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:

• 

  Great SUV - 2006 Toyota 4Runner
  By TN Driver - December 17 - 2:00 am

  I just traded my 2006 4Runner that I bought new so I figured I had plenty of experience to leave a useful review having driven it 85,000 miles during that time. It was a great car. I only had to perform routine maintenance during the 5 years which was great. I just felt like we had outgrown this car with 2 small kids so I traded it in on a Buick Enclave. My husband had a 1997 4Runner prior to this one and we traded it in with 200k miles on it and he had no troubles with that one either. You cant go wrong with the 4Runner.

• 

  Awesome vehicle - 2017 Toyota 4Runner
  By J8r78e - December 15 - 4:01 am

  Thank goodness there is a mid size SUV that is not on a car chassis "SUV". One that rides and handles much like a sports vehicle rather than the mushy sickening feel of most of the competition. The 2017 Limited 4Runner is the best vehicle Ive owned, including Volvo, Jeep, Ford, and others..... Toyota, keep this product in the model line up!

• 

  Toyota Forever - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Rob - December 15 - 1:16 am

  First SUV/truck after one corolla and three Camrys. An awesome vehicle. Well balanced, very quiet, built like a bank vault and has put the kick back in driving for me.

• 

  This is about V8 Sport, in fact - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By delnorte - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Great performance, very quiet. XRES is great, the thing cuts corners almost like a sedan. Feels good even compared with Maxima (my other car). Great SUV, if I had to choose again Id make the same choice. The V8 is great, just takes long to warm up in winter. At 10F in the morning, heater doesnt kick in until you drive 2 miles. My mileage is 12/20 in summer and 10/17 in winter with no passengers (and 5-7 MPG in rush hour traffic in downtown Boston!).Highway mileage with 3 passengers in summer was about 17. Mileage as measured by onboard computer is always 2-3 MPG higher than actual - which is the only _funny_ thing I noticed about 4Runner.

• 

  Not and 04 had an 00 - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By msusieb - December 14 - 2:00 am

  Was always a chevy person.We will buy an 05 when they come out. Found out to be one of the more safer vehicles we have ever owned.Had the unfortunate luck of totaling out the vehicle in extremely bad weather.Vehicle was the reason no one was killed.Insurance company paid every bit of it off.

• 

  Exceeds My Expectations - 2005 Toyota 4Runner
  By Chas - December 12 - 8:20 pm

  After an exhaustive SUV search I finally purchased a Sport V8 with sunroof, DD cargo liner, leather, spoiler and JBL system. I am most surprised at the vehicle ride quality. The XREAS suspension is a must have. It delivers about the same ride quality without the body-roll. My other vehicle is a BMW and this 4Runner is equally as fun to corner. I liked the pathfinder, but the fit and finish put the 4Runner over the top (too many rough-edged plastic materials in the pathy). The V8 is powerful as expected (its an ANIMAL), but also gives the truck a solid, heavier (in a good way), silky smooth acceleration.

• 

  My 4wd SR5 4runner. - 2002 Toyota 4Runner
  By vvti168 - December 12 - 10:00 am

  This vehicle is sized very nicely to fit into compact parking spots. In addition, its size makes it very maneuverable on road and off. The build quality is phenomenal and the switchgear feels well put together. I like the heated mirrors, power rear window and especially the safety features (ABS, VSC, Trac). The only real gripes that I have are the gas mileage and the tipsy feeling that I get when I negotiate certain curves (feels like itll roll even though it really wont).

• 

  Simply the Best!! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By David2503 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  This quite simply is the best SUV on the market. Quite, smooth, and fast. Looks great too!!!

• 

  Exceeded my expectations - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By MrCorso - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I bought my 4Runner 2500 miles ago and have been very pleased. The vehicle is very solid, quiet, and comfortable. The V6 has plenty of power and delivers it quite smoothly. A lot of people complain about gas milage, but for a two ton+ vehicle with good acceleration, I dont think 17-18mpg is bad. There are plenty of storage compartments and the interior seems intelligently laid out. The stock stereo sounds good, climate control works well and the vehicle is very impressive overall.

• 

  I love my 4Runner - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By SAS12383 - December 9 - 10:00 am

  I havent had any problems with my 4Runner. It is very reliable. I would recommend the 4Runner to anyone looking at a SUV.