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 best investment in my life! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Matt Lopez - October 26 - 4:46 pm

  With the 2004 Toyota 4Runner, I have been remarked into a new world, it discarded me from my everyday worries during my drive, yet I feel noticed, and believe me, that feels great. I like how I really enjoy my 4Runner. I call it my best friend, I even talk to my 4Runner! I think that is you were ever to purchase this car, you would feel the same too, or even better. I really like the spacious, and size of my truck. I think that Toyota did well on the 4Runner, and I also have an older model, a 1993 Toyota 4Runner SR% V6 3.0litre, and even that was a great design! I really like my Toyotas, theve really tooken me places in such a way that I couldnt even explain it in words. Its the greatest!!!!

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  Bullet Proof - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Phil3927 - October 24 - 10:00 am

  I just traded my 97 for a 20003. Hope this one is as good. 95,000 miles and replaced 2 tail lights. Thats all. 17- 20 mpg. Same brakes and battery, new tires after 50,000.

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  SR5 4dr V8 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By gipp - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Over all love this SUV. Test drove other SUVs and loved this one soon as I got in. Beware - be ready to buy when you test drive - you wont want to leave this one behind.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Ever Owned - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By lampright - October 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive owned 3 Toyota trucks and two american 3/4 ton trucks in the past that I greatly enjoyed, but this new 4Runner takes things to a whole new level of pleasure. Vehicles just dont get much better than this! The V8 and 5 speed auto are silky smooth with plenty of power. For a V8 it gets decent milage 15-16 city and 19-22 highway, the best being 24mpg. The JBL sound system is the best factory system Ive heard, although it could still use more bass. I do wish there was an aux input for an mp3 player though. The ride is pure pleasure. I could go on and on about how much I love this truck, but Im limited to 700char.

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  more than pleased - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By John Radtke - October 24 - 10:00 am

  The experience has been better than expected. The smooth responsivness is incredible. It is fun to drive and will be a while before the excitement wears off. I dont have many cons on this vehicle. The one thing that could have been done better is the climate contrals. I cant seem to get used to the multiple steps to get what I want in climate comfort. Overall, this vehicle has been mt best SUV I have ever owned.

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  Excellent Job Toyota! - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By John - October 22 - 10:00 am

  After reading the reviews here I had a hard time making the final decision, most people here were way off in their criticisms Let me go over the criticisms: Power-Excellent Does not need a V8 whatsoever. Took it loaded with 4 people to the Top of Mt. Evans, CO with NO problem. It outperformed my 07 Tahoe with big V8 and 320 HP. car buy a highlander. Cheap Plastic interior parts Ok, if you want refined luxury buy a Lexus. This car is not for you. Parts are practical and easy to use.

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  Very dependable and reliable - Great Truck - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By G.D. - October 15 - 4:34 pm

  Brought this vehicle off the lot and only had one major problem (fuel lines replacement for $1,000) other than that I had no other major issues. Its great on highway at 25 or more per gallon driving 55 or 65 mph. I could go on but its a great truck. I currently have 198K and I have a second used 4runner (2004 V8 4x4) with over 250k that I bought with 203K and it still runs great.

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  Its a Truck! - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By toytruck1 - October 14 - 11:36 pm

  Had my 2012 for 10 months with 8,200 on the clock. Be aware: the 3 models have different suspensions; the SR5 being the softest. I didnt need the Trail, the Limited was a bit pricey, so I opted for the SR5. I swapped out the soft factory shocks for Bilstein HDs all around. Well worth it. No more nose dive or side to side wallowing. Gas mileage excellent. I consistently average 19.5-20 mpg. T4R is built like a tank and very tight; no squeaks or rattles. A few caveats: a few interior bits are cheap (door grips), transmission is quick to upshift, could use more sound deadening. Engine feels like it has less than 270 hp, but mash the pedal and it scoots. No problems to date. Nice truck!

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  Great SUV - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By AL4runner - October 12 - 2:00 am

  I have had this suv for 4 years and never had one problem with it. It has 52000 and nothing has been replaced other then tires.

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  I converted from GM andNo buyers remorse - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Oleg - October 11 - 11:10 am

  I was hesitant at first transitioning fr Chevy Tahoe into 4Runner. My Tahoe had problems and I was looking for a reliable SUV that handles well on and off-road, mountains, snow and ice, as well as has cargo room. I thought I was compromising getting a 4runner but Inow I feel I got a lot better value. SUV. It looks big but feels small and maneuverable. Great handling. It accelerates and handles like a sedan. Transmission intuitively responds as if interpeting your intentions by how you apply gas or brakes. i dont know how they accomplished it. Bumpers are high enought to allow excellent approach and descent angle. Quality material is used on the inside trim none of that cheap plastic.