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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  Everything Works!! - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By skidds327 - March 10 - 11:04 am

  Bought this 4Runner last week for 1800. Surprised that everything works except the rear defroster. The Limited is a joy to drive. Gas mileage is at 17city. I have a hard time getting in the driver seat under the steering wheel. I believe in Toyota quality, this one has over 175k and runs great. I have an Avalon with 198k. Dont like the design of access to rear tailgate thru the window. I would buy a 4Runner again.

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  American car Gliches? - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Driver48 - March 10 - 10:00 am

  16 years of toyotas and they seem to be finally be leaning toward the American needs and wants. Conveinances are much better and exciting for and old truck. Nothing carries over from the old 4runner to the new exept the quality and the dependiblty. Proud to drive althought they are still dealinging with 1st year bugs they cannot fix. Yes the 6cyl engine pully and belt rattle and sqeak at warm up and the manual drivers seat will loosen its play till it throws you out of it. But these are minor fixes to the great 4runner badge.

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  Pared Down! - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mark W - March 3 - 5:10 am

  Lots less from the 06 to the 10 - 1) No steering wheel controls 2) No locking/interior-release gas cap 3) No auto-latching rear door 4) No auto climate control 5) Less power 6) Thinner sheet metal 7) Power seats are now an add-on option 8) Very pricey

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  2006 4runner Like a Timex Watch - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mikes 4runner - March 2 - 12:12 pm

  Only thing I have replaced is battery a couple of times and just recently the alternator.

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  Reliable, comfotable, powerful and great resale - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By kworben - March 1 - 2:19 pm

  I bought my 4runner Sport V8 new in Feb of 04. 8 years and 135K miles later its time to find a new home for it. It has been the most reliable car Ive ever owned in 37 years of driving. Gas mileage is what I expected at about 16/mi overall. I used it to pull a 5K # boat and trailer and never missed beat. Even pulled great through the hills of NH and VT. Ive done all of my own maintenance and found it to be very easy to work on. It still looks and drives great. Cloth interior shows no signs of wear. Only significant problem I had was with the sunroof while it was still under warrantee. Took 3 trips to the dealer and they finally replaced the whole thing.

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  Love it! - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By blacksmithdog - March 1 - 10:00 am

  We had two (basically) two passenger vehicles (a Wrangler and a Mini). Granted, they could carry 4 people in a pinch, but not for any long period of time. We opted to sell the Wrangler. We wanted a 4WD SUV. We couldnt find anything we liked made in the USA, so we broadened our search. The reviews on the 4runner tended to be good so we went and test drove one, and decided to buy one. the dealer didnt have what we wanted in stock, but they looked around and found one that had about the options we wanted, so we agreed to buy it. We picked it up about a week to 10 days later and really love it.

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  Good value truck - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By mike!!!!!!!! - February 25 - 6:46 pm

  I bought my 4Runner new with the sports package that includes running boards, hood scoop, bumper plate, etc. I have had no problems with it and it performs very good offroad. I highly recommend getting one with 4wd, which makes it much funner to drive.

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  Quaility built to last - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bumpertag Wag - February 13 - 10:00 am

  Originally purchased to downsize from my p/u and get more interior room. Sought a Toyota for there good looks and excellent quality. My wife drives it primarily but I enjoy it also, although being 63" makes headroom a slight issue. Also bought because of the excellent resale value, but dont plan on selling it any time soon! Good MPG for SUV. We routinely get 19 MPG around town (V6)

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  My 4-runner - 2013 Toyota 4Runner
  By dusmmike - February 10 - 3:06 pm

  Very dependable SUV. Very neat body design. Larger size vehicle then the past 4-runners.

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  Great Vehicle - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By PNA - February 5 - 1:33 pm

  I purchased the 2002 4 Runner Sport with added leather interior, and all the bolt on exterior goodies for my high school son in new 2002. I drove it during his first year in college since he could not have a car on campus. I thought it was great; very honest vehicle. I have owned five Toyotas and this is the best for reliability. The vehicle now has 66,000 miles, never had anything wrong, not even a rattle. Just normal maintenance. The best news, he is purchasing a new car and he is giving the 4 Runner to me. I am sure he will miss it.