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 Truck!!! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By BRIAN - February 1 - 3:50 am

  Looks great and is fun to drive around town. It does well off-road with the rear locker. Probably my favorite car so far.

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  Test Drive Thoroughly Before Buying - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By touchdown - January 14 - 2:00 am

  A extraordinarily disapointing purchase given the "Toyota quality" premium inherent in the cost. My vehicle is not up to the norm, Id not buy again. Potential buyers should test drive on all road types. Theres a problem (not in all, but lots of local reports) with intermittent overhead rattles. The moonroof weatherseal doesnt lie flat in about 1 in 4 local vehicles surveyed. (New seals arent sold, you replace with a whole new moonroof -- and gut the interior to do it -- my replacement arrived worse than the first). Bottom line: Buyer beware - search for a "good one" (they exist, but so do problems).

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  Love and disappointments - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By George Zeiler - January 11 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2005 sport it had a lot more power, than the 2010 sr5 and it had better gas mileage than the 2010, I though it would have more power, and a little better gas mileage. I like the 4 runner over all, esp. The power rear window., I don; t like the way I have to adjust the steering wheel, that set up has to be in the Stone age, very cumbersome and inconvenient and probably the cheapest way to do it.

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  Needs new transmission - 2009 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jeef B - January 10 - 2:13 pm

  Overall I think this 4runner is a good performing SUV. Handles good and everything works as promised except for the transmission. When I slow down for a turn or a stop sign, (while not coming to a complete stop) then step on the throttle the transmission hunts for a gear and the engine revs until the gear is found. This is very annoying because it happens all the time. The dealer says this is normal. If I would have experienced this during the test drive, I would never have bought this vehicle. I am going to suffer with this until the warranty is up then I will get something new. Normally I keep my cars close to 10 years like my previous 1999 4runner which I wish I still had.

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  Great Vehicle - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jeff Buck - January 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my 4Runner for 8 years and have loved every minute of it. Im in the process of deciding whether or not to sell it (only 115,000 miles). Its in great shape and has been great for our family.

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  Good Solid Vehicle - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Trent Family - December 27 - 4:30 am

  This was our familys third Toyota and we are pleased with the brand. We bought the V-8 in order to pull our pontoon boat. It is a good solid vehicle that offers a smooth ride. I especially like the remote rear window. I would have liked a third row seat but didnt like the fold-up configuration. I expected worse than average gas mileage since I owned an SUV before this one. However, I have yet to get even the 15mph listed on the sticker for city driving.

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  Solid design - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By mrscot - December 24 - 2:00 am

  This is a durable vehicle with plenty of interior space for the average user. It has the famous Toyota reliability, but unfortunately not the efficiency Toyota is also known for. I average 16 mpg, but with a tailwind you can get 20 mpg on the highway. Power is adequate with the V6/5spd, but I would be concerned about any other engine/transmission combination for this vehicle. I purchased it with 93,000 miles and have put another 30,000 on it and the only problem I have had is with the power tailgate window.

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  Lemon? - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Lynn68 - December 22 - 8:36 am

  So far I am not impressed by my new 4Runner in the least. I was so excited to get this truck, as I have had a 4Runner in the past (2004). Now I am regretting my decision. I am taking it back to the dealer for the third time in two weeks. Rattle in the overhead compartment is driving me nuts. My brakes are hard to press and have a metal releasing/vibration feeling to them. Very unnerving. Each time I reach 40mph the engine starts to sputter and miss. Trying to merge onto the highway is a mess. The first time I was told this is "normal for a 4Runner". Then told it was the ECO and to turn it off. No dice. Not at all Toyota "quality".

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  A Fantastic Adventure Travel Vehicle! - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By George - December 21 - 12:20 pm

  We ordered our 4Runner from Japan because we couldnt buy a Sport Edition with GPS navigation off a dealers lot. We also added 4WD. The car rides and handles great. ZERO mech. probs. Powerful V6 with decent economy. You really dont need the V8. The 4WD and off-road stability systems are amazing. I used them in a rare snow & ice storm in the Chisos Mtns in Big Bend National Park and was amazed at this SUVs sure-footedness. A few quibbles: Front cupholders stink. Must contort arms & hands to reach window and door lock switches on doors. Tire pressure and oil change idiot lights are annoying to reset. Overall, though, we LOVE this SUV. Even $4 gas cant persuade us to part with it!

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  4Runner cruisin - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By BG - December 20 - 2:00 am

  Although the 4Runner does have some faults, I truely enjoyed its driving experience. I find the V6 engine to be more than enough power. The power and available options are what sold me when first looking at this SUV.