2016 Toyota 4Runner review
Toyota 4Runner highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Outstanding off-road capability, especially in TRD Off-Road trims
- Powerful V6 engine
- Excellent cargo capacity
Cons
- Rough ride compared to crossover options
- Large engine uses more fuel than competing options
- Infotainment system is dated, even for a 2016 model
Mileage (EPA estimate)
17 city, 21 highway, 18 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
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2016 Toyota 4Runner is the first year with Bluetooth cellphone integration
The 2016 Toyota 4Runner is part of the fifth generation of Toyota's legendary off-road SUV, which debuted in 2009. For this model year, the biggest change was the addition of Bluetooth® hands-free cellphone support, which has become more important over time. Apart from that, Toyota did not make many changes for this model year, sticking with the successful formula that starts with a large 4.0-liter V6 engine driving one of the most capable off-road vehicles of its era.
With four trim levels to choose from, buyers could opt for the more luxurious Limited trim or get special features designed to deliver excellent off-road performance. But note that even Limited trims aren’t especially luxurious since this specialty off-road vehicle leans toward a functional interior. All 4Runners offer excellent all-around utility, which is why this SUV has remained popular with buyers for more than three decades.
All Toyota 4Runner years
Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Toyota 4Runner generation from 2011 to 2024
What is new for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner?
- The Trail trim now comes with Navigation System as standard equipment.
- The SR5 trim now comes with Entune and Navigation System as standard equipment.
5 reasons to buy the 2016 Toyota 4Runner
What We Like
Off-road capability: The 4Runner is among the most capable off-road vehicles buyers could select in 2016. Toyota's part-time four-wheel-drive system was also used in the related Tacoma pickup, and depending on trim level, the 4Runner could be sourced with locking differentials, traction control, and disconnecting sway bars, all to increase off-road agility. There are good reasons why this generation 4Runner is prized by off-road enthusiasts.
Cargo capacity: There’s 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in use and 88.8 cubic feet with all the seats folded. That's enough to accommodate a washer or dryer, or an absurd amount of big-box staples. It’s also more than enough space for all of your camping and outdoor gear or even for you to stretch out and sleep in. The 4Runner's squared-off shape means it's easy to load large items, too. The 2017 4Runner will tow up to 5,000 pounds, enough for an ATV, side-by-side, boat, snowmobile, or a light camper.
Optional third-row seat: The 2016 4Runner offered an optional third-row seat, even though it’s best suited for children on anything but a short trip.
What Needs Improvement
Ride and handling: Because of its traditional truck-based body-on-frame design and off-road focus, the 4Runner offers a rougher ride and slower cornering speeds than unibody-based crossover SUVs with independent rear suspension. Those are direct trade-offs for that off-road capability. Along the same lines, passengers will experience noticeably more noise and vibration in the 4Runner than in other SUVs.
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Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.2 out of 5
17 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 11 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 3 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 1 |
| 1 Star | 2 |
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.
View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota 4RunnerToyota 4Runner features and specs
Limited 2WD 4D Sport Utility
Standard Features
- 20 Inch Plus Wheels
- A/C Seat(s)
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
- Alloy Wheels
- AM/FM Stereo
- Automatic Transmission
- Auxiliary Audio Input
- Bluetooth Technology
- CD Audio
- Cruise Control
- Entune
- Front Seat Heaters
- JBL Sound System
- Leather Seats
- Memory Seat(s)
- Navigation System
- Overhead Airbags
- Parking Sensors
- Power Locks
- Power Mirrors
- Power Seat(s)
- Power Windows
- Rear Defroster
- Rear View Camera
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Side Airbags
- Smart Key
- Sunroof(s)
- Tow Hitch
- Traction Control
- Bluetooth Technology
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Full Roof Rack
- Navigation System
- Rear Air Conditioning
- Rear Entertainment System
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- Satellite Radio Ready
- Smart Key
- Third Row Seat
Drive Wheels
Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)
Engine size
4.0L
Horsepower
270
Torque (ft-lbs)
278
Engine type
Gas
Fuel capacity
23
Wheelbase
109.8"
Overall length
190.7"
Width
75.8"
Height
71.5"
Leg room
F 41.7"/R 32.9"
Head room
F 38.6"/R 38.6"
Front tires
P245/60SR20
Rear tires
P245/60SR20
Seating capacity
5
Max towing capacity
500/5000 lbs.
Transmission
Automatic
2016 Toyota 4Runner FAQ
The 2016 Toyota 4Runner is available in multiple trims, each with its own estimated fuel economy, here are the EPA estimates for each trim:
- Limited: 17 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- SR5: 17 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- SR5 Premium: 17 MPG City and 22 MPG Highway
- Trail: 17 MPG City and 21 MPG Highway
- Trail Premium: 17 MPG City and 21 MPG Highway
- TRD Pro: 17 MPG City and 21 MPG Highway
The Toyota 4Runner received a rating of 4 out of 5 stars from RepairPal, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks the Toyota 4Runner as 6 out of 32 among Midsize SUV
The 2016 Toyota 4Runner has received an average 4.2 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2016 Toyota 4Runner, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2016 Toyota 4Runner Reviews.
The 2016 Toyota 4Runner has a maximum towing capacity of 5000 pounds, when properly equipped. Various factors may impact towing capacity, including weight of passengers, cargo, and options/accessories.
Here is what's new for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner:
- Entune
- Running Boards
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