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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  Go anywhere, Do anything - 2015 Toyota 4Runner
  By Raine - October 12 - 7:30 pm

  After looking at several other models from Subaru, Chevy, and Jeep, I decided upon the new 2015 4Runner. I have had the SR5 4Runner for about a year and 16k miles. Driving in the snow and mud is no problem even with the stock base model. This SUV can take you anywhere that any car can go in comfort and keep that comfort going even on the most rugged roads. User friendly controls take no time at all to become accustom to. Even after a year walking out to the truck brings a happiness that I actually own that. With amazing reliability that goes with Toyota and incredible resale value, you cant beat the 4runner when looking for the universal vehicle. I recommend anyone who is considering it to go for it!

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  2010 4-Runner SR5 - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By rsookdeo - October 12 - 3:16 pm

  I had a 2005 Limited, but my new 2010 SR5 far surpasses the 05 model. This is a quality built vehicle with a clean interior. I love the rugged look of this vehicle and the luxury ride. Mine came equipped with leather, running boards, spoiler and 3rd row seating. This vehicle sits up higher and has more interior room than the 05 models. The 3rd row seating comes in handy and folds away flat and neat. Looking forward to my first real road trip in the 4Runner.

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  LOVE this car - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By tdtmd03 - October 11 - 8:53 am

  My wife bought this car new. We drove it for three years and put about 60000 on it without ANY problems other than the navigation system which always seemed to have us wandering in the ocean whenever we drove down I-95 in Florida. It was reliable, fun to drive, great looking, comfortable. We traded it in because we needed 4WD as we were about to move to AK in 2009. We loved it so much we bought a 2004 4WD 4-runner and splurged on a 2008 land cruiser ( both have been fantastic). And the 2006 that we traded in was bought by my father in-law. He was a little miff that we just didnt sell him the car in the first place so that he didnt have to pay the extra dealer mark-up.

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  2003 4Runner Much Improved. - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By StephanieandPaul - October 10 - 2:00 am

  I already had a 2000 4Runner, so I was not looking to buy another one. Seeing the new 4Runners exterior did not have a magical effect on me, but after getting in side it, I had to have it. It is so more roomier, the back hatch door closes automatically and has a sensor to open it (no more dirty hands). I love my heated seats and the dual climate control is a must for a happy marriage. The stereo controls on the steering wheel and the new designed HVAC controls keep my eyes on the road. It handels better than the Land Crusier. The acceleration with the V8 is awesome! My insurance rates actually went down due to the side curtain air bags.

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  Best Vehicle Ive Owned - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Taterhole - October 9 - 3:36 pm

  This was the first Toyota Ive owned. This vehicle has completely sold me on Toyota build quality and mechanical reliability. 62K on it now and weve never experienced a mechanical problem. The 6 is plenty powerful (23 mpg) and the thing rides as comfortably as a car. Fun to drive? I wouldnt go that far, but it is very comfortable. The quality of the interior materials is first-rate. Im not fond of the exterior styling and the paint on our 4Runner has been poor from day one. This surprised me, considering the quality workmanship elsewhere.

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  4runner fan - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Turtle - October 7 - 1:56 am

  I previously had a 2004 4Runner but wrecked it. Loved it! Went 109,000 miles with only normal maintenance. Never changed a light bulb! Have had the 2010 for about a month. It is very similar to the 2004 with a few minor changes. It is larger which I like. Miss a couple things about the old one compared to the new one.

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  too nice - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By tdpga - October 5 - 10:00 am

  this suv is fantastic, must drive for yourself, it will hold its value for a long time, fun to drive, responsive, and smooth ride, great job toyota

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  Best SUV ever - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By LOVEIT - September 30 - 4:46 pm

  My 4Runner is 6 yrs. old and has 162,000 miles on it, and it still purrs like a kitten. Absolutely the best SUV I have ever owned. Reliable beyond expectations, decent gas mileage for an SUV, comfortable ride, very utilitarian. I love the design, and wish they hadnt changed it so much in 03. I hope to own it another 6 yrs. or more!!

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  BLACK 4RUNNER LTD - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Allen Nebraska - September 25 - 6:46 pm

  Fun to drive, fairly smooth ride and goes through the snow with no problems, the heated leather seats are nice in the Nebraska climate. The V8 has plenty of power

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  WORTH every penny - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By tdtmd03 - September 23 - 3:10 am

  This is our 2nd 4Runner. Bought it because we loved our previous one so much, but needed 4WD to move to Alaska. This truck is awesome, reliable, durable, go anywhere vehicle. Idrove from GA to AK without any problems, hauling a full trunk, two dogs and my wife. Handles the snow trails without any hitch. Bought it used at 56K miles two years ago. Now has 78K miles. We had owned a limited 2006 and drove it everywhere as well. Sad to traded that one in for a Land Cruiser ( also 5 star terrific), but needed 4 WD. No engine/drivetrain/electronic/brakes/etc problems. HIGHLY recommeded. I see lots of SUV here in AK, but would drive this one any day ( with the exception of the LC)