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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  Blown Head Gasket! Not a happy camper! - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By rmshively - August 5 - 1:24 am

  Bought our very first 1995 4Runner v6 manual. I had always wanted one but had NO IDEA about the head gasket problems. I had a feeling not to buy it but I didnt and now I wish I hadnt. I mean I love this car but I wish it had more horse power, and with 150 hp its not nearly powerfull enough for a v6. Its extremely slow going up hills and it sucks down the gas at incredible rates. I really dont think this thing could pull anything and get up a hill properly. So last week it didnt pass smog and to our horror it was a blown head gasket. We bought it at 174,000 miles and its at 209,900 right now. Going to get another better, more powerful vehicle. The engine is shot now. Crappy engine!!

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  Wish I Had My Old 4runner Back - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By 4runnerdriver - July 25 - 3:48 am

  Ive owned 4runners since 86. Bought 11 model this yr. & this is the 1st time Ive regretted it. This car is bigger and more awkward than my 02 4runner. It feels giant but the interior feels more cramped. The HVAC controls are not good. It gets really hot inside & with the fan on hi I still feel suffocating. What is most annoying is that with each 4runner Ive owned since 86, the gas mpg is now much worse. It is basically the same car (but with more comforts and bells and whistles each year), what are you doing wrong that the MPG is getting worse??? For one, quit making them a few inches bigger each year. If I wanted bigger Id buy a Sequoia. Now Im shopping for an Explorer

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  Disappointed - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By JC - May 30 - 4:26 am

  I had a 2006 Limited that I loved, but I was hit and it was totaled. I purchased the 2010 SR5 last Dec. Im tough on my trucks as I have dogs and do SAR work in Nor Cal. The 2010 immediately started having little problems; vent piece broken, rubber door seals pulling off, radio flickering, etc. Not the quality Ive come to expect. But biggest problem has been the tow hitch wiring receiver. If you plan on towing, good luck! The wiring plug is underneath the vehicle way to the left side. No way is this going to work. Total design flaw. Ive been to dealer and they are telling me theres no fix. Im on my own. NOT GOOD!

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  Head gasket problems - 1995 Toyota 4Runner
  By sam - May 29 - 1:43 pm

  I bought my 4runner with about 56,000 miles on it.at 75,000 mile it blew a head gasket. at 150,000 miles it has blown a head gasket again. It was recalled for head gasket problems about 5 years ago.I am trying to get Toyota to fix it again.If there was a recall the first time then ,was it something they could fix or was it something they just patched up.I have had just one car in my life time that blew a head gasket once but this truck has don it 2 times. I am wondering if this problem is just something that is going to stay with this truck or what ?

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  Flip - 2000 Toyota 4Runner
  By vneyer - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Thought that the car was great till I took a detour on a gravel road and the car flipped.

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  Spontaneous Combustion - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Houston, TX - April 22 - 1:10 pm

  I bought this car new and took great care of it. With 85K miles on it, an electrical fire started behind the dashboard (probably inside the instrument cluster) causing massive damage. All wiring was factory and no work had been done on the electrical system. Otherwise I really enjoyed the car until it caught fire on me.

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  2006 4Runner Limited - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By melady - January 15 - 7:03 pm

  Well, what did I expect? Its a truck, after all- and it drives like one. I was used to car-frame SUVs, and must say I miss their agility and ability to handle curves without slowing down to 25 mph! Mine is top of the line, but it feels cheap inside. Ive also been used to German vehicles, and have learned that once youre used to that level of quality, its hard to retreat to the Japanese style of imprecise steering and general loosey-gooseyness in the handling department. Affordability is excellent, but next time Ill definitely go back to a German vehicle that makes driving a pleasure, not something that must simply be endured.

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  Good luck getting parts - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By troybarwick - October 19 - 10:00 am

  After 13 months, and 21,400 miles I lost the transmission completely. It had to be replaced. It took one week just for the dealership to get the transmission, and another 2 days for install. Had I not complained to Toyota Corporate, the dealership was estimating about 3 weeks to get the part. No one should have to wait this long. This was my first and last Toyota. I bought a Toyota to avoid poor craftsmanship, but this thing is about as poor as you can get. I also lost the brake sensor on this lemon when it was only a week old. That took 3 days for parts, and only because I made the dealer pull from one on the lot.

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  2007 Toyota 4Runner SR5 - 2007 Toyota 4Runner
  By CG - September 7 - 9:43 am

  This is my 4th Toyota and 2nd (and last) 4 Runner. The entire cab rattles; including the annoying squeaks in the dashboard; plastic on plastic rubbing. This is the first Toyota I have ever had that had rattles. I have had it 21 months and the rattles started the 6th month. I have a total of 20,000 miles on it. I took it in to the Indianapolis dealership I bought it from and they told me that they were not going to be able to fix all the rattles. Are you kidding me! Next vehicle purchase will be an Acura.

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  Not as good-fun as my 2008 4Runner - 2012 Toyota 4Runner
  By magluk - August 25 - 2:50 am

  Like all new cars its nice but not as good as my 2008 SE model. This SUV is way over priced and under equipped (no mud flaps, running boars, gate assist) poor plastic and cloth inside. It seems under powered and under developed. If its your first Toyota you will be happy for a year or so but like me this is my third Toyota. The quality has gone down hill and price has gone uphill. I wanted to buy a 2012-2013 4Runner for my wife but its not family friendly SUV. The jeeps looks nice and so does Honda Pilot. It will be a hard and tough choice but its wont be Toyota this time around.