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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  This is a tank - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By Luka - November 30 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this 4 Runner wreaked in the front left end and rebuilt it. It took a lick and fixed up real good. Solid car. Not a tire spinner, but good all round reliability. Nothing more than general maintenance on the car with no repercussions of the previous wreak. Change the oil and go.

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  Reliable, Solid, yet... - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By JDBooks - November 14 - 10:00 am

  The 4Runner is solid, but a stiff ride. The interior is more cramped than my old Grand Cherokee but the seats more comfortable. The V6 is adequate for most unless you like power. With a load & passengers, it will seem very slow. No rattles or sqeaks is a tribute to the quality but my pwr antenna went out (warranty) and front floor mat ripped. CD player skips out. Minor problems for what is overall a fine vehicle. Gas mileage is about 14- 15 in town, almost 20 on freeway. Stock Bridgestone tires wear quickly.

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  Cajun Toy 4x4 Limted - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By Cajunsportsman - October 27 - 10:00 am

  Bought truck with 127245 miles on it. so for good riding all over cental Louisiana an Southern Louisiana. Truck seem to be a good riding one so far everthing still works fine on it. Could use more power under hood V6 3.0 not enought

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  The car, but not the dealer - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By smin - October 21 - 5:06 pm

  I bought my 4Runner new in mid 1999. Love the car! Its sturdy construction gives a sense of security. PLENTY of power.

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  Midwestern boat owner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By NorthernBoater - October 17 - 10:26 am

  We have owned this vehicle while living in Minneapolis, MN and Memphis, TN. It performed well in both climates, but better in the south. It makes some funky noises when starting on cold Minnesota mornings. It seems fussy about the quality of gas you use, the idle is a bit rough occasionally. I assume this is from lower quality gasoline, but I dont know this for sure. We had no problem accelerating or stopping with a 2600 pound boat in tow. I recommend this for people looking at tow vehicles. I love opening all the windows and roof on nice summer days. Our sunroof just recently got stuck wide open - just in time for a snowstorm! No other maint. issues.

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  4Runner - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bartlett - October 9 - 12:46 am

  Reliable and Trustworthy. Great Value.

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  Could be better - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By briar - October 1 - 3:55 pm

  Good car,,,,,but.. anti freeze smell when heat is turned on,dashboard is cracked,dealer said it will be replaced but dont know when and wont venture a guess...cel comes on and off on a whim.. Update, Dealer replaced dashboard,good time to replace heater core. 900.00 I replaced front brakes,calipers,wheel bearings, tie rods,front axel,dealer want to replace leaking power steering unit,turned out to be a .50 cent clamp.

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  Good SUV, Not cheap - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By c2computer - September 28 - 9:46 pm

  Good SUV for, the price can get a bit steep to get some options that others are offering standard (6 disc CD, auto off lights, integrated audio controls, etc.) I tested a lot of vehicles, if it werent for the aggresive money factors on the lease from Toyota, I would have purchased elsewhere. Toyota has great quality but you sure pay for it, although the residuals help out in the end.

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  The tank - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By seriousnut - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Its been a great vehicle so far, a high performance tank. It drives great, is incredibly quiet & comfortable, looks great, handles well. My only knock is mileage. The computers consistently 1.5 - 2 mpg higher than actual mileage, & in normal commuting (some highway, some town) Im only averaging a little over 16 mpg.

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  Impressed, as expected. - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By foq - September 8 - 4:22 am

  Well, this is my first truck since I served in military in other country. All my other cars were track runners so I never thought Id enjoy driving a truck.. as those normally lack power or turning capability. Well, I was in for a treat. truck saved me a few times so far, and the offorad capability was a blessing. Build quality is impressive, interior is great. this truck could use more power, definitely, but for the weight / room / options, the power is ok. On the road it feels like a road truck, off road it feels like a decent, off-road built vehicle. Very happy with this investment. Oh, and estimated MPGs are wrong.. I get anywhere between 18.2-22, depending on areas. 17.5 in Chicago.