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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  The SUV to replace lesser sport vehcles - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By delray226 - August 6 - 2:46 pm

  Love my 4Runner. I average ~22 MPG and this has been fantastic in all weather. Living in a hilly part of the southern tier of NY the traction control and amenities are on par with cars costing up to 15K more. Considered the BMW X3 and it was no comparison. The interior space and comfort is fantastic for the money. I have never owned such a comfortable vehicle. Even the little features like the speed adjusting airfoil for the sunoof just make the driving experience and daily use a real pleasure. The control of the rear window is another great feature to help cabin airflow. The cargo mounted mirrors are a great help when backing up in close quarters.

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  170,000 miles and always ready - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By DrJeff - August 5 - 10:00 am

  Unbelievably reliable truck. I have put 170,000 hard miles on my 5 speed 4wd 1994 4Runner and it still runs the way it did when I drove it off the lot. Sure there have been a few minor problems along the way, but nothing that would be considered unexpected. The best vehicle I have ever owned by far. Dont think I will ever

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  Dealer - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dottie White - August 5 - 10:00 am

  I love my 4 runner. The dealer has ignorant sales people that are only interested in making money. They do not care about what happens after the sale.I was thinking about buying a new 4 runner and I was told specifically what do you think you can buy a new vehicle every six months. I was planning to trade because the color is dark green and is hard to keep clean.

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  4 Runner Won Me Over - 2016 Toyota 4Runner
  By Terry Dymek - August 3 - 9:15 am

  looking for a vehicle that delivers better 4WD performance than your typical Crossover? Well the 4 Runner sure fit that bill for me. Looked at EVERYTHING in this segment and found the 4 Runner to be the best overall in terms of comfort, performance, quality and value. Dont be put off by reviews that talk about how body on frame vehicles cannot deliver the same ride and handling quality as the typical unibody. The 4 Runner does not ride or handle like a truck ( I have a 2105 Chevy Silverado so I know what a real truck ride is like). While certainly not car-like, the 4 Runner rolls down the road smoothly and confidently. My main requirement was to be able to drive up a very steep and long driveway during New England winters. Other AWD vehicles (Subaru, Rav 4, etc) could not handle the job if there was more than a couple of inches of snow on the ground. The 4 Runner has absolutely no problems with any snow depth. Sure, I could have bought and Audi Q series but for the money and maintenance costs over the long run, you just cant beat the Toyota 4 Runner

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  One of the best vehicles owned - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4Runner lover - August 2 - 10:00 am

  This is one of the best vehicles I have owned. The SUV looks awesome, the relibility is top notch and its a very comfortable family cruiser which handles the road very well whether its in the city or on the highway. The climate control in this vehicle works extremely well.

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  Fun SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Love My 4-Runner - August 2 - 10:00 am

  The 4 Runner is fast and handles well on the road. Braking is great. I use to own a Suburban and dont regret lossing cargo room for a better built SUV. I get better gas mileage then the sticker stated, on the Hwy doing 75-80 I get 19.5 - 20.2 miles per gallon. In town I have been getting 18.1. The ride is smooth & very little road noise for a SUV.

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  4Runner after 9000 miles - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By L.R.Burfield - July 28 - 8:53 pm

  Excellent in snow and ice, better fuel economy than I expected (17-18 mpg) Solid feel on highway at speed, very quiet inside cabin. Good layout for driver. Rear seats fold very nicely for added cargo room. Tire pressure warning light needs temperature compensation, as it glows when outside temp drops into the teens. Love the heated seats. Quality inside and out. Sound system is tops.Tach dial view is partly blocked on right side

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  Wouldnt Recommend - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Turner - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Dont trust everything you read in Conumer reports about this SUV. I purchase my 1997 4runner in August 2002. Vehicle had 57,000 miles and was a Toyota "Certified" Used Vehicle. Two months later I noticed a heavy shimmy when I applied the brakes between 40 and 50 MPH. Then on cold mornings the transmission wouldnt shift into drive until the engine warmed up. Took it to my dealer, $800...!! to replace front rotors and rear brake drum which had cracked (still under Certified warranty but brake parts not covered). Tech couldnt figure out why the transmission wont shift when cold...

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  Help to Potential Buyers - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By rado - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I analyze this SUV among others. My other car is really a Porsche (Boxster S). This SUV is very powerful. I drove the V6 and the V8. The V6 is powerful over 3000 rpm. The V8 is ridiculous powerful. It takes off faster than my Porsche 0-30 which means my wife is safe at every intersection. X-REAS is a MUST (period). Take your time and test the X-REAS and the non X-REAS. With the X-REAS it drives like a sport car, I am serious. The transmision is very responsive.

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  This is my baby - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By skidaddy - July 24 - 1:05 am

  This, in my opinion is one of the greatest all-purpose vehicles ever created. It is an absolutely fantastic, drama-free truck that rolls easily down the road, and is capable of crushing the deep mountain snows that fall in our area. Ive got over 145k miles on mine, and she asks only for new brakes every couple of years, and a new battery every 4 or 5 years. The build quality is incredible. 16 years old and not one rip in the leather interior. Fuel mileage is kind of poor (avereage about 17 mpg), but incredibly low cost maintenance makes up for that and more.