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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  Perfect Mid-size SUV - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By wheatonbama - September 19 - 9:11 am

  This is my second 4runner that I own and it was purchased for $6,000 with 205,000 miles. Well it still runs great and has no major mechanical problems. It is really a great SUV to own and is great on the highway where it averages between 23 and 26 mpg driving between 60 and 70 mph. it can get more if you driving 55 mph using cruise control. Hope it last for 300k.

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  Great Quality Mid-size Truck - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By wheatonbama - September 13 - 10:14 pm

  I have had my 2003 4runner for 11 years now with 156,000 miles and only had one major mechanical problem, which was replacement of gas tank fuel lines. Other than routine maintenance and wear and tear, the truck is great. I get really good gas mileage on the highway between 23 and 25 mpg even driving 70 mph on the hwy. In some instances I can get 27 mpg just driving 55 mph on cruise control. Hope to keep it for 300k and another 10 or 11 years. Oh yeah I use synthetic oil.

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  My 4 Runner rules - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By mike777 - August 30 - 5:29 am

  I purchased my 4 runner in 06 with 117 K on it , it was a 1 owner trade in with all service receipts ( lots of them) all service performed by the book by Toyota , (main reason I bought it) that and the reviews by owners. It has proven to be the best most reliable vehicle Ive owned to date. I currently have 350K on it with no major or minor problems, I do my own service /maintenence, no breakdowns, everything still works, and I have the LTD with power everything! all I can say is wow, pretty much original everything. runs like a swiss watch. still drives like new and looks close to new. made in Japan with top quality parts, seriously whose alternator lasts 350,00 miles,500K here I come

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  The first 1320 (miles not feet) - 2013 Toyota 4Runner
  By mistere - August 26 - 9:31 pm

  Storage (lack), the roof rack is 43 inches long. Short for transporting a kayak. Interior has no small storage areas. A small tool box or cross lug wrench would have to be left loose in the back. Console is one large deep box, just dump everything in there and take 15 mins to find something. I made a second shelf with another divider. Spare- on a steel wheel. Either I buy a another alloy wheel or let a new tire go to waste. Cant be put into normal rotation. Gas mileage- 190 miles local city driving 13.6 mpg. Driving 70-75 mph 21.2 mpg. 70-75 mph mountainous roads 18.5 mpg, 60-65 mpg 22.8 mpg. At 1k miles cant comment on quality or reliability. Basic model is nicely equipped.

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  Nice Truck-top quality construction - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jay - August 23 - 9:03 pm

  Great Handling, Sporty ride, great value. The money is put into the structure and engine/drivetrain, not features like a lot of others Ive had.

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  Has build quality diminished? - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By so_cali - August 13 - 10:00 am

  Just took delivery of this vehicle and found it has an annoying rattle in the sunroof headliner area. Hopefully this is fixable. Otherwise it seems very good. I like the orange guages at night but dislike the hac controls - too gimicky. I got black with the gray cladding and prefer the look with the contrasting flat gray cladding, even though Toyota is apparently not using it any longer.

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  Another Toyota disappointment - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By kirby28 - August 13 - 12:20 am

  I have just traded in my SR5, owning it since Oct. 10. From the get go had slipping trans from 1st to 2nd gears...tinny doors, poor quality seats, spongy brakes, noisy, growly engine... this is not the 4 Runner of the past generations....Id pass on this one.

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  RELIABLE BUT BORING - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pawleys Island Boy - August 8 - 6:43 am

  I am a 16 year old high school student whose parents bought me this car last year. It is super reliable and I havent had to replace or fix anything. It says it should get around 19-22 mpg, but I only get around 17. It is very weak and there is nothing special about this car to me. I do like the looks of it though. I chose this car because I know that being a Toyota, it will last me forever. I have 133000 miles on it and dont plan on getting another car for a long time.

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  Great job, Toyota! - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By Mike - August 5 - 10:00 am

  This is my second 4Runner, my first being a 2006 SR5 4WD. I have also driven a 2000 SR5. Toyota has done an excellent job with the redesign of this vehicle. It still feels like a 4Runner, but has better power, comfort and refinement all around. I am hard pressed to find a reason for some of the negative reviews I have read, as the vehicle is as good as it gets for a SUV. I am averaging 19.5 mpg, the seats are very comfortable, the engine has plenty of power, the turning radius is small, the suspension soaks up everything, and the vehicle just has an overall feel of quality. The 10 4Runner has remained true to its roots, but is better than ever.

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  The Best mid-sized SUV on the Market - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bullet - July 19 - 10:00 am

  Overall Toyota dependability and styling convinced me that the 4Runner would be my next vehicle. After only 3 months I am convinced that I made the right choice.