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:

• 

  Doesnt get any better - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By mnienkemper - April 25 - 5:33 am

  This is the best vehicle Ive owned. The 4Runner is fun to drive, looks good, and is very comfortable. Beyond these distinguishing features, I have had me 4 Runner for 50000 miles now (total of 114000) and I havent had one major thing go wrong. If this isnt enough, If I wanted to, I could sell my 4Runner for almost as much as I bought it for. This is the best vehicle Ive ever owned.

• 

  Great truck - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By TJ - April 24 - 8:13 pm

  This Truck is great bought new, after looking at a new Explorer (junk) happy we bought Toyota most troublefree vehicle we have ever owned! front seat lower cushions could be a little longer for long trips though! I agree gas tank should be larger, and mpg could be better put brakes on at 60K Tires at 50K regular maint. its a great truck great resale also!

• 

  one of the last old school suvs - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By shaftymcgee7 - April 21 - 2:35 pm

  had 4runner for almost 4k miles so far and am very impressed overall, averaging about 20 mpg, this is a truck so dont expect it to ride like a car on the pavement but handles off-road very well i live in alaska and our last winter we got over 12ft of snow didnt even notice it with 4runner in 4wd. seats are comfortable and like the driving position and roominess of the cabin and overall has a very old school feel to it with lot of functional new high tech stuff thrown in. my only real gripe with it is poor paint quality scratches easy and no cross bars or running boards included in a 35k vehicle is disapointing, 4runner is built to get you anywhere you need to go anytime..

• 

  Excellence comes Standard - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Katzrat - April 20 - 10:00 am

  This ismy first car ever!Now I dont know what I am going to do in a few years when it is time to get a new one because I love this car so much.For anyone that is thinking of purchasing a mid- sized suv this really is the perfect one.I looked at almost every mid- sized suv on the market with in about a $40,000 and this is the one to get.My family is an SUV family!My mom drives a Lexus RX330 and my dad drives the new 2005 Porsha SUV although we havent received it cause it is being build.So I would like to think I know a thing or two about how these type cars run, and believe you me this is a great one.For the money both my parents are thinking of selling th

• 

  Greatest SUV EVER - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By LOVEMyToyota - April 19 - 12:20 am

  I had been looking for a car for a while, and one day while driving down the street with a buddy I spotted one that I decided to test drive, to see if they were actually as good as I read about. I ended up going home in that same one. That says it all, best car Ive ever had. They also look great, and if you do some searching you can find a good deal on these cars. If a 19 yr. old guy who is an E-3 in the military can afford one anyone can!

• 

  150K and still running strong - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Greg - April 17 - 9:16 pm

  I bought this new and now have 150k on it. I follow the factory maintenance to the letter. I have done two repairs. One was the power antenna ($100), the other was a dirty fuel filter ($500). Supposedly these have lifetime fuel filters installed inside the gas tank but with all the dirty gas being sold I dont think there is such a thing as lifetime filter. Other than that it has been a great SUV. Loves the snow and gets about 18mpg. The OEM front brakes lasted forever...125k and still had 20% left! Still have the back ones.

• 

  Awesome - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By JeffS - April 17 - 8:23 am

  Bought the car in 04 to upgrade from my Tacoma (needed more room inside). Very happy with the car. No maintenance cost, goes anywhere, Ive driven it through 2-3 feet of snow w/ no problems, just keeps going. Overall, I think its a very good choice.

• 

  Wow! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By chitown - April 17 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing truck. I love the new design and engine.

• 

  Fun and Awesome!! - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By mrc12 - April 13 - 3:39 am

  I love my 12 4Runner. I previously drove an 08 Highlander which I liked very much but it had a very hard ride. I originally never considered the 4Runner because I thought it was too much of a truck. Once I drove it, I realized I was wrong. The ride is smooth and quiet with minimal road noise. The ride is also very soft and floaty. Some people may like this, others not. The vehicle does dip a bit when breaking though. When I hit bumps or ride over RR tracks, I dont feel a thing. I have the sport seats, w/ 3rd row and Entune/NAV package and it is fun to use. The HD radio sounds great for stock. Heads turn when I drive by and I can say this is the most fun Ive had driving a car.

• 

  4 wd limited V6 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By scottp999 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. Got the 6cyl limited in titanium w/ stone interior. Traded in a 2000 bmw 3 series coupe. The leather interior in the toyota is better than the bmw. the handling is wonderful. The look of the machine is amazing. I bought it loaded with every option except navigation. I couldnt recommend this thing any higher. Buy one today! I am 64" and I have plenty of head and leg room.