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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  Great purchase, awesome vehicle. - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By Dr. Hot Lunch - September 26 - 12:20 am

  This is my first 4Runner, and I am very pleased so far. The ride is smooth, quiet, and theres plenty of interior room for my wife and our little one. The exterior looks sharp, and the interior is roomy and comfortable. Ive only had it a day, mind you, but its really fun to drive. Theres tons of cool features that I have to figure out with the NAV/Radio system. the keyless ignition system will take some getting used to, but its really cool. Im liking the all time 4WD, and once you lock in the 4H, it feels especially solid. You can tell its very well built, and we feel very safe and secure driving this machine. Looking forward to many years in this bad boy...

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  toyota - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By debdep - September 23 - 10:00 am

  Wish it came in manual transmission Dont like automatic transmission

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  Best car ever - 2001 Toyota 4Runner
  By Shanna - September 21 - 2:46 pm

  I bought a used 4Runner with 34k miles and was the best decision I ever made. This car required absolutely no maintenance other than oil changes. The cargo space was great. It was fun to drive and the safest SUV in its class. The 4Runner saved my fathers and my life when we hit a rough patch of interstate and I lost control and collided with an 18-wheeler. The crumple zones and side impact beams saved us, as the safety features performed exactly as they were supposed to. I am thankful for having paid a little more to get such a quality vehicle. I recommend this car hands down to anyone considering a mid-size SUV.

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  LOVE MY 2018 4Runner TRD PRO - 2018 Toyota 4Runner
  By Sharon Machicek - September 20 - 12:13 pm

  Ive seen so many mixed reviews on this vehicle, so it was hard for me to finally bite the bullet and order the vehicle sight unseen or before test driving it. Four grueling months later it finally arrives and.........WOW....just WOW!! This truck is awesome, words just cant explain it. I love the simplicity of this vehicle. The big knobs and actual buttons to push is a breath of fresh air. I came from a 2013 Ford Edge Sport that had all the bells & whistles you could want, but most of the time it was a headache. I found myself not even utilizing half the stuff it was able to do. So believe me when I say, I love the simplicity of this truck. A lot of people complain about the 4 runners 6.1 inch screen being to small, but I say its more than sufficient, and thats me coming from a 8 inch screen in my Edge. The screens picture clarity and response to touch is so much better than what I had in my Ford, which was sooooo slowwwww. The visibility out of this thing is great, love the huge back window. A lot of people bit*h about the headlights, but I think there great. Yeah....their not HIDs or LEDs, who cares. What I care about is the amount of light they put out and that I can see at night. The fog lights put out so much light and they reach way into the ditch so I can look out for deer. The ride is very plush & smooth and the seats are so comfortable & durable, love the soft-tex material. My Edge had 22s so I felt every little bump. The 4 runners back seat is very comfortable too, plus the back seats recline for even more comfort. Not a lot of wind/road noise in the cabin, which surprised me because of the all terrain tires and/or sheer size of the truck. I actually had more wind/road noise in my Edge. I even love the sound the doors make when you close them. Its a very soft, muffled sound if that makes any sense. Its the little thinks like that, that make me love this vehicle so much more than any other vehicle I have owned, which is six by the way. I love the sliding rear cargo deck, Ive already used it several times. It really comes in handy and the hidden storage compartment is pretty cool too. This is my first Toyota and Im definitely looking forward to the Toyota reliability. With that said, I do miss 1 thing that my Edge had that my 4 runner does not. And that is the keyless entry. I miss being able to just grab the door and have it unlock automatically. It will take me sometime to get use to pulling keys out of my purse again. Overall I love this vehicle, best quality vehicle Ive ever driven hands down. You have to love it for what it is.....a truck.....and a good truck at that. :)

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  Decent, but its not perfect - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By clifford - September 20 - 4:33 am

  The good: easy to drive around town, not bad on the road up to 300 miles or so, very sensitive to tire rotation as it is 4wd, decent rock crawling/off road capability, decent tow vehicle. The bad: windows rattle like an old Camaro when partially down, vibration at 1800 rpm, engine idles too high when cold, expensive maintenance in the future if you keep it 90-100K miles, timing belt and valve adjustment. Is this the very last vehicle to require a valve adjustment?? Window noise.

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  4runner over ml320 - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By rogerw6 - September 20 - 2:00 am

  So far this is the finest vehicle I have owned. My ML320 was very troublesome and I expect Toyota to be reliable. The 4runner is fun to drive and handles more like a car than a truck. The interior design is useful and attractive. The Nav system is the best of the three I have tried.

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  1st 4 Runner - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By Wayne Scardino - September 18 - 1:36 am

  After owning another brand of SUV and not being satified I checked out the 4 Runner and was suprised at what I founed. I test drove and found the preformance and handling of the 4 Runner to be sound and well made from an engineering stand point. I now have the Sport Edition. Being a sportsman and going off road I found it preformed very well. I have more then enought room for all of my equipment. I have been asked by my friends how I feel about the Toyota compared to my other SUVs. My answer is Im very well pleased with its preformance.

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  How to make this great ride work for you - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Nathan M. - September 10 - 7:10 pm

  I shopped every SUV on the market and after multiple years of ownership I feel qualified to give this vehicle the review it deserves. There were a few drawbacks to this vehicle when comparing it to others, but Ive come up with a few work-arounds: Cargo Space - lower than most SUVs this is easily and inexpensively fixed with the addition of a roof box or hitch mounted rack / storage. Leather Seats - a dealer add on! Confusing 4wd system - just earmark the page the description is on. Once you figure out when to drop it into Lo / lock the center differential / etc., youre going to love driving this thing in the snow. Dash - Youll get use to function over form.

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  rollin on dubs - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By BG - September 9 - 4:33 pm

  great SUV

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  Simply the Best - 1997 Toyota 4Runner
  By Virginian - September 9 - 10:00 am

  Bought new in 97 and not one problem. Extremely reliable - almost bomb proof (when was the last time you saw a Toyota SUV being towed?). Quiet interior. Great off-road vehicle with good on-road ride. Adequate towing cability with good gas mileage for a SUV. If there is a better 1997 mid- size on/off road combination SUV on the market, I havent been in it. Did I mention this vehicle is reliable?