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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  Top Notch! - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Zonker - July 12 - 10:00 am

  This is my second 4Runner. It is much improved over my 1990 model (although I never had any problems with my old one). I just hit 60,000 miles and I have not had one mechanical problem, not even a minor one. With normal maintenance, it always seems to run like new. .

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  4 Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Smarmalade - July 8 - 2:00 am

  So far so good. Nothing but compliments from me. This car kills the competition. To think we were looking at trailblazers! SO GLAD we wondered across the street to the toyota dealership.

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  Pozacs 4Runner - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By pozac - July 6 - 10:00 am

  Really beautiful vehicle. Pulls my large pop-up camper well...plenty of power and never had to release overdrive on our trip to Beavers Bend. Kids love the room in the rear and wife loved the bucket seats. Sound system is great! I really wanted a gps/dvd/nav system but was told it was NOT available. Maybe I can find a wrecked Prius.Also had no fog lights but was told it did by another saleman other than the one I used (beware and ask them to show you).

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  Love my 4Runner!! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By granny2 - July 2 - 3:00 pm

  Love everything about this car. I have RA and this car is easy to get in and out of. Plenty of room for electric scooter. Drives and handles exceptionally well. Would highly recommend this to anyone looking for a new SUV.

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  4RUNNER - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By 007 - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS MY SECOND 4RUNNER.I HAD A 97 4RUNNER PREVIOUSLY.

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  4RUNNER - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By ARTHUR - July 1 - 10:00 am

  I LOVE THIS VEHICLE. THIS IS MY SECOND 4RUNNER.I HAD A 97 4RUNNER PREVIOUSLY.

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  review - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By zm - July 1 - 10:00 am

  i traded in my acura mdx for this suv that should say enough right there. excited to see the new model with V8!

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  07 4 Runner - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By Steve - July 1 - 9:30 am

  After 6 months of reading reviews on SUVs, picked the 4Runner. My second choice would have been the FJ Cruiser. Have had for 9 months and have had no problems at all. This is the first new vehicle Ive owned that has not been in the shop at least 3 times the first 6 months for repairs and/or adjustments. Mileage is 19 MPG city and 22 to 23 on the road. Its enjoyable to have a ride that only requires gas and oil changes. The vehicle I replaced was a 1988 S-10 Blazer purchased new; it was a great truck but the new Trail Blazers just did not impress me as being a SUV. The 4Runner is great in our Minnesota snow and ice, 4-wheel drive and traction control perform well.

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  Nearly Perfect - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By Elroy - June 27 - 5:33 pm

  Ive had my 4Runner for years and love it!! Well, except for that its a bit rough in the ride... go across a speed bump at a bit of an angle and it throws you side to side. It could be smoother on the highway, for it picks up the road texture incredibly well. I mean, I like road feel in the steering wheel, but not feel like Im right against it. Im at a point where Im ready to buy something else, but in looking at all the reviews, all the versatility, and all my options, the 4Runner is VERY, VERY hard to beat. Its been amazingly reliable, its exceptionally capable off-road, and the features are excellent (except for the placement of the cup holders, as others have mentioned).

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  Toyota 4runner is the best - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By zach - June 24 - 7:46 pm

  Bought my 2003 Sport Edition v8 toyota 4runner with 164000 miles on it. It now has 214000 miles on it. It has not been pampered. I spend most of my time off road. It has been on slick rock, sand, snow, mud, water and has powered through with ease. The only big expense was a routine timing belt change. Other than that I have not had one problem with it. Runs strong, no rattles, everything is solid, everything works, no electrical problems and the truck still looks brand new. I have a dog that is in and out and the seats still look brand new. I put a 2 inch leveling kit on it and have been able to be off road and not high center. Not one oil leak. I change my oil every 4000 miles and thatts it. I plan on driving this until it dies. It will easily make 300,000 miles and still run strong. They are very pricey but well worth the money. The Toyota will out last any car you own. Biggest complaint I have is that I cant buy the exact same year/model brand new. My mom also has the exact same year and model. Not one problem with it. Hers has 190,000 miles on it and has not had one problem... Love the toyota 4runner. Gas mileage sucks but worth it. These people saying they get 23 miles/gallon with the v8 or the v6 are [non-permissible content removed] This thing also tows amazing.. I tow a 7000 pound boat with no problem. No swaying and no power issues.