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:

• 

  01 4runner - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By jeff chung - December 27 - 3:50 pm

  Its a great SUV. Feels like it could last forever. Interior has worn well.

• 

  The Runner - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By cubby - December 27 - 2:00 am

  Good one the road and highway. Feels like a truck but gives you the SUV feel.

• 

  Quality after 70,000 miles - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By trevk56 - December 19 - 12:30 am

  I replaced a 2000 Toyota Tundra with this car and never keep a car for more than three years, but I am now starting my 6th year with this 4Runner. I have had the 45 and 60,000 mile maintenance +tires/brakes that ran about $1700 and the AC synchronizer went out ($238). I have worked the front rotors once and replaced them once in 70,000 miles and cant complain because the brakes are great (4 wheel disk) and the power from the V8 and all wheel drive make effortless stoplight to highway merging simple. The gas mileage has stabilized (with full time 4WD) at 15.9-17.5 and best ever highway mileage was 19 worst was 11.2 pulling a trailer. Can pull Jet Skis or Boat at 75 up hills no problem.

• 

  Love My 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Gadgetman000z - December 15 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 03 4Runner 4X4 Sport edition in March (had it for 6 months now), and although I was a little leary about the price tag....I love this vehicle!!! Ive towed with it, traveled back and forth between PA and TN (several times) with it, gone offroad (by the way, offroad has been a blast, I may have found a new hobby!), and continue to use it for all of my other daily driving. This vehicle has been nothing but superb since the day I first test drove it!!! I love my 4Runner, and if you want a rock solid, reliable, fun, offroad, onroad, workhorse that will last for a long time...you wont be disappointed with this one.

• 

  It Grew On Me - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Drivin Momma - December 13 - 10:00 am

  I bought this vehicle new and have had it for 2 years now. I have some issues with room, my husband is 511" and barely has enough headroom and realistically, only plan on 4 occupants to ride comfortably. The double decker cargo system is awful and you cant even think about touching the outside of the truck without scratching it. (I put 130K on an 02 Explorer and other than where my wedding ring scratched the door handle, the paint still looked new.) With that said, I absolutely love this vehicle. Its a smooth, quiet ride, I can count on it regardless of weather conditions, and have never had one mechanical issue with it to date. Gas mileage isnt too terrible and interior cleans easily.

• 

  Best SUV Ive had - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By JCon - December 9 - 2:00 am

  I love this vehicle. I bought the SE and the ride and handling are surprisingly good, the V6 has ample power, the interior is comfortable and stylish. Bar none the best vehicle Ive owned. I dont want to get out from the behind the steering wheel!

• 

  I recomend to try test drive this Car - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Alex Naroditskiy - December 9 - 2:00 am

  This is incredible vehicle. I have lot of fun to drive it and gas mileage is not that bad for 8 cyl car, if some people concern about gas prices everything I can tell, Toyota Echo is still available for gas savers. Engine and power train was tested on Land Cruiser and Sequoia And proved itself very good.

• 

  Love It! - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By AW - December 9 - 1:36 am

  I love driving my new 2010 4Runner SR5. I have been very surprised by how great the gas mileage is for such a large truck. It drives smoothly, and I am looking forward to keeping it until it has 300,000 miles on it. I purchased the metallic gray, and I love how the darker paint makes the chrome features pop. I had to get use to the bubble lights, but I like them now. It feels like a safe, well built truck.

• 

  my favorite ride - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By surfchick5am - December 8 - 10:00 am

  This is my second Toyota theres a good reason why-durability with little maintainence. My previous car was a Previa and I put 100k on it before trading for the SUV. This had, to date, out perfomed any of the 6 previous vehicles Ive owned and i tend to keep my cars a minimum of 6 years. Its only 2WED but has no problems over rough terrain or in the snow. Its comfortable and well appointed inside and out. It runs as good as it did on the day I got it-what else can you say?

• 

  Lovin it! - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ali - December 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive loved the 4Runner since it was a truck with a fiber glass top back in 84 and Im positively loving it now. I love the ride height and it handles well with such a high center of Gravity. The ride feels like Im gliding (my last SUV was a Jeep Cherokee so belive when I say this doesnt feel like a truck!) Interior is quality. Needs a touch better gas mileage and a more powerful engine.