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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  Awesome SUV - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By woolman - June 26 - 10:00 am

  Excellent SUV for the great outdoors

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  Love my 06 Sport - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By lancems007 - June 24 - 7:00 pm

  I traded my 01 Limited on an 06 Sport with the 4.0 liter. What a difference! Im missing the leather a bit, but the tradeoff in power and comfort is well worth the difference. I pull a 15ft enclosed trailer with two atvs in it with no problem. I was worried I should have gotten the V8, but Im very happy I went with the 6 cylinder. Gas mileage in mixed driving has been around 20-21mpg. Insurance was dirt cheap. My 06 was actually cheaper to insure than my 01! This is an excellent SUV!

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  Luv My 4-Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Bud Wiley - June 22 - 10:00 am

  For 5 years I drove a Cadillac Seville. I really liked its pep and comfort. On the highway or in town, the 4-Runner Limited has it beat hands down plus I have the added feature of comfort in the National Forrests and on logging roads.

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  4runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By gmilonas - June 22 - 10:00 am

  I like the performance of the 4runner compared to my Ford Explorer. The 3rd row seats are terrible. They are cheap looking and poorly designed. I dont use them anyway, however if someone intends to... they are intended for young children only.

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  Got What I Expected... - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By eglzfan - June 19 - 8:41 am

  Purchased a 2012 4Runner 6 months ago. After 10K mi. the vehicle still performs as it did on day 1. The 4L engine is the largest V6 available in a mid sized SUV. Fuel mileage avgs 19-20 mpg with the best at 23 on longer road trips. If you actually test drive this SUV you will notice a stiff ride, similar to that of a truck...thats what I like about it. Ample storage space satisfies the needs of our family and all our stuff. Dashboard electronics work as expected and nav system got me up north without a problem. Biggest complaint would be lack of headroom. At 6 Im at the upper limit without hitting my head on the roof. Compared to similar SUVs out there this is a great buy.

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  4RUNNER SPORT BEATS THE rest - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By northpolermike - June 14 - 2:00 am

  I extensively drove the competition over 2 months, yet none could hold a candle to the 4Runner. The new V6 and 4 speed transmission outperformed the Explorer & Mountaineer V8s, and felt better than the Envoy. The new XREAS suspension performs extremely well, and the VSC and MultiMode shift on the fly is great for my driving conditions. The build quality, quietness, tightness are just superb. The vehicle can meet and exceed the demands of our harsh Arctic winters and road conditions here in North Pole. I cant wait for summer to go off roading.

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  Best SUV ever! - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By Susie Q - June 8 - 10:00 am

  I am a petite girl and the 4Runner is the only SUV that I have driven that I can fit comfortably without being on top of the steering wheel. I have owned my truck for 32 months, have 51,000 miles on it and its never been in the shop for anything other then oil changes and scheduled maintenace. I plan on keeping it for a really long time!

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  New in 99, Bought again in 02 - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By mikemath - June 7 - 9:13 pm

  Toyotas 4-Runner is an outstanding vehicle. I leased a new limited in 1999; the ONLY thing I did to this vehicle was change the oil and rotate the tires. I did not have a single problem. The ride is smooth, quiet, and safe. I love sitting up high to see over traffic. Most of all, the reliability/dependability is first class. I HIGHLY recommend a Toyota 4-Runner!

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  Love My 4Runner - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By DoomerMan - June 7 - 1:30 pm

  This is my fourth 4Runner by my first one with a V8. Traded my 2001 4Runner in for this one because I purchased a new camper. Love the V8, a lot of power, very smooth and comfy. Pulled my 5500 lb camper in the mountains with no problems, went up some steep mountain passes. That V8 is a beast. :)

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  2000 SR5...11 years running - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By kimbey2009 - June 5 - 4:22 am

  I bought this SUV used with 106,000 on it back in 2006. So 5 years later I now have 226,000 miles on it and still pretty satisfied with the overall performance. The few complaints would be 1) brake pads/rotor replaced 3 times in 5 years 2) the uneasiness of driving with high winds swirling thus causing the SUV to sway 3) fuel filter replaced 2 times 4) rear axle replaced 3 times 5) power antenna went out 2 times but radio still plays...other than those complaints it has been mechanically sound and I wouldnt doubt it going for another 100,000 miles.