what a feeling..."

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  98 4Runner SR5 4WD - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By lindeman23 - March 31 - 10:00 am

  I bought the car thinking that I would get around better gas millage than my V8 Grand Cherokee and be able to pull a trailer similarly, but not even close. Im very dissappointed in the power. A downshift is the responce to even the smallest hill empty. I pull 2 Sea Doos (2200 lbs) and it struggles. Have replace both O2 sensors (arent cheap) and the battery. But it is a toyota and I now that it will last forever, I just wish it has a smoother ride and more power.

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  Toyota quality? - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dexter - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This is probably the vehicle with the widest gap between the design concept and the built quality that I ever owned. While the engineering and the design concepts are right on, the rattling and the squeaking make any trip an irritating experience. It appears that the Moon Roof is a major source of rattling.

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  Worst Seats - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ted - January 2 - 10:53 am

  I had 2008 Limited V8,4WD sold and bought 2010 Trail with all the options. First, the seats are like bench seats of churches, so hard. Only a few minutes ride, even my friends complained how hard and uncomfortable they were. I bought many cushions to relieve the hardness, but no solutions. I tried to voice out this problem both to dealership and Toyota HQ. After 3 months, customer service of Toyota wrote to me that could not do anything and sorry for dissatisfaction in advance. No wonder Toyota is losing faithful customers like us. We bought 5 Toyotas including Lexus LX470, all new. I will not buy another Toyota ever again. The new V6 is no match for previous V8, with no MPG advantage.

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  Vibration - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tom - November 26 - 1:56 pm

  This 4Runner has been in the dealership 4 times for steering vibration / flutter / pulsing. The area Toyota technical rep has been working with the dealership to determine and fix the problem. They keep changing and re-road force balancing the tires and nothing works. They tell me that this vibration is normal for the vehicle and they are just tring to get the best set of tires that give the least vibration. It seems that it is not possible for it to be fixed. Toyota quality is not what I thought. An unhappy owner with 2000 miles.

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  Love the truck, not Toyota reliablity - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jill C - September 21 - 10:00 am

  2 mo. after purchase, tires blew, ABS sensor out, all new brakes, fix radiator, cracked head gasket, new lifters, crack in axle boot, the list goes on. Bought due to its great reputation only to be let down. I care for this vehicle, it is apparent that the previous owner didnt and unfortunately I have the HUGE bill to prove.

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  Interior Improvements - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Teresa - June 30 - 7:40 pm

  I adore the look of this vehicle and the ride as well. Its the interior design that I feel needs some changing. I have a 1999 SR5 on a 3 year lease. The seats, compared to other vehicles, such as the Explorer and the Jeep Grand Cherokee, are very small and uncomfortable. Also, the material used on the SR5 is very hard & scratchy.