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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  2008 4runner 4wd - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By mabatista - September 3 - 4:48 pm

  Very reliable. have 55k. No problems. Mileage is not too good. about 16 in town(driving like a little old lady) . 20 on hy sometimes. However, ths is what it is supposed to get. Not very comfortable for me at 62" (legroom). My wife usually drives it and she is very comfortable. I am sure that it will last 200k easily.

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  Toyota does it again! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jaesun in FL - August 28 - 10:00 am

  What can I say, this SUV is great! Very comfortable ride and excellent handling. The V6 has plenty of get up and go...and great gas mileage! (for an SUV) A smooth shifting automatic transmission. Excellent breaking. Quiet and well appointed interior. Test drive one, youll be happy you did!

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  2006 SR5 after 3 weeks - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rob - August 19 - 9:36 am

  I like the following: V6 power & the smooth trans, moonroof, rear window goes down and the solid feel and the quality finish. The ride is smooth, esp. for a truck. The diagonal bounce of normal suvs is almost completely absent. Love the headlights and tail lights that are normally found on the highend luxury cars. Dislikes: there are some things that I totally dislike and didnt take me long to notice as follows: the placement of the window switches, power outlet and the auxillary jack are in a bad locations, the seats get hard after a short time, the base stereo is just that, 3rd row seats are tiny and lots of blind spots. finally, when exiting vehicle my pants get dirty on running boards.

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  Good overall - 2018 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mitzi - August 6 - 11:05 pm

  I went from a 07 Honda coupe (5 passengers) to the 2018 Toyota 4Runner SR5 premium with 3rd row seat (7 passengers) Quite a change, more space, newer vehicle, compared to other suvs I think they could of done a little better work in the interior entertainment for kids, considering it’s a family suv. Inside is super simple but we like it so far.

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  Gutless-guzzler - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dan G. - July 22 - 10:00 am

  What we have here, is a peppy V6 on light truck chassis...squashed with a giant turtle-shell body. The result...a gasping, whimpering, gutless-guzzler, that can barely make it onto the freeway via the onramp. Floor it, and you know it just cost you a dollar. The vehicle does not feel stable on slick roads, and even with a new set of Michelins from costco, my 87 Honda feels much safer. Of course we bought it for its comfort and looks. The interior creature comforts are very nice and practical. All electrical is flawless, and mechanically, exceptional. Its has an overall appealing quality, but I would stay away from this one.

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  Mechanically excellent "but" - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sisu - July 8 - 10:00 am

  4runners have an excellent rep. If you buy one and dont need 4wd, whats the purpose? We drive this car on the beach and in snow. Absolutely no problem, never. == (Cont). to get out of 4wd low. I have the six cylinder and it is a good engine around town or down the road. In my opinion it lacks a little power. If you have 4 men and bags and you want to engage highway traffic you need to stomp on it. I would not trailer anything heavy unless it is very local travel. The V8 maybe be a better option you be the judge. The seat is good if you are a normal size man, for me it doesnt provide enough support in the right places for a LONG trip. The AM radio is terrible - static.

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  Not for gravel roads - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Finn - July 6 - 1:06 pm

  We purchased this vehicle because we live in the mountains and need a lot of ground clearance and off road handling. The only area in which this car has disappointed me is in its off road handling, which unfortunately in our situation, is a huge chunk of time. When we purchased this vehicle we were aware of its "truck like chassis" but this car is downright scary to drive on our gravel (sometime washboard) roads. Im not going any faster than 20-25 miles per hour, usually less. This car fish tails or skids over the slightest washboard. I have talked to other people in this area with the same problem.

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  Got What I Expected... - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By eglzfan - June 19 - 8:41 am

  Purchased a 2012 4Runner 6 months ago. After 10K mi. the vehicle still performs as it did on day 1. The 4L engine is the largest V6 available in a mid sized SUV. Fuel mileage avgs 19-20 mpg with the best at 23 on longer road trips. If you actually test drive this SUV you will notice a stiff ride, similar to that of a truck...thats what I like about it. Ample storage space satisfies the needs of our family and all our stuff. Dashboard electronics work as expected and nav system got me up north without a problem. Biggest complaint would be lack of headroom. At 6 Im at the upper limit without hitting my head on the roof. Compared to similar SUVs out there this is a great buy.

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  Best SUV ever! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Susie Q - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I am a petite girl and the 4Runner is the only SUV that I have driven that I can fit comfortably without being on top of the steering wheel. I have owned my truck for 32 months, have 51,000 miles on it and its never been in the shop for anything other then oil changes and scheduled maintenace. I plan on keeping it for a really long time!

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  2000 SR5...11 years running - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By kimbey2009 - June 5 - 4:22 am

  I bought this SUV used with 106,000 on it back in 2006. So 5 years later I now have 226,000 miles on it and still pretty satisfied with the overall performance. The few complaints would be 1) brake pads/rotor replaced 3 times in 5 years 2) the uneasiness of driving with high winds swirling thus causing the SUV to sway 3) fuel filter replaced 2 times 4) rear axle replaced 3 times 5) power antenna went out 2 times but radio still plays...other than those complaints it has been mechanically sound and I wouldnt doubt it going for another 100,000 miles.