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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  Fantastic 4Runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4run - January 9 - 10:00 am

  The 4th generation 2003 4Runner is undeniably the best all around 4x4 SUV on the market. I was absolutely amazed with all of the equipment and features that came with the standard SR5 4X4 V8 package. The 4Runner is hands down, the best value out there and with Toyotas rock solid reliability you cant go wrong.

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  love my limited - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By tmcats - January 9 - 10:00 am

  love our jet black limited with tan interior. great, red hot v8 but brakes require too much peddle to slow this bulls fury. seats fit style and all those looks from admiring suv drivers seeing it the first time, hilarious. youll love the truck, the admiring eyes and the tiger in its tail. wonderful vehicle with a nasty disposition.

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  Toyota Quality Continues - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bill - January 8 - 2:20 pm

  Great gas mileage for a larger V-6. A recent long trip yielded a 21 MPG average. I love the torque, it goes when you want it to. Nice interior, well designed and user friendly. Highway noise is minimal, if any. Added features from the dealership, like tinted windows, compass mirror, and signal side mirrors add to the comfort and luxury of this mid size SUV. Toyota continues to produce high quality, dependable, affordable products for the American driver.

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  Dependable & Reliable - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Japs Cool - January 8 - 2:10 am

  There are only two words for this vehicle. DEPENDABLE. RELIABLE. No other can ever compete with that.

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  Love my 4 Runner - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Craig - January 7 - 9:06 pm

  This is a great truck. It has never given me any problems, soild as a rock. It looks great, has more than enough space, drives well on the road, what else can I say? The best vehicle I have ever owned without a doubt. Much more reliable than my parents Dodge or Jimmy SUV/trucks. Very capable off road as well. I have several pictures of my 4 Runner pulling out the very stuck Jeep of my good friend. Even my dog loves to stick his head out of the sunroof while driving through town. The only negative is that it is pretty thirsty when it comes to the pumps but that is the price you pay for the weight and big rubber.

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  Expensive, but great vehicle - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By MER - January 1 - 8:30 am

  Although it could use a little more leg room this is a great vehicle. The dealership installed a custom leather interior for a really good price which saved us thousands (not having to buy the Limited package). Today we gave the vehicle a good run through the desert near the Mexican border. It was well over 100 degrees, climbing 4000 ft. mountains on the back roads and on Interstate 8 and gas mileage was really great and temperature guage never moved. The V8 is very quite and powerful for the size. It should last for years, I have seen a lot of old ones on the road that still look like new. Recommend to at least drive this SUV before buying something else.

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  Solid, reliable, well built SUV - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dominic - December 31 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 00 Limited 4x4 Runner with 111,000 miles. Everyone said "why would you buy a car with that many miles?" blah blah blah, I knew better. Ive had it for 4 years now, has 171,000 miles and runs like new, havent had a single repair. Ive done routine maintenance - oil changes, a tuneup (plugs, wires, fuel filter) and new front brakes. ZERO repairs, it always starts, cold does not bother it. When I need to go off-road or in the snow its an animal, and with the rear locker that Jeep people wish they had, its basically unstoppable.

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  Another 4-Runner for me - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Ray - December 29 - 1:33 am

  We purchased our 2010 Limited 4-runner 3 weeks ago an so far we are very pleased with the decision. We had previously owned an 04 4 runner which we also liked a lot except that it was a little difficult to control in heavy cross winds. The new 2010 4-runner does not have this problem and seems very stable with any cross-wind. Ride is much smoother than previous generation 4-runner and so far our fuel economy is 18.5 mostly city driving. Wish Toyota had put running boards on as standard. We will have to purchase instead but havent decided where yet. Overall , very pleased with fit and finish, ride and comfort. Telephone interface/Bluetooth is excellent and the Nav unit is also very good.

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  Great mid size RWD SUV - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By Wyatt - December 27 - 3:03 am

  I’m very happy with my 4Runner and with a little tweaking plus a few accessories I will like it even more. Hopefully the TRD supercharger will be available soon. So far (three tanks) my mileage has been slightly better than advertised which is always a pleasant surprise.

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  Get the feeling - true SUV - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By MikeB - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I have driven everything from the BMW X5 to the Honda Pilot and VW Toreag. The 4Runner was the best of the bunch for the $$$. Great ride, handeling and excellent build quality. A true SUV not like these car based suvs built for soccer moms. Got mine as a 2003 leftover for 12K less than sticker.