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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  a turtle with an ipod - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By jefre - August 4 - 3:02 am

  had six 4 runners over a 25 year period. so obviously have been happy with them, PREVIOUSLY. have had the 10 limited for five months now and so disapointed with it, i sold it new years weekend. gas mileage 17mpg, pickup/acceleration is terrible. so underpowered. dont believe the HP is adequate for the mass of the vehicle. need to downshift constantly in order to get up the slightest incline. apprehensive to enter a highway. wouldnt try passing a scooter. if your looking to only drive it to the local green market then ok. otherwise look at anything else.

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  Please take sufficiently long test drive - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By matt138 - July 20 - 1:38 pm

  Make sure to test drive with the radio off to see if you can live with the loud cabin noise every time the brake pedal is pressed. It is a squish sound like walking in a wet shoe. Also, the transmission is very rough and surges at 45 mph when "cruising" at low RPM. Neither of which came up during my short test drive (with radio on). I have only owned it for 300 miles and already had it back to the dealership. They had it for a full day only to tell me, "brake noise is loud but normal...the others on the lot sound exactly the same", and, they claimed they could not feel the surging/jerky transmission. Now after further research I see similar posts online. Very disappointing.

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  LEMON - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By Randomguy32 - March 3 - 9:36 pm

  I got a lemon. The exhaust leaked inside the cabin (dealer never able to fix). The electronic stability control system was itself never stably operated (dealer never able to fix). 4wd high didnt always engage (dealer never able to fix). The sunroof would open and close at its own discretion (dealer never able to fix). The fuel cap release latch broke 3 times. The radio petered out, was fixed, reinstalled, and broke again. I wasnt able to drive the vehicle for 2 months of the year I owned it and Toyota would not take it back as a lemon citing Massachusetts loose lemon laws.

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  Worst decision - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By jcritchfield - December 31 - 6:50 am

  This purchase was the poorest vehicle purchase Ive ever made. I brought this truck 6 months ago and I put more 3000 in repairs...Everything from sticking calibers to electically issues. The truck rattles more than a semi truck, would be a quiet ride if there were not raddles everywhere in the truck. I paid extremely amount of money for this compared to SUVs of the same nature, huge waste of money. Im honestly considering trading this horribly designed truck back in.

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  Not what I thought it would be - 2004 Toyota 4Runner
  By loke - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Pretty nice having it in V8 ut the mileage is terrible. And it is kind of noisy and bouncy. Not very comfortable after driving it for a while.

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  rip off! - 2003 Toyota 4Runner
  By rc206 - May 28 - 10:00 am

  interior items break of allthe time,the engine puts off a rotten egg/ sulfer smell when you get on the gas! the front seats are the most unconfortable,the limited version is better.resale sucks on the vehicle.

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  Quality Problem with Vehicle - 2011 Toyota 4Runner
  By poorrunner - November 13 - 7:39 pm

  Vehicle shudders when driving. Most posts of forum sites indicate there is s systemic problem with the Transmission and Toyota is investigating. You will want to review this before you purchase: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/89301-has-anyone-noticed-5.html Those that have purchased and have this problem can only pray Toyota supports their customers on this. The Service Departments say there currently is not a fix and we have to live with it for now.

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  New 4runners, NOT as good as the last, v6 weak.. - 2010 Toyota 4Runner
  By scratchgolfer2 - September 20 - 11:52 pm

  I have had the last few 4runners now, the Limited 1997, then the amazing 2007 V8 Limited. I love the cars, performance and Toyota quality. I really didnt want to trade in my 2007 but I hit 100K so figured I would check them out, not too crazy about the new style but it is okay and thought the new higher HP V6 might be okay at 270HP, however it is NOT, it is WAY underpowered for this size vehicle. It also doesnt have the same solid feel that my previous 4runners always had that others never had. Makes me wonder if they really changed some things here....engine just doesnt feel right.....way to slow, with the Tundra 5.7 v8 as an option this might be a great truck

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  Another Lemon - 1999 Toyota 4Runner
  By Capt512 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  This is the second 4Runner I have bought in about 10 years, the first was a 96 which i bought new as a base 4x4 model, and it was a horrible lemon, clutch replaced 4 times by 30,000 miles. Smoke, all kinds of problems. I then bought a Tahoe, and loved it, but my wife couldnt drive it because of size. So i sold it and bought this 99 4Runner Limited 4x4, this one had 60,000 miles on it, and is just as big a piece of junk, the emergency brake light keeps flashing, the truck doesnt idle right in the cold, it smokes, the tranny jerks when put in gear, bad brakes, etc. Wouldnt buy another unless it was one of the new designed 4runners with the V8s.

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  Problems with 4 Runners/Toyotas - 1994 Toyota 4Runner
  By Marion Saffell - May 13 - 10:00 am

  This is my 2nd, & my last Toyota! The 1st, we had to sell at at loss with 96000 mi.,with a cracked head. 2 years later, they had a recall on that model for that. This one has fumes in the cockpit; made me very sick going to our cabin twice, before I figured it out! Dealer says fuel injectors going out, over $400 per, (after they get inside, dont know how many, however, they may continue to go out). Also, clutch going out, our 2nd or 3rd on this car! Have had many gear problems! Not going to spend that much to repair. We just spent $1611 on a tuneup. Are there any recalls on these problems?