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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  OK but not great - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By Curtis - April 12 - 12:37 am

  We purchased the 2011 4Runner with a 3rd row seat for our growing family. The one thing I cant get over is how under powered the V6 engine is. It will not accelerate unless you floor it, and even then it isnt that great. The interior is nice and functional, but another one of my pet peeves is that it doesnt have auto headlights, which is strange considering it a 2011. The car works well as an everyday driver around town, but struggles on hills and on the Hwy. I wont be buying another Toyota after this one.

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  Great SUV! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By coman - April 7 - 9:23 am

  Solid, quiet, fun! One drive and I was hooked. After driving a Mercury Mountaineer for 9 years, this truck feels like driving a sports car (and I dont even have the sport suspension). Definitely a truck but the smoothest riding and quietest truck Ive even driven. Havent heard a single rattle or squeak. Toyota quality cant be beat!

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  Great vehicle except for typical Toyota rust - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By EJG - April 6 - 3:42 pm

  I bought mine used with 125,000 and sold it with 185,000 several years later. Mechanically it has been great, only did typical maintenance and some smaller repairs, such as a tune up, timing belt. It did need and axle seal and bearing, water pump and A/C compressor, ABS pump and a few other items later on. However, with approaching 200,000 miles it still had the original engine, transmission, all suspension and differentials and drive like it had 50,000 miles on it. No squeaks, rattles and just a pleasure to drive. My biggest disappointment was how bad it rusted out. The frame rusted through by the lower control arm perches in the rear. I had it repaired and a few years later it rusted out right next to the repairs. The frame was literally rusting from the inside out and flaking apart, even after I caught it soon after purchased and had it rust proofed three times. By 185,000 the rocker panels were also rusting though, even after rust proofing and trying to prevent any corrosion. Unfortunately after worrying about the compromised safety of it since I used it to transport my 2 children I had to trade it in. It is probably one of the best vehicles I have owned but with the frame crumbling it has made me have second thoughts about Toyota build quality, especially with no recall for it offered by Toyota. If looking at one I would suggest finding one from the southwest or pacific northwest, somewhere free of road salt and have it thoroughly inspected.

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  Toyota 4 Runner - A Great Ride - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Kahuna Bob - April 4 - 2:00 am

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  First 4Runner X Grand Cherokee Owner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rico - April 3 - 8:13 am

  Just took delivery and I love it. I went and drove the new Grand Cherokee first and this truck blows it away. Quiet ride, plenty of style, and great service at the dealership. This is my first 4Runner and I leased it. The deal on the lease also crushed the Jeep by far. Im looking forward to the next 3 years and if its like the first few days Ill be driving an 08 when this lease is up. Drive this before you buy any other SUV. Great value.

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  Great Improvements - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By ktully2001 - April 1 - 10:00 am

  Just purchased the 2003 4Runner, traded a 2000 4Runner....love the new one, smooth ride, improved power.

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  2006 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD V8 - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike - April 1 - 6:10 am

  Everything on this truck feels well-made. Everything is put together with Toyota-solidity. It looks good, it drives well, its comfortable, it gets a lot of positive remarks, its gas mileage is decent for its size and engine (19mpg-average), and I feel good driving it. Like most SUVs of the past and few today, I feel like I could drive through anything (on- or off-road) and get there safely.

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  Exception Sport Edition - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By JonInWA - March 27 - 3:56 am

  As a Realtor, I needed a vehicle that can get into interesting places, regardless of weather, be safe and reliable, and also present a good professional image. I deliberately chose the mid-level Sport Edition - I liked the larger disc brake rotors, the X-REAS suspension, the cloth seats, and the side tube steps. We special ordered ours. I wanted the navigation system, side airbags and sunroof primarily. The 4Runner is the ONLY vehicle that Ive had (including Jaguar, Mercedes, Mazda, Volvo, Honda and Nissan that was (and has been) absolutely flawless. Great driver and 4WD system.

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  Just right (almost) - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mr. Eclectic - March 26 - 5:20 am

  I was looking for a body-on-frame SUV with excellent reliability and good mileage. So far, so good! The ride quality is great for a truck and road/wind noise is low. I find the driver comfort high, but suspect that it could be a challenge for those over 62". Vehicle handling is very good for a tall, truck-based platform. Worst feature - the iPod control is a joke. Scrolling through songs/artists is done in chunks, each set taking about 2 seconds! Further, it goes back to the "A" position after you start a song. I quickly abandoned that route and use the iPod through the AUX input. The Toyota software developers should be ashamed of themselves.

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  Slow & Steady - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By MikeInNNJ - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Very slow, poor fuel economy (14 mpg in mixed driving), not nimble, starts every time. Rust is a problem. Not a lot of legroom if your 6 or taller, good headroom though. I dont drive it everyday so I dont have big expectations for it other than running when I need it. Does well in the snow. The rating I gave it may be low, but I only need it to do a limited amount of things so the rating kinda reflects that as it might apply to a full time vehicle.