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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  My trusty 4Runner - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By janakins42 - July 24 - 12:22 am

  My Tacoma saved my life during a collision that totalled her. I was so depressed. I knew the only thing I could do was get another Toyota. When I got my 4Runner she was a real lemon. She had an overheating issue that I didnt discover until I took a small road trip. After I replaced the radiator and thermostat and maintainenced fluids and whatnot...she was the most dependable car I could ever ask for. The funny thing is...they made 2WD 4Runners! And I bought one! Didnt know until servicing her at Jiffy Lube. They were baffled too. She has 168k miles and still runs strong. The gas mileage sucks tho. I have to sell my baby because of it. I will be sad to see her go.

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  Comfort, reliability, & great performanc - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By simplyme - July 23 - 10:00 am

  My Toyota 4Runner is the ultimate vehicle for comfort, reliability, and solid performance. It is a Toyota, need I say more?

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  2006 4Runner - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By MarkV - July 22 - 9:06 pm

  Overall very satisfied with the vehicle. It is a smooth and quiet ride on the highway, but can be uncomfortable on uneven surfaces. Suspension is tight and you can feel it. The safety items are great. Traction control and stability control are worth it. My wife complains when she dives it in rain/snow because the traction/stability control is too contolling. But she also spun my old truck in the rain one time because she just gave it more gas when the wheels spun. The 4Runner doesnt let you mess up like that.

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  So Far so good - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By killa21 - July 21 - 10:00 am

  I have had it for a year now and I am completely satisfied I invested in such a truck because I havent had any problems so far and I put around 30,000 miles a yr on it so far and its still like new...!!!

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  Please take sufficiently long test drive - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By matt138 - July 20 - 1:38 pm

  Make sure to test drive with the radio off to see if you can live with the loud cabin noise every time the brake pedal is pressed. It is a squish sound like walking in a wet shoe. Also, the transmission is very rough and surges at 45 mph when "cruising" at low RPM. Neither of which came up during my short test drive (with radio on). I have only owned it for 300 miles and already had it back to the dealership. They had it for a full day only to tell me, "brake noise is loud but normal...the others on the lot sound exactly the same", and, they claimed they could not feel the surging/jerky transmission. Now after further research I see similar posts online. Very disappointing.

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  2004 SR-5 V-8 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Howard Dunlap - July 20 - 3:50 am

  Nothing says reliability like Toyota. Its off-road capabilities are legendary. The ride is extremely capable. The fit and finish on the interior and exterior is outstanding. there is absolutely no creeking, squeeking or rattling of any kind. The power is great, although they increased the horses for 2005 to a reported 282 from 235. The torque went up 10 lbs. I didnt feel a big difference between the two when test driving. The only complant I have is the seat comfort and head room. The steering columb feels like its too far away causing fatigue in my arms. Also, because I am 6, my head is only 1 inch from the ceiling. But with its distinctive looks and preceeding reputation, who cares.

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  Sweetness on 4 large wheels - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By RoWWst - July 17 - 10:00 am

  I traded in my 2002 Jeep Liberty on a new 4 runner SR5 with the V8 so I could more easily tow my boat. My old Liberty is a cattle car compared to my 4Runner. In virtually every way its a superior vehicle. Rides great and very quiet. The V8 is smooth as silk and gets better gas mileage than the v6 in my liberty did. Interior/exterior quality is as good as it gets off the assembly line. Ive yet to find a flaw. This thing drives exceptionally stable. Try an emergency avoidance maneuver in any other SUV may scare the heck out of you. The 4Runner handles this well and inspires confidence. You know where its gonna go. That was not the case for my old liberty

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  Driver seat and gas/brake pedal - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jack Hicks - July 15 - 11:23 am

  I have had the vehicle only a short time and find it to be a much better vehicle than my old 98 Ford Explorer. Although the Explorers seats were more comfortable. I am 61" and find the driver seat to be short in the leg area and hard to adjust. I understand the 06s have power seats standard and telescoping steering wheel adjustments. Both features are very much needed. There is very limited space between the gas and break pedal and I find that with my boots on I have the tendency to hit both the gas and break at the same time. Other than that I am loving it.

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  Good SUV! - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By pt - July 15 - 5:03 am

  Good SUV! More comfortable than previous years. Handling is very good compare to other Toyota models, specially the new Highlander.

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  A true - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By greggds - July 14 - 2:00 am

  The V8 supplies a great deal of torque, and even for a vehicle weighing in at over 4000lbs, you definitely will have no problem merging into traffic. The interior is extremely nice and comfortable, and the double-tiered cargo system somewhat compensates for the lack of cargo room in the rear. The exterior is visually pleasing in the limited, and a step-up from the plastic cladding of the SR5 and the Sport Edition which were designed to decrease dings and scratches caused by off-road driving. The Air-Suspension is a must for off-roaders and/or those who will be using the 4Runner for towing.