Fifth generation Toyota 4Runner
Like a lot of modern SUVs, the Toyota 4Runner has rugged styling and a raised stance. But this is no shopping-mall cruiser. The 4Runner backs up its burly skin with a traditional body-on-frame truck chassis, a solid rear axle, and a suspension tuned for serious off-road duty. The 4Runner doesn’t just go beyond the trailhead, it goes beyond the trail itself to parts unknown. Best of all, it has a more comfortable ride and higher max towing capacity than the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, its two biggest rivals. On the downside, the aging 4Runner can’t keep up with the many powertrain options Ford and Jeep have started offering in the last few years, or with their recent technology upgrades.
While the 4Runner is great at (responsibly) fording streams and bounding over hills—especially the various TRD (Toyota Racing Development) models—it isn’t as comfortable around town as a crossover SUV like the Toyota Highlander. It’s also not as roomy inside as you’d expect from such a big vehicle, and the antiquated five-speed automatic transmission hurts estimated fuel economy. The 4Runner only recently (2020) received features like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration and advanced driver-assist systems.
Model highlights
Iconic nameplate
Off-road capability second to none
Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) remotely disconnects stabilizer bars for improved wheel articulation
Tows up to 5,000 pounds
Multiple trims and configurations to suit different buyers
Slide-out cargo tray improves cargo versatility
Similar vehicles
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Changes by year
Latest generation from 2010 - 2024
2024 Toyota 4Runner
2023 Toyota 4Runner
Highlights
Blind-spot and rear cross-traffic warning system now come standard
Retro-inspired 40th anniversary edition
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2022 Toyota 4Runner
Highlights
New TRD Sport based on SR5; improves on-road ride quality with Cross-Linked Relative
Absorber (X-REAS) system from Limited trim
All 4Runner models feature rear-seat occupant alert
LED high beams standard on all trims
360-degree camera views added to TRD Pro and Limited trims
Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning standard on all but SR5 and TRD Off-Road; available on TRD Sport
Trail and Venture editions no longer available
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2021 Toyota 4Runner
Highlights
4Runner Trail Special Edition limited to 4,000 units; based on the SR5 Premium, it adds black exterior badging, black seating with tan stitching, sliding rear cargo tray, Yakima rooftop cargo basket, all-weather floor mats, 40-quart cooler
LED headlights standard on all trims
TRD Pro trim gets new wheels and retuned shock absorbers
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2020 Toyota 4Runner
Highlights
Toyota's suite of advanced driver-assist systems standard on all grades and includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control
New touchscreen audio systems include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
New Venture Edition based on TRD Off-Road Premium; features standard Yakima roof rack, gunmetal-colored 17-inch TRD wheels, exterior trim
Keyless entry and ignition standard on all but SR5 and TRD Off-Road models
USB ports added for rear passengers
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2019 Toyota 4Runner
Highlights
TRD Pro now features Fox shock absorbers, new skid plate and roof rack, standard sunroof, upgraded JBL sound system
Limited Nightshade Edition features black-out color scheme
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2018 Toyota 4Runner
Highlights
New Wilderness package available on SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Off-Road Premium adds roof rack crossbars, all-weather floor liners, and cargo tray
TRD Enhancement package available for TRD trims adds TRD 17-inch matte gray alloy wheels, TRD-stamped aluminum front skid plate
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2017 Toyota 4Runner
Highlights
Trail and Trail Premium renamed TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium
All TRD-branded 4Runner models receive carbon fiber-look interior trim, TRD floor mats
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2016 Toyota 4Runner
Highlights
SR5 and Trail trims add new audio system that allows navigation integration from a smartphone using Scout® GPS Link
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2015 Toyota 4Runner
Highlights
TRD Pro model debuts between Trail and Limited trims with matte black 17-inch wheels, off-road tires, automatic headlights, TRD-stamped aluminum front skid plate, Bilstein shocks, upgraded front springs, a higher ride height, a distinct black front grille, and TRD aesthetic upgrades
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2014 Toyota 4Runner
Highlights
Exterior styling refreshed with new headlights, grille, front and rear bumpers, and taillights
Interior refreshed with improved materialsTouchscreen audio with Toyota Entune™ standard on all trims
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2013 Toyota 4Runner
2012 Toyota 4Runner
Highlights
Improved audio system options with Toyota Entune™ added
Power running boards added as option for SR5, Limited
2011 Toyota 4Runner
Highlights
Four-cylinder engine dropped from lineup
Looking for 2011 models or older?
CarMax only sells 2012 models and newer. But no matter the year, we'll happily buy your car.
Reliability
RepairPal gave the Toyota 4Runner an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Toyota 4Runner 7th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Toyota 4Runner is $469, compared to an average of $494 for Midsize SUVs and $591 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
According to RepairPal, Toyota 4Runner owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.8 times per year, compared to an average of 1.0 times for Midsize SUVs and 1.3 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 13% for the Toyota 4Runner, compared to an average of 14% for Midsize SUVs and 14% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
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Statements of fuel economy or EV range are based on EPA and other third-party estimates for vehicles when new. Fuel economy and EV range will degrade with time and vary based on age, driving conditions, vehicle history, and other conditions. See fueleconomy.gov for more info.
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