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:

• 

  it took me over a year! - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Todd - February 8 - 10:50 am

  I wanted to write this review for anyone who is or has gone on the search for a new SUV in todays market. With gas being so inflated and a wide choice vehicles I really took my time to find what I thought would best serve my domestic and male ego needs. I test drove and could of afforded any suv out there, but the truth is that for my money and long term investment I decided to go with the 4runner limited fully loaded... and I love it. Perfect for my 3 dogs (terrier, boxer, mastiff). Get in the mountain snow, off road and in the city. decent mpg. avg.17.8.

• 

  Best SUV I have owned - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Tavy - February 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought a 99 4WD SR5 in 12/02. Since then almost 30k miles later, it has been trouble-free. I added fender flares, and have noticed much less road debris on the sides since I put them on. I also added acc fog lights which much improved highway visibility when I cant put high-beams on. Wish I had leather, and you cant add power seats to an SR5, so finding used leather replacements is near impossible. Only complaint is rear end slide in any light rain. As far as fun-to-drive and reliability, I love this truck and would by another.

• 

  Greater Than I Imagined - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Happy to Drive - February 6 - 2:30 pm

  Read all your reviews before I purchased and they helped a lot. Once I bought the vehicle and actually got behind the wheel as an owner and then discovered what it can do, Im so happy. I wanted the v6 for the gas mileage thing, but got the v8 full-time 4wd edition and here are the real world stats... On the highway and 65 mph and under, 25-27.7 mpg. Yes, really. Was going to get a Lexus GX-470 (built on the same platform as the 4Runner and at the same factory in Tahara, Japan), but decided on the 2006 4Runner instead. Whisper quiet. Not as fancy of an interior as the Lexus, but all the important elements, performance and reliability are the same. What a great car.

• 

  Cant Go Wrong - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By plevy824 - February 6 - 12:13 pm

  This is my 3rd SUV (ford bronco II and GMC Jimmy). The 4Runner is by far more reliable, better looking, and able to do more real 4 wheeling than my previous mistakes. The only mistake Toyota made is a single power outlet in the front cabin, but a minor inconvenience compared with the problems on my last two. You will enjoy no rattles, great highway mileage with the V6 (22 MPG with K&N installed) and not a single problem in 14 months of use.

• 

  Great Vehicle - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By PNA - February 5 - 1:33 pm

  I purchased the 2002 4 Runner Sport with added leather interior, and all the bolt on exterior goodies for my high school son in new 2002. I drove it during his first year in college since he could not have a car on campus. I thought it was great; very honest vehicle. I have owned five Toyotas and this is the best for reliability. The vehicle now has 66,000 miles, never had anything wrong, not even a rattle. Just normal maintenance. The best news, he is purchasing a new car and he is giving the 4 Runner to me. I am sure he will miss it.

• 

  4Runner & Tacoma are amazing! - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By Stealth - February 5 - 7:40 am

  Really good on highway, off road simply the best. Was my first truck. I just bought a Explorer but I use always my Toyota. I think I will sell the Explorer. This truck is really beautiful, dependable, strong, gas economic even though its a truck, when driving in highway and city also. I am still in love with this beautiful truck.

• 

  Love Toyota - 2008 Toyota 4Runner
  By PHIL - February 5 - 12:53 am

  I have a 2008 Sport Edition with the V8. I love driving the car. For a truck based chassis, it is a nice ride. If I wanted a car base SUV, I would have purchased a car or a Highlander. The gas mileage could be better, but after all it is a truck with a big V8.

• 

  Great SUV - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By speed321 - February 3 - 9:07 am

  My grandma bought me a 1994 Toyota 4 runner about a year ago for my first car it had 202,000 miles on it now it has 211,000 miles on it and runs amazing but sucks very bad in the hills or up any hill unless your like off-roading and your going up a hill slowly in 4x4.. The brakes do suck i need to have my rooters turned. Had problems with rear window switch. The two back passenger window motors are almost done working i think they go pretty slow up after you put them down all the way.. Leaks oil but with those kind of miles its expected. Oh and how its bad in the hills is that when your going say, 65 mph and you start going up a little or a big incline you will loose speed very quickly and

• 

  4Runner owners beware of Transmission - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Disappointed - February 2 - 1:56 am

  Purchased 4Runner used (w/ 75K miles) from a dealership with high expectations regarding the quality and realibity of a Toyota. At 146K the Transmission went out which is not much better than the Ford Taurus we owned. The cost to replace the Transmission was $4500, OUCH! We decided to rebuild instead which cost around $1800.

• 

  Toyota 4Runner - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Pat - February 1 - 5:16 am

  This is the best SUV I have ever owned. Its sleek, stylish, and the most comfortable vehicle. It has so many standard features that I am still trying to figure them out. I did a lot of research on this and other SUVs prior to making my decision. This SUV is by far the one that stood out the most. I read a lot of reviews and I did not find any that said this SUV was not a good buy. I have never regretted purchasing this SUV.