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:

• 

  I love my new Toyota - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By jens - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I love the sliding back window (so does my great dane) This suv is fun to drive and nice to look at.

• 

  Excellent Truck - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By PeterS - April 30 - 2:00 am

  A truly great sport ute. Size is plenty big but not too big. Acceleration with the V8 is beeter than could be expected in a truck this size. The handling, espcially in corners, is also excellent for a truck its size. The only complaint is gas mileage, but with a truck like this you should know that will stink.

• 

  Limited 4Runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Koz - April 29 - 8:30 pm

  This is by far the most sure footed vehicle Ive ever owned. Its whisper quiet, smooth & powerful. It is almost impossible to get the vehicle slip or slide under any conditions. With the Xreas & air susp it handles better then most cars. I went offroading & cant believe how capable it is. Went through 2 foot water/mud, very steep rocky hills & didn’t skip a beat. There are so many features and little details that I’m still finding. The Nav is awesome with the back-up camera. Talk about sweet comfortable heated leather seats. The V8 & 5 speed has to be the smoothest drive train on the market today. If you want to get spoiled, you will fall in love with this vehicle. It has no equal!

• 

  loved it now time to trade - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runnerlover - April 24 - 10:00 am

  fire engine red, sr5, w/manual trans. love this vehicle. time to trade up to a 2003 ltd 4wd. Cant say enough about toyota vehicles this is our 7th in 22yrs

• 

  2003 4Runner Limted - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By elvisdog - April 24 - 10:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 4Runner Limited this past January, and I have been extremely happy with it. This truck has outstanding comfort (more so than a 5 series BMW), passing ability (the V-8 has impressive power), and a handsome design (people comment on it all the time). Even though it has a car-like ride, it handled this past winters 26 inch blizzard of snow with no problem. I especially like the design and looks of the interior. It is an intuitive layout, with brushed aluminum and "granite-look" accents. I hate the look of fake wood. My advice to anyone considering purchasing a mid-size suv would be to not be lazy and test drive this vehicle.

• 

  ticking noise from engine - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By netster - April 24 - 10:00 am

  Great truck overall, fun to drive and sturdy. However, since I purchased the truck, there has been a ticking sound coming from the engine. The dealer said that it is the pully and would fix when toyota figures out a fix.

• 

  2014 4R 4x4 Ltd - 2014 Toyota 4Runner
  By myogi - April 23 - 10:28 am

  Have my 4R for almost 4 months now. Very happy with it. Excellent SUV. Looks great, drives great. Glad to have bought it.

• 

  Cut Corners - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Don B - April 17 - 4:50 am

  Doors close very tinny - hood very flimsy at highway speeds - very underpowered with V6 - constant shifting with cruise - transmission whinny at low speed. Does not compare to my 2003. Gas mileage is no better than my 2003 V8. Toyota seriously cut corners on this machine. Not recommended -- mine is for sale.

• 

  New 4Runner Fan - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By New 4Runner Fan - April 16 - 3:00 pm

  Ive had my new (and first) 4Runner for two months and just finished two long road trips in it. The first was to Idaho (1500 miles round trip) and the second was to Yosemite (700 miles round trip). What a great truck! Ive previously taken my Highlander and Camry on these trips, but the 4Runner is by far the most comfortable way to go. It has a great ride, plenty of room, and averaged between 20 and 26 mpg, depending upon the terrain I was driving in (Ive got the 6 cylinder). Ran the air the whole time since it was middle of summer, and no problems. I read all of the reviews here before I bought, and they were right-on with pros and cons, as Ill detail in the two sections below. Im a fan!

• 

  Love the Runner - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By echoman2 - April 15 - 9:50 pm

  I just my 95 4Runner this year, and I love it. I got it with 100,000 miles on it and Ive put about 10,000 in it. I get around 14 mpg in the city, and 20 on highway driving. Doesnt have amazing power on the highway, but goes off-road like a champ. I gotten through some pretty crazy stuff, and its still all stock. Handles the snow like a boss. The rear springs were sagging a litle when I got it, but some new coils and she rides just like new! Has on not started once, and that was when the battery fried on me. But shes got a new battery now, and starts up every time. I love this truck and plan to keep it for a long time.