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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  Great SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By excellent quality - April 20 - 7:56 pm

  Bought my v8 4 a year ago and it is the best vehicle we have owned! 129,000 miles and still runs and drives like new! No problems at all and the 4 wheel drive works great in snow! Toyota knows how to build them! Strongly recommend this vehicle!

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  Funtastic - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By DMoney - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I test drove 9 other SUV models and the 4Runner was the best by far. Bought it used w/no regrets. So much fun to drive. Buying advice: Spring for 6cyl and sunroof -- youll wish you had, otherwise. Youll hear people comment about the poor gas mileage, but its only got a 15 gal tank. Still gets 16- 21 mpg

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  what a mistake - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dougie G - April 10 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle with 8000 miles. 4 wheel drive has gone out. parts coming from japan. Brakes soft, master cylinder bad. Very bad smell from engine. Told its sulfur and nothing I can do. Horrible gas mileage,17 mpg.Started to rust on the back. Told it was rail dust. It seems no one knows what that is. We have had it. I am buying a Sequoia.

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  8000 miles and its still good - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bouch - April 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought teh 4Runeer anfter much research and largely based on what other consumers said in the is site. The experience so far has been pretty good. The 4Runner is fun to drive and it looks good. I towed a 2500 lb trailer 5300 miles. I averaged 9 mpg towing the trailer at 75mph. I get ~20 without the trailer. Id buy it again.

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  4Runner Limited - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By John DeGroote - April 9 - 10:00 am

  This is a fantastic vehicle; only suggested improvement is a larger gas tank.

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  Best vehicle Ive ever owned - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By rufus42 - April 8 - 2:39 pm

  We bought this vehicle new in 2003. It now has 120,000 miles. It has been fun and comfortable to drive. The mileage is 20 mph highway and 17-18 city. There was a rattle in the moon roof and a squeak in the left portion of the front bumper when it was new. Both were repaired under warranty. The front brakes pads and calipers were replaced at 102,000 miles. Replaced burned out brake lights and yellow front corner lights at about 100,000 miles. A dash light burned out at about 118,000. The dash light cost about $97 to replace since I had it done by my shop. Other than these relatively minor repairs, it has been just routine maintenance. I plan to keep this vehicle for another 120,000 or more.

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  Great Car - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Marianne - April 5 - 10:00 am

  The car is reliable, sturdy and uses regular gasoline. Easy to handle.

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  rough, tough and fun to drive - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By cj812 - April 5 - 10:00 am

  Ive had nothing but good experiences with this vehicle. Looks great, handles great and has to usual toyota quality.

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  An Easy Decision - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By ProPower - April 3 - 1:00 pm

  It came down to the new Pathfinder or the 4Runner. The Pathfinder is a great ride,V-8 acceleration from a V-6, comfortable interior. But the Toyota seemed to be better built, with higher quality interior materials and a smoother highway ride. The 4Runner also feels lighter and more nimble on pavement thanks in part to the X-REAS suspension which all but eliminates the body roll and pitch that plague a lot of SUVs.

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  Worth the money! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By sonya stilwell - April 3 - 9:50 am

  I bought my 4-runner new in May of 2004. After 6 years of ownership I can honestly say "this is the best vehicle I have ever owned." All I have ever done is changed the oil and put tires in it. I have around 87,000 miles, and every day I look forward to driving it to work. Also, the resale value is unbelievable. My next vehicle will be a 2010 4-runner when the new wears off of them and the price goes down a little! This vehicle in my opinion is an investment.