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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  2018 4Runner Still Great After All These Years - 2018 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mark Brundage - June 11 - 6:30 am

  I recently went SUV shopping for my wife and I, and she really surprised me. I had done some pre=shopping on my own as her work schedule isnt really car shopping friendly and had previewed many of the new crop of crossover cute utes (CRV, Rava4, Mazda CX-5) thinking that was what shes like. Car like handling, AWD and good gas mileage. Whats not to like, so after we look at and test drive the above we are at the Toyota dealer and shes just not feeling any of the vehicles weve driven and says to the salesman and I , "I want something more substantial, tougher" and points to a 4Runner. So we take it for a ride and she loves it. Well, I guess after almost 32 years of marriage she can still surprise me occasionally. So we make a deal, and the dealer doesnt have one on the lot with the equipment we want (TRD Off Roar Premium) and they make a trade and get one from another dealer that is in transit from the port in NYC and have it shipped to them. Weve had the truck for about three weeks now and have about 2000 mixed miles on it. The truck rides great on bumps, tracks and handles well even in a torrential downpour on the highway, has great visibility day or night. With the TRD Off Road options including terrain assist and electronic locking rear differential I know is going to make it awesome in the snow this winter, but I will provide an update to this review once Ive substantiated that assumption. Now there are a few cons, it catches the wind a little bit going down the highway, and the fuel economy would be better with a 6 or 8 speed transmission, but overall Toyota has done an amazing job of tuning a body on frame SUV to ride and handle far better than it really should, have added a bunch of nice near luxury features such as Bluetooth phone integration, airbags galore, crawl control (look it up, its pretty cool), computer controlled integration of the stability control, ABS and traction control systems to provide ridiculously strong off road capabilities, LED taillights and projector beam headlights that work really well without diluting all the things that made the 4Runner a super reliable, rugged go almost anywhere truck. If you live in NYC (I grew up there) is the 4Runner the best choice for you, well maybe not the TRD Off Road or PRO versions, but if you live in rural Maine (which I do now) and need to get through Maine winters or want to go camping, or hiking or boating where others cant, then it gives up little while offering a lot. Check it out.

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  Saved my life - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pyrov12 - June 8 - 10:00 am

  Was in a major Accident that rolled it 3 times, I came out almost unscratched. Drove great, stiff ride but expected from a truck based SUV over all a good reliable car.

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  Put the - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By jacaputo - June 8 - 10:00 am

  The thing I love about my 4Runner is that is drives more like a sports car than an SUV. It has tight, responsive suspension and steering.

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  needs larger seats,and mpg - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By wilm - June 8 - 10:00 am

  i found the limited to be full of conveniences and a few inconveniences. i have a 38" waist. the seat belt is hard to find and fasten when i get into the drivers seat.seats need to be a little wider. more options for the money spent would also be a plus. adjustable pedels should come standard with the limited. fuel milege is much worse than a jaguar xj8. which we thought was bad till the limited showed up in our garage.

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  What a great car. - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By engjake - June 8 - 10:00 am

  We love this car, should have bought one a long time ago. Ive owned several toyotas and this is my favorite so far. They finally got rid of the slide out cup holders just under the cd player, and the new ones are great I can fit a large Nalgene bottle it it, they are are adjustable for smaller cups, and they dont get in the way of any of the controls. The 4runner is very comfortable and controls are all in a handy location. Plenty of power - for what I need - quiet, and the third row option is great for my little girls. The engine is larger than our last SUV and the gas mileage is better. It is also a little wider than they used to be so its more roomy.

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  4Runner Rules - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By toyotaforlife - June 8 - 6:46 am

  This is my 3rd Toyota 4Runner, and as with the other two, I am thrilled. I will probably always buy 4Runners if they continue to be as great as what Ive experienced so far.

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  Mediocre. A step backwards for the 4Runner legacy - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Andrew - June 7 - 12:13 pm

  The best car I ever had was my 2003 4Runner. When it came time for a new car I replaced it with a 2010 4Runner. I figured that Toyota was a solid bet. From day 1 the car was a huge disappointment. The acceleration was pathetic, the interior felt cheap, and instrument panel was backlit with a hideous red light, the transmission shifted way too early and the engine sounded weak and tinny. I really felt like I was driving a $40k Honda Civic- cheap and unrefined. I was shocked coming from my previous 4Runner which accelerated well and felt nearly as luxurious as a Lexus. The worst part of the 2010 4Runner was the transmission. It is computer controlled and there was a 2 second delay before it would accelerate after shifting. I nearly got hit backing out of my driveway and in parking lots. I ended up trading it in for a 2008 4Runner after 6 months of ownership.

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  Outstanding Vehicle - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Guy Walker - June 2 - 4:40 am

  I have owned 10-12 different cars and trucks, foreign and domestic, none of them comes close to the reliability and solidity of the 4runner. This is truly an unbelievable truck!! I have 81000 miles and not even needed brakes, they work great! I have not spent a penny on this truck except scheduled maintenance and tires. The ride is a bit jarring, but the solid sounds from the suspension more than make up for it. Power could be stronger but the smoothness and low-end torque more than make up for that. I am obsessed with my 4runner I will always own one, it goes anywhere and is the perfect size SUV. I have driven this in 115 heat and -30 cold, truck never missed a beat!!

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  4 runner 2011 - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By yermack - May 31 - 9:47 am

  Ive bought 11 model more than one year ago v6 4L. It feels really big but controls are easy and comfortable. Heating-cooling controls do not work properly-you cannot adjust normal temperature. the gas mpg is pretty good for this monster especially if ECO mode is on. Driving very smooth and slow that annoying in the city traffic.

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  Excellent - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Anico - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car. What else do you want me to say.