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:
Showing 1021 through 1030 of 2,243.00-
#1 - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
By Cinda Greene - July 7 - 3:20 pmWe brought the 4runner because of its looks, reliablity, and value after used, we are pleased. Its performance in passing slow cars on two lane roads is great. Its good to know you can get through any kind of snow or slippery condition if you need too also. It has a comfortable ride.
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Moms toy - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
By MOM`S TOY - July 4 - 3:13 pmI love my SUV, smooth ride and spacy cabin especially 2nd row seating. It looks like a Lexus and rides better than a Lexus.
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No comfort at all-go with a Pathfinder - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
By 1mustanglover - July 4 - 7:46 amI bought a 4runner and Im disappointed. The seats are very hard and cramped, you feel every bump in the road and the braking is abrupt. Way stiffer of a ride and i would recommend the Pathfinder any day. Also the 3rd row seat is useless, there is virtually no leg room at all.
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sweet car! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
By bill joe jim bob! - July 3 - 10:00 ami love this car!!!
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Still Luvin after All These Years! - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
By 4Runner Luver - July 2 - 5:23 amThis is my second 4Runner and I simply love this model. Reliable and Adaptable are two words that describe my overall relationship with my 4Runner... neither of my 4Runners have ever broken down on me, and theyll carry whatever the heck I can throw in the back or tie on the roof! I get about 23 mph when using my Cruise Control, so I use it as much as possible! I love the tight turning radius and sitting high enough to see whats ahead and around me, but low enough so it takes corners well. Ive got 146k mi. and it runs like it did when I first bought it at 9k mi. No wonder these used 4Runners are hard to come by! Theyre like Loyal Friends -- you never want to let them go! :-D
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How much better can it get? - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
By greg - June 28 - 5:06 amThis is mine and my wifes fourth 4- runner. We just traded our 01 in on a 05. Wow! We loved our 01, but this vehicle is a work of art. The fit and finish is next to none. The styling is outstanding and form and fuction is fantastic! How much better can it get? Scary thought.
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Good Little Ride - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
By OrbDog - June 25 - 10:00 amIve had my first 4Runner for two weeks now. My wife and I really like it. We had a loaded Montero SR, so we miss the amenities, but the 4Runner is more fun to drive. Some say it feels like a truck, I say its responsive and it allows you to feel the road. Not mushy road fell like the other SUVs out there. The Sport Package makes it look original, and tougher than anything else on the market right now. The smaller engine it better than I thought it would be, but bigger would still be better. Great braking!
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tight quarters - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
By rhc - June 25 - 10:00 amInside the cab is very limited in space. I feel cramped inside while driving. Needs more headroom particually for one that has a sunroof. Ride is very smooth.
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It doesnt get any better... - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
By Bob Kim - June 22 - 5:23 pmThe car has gotten me through the one of the worst winters Ive ever experienced. With over a foot of snow on the roads, I just throw my car into 4x4 and I can get anywhere without worrying about spinouts.
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Another Lemon - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
By Capt512 - June 20 - 2:00 amThis is the second 4Runner I have bought in about 10 years, the first was a 96 which i bought new as a base 4x4 model, and it was a horrible lemon, clutch replaced 4 times by 30,000 miles. Smoke, all kinds of problems. I then bought a Tahoe, and loved it, but my wife couldnt drive it because of size. So i sold it and bought this 99 4Runner Limited 4x4, this one had 60,000 miles on it, and is just as big a piece of junk, the emergency brake light keeps flashing, the truck doesnt idle right in the cold, it smokes, the tranny jerks when put in gear, bad brakes, etc. Wouldnt buy another unless it was one of the new designed 4runners with the V8s.
