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:

• 

  GREAT TRUCK!!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By HPOOH - June 11 - 10:00 am

  XREAS is great!!! Ride quality is above par, quiet and powerful V6 engine. Camry has 5-speed auto on the V6.... why not the 4runner? Gas milage is somewhat bad... i am getting about 16mpg

• 

  The best mid-size SUV!! - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Paul - June 5 - 12:46 pm

  I purchased my 4-Runner in July of 2003 in Houston with 53,000 miles on the odometer...its now February of 2006 and it has 72,000 miles. I drove it home the same weekend I purchased it to Las Vegas. As you know, it gets blistering hot here in the desert and Im proud to say that the vehicle does great here in Vegas. I try to park it in the garage, but with my FJ40 project going on in there it spends half the time in the driveway. The paint has faded just a bit but I wax it and it still looks great. One of the first things I did was get the windows tinted as dark as possible. It gets over 180 degrees inside but the interiors holding up great..theres one small tear in drivers seat crease

• 

  2005 4RUNNER - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By LCORLISS - June 3 - 6:40 pm

  I have been very pleased with this vehicle, Toyota certainlly lived up to their reputation on this one.

• 

  984rnner - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By bigcat9 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Very nice vehicle. Had to replace both O2 sensors at 100,000 miles. Clock had to be repaced at 111000 miles and power antenna assembly at 105000 miles. No other problems. Paint and finish excellent. Rear springs replaced and supplemented under recall. Some emission control parts had warranty extended by Toyota.

• 

  140,ooo and still drives like new - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rhettro - May 24 - 10:00 am

  the title says it all, replaced an alternater belt, small water leak, and thats it, most importantly, the trany and engine are running the same as they did when we purchased this car. A/C is still going stronger than ever, surprising, since i live in Atlanta. Ive been moving a lot lately, and it has no problems towing a big, uhaul trailer, HIGHLY recommend this vehicle, with a V6, im getting around 17mpg

• 

  Very Satisfied - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By j david a - May 24 - 2:00 am

  We bought it used from a reputable dealer. My wife has put about 55,000 miles on it and she has done nothing but have the oil changed. I believe it has the same engine as the Lexus. We wouldnt get rid of it but we need to get another pickup to haul hay for the horses. Now that Ive said all these good things, it probably wont start in the morning.

• 

  Very impressive vehicle! - 2015 Toyota 4Runner
  By Christopher E. McClure - May 18 - 3:00 pm

  I have driven 4wd vehicles (SUV and trucks) for 47 years, and this is as capable as any of them. I got it because I had been driving a 4wd F-150 for ten years and it was time for something other than a pickup. I have driven the 4Runner in all types of conditions, from highway to snow and rugged off-road, and it has done an excellent job in all. When one drives an SUV, especially one designed for off-road use, one has to understand that it will not be a car. I rarely tow a trailer, but when I do, this one has more than enough capacity to do what I need.

• 

  My 4 wheel Safety machine - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pacific Northwest - May 18 - 10:00 am

  Have loved this truck from moment one off the lot. It accelerates wonderfully, great sound system, every air bag thats out there, and has the toyota reliability that we require. This is my 3rd generation 4 Runner, and by far the best. I could only hope for a hybrid version of this best in a tuxedo!

• 

  60k Report - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By NHSkier - May 15 - 1:46 pm

  I bought this almost 5 years before entering the Army. I now have 61k on it. Its been across the country four times (packed to the hilt with gear), over Hoosier Pass in a Colorado blizzard twice, offroad in CO and AZ. In that time, the only major repair happened at the 60k mark, a bad emissions sensor - $450. I had to also replace a cracked windshield, but I dont consider that the fault of the automaker. There are some minor cosmetic wear and tear issues. The "chrome" finish on the stick column is wearing off. The cover to the seat clamps (where they meet the floor) fell off. All in all, I would have been hard pressed to find anything else as reliable with the same capabilities.

• 

  Rampent Consumerism - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By WiggyDinks - May 15 - 2:00 am

  Traded a 2000 4Runner for the new 2003. Wow, what an improvement! And I thought the 2000 was nice! There is so much more power in the new one. All the traction systems make it way easier to control as well.