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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  A winner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By JGA - January 9 - 2:00 am

  Great truck. Typical Toyota quality. The V8 4wd w/ X-REAS really flys and handles extreemly well. A nice ride on road and performs well off road. Edmunds review gives a thumbs down to the breaks... I disagee, it breaks very well and Im used to driving a sports car.

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  Great vehicle, but ours not as reliable as some - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By RobS - January 7 - 11:00 pm

  Maybe our 1999 4Runner 4x4 was built on a Friday, but we have had a few repairs that we didnt expect, given the reliability rating it gets. Starter motor, Oxygen and Mass Air Sensors, and starter failed at under 100K miles, a complete failure of a lower ball joint in the front end, rear axle seals leaked (then leaked again after dealer repaired them, just after warranty of course), Drivers side Master Switch for power windows went out, then after living with it for a couple years, started working again. Front Drivers Seat Belt Tensioner springs are about shot, so the seat belt doesnt retract most of the time. Water pump went out at 165K, even though we replaced it at 90K when we had the timing belt replaced as part of scheduled maintenance. At the same time, second starter went out, now on #3. The V6 has never made great power, but is OK. So far, its been reliable and doesnt burn any oil, and get around 20 MPG on the highway, which isnt bad for a 4x4. We did have to have the Valve Cover Gasket replaced. Some of the plastic covers on seat adjustment levers, seat belt return, are breaking. At least one of the 12V power ports should be On if the ignition is off. Seats could be a little bigger, but the vehicle is narrow, so no fault really. Controls are well thought out, and dash layout is good (could use full instrumentation for Oil and Alternator). One thing I smile about driving in the city every day is great turning radius, and overall maneuverability for a SUV, another is the Power Rear Window (which NO OTHER small SUV has)...our dog especially loves it! The repairs weve had to make are, in my mind, worth the overall experience of owning our 4Runner. Its a nice looking vehicle, offroads well (fire roads and unimproved logging roads), drives responsively in the city. It could have more room, but it drives and parks easily in congested San Francisco, so the tradeoff is OK.

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  After 7 years, still strong! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By Jason H - January 4 - 9:40 pm

  Just drove 2300 miles from California to Atlanta without a hiccup! No worries on long road trip when you have a reliable Toyota with you. Oh, and this is with 97K total miles.

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  244,000 and still going strong - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Barb - December 21 - 10:00 am

  Bought my 4runner w/ 50,000 miles in 2002 and it now has over 244,000. Amazing. Absolutely nothing major has ever gone wrong on this truck; typical oil changes, tires, etc. The MOST reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Still looks and sounds like a champ!

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  Reliable Suv - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Zane Shaffer - December 18 - 8:43 am

  This is our second Toyota and its been just as reliable as our 1st. Our 4runner has 65000 miles on it and the only problem weve had was a shock that went bad. My wife has a job that requires her to get to work, no matter what the weather is doing. Shes drove in 6 inches of snow with blowing and drifting for 15 miles. She had to drive around vehicles stuck in the middle of the highway. She never spun a wheel. Awesome fourwheel drive system!

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  2004 SE-V8 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By pccomptue - December 6 - 10:00 am

  I sold my Honda Pilot for obvious reasons - The 4Runner is quieter, drives better and awesome v8 power. The Honda was on par but not as refined nor as smooth. I had my Honda Pilot almost two years and with 40k miles. Its ride is harsh and on par with my 2004 honda civic.

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  4runner - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By alias@aol.cm - December 4 - 10:00 am

  Great overall big improvement in handling , and power, fun to drive.

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  Great Car! - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Charles - December 3 - 6:57 pm

  These cars are extremely reliable! I have had my 2001 4runner with 200,000 miles on it for 13 years. These things will climb anything, and the only problem i have ever had with it is that when it is rainy, the alternator belt squeaks. Overall, these cars are incredibly amazing!

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  Best SUV ever - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By toyoglide - November 20 - 6:02 am

  Bought the 4runner when it had 70k miles on it. Have done a lot of long distance driving and now have 397k on the suv. Have only done normal maintenance. No valve jobs or other major procedures. Recently replaced igniter, plugs, and fuel injectors and it runs good as ever. Had Michelin LTX tires on it and got 150k miles on one set. This is an amazing vehicle and is built to last. I am sure I can get to 500k miles. Engine is not overly powerful but not a big issue. You can also chew through brake rotors quickly if you are heavy on the brake. Overall I love this suv.

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  98 4Runner - 1998 Toyota 4Runner
  By betsypalafox - November 10 - 10:00 am

  Extremely reliable, relatively comfortable, superb handling, and good performance for a V6. Only flat spot has been brakes (warped rotors repaired 2x under warranty). Really shines off- road (and this one regularly goes way off-road), & we havent found the stiff suspension & AT tires to be as jarring for in-town use as we thought we might. Great versatile vehicle if you need something for mom type use, as well as driving over rocks & through canyons in semi-arid west Texas.