2017 Toyota 4Runner review
Toyota 4Runner highlights
Customer rating
Pros
- Serious off-road capability, comparable to a Jeep Wrangler
- Different trim levels offer varying levels of off-road capability
- Excellent cargo capacity, plus optional slide-out access
Cons
- Body-on-frame design with solid rear axle yields a truck-like ride
- Large V6 engine uses more fuel than four-cylinder options
- Raised ride height can make cab access challenging
Mileage (EPA estimate)
17 city, 20 highway, 18 combined
Pricing for current inventory
(no current inventory)
2017 Toyota 4Runner carries on with successful formula
The Toyota 4Runner is a specialized SUV not really matched by any other automaker. It's a midsize SUV, but it's built on a traditional body-on-frame platform and optimized for real off-road use. That's what has kept this model popular since its introduction in the mid-1980s. With the 4Runner in its fifth generation, Toyota made only minimal changes for the 2017 model year, electing not to mess with success.
Powered by a 4.0-liter V6 engine and using a traditional high-low range four-wheel-drive system, the 2017 4Runner clings to its old-school underpinnings, and that's OK with buyers who want a rugged vehicle. For those seeking extra off-road capability, Toyota has included a TRD Pro trim since 2015. This trim adds skid plates, plus a special off-road suspension. Inside, the 4Runner is functional but comfortable and, above all else, has plenty of space for passengers and cargo.
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 2017 Toyota 4Runner?
- The 4Runner is available in a variety of new trims, including the TRD Off Road and TRD Off Road Premium.
- The Trail and Trail Premium trims have been discontinued for 2017.
- The TRD Pro trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
- The SR5 Premium trim now comes with Satellite Radio Ready as standard equipment.
Toyota 4Runner photos
5 reasons to buy the 2017 Toyota 4Runner
What We Like
Overall utility: 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 carry a large appliance like 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 makes it 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.
Off-road performance: The Toyota 4Runner is built and optimized for off-road capability. This is especially true of the TRD Off Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, and TRD Pro trim levels, which make up half of the available trim options. Each of these trims builds on the previous one, adding features such as skid plates, raised heavy-duty suspension, locking differentials, and other optimizations for off-pavement use. Fully prepped, the 4Runner is among the most capable off-road SUVs on the market.
Overall quality: The engine, driveline, and chassis of the 4Runner are all known for their durability and trouble-free operation. Similarly, the bodywork is well-fitted and sealed for all-weather use. Inside, the functional interior includes high-quality materials. A 4Runner can be expected to last, so there are few concerns with a pre-owned vehicle.
What Needs Improvement
Ride quality: 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, the 4Runner will be noticeably louder than other SUVs and passengers will feel more vibration.
Shop with your budget in mind
Ratings & reliability
Customer ratings
4.9 out of 5
11 customer reviews| 5 Stars | 10 |
|---|---|
| 4 Stars | 1 |
| 3 Stars | 0 |
| 2 Stars | 0 |
| 1 Star | 0 |
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
- Fold-Away Third Row
- Full Roof Rack
- Remote Start
- Running Boards
- 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
2017 Toyota 4Runner FAQ
The 2017 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 21 MPG Highway
- SR5 : 17 MPG City and 21 MPG Highway
- SR5 Premium : 17 MPG City and 21 MPG Highway
- TRD Off Road : 17 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
- TRD Off Road Premium : 17 MPG City and 20 MPG Highway
- TRD Pro : 17 MPG City and 20 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 2017 Toyota 4Runner has received an average 4.9 out of 5 stars from our customers. If you're in the market for a 2017 Toyota 4Runner, check out reviews from customers just like you. 2017 Toyota 4Runner Reviews.
The 2017 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 2017 Toyota 4Runner:
- TRD Off Road
- TRD Off Road Premium
- Satellite Radio Ready
- ABS Brakes
- Air Conditioning
Research other vehicles
We hope you found this information helpful. This content is intended to inform and is not meant to indicate that a particular vehicle is currently available or recommended for you.
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.
Unless otherwise noted, information related to featured vehicles comes from third-party sources, including manufacturer information. Product and company names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of third-party entities. Use of them does not imply any affiliation with or endorsement by these entities. By clicking on any video links, you will be taken to a third-party site maintained by YouTube, Inc.
We make every effort to provide accurate information, but please verify before purchasing.