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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  Great SUV minor complaints - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By EdBright - February 2 - 10:00 am

  Great performance, truly tough vehicle. The ride is very smooth, interior comfortable and roomy. Only problems are (1) front ceiling height is low for very tall person (espec with sunroof), (2) Bad sunroof rattle started at 2000 miles (dealer says they tried Toyotas recommended adjustments on six 4runners and it worked on three). Mileage is 17 around town, 20-22 highway with 5-speed auto trans and V8. Cant tell any difference between various octane fuels.

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  Toyota quality? - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dexter - February 2 - 10:00 am

  This is probably the vehicle with the widest gap between the design concept and the built quality that I ever owned. While the engineering and the design concepts are right on, the rattling and the squeaking make any trip an irritating experience. It appears that the Moon Roof is a major source of rattling.

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  Kills any domestic suv - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Double-----D - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I have put 12,000 miles on this vehicle in 6 months. Not a single problem. This is the best vehicle I have ever owned. The acceleration is great for a vehicle its size, and off-road this thing tackles any type of terrain I take it through.

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  Do it - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Andy - January 31 - 12:00 am

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  Great truck - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By mike - January 30 - 10:46 pm

  After looking and researching vehicles for about a year I finally came down to either a 4runner or Ford exploder. I really wanted to buy domestic. But after much research the explorer was no match for the 4runner. Great ride bulletproof quality and dependability this truck is great. Toyota does it again.

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  So far so good - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Yoko - January 30 - 11:43 am

  I never thought of owning a car this long. I bought the runner with 40K in 2004. It now has 148K. I did change a lot of stuff, spent about 5K. Still cheaper than buying a new car. This SUV is still running from Florida to New York with no problems. Im running this truck to the ground. No rust. Paint is great. If youre looking for a long lasting SUV, look no further.

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  ever-impressive 4 runner - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By James Byrd - January 25 - 3:53 pm

  Toyota has done it again!! The 4 runner handles well with little to no engine noise. At 63" I was little apprehensive about how the 4 runner would accomodate my big frame; but I have no complaints. Towing is awesome. With a 15 foot boat in tow, I felt like I never lost control; nor did my brakes fail or burn.

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  best ever suv - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By happy1 - January 21 - 2:00 am

  we love this suv, we drove every suv on the market and after drining this one we were sold. this is one well build suv. do your self a favor and test drive one. all the others were noisy, and were cheaply made and don;t hold there value.

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  Great Car! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By James Lanca - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love my 4runner i have had it for a year and i dont think there could have been a better car that fit the needs of my family. It runs great looks great and it had the best reliability record!

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  New 4Runner a Big Improvement! - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By chrissle - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my 2003 4Runner Limited in May of 2003. To date, the my only gripes with the vehicle are the annoying rattles, both interior at the headliner/sunroof, and exterior at the rear suspension (my vehicle is equipped with the optional air suspension/navigation package). Otherwise, I couldnt be more pleased with the overall size, ride, quality, and prestige my 4Runner holds.