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:

• 

  What a Truck - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Johnny Whoha - May 13 - 10:00 am

  I have towed a 3500 lb camper for the last 4 years with no problems or even concerns. The vehicle is underpowered but with exhaust and intake modifications I have made it more than acceptable. This vehicle has had not 1 issue other than replacing a rear window motor. My biggest expense has been tires, I am more than impressed.

• 

  Great vehicle! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By REFC - May 13 - 10:00 am

  We had looked at several SUVs, and the 4Runner had everything we wanted along with a great re-sale value. We got the running boards, the roof rack, the moon roof, the DVD entertainment system. Everything I wanted or that was important to me was available. A great car and so much fun to drive! It looks good to, I would recommend it to anyone and everyone! I love my Toyota 4Runner!

• 

  Chevy/Benz Fan, But Toyota=#1! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By MemphisBenz - May 13 - 10:00 am

  Toyota offers the best of everything, for the best price. Hence, value! You get performance, safety, economy, extras, and downright bulletproof reliability in the quality of the car. Too much to list! I like the fact that this car is built in Japan (95%). Toyota is efficient, and their employees are hard working and dedicated, so work tends to be superior to American-made autos. Ive owned Mercedes and Chevrolet, but Toyota has the competition beaten decisively. The runner up in my decision was the Chevy Silverado, but it was more $, and older technology, not to mention, bad gas mileage. Dont buy anything till you test drive the 4Runner!!!

• 

  Dream Truck - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By D john - May 11 - 5:40 pm

  I use the truck for daily driving. It is rock solid. I also drive 270 miles to family several times a year and the trip is comfy. I travel in fields while towing and travel down poorly maintained dirt roads. So I cover a lot of different terrains and the truck functions. Interstate travel is quiet, the transmission shifts smoothly. Off road and dirt roads the truck performs well.

• 

  V-8 smooth - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Blaze - May 7 - 9:03 am

  Just bought the car. Nice ride. Avg about 20.1 (set cruise @65.00 sharp). Combined driving gets about 18.2 MPG. Computer updates the MPG every 10 sec. Very smooth. Quiet interior. The power seats are nice. Wish side airbags come standard. No body lean around the curve at 40~45 MPH. Drove thru a heavy rain storm and can feel the traction control sets in right away. A lot of room when rear seats folded down. Storage areas throughout the car make it really neat.

• 

  near perfect - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By webby - May 4 - 10:00 am

  flawless quality. 61K miles and still perfect without any problems. the best quality of any vehicle I have owned. Negatives are :it is small, bouncy ride on highway trips, radio not what one would expect from toyota on a 35K vehicle.but those things are insignificant compared to the quality benefit. will only sell because we will need a bigger hauler.

• 

  Love it! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Love it! - May 2 - 5:13 pm

  Never have been a material person, but I love this car! I was looking at crossovers and wagons for MPG, and handling, but forgot it all when I test drove this Toyota. The MPG is typical though. But the handling is smooth and if you like bigger cars, as fun as any sports car you can get. I took it off road for fun, and as inexperienced as I am, I thought I pushed it too far at one point, but... put in the low gear, and I was out of a muddy, five-feet-deep river bed. Also, for everyday, the cargo shelf in the back is great when you want to hide some things and still be able to load via the window.

• 

  Toyota 1994 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By kprotheroe - April 29 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car for in town and off road! This SUV has had virtually NO problems with it since bought in 1994. A very reliable truck.

• 

  Great truck! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jkeyser - April 29 - 10:00 am

  I love my 4 Runner. The ride is as smooth as many sedans. Rough pavement is barely noticeable. Road and wind noise are almost non-existent. It has very good acceleration and low end torque. Toyota has definitely solved the perennial problem of 4 Runners being under-powered. I dont see why anybody would need a V-8 except for towing a heavy trailer. I tow a 15 aluminum boat and it handles it great except going uphill at altitudes above about 5,000 feet. Off road performance is great, too, just take off the running boards before doing anything too rough. The downhill assist is a very nice feature and the granny gear has GREAT torque.

• 

  Best 4 Runner yet - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tom - April 28 - 11:10 am

  This is my third 4 Runner 2001-2006-2010 It is by far the best. It is loaded with great features. the ride is excellent along with the handling. the interior/exterior is professionally done with superior workmanship,with attention to detail. Congratulations Toyota for producing such a great product. A job well done.