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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  Happy - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Marcus Demagio - August 24 - 11:53 am

  I have owned this 4Runner for only a month. I like the feel of quality and I feel safe in it. My only quible is that the gas mileage is not better. Besides that I could drive it all day long!

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  Great SUV - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By toyandvw - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Weve got over 90K miles on our 4Runner- off and on pavement. Love it.. dont even want to trade it in on a new one. Brakes are original and still have plenty of wear left- replaced the tires @80K.

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  Awesome - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By darb1brad - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Had a 2003 4Runner Limited V8 that I totaled in June 10. Wasnt really interested in another 4Runner at first. 4th Gen was too cramped on the interior, always felt too narrow in the drivers seat, but it was admittedly a GREAT truck. Had my mind changed because: 1) NO injuries in the wreck to me or my daughter; and 2) It was 7 years old with 115k miles, and I got 60% of my original purchase price from insurance when it was totaled. New 4Runner, here I come! The Trail is AWESOME. Feels bigger in the interior. Styling is much more masculine than the 4th Gen. Figured out how to turn off economy mode, and throttle response/shift pattern is MUCH better.

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  Child of 83 Landcruiser and 05 ScionTC - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By surfsnow - August 23 - 10:00 am

  I have driven my 2010 4Runner 1100 miles and I am very happy. I have finally given up driving my 83 Landcruiser and this is the perfect replacement. It is almost identical to the 83 FJ60 in interior room and design. I feel like Toyota has reached back in time and found the perfect replacement for the old Landcruiser. The previous 4Runner appeared too wimpy (styling) and the FJ did not offer the visibility associated with the original Landcruisers. Im happy the truck does not have mud collectors (running boards). I am also retiring my Scion TC and I have become a one car household. The 4Runner is a pig compared to the scion but, that is to be expected. Overall, very happy.

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  My 3rd one - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By esther peters - August 18 - 2:00 am

  This is my third 4Runner..I have had a 1995, 1999 and now an 2002. They get better and better. Great quality for the money..You get what you pay for..Higher price that avg SUV,but, I will drive this rig for many years with no regret. Getting around 18-19 MPG with an TRD airfilter installed and have enough power to get me up the mtn pass at 90+,so, I am not sure why they are saying that it is way underpowered? Cool rig!

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  LUV OUR NEW TRUCK - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By hrspeech - August 18 - 2:00 am

  Super smooth V8 . . . cant believe how quiet the ride is . . . we love our new 4Runner . . . best SUV on the market

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  4 RUNNERS R 4 US - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By COJACK1601 - August 18 - 2:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR TO DRIVE. FULL CONTROL AT ALL TIMES. VERY REPONSIVE. FULL OF HIGH TECH FEATURES.

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  Love it - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By DJ - August 15 - 2:13 pm

  Bought if for my wife... I have a Durango, but my next vehicle very well maybe a 4Runner!

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  V8 run like wind....... and you hear it - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By mshulch - August 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought because of midsize and solid reputation.My wife loves it and I hate it.V8 engine will get you there in a hurry but to me the car is uncomfortable to drive.Fuel mileage is not all that great either.Worst thing Ive found about the car is the wind noise from the roof racks.I took the cross bars off and it helped a little.HVAC is awkward to use while driving

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  everyone wants my car - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By Julia - August 11 - 4:36 pm

  I will run this vehicle into the ground and judging my my uncle with a 97 @ 300k ...thats going to take a while. Bought this car pre-owned (64k) almost 2 years ago. I have the limited 4x4 which is AWD all the time. I drive mostly short city trips and then I frequently take road trips (at (89k now). Ive had this car in every weather condition and Im so thankful for that. Last week I got caught in a flash flood on the way to Vegas and while other cars were loosing control in deep puddles, the traction control kicked in/ AWD helped on multiple accounts to keep us center. Handles well in snow, sand, rocks, ect. It handled really well going down a steep curved hill in snow. In high winds, I barely feel it. I can fit more in this SUV with the seats folded down than a Tacoma (length wise). I work at a Toyota Dealership so I can see all the service records, and theres never been a major issue, even while they were certifying the vehicle for resale. I have to admit, its probably due to the city driving, but my MPG has decreased since I bought it 18 down to 15/16. Handles well and can stop on a dime. A month after getting it, another 4Runner merged into me and I barely felt it although the whole right side needed to be replaced. Overall solid car. The navigation is due for an update, and the voice command is really annoying/inaccurate/long. (I recommend a 14 and up, cause they improved it drastically). Overall, Im in love with this car and my friends always beg to ride in it for road trips. 12 plus hours, and youre still comfortable. The 3rd row should not be considered for regular use, and its small and not very comfortable. However, for short, infrequent rides, its a really nice option to have. If youre considering a package that doesnt come with a back up camera, I recommend getting one installed. Regardless of the kind of driver you are, stock this is a tall vehicle. Im 58 and thin and my boyfriend is 62 and has an extremely wide build. We both sit comfortably. Ive had kids aged 4-9 sit in my back seat. The boosters/car seats are super easy because everything is so high up. Although, they all struggle to get inside the car so if you have small kids or youre short, invest in running boards. *a year later update...still feel the same*