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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4runner 4 Life - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
By Geraldine - March 17 - 10:42 pmI am approaching 202K miles on this Baby ! I have a rare 4 cylinder 2WD 4runner. It is great on gas and I have to select less steeper hills in San Francisco but so what, I still love my car. I just follow the regular maintenance for oil and spark plugs and its all gravy. I get many offers to buy my truck but I am saving this for my youngest son who is just 7. I am sure he will appreciate and love this truck as much as I do.
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Best car I have ever owned - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
By Ivan - March 12 - 7:53 am6 years old and 69K miles with no problems. Great car, powerful and reliable. very roomy. All I had to do was change the tires and replace a lightbulb. This car will run forever.
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Blown away by a used car - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
By graves2014 - March 11 - 7:51 pmI was a long time BMW owner. Ive had at least 4 over the past two decades, but I really liked my friends 4Runner. I couldnt afford a new one, so I looked for a used one. Not an easy task. There are just not that many for sale. I can see why. ...My 03 V8 4runner is faster than my BMW. Its still very sharp inside and out. The extra utility was such a bonus. 4 guys and our golf clubs..? No problem. Its a whole different dynamic. I love it. Even with a lot more miles than I was originally comfortable with purchasing, after taking to my mechanic. I have total confidence in it. Its just a quality SUV. I recommend one to anybody. Paddleboard next? why not
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Toyota 4-Runner Best SUV made - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
By DGipson - March 10 - 2:00 amThis is my 3rd 4-Runner. I currenty have a 1992 that is a great suv with 210000 miles thois 98 is perfect too
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Love It! But... - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
By clinton810 - March 6 - 7:29 amI purchased my 2011 4Runner in December 2010 with less than 5 miles on it from our local dealer. Loved it! This vehicle can handle anything you throw at it. We got hammered with snow and in 4WD it is like snow isnt even an issue. Great gas mileage for a car this size. I am getting around 19.5 MPG with only about 6000 miles on it so far not even broken in yet. About 70% city driving and 30% highway. Only a couple knocks on the car. The engine is loud and makes a weird noise. I had it in for service and was told that these are known to have loud fuel injectors. Did some research and found some information this so it isnt complete B/S. No automatic car wash can get back window clean.
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watch for recall on 2011 shocks - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
By jdijkstra - March 6 - 5:08 amshocks are weak on the 4runner SR5. pushing down on rear and front ends causes continuos bouncing, as does little hills on the road. My rear passenger had gotten motion sickness from the bouncing . The truck front end dips on braking and any fast emergency braking causes the front end dip to be so excessive that the rear end lifts the tires up enough to cause the automatic braking to kick in. This has happened to me 3 times and is very scary since the abs brakes stay engaged for a min. I almost crashed into car in front of me . I showed the dealer service dept the problem, but was advised that if they exchanged the shocks for Bilstein shocks, toyota would charge them for the ones removed
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I miss it - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
By joetyler69 - March 5 - 12:57 amI had my 4runner for a little over a year, and i just recently lost it to a telephone pole... this car was great to me. it was powerful, fun and east to drive. i didnt have one complaint. it even saved my life in the wreck. i put a new meaning to wrapping a car around a telephone pole. the highway patrol declared me dead as soon as they arrived cause they didnt believe anyone could have survived anything like that. but the 4runner saved me. i was trapped and had to wait to be cut out of the car, but i will always be grateful i wrecked in that car. cause nothing else could have protected me like it did
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I love our 4 Runner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
By mchagberg - March 4 - 10:00 amWe just bought ours
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Most Underappreciated SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
By 4Runner2003 - March 3 - 8:00 pmIm 19 years old and have had two 4runners, a 1999 and a 2003. I test drove every midsize SUV and some full size before I bought the second 4runner. I kept telling myself that I should get something different but this vehicle just fits me so naturally. Everyone who I let drive my 4runner comments on how stable, predictable and comfortable it is. Its also very capable off road. It seems no one has fully picked up on the 4runners excellent traits. Theres still way too many Explorers on the road.
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utahrunner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
By 4runnerowner - March 2 - 6:20 pmoverall this vehicle gives you the peace of mind both on road and off. It has plenty of power with the v-6 for passing and towing. Off road it is amazing as it climbs like it is glued to the trail and then back on the road it feels like a sport sedan.Very fun to drive and the "cool" factor is always there.
