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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  GOOD - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jim Kunkle - October 31 - 3:33 am

  A little over priced when I bought it. Fuel Economy is not one of it long suits! It is fun to drive.

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  slow! - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By snast - October 30 - 2:16 am

  dont get me wrong, I love this car. but stomp on the gas, and dont expect much to happen except a lot more noise. that being said, this is simply the most reliable, capable vehicle ive ever driven. ive had mine for 5 years, it has 300,000 miles, and it runs just fine. off road, its absolutely unstoppable. the storage and versatility is awesome

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  Toyota 4-Runner Rates Top Score - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By LVKibiuk - October 29 - 5:00 pm

  My experience with the 4-runner goes back 16 years. My original 4-runner is an 88 with 191,000 miles and still running beautifully. I have never owned a more reliable vehicle. My new 4- runner was purchased as the body on the old 4-runner has started rusting out. When sitting in the drivers seat of the new 4-runner you know you have a product that is very safe and mechanically is made better and lasts longer than most other vehicles. I have owned bmws, fords, chevys, rented dodge, gmc and none compare to the Toyota 4-runner. It is #1 in my book. I have nothing negative to say about it. Nothing else tops the Toyota all around. It wont disappoint you. Buy one

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  Toyota 4-Runner Rates Top Score - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By LVKibiuk - October 29 - 4:26 pm

  My experience with the 4-runner goes back 16 years. My original 4-runner is an 88 with 191,000 miles and still running beautifully. I have never owned a more reliable vehicle. My new 4- runner was purchased as the body on the old 4-runner has started rusting out. When sitting in the drivers seat of the new 4-runner you know you have a product that is very safe and mechanically is made better and lasts longer than most other vehicles. I have owned bmws, fords, chevys, rented dodge, gmc and none compare to the Toyota 4-runner. It is #1 in my book. I have nothing negative to say about it. Nothing else tops the Toyota all around. It wont disappoint you. Buy one

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  Solid & reliable - 1996 Toyota 4Runner
  By Excellent Truck - October 28 - 3:06 pm

  Bought this vehicle used in 2000 with 100000 km. Aside from periodic oil changes, it hasnt cost me a penny, extremely reliable through the harshest conditions. Fuel mileage could be better, but still a small price to pay for the trouble free performance. Highly recomended, would buy another Toyota without thinking twice.

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  Road tripping - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By James Cal - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This SUV is awesome. I have had mine for about 3 months now and I cant complain. Looked at the Tahoe, Yukon, and Trailblazer and nothing compares. What it lacks in towing power it makes up in handling. It rides like a car on the highway, and takes the off-road like a truck. I just got back from a camping trip, pulling a popup camper, without a problem. Even got 19mpg. If you need a huge SUV, this is not for you, but if you want an SUV that can maneuver the dirt path just as well as the Wal-Mart parking lot, look no further. Take a test drive; you will be hooked.

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  Great Truck - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By mfjarvind69 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great vehicle. Its like the BMW advertisement where both the husband and wife want to drive the X5. We feel really safe with this vehicle and it handles incredibly well in turns for a live rear axle SUV.

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  Limited 99 - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By rogersd - October 25 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this product because there is not a more rugged SUV on the market. It drives live a truck, but that is what makes this durable long lasting truck what it is. Although, after driving American made SUVs the 4-Runner is a much more substantial, sturdy, squeek free vehicle. It feels less "loosy goosy" than the Explorer. Fit and finish is what sold me on the 4-Runner. The 4-Runner is not as plasticy as the competition. Toyota knows how to make good vehicles, that is what I paid for. I could have spend what I did for an RX300, but they are really different vehicles all together.

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  So Far, So Good! - 2009 Toyota 4Runner
  By C.B.R. - October 24 - 10:43 pm

  I have only had this vehicle for 4 months but thought I would post a review. This vehicle is fun to drive. It feels solid, safe and responsive. I have only driven on the highway and around town, but I am anxious to get it out into the country. One complaint is that the transmission frequently feels as if it is not engaged, sort of free spinning. Initially I had difficulty finding a truly comfortable driving position and constantly shifted positions, especially my right leg. But I notice that less and less as time goes on. Even though it is labeled mid-size this is a big vehicle. Plenty of room and storage for friends and gear. Gas mileage is much better than expected at 20.8 per gallon.

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  Amazing at 107K miles! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By John in Wisc - October 24 - 10:36 pm

  Bought used at 30K miles. One owner (per dealer) and no wear/tear. Now at 106K miles, and repairs virtuallly nil, except the routine (1 tune up, 1 brakes). Front seats a bit crowded, could use 2" more on each. Cloth upholstery on this one - seams are opening up a couple places, need to sew them up. Handles great in snow with 4WD, excellent traction control. The engine purrs and virtually ZERO vibration at idle. Slightly underpowered at 5cyl-has tow package which is easy to hook up. Dont expect a soft "car" ride-this is a truck frame and lets you know it, but thats fine for a true SUV that can off road with the best of em.I keep it well maintained/lube oil trans . Great product