The original Toyota 4Runner was a cross between the Toyota Trekker and the Toyota Land Cruiser, and combined off-road capability with on-road comfort. The first generation was little more than a truck with a fiberglass canopy covering the bed, but as it progressed, it took cues from other capable off roaders, such as the Ford Bronco and the Chevrolet K5 Blazer, retaining capability while adding comfort.
This midsize SUV has been slow to make big changes, but it has undergone continuous improvement and upgrades throughout the years. Slowly but surely, it added more ground clearance, an independent front suspension, side-impact protection, airbags, and anti-lock brakes. It went from a barebones off-roader in its first generation to a tech-filled cruiser that can still tackle a tough obstacle in its latest form.
The Toyota 4Runner has evolved into a vehicle that has all the latest standard safety technology, with modern amenities such as wireless Apple CarPlay, a smooth hybrid powertrain, and impressive camera displays. Yet it retains that gritty off-road character and go-anywhere attitude that defined the original model more than 40 years ago.
Toyota 4Runner: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Toyota 4Runner Pros and Cons
- Toyota 4Runner Generations
- Sixth Generation (2025–present)
- Fifth Generation (2010–2024)
- Fourth Generation (2003–2009)
- Third Generation (1996–2002)
- Second Generation (1990–1995)
- First Generation (1984–1989)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Toyota 4Runner years are the best?
The first, second, and third generations receive relatively few consumer complaints, but as Consumer Reports points out, those generations are somewhat underpowered. The third generation gets CarComplaint.com “Seal of Awesome” because it has relatively few reliability issues compared to other vehicles of a similar age, and it has one of the lowest driver death rates of any vehicle, so look for 2006 to 2009 models. Otherwise, gen-four 4Runners will likely be your best bet, because they have more safety features, few consumer complaints, and high predicted reliability ratings.
What are the worst Toyota 4Runner years?
There is a huge spike in complaints regarding the Toyota 4Runner at the beginning of the fourth generation, and CarComplaints.com calls 2003 the worst year to own, citing excessive rust and corrosion as the most reported problem. The 2004 model has the most complaints overall, and 2005 is the third worst year in terms of complaints.
Is a used Toyota 4Runner a good deal?
Due to its solid reliability ratings over the past couple generations, the Toyota 4Runner holds its value, so even if you go back to the beginning of the fourth generation, you’ll still likely spend at least $15,000. If you look at 2020, when Toyota’s safety suite was standardised, you’ll only find between $4,000 and $8,000 off the original MSRP. While a used 4Runner might not be a good deal in the monetary sense, it is if you want a quality vehicle with high reliability ratings.
Toyota 4Runner Pros and Cons
Pros:
- All-terrain capabilities
- Resale value
- Reliability
Cons:
Poor on-road handling Fuel economy 4WD isn’t standard
Toyota 4Runner Generations
Sixth Generation (2025–present)
The new Toyota 4Runner got a complete tech and powertrain overhaul. While the sixth-generation model was completely redesigned, the exterior changes were more of an evolution than a drastic divergence from the previous generation.
The 4Runner remained body-on-frame, sharing a platform with the Tacoma and the Tundra pickup trucks, with a standard rear-wheel drive system (RWD) and available four-wheel drive (4WD). Similarly, this generation adopted the turbocharged four-cylinder engine and hybrid powertrain, seen in the Tacoma. The non-hybrid i-Force engine was a 2.4-liter turbo that delivered specs of 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque, while the i-Force Max hybrid offered 326hp and 465 lb-ft, making it the most powerful 4Runner to date. Both engines were mated to a new eight-speed automatic transmission.
Trim levels available at launch included the SR5, the TRD Sport, the TRD Off-Road, the TRD Sport Premium, the TRD Off-Road Premium, the Platinum, the TRD Pro, and the Trailhunter. The Platinum trim was intended to be more luxurious, with swish accents and features, whereas the TRD Pro and Trailhunter had an off-road focus. In fact, the new Trailhunter trim featured 33-inch off-road tires, ARB’s Old Man Emu 2.5-inch forged shocks, extra ground clearance, a high-mounted air intake, high-strength steel skid plates, an integrated 20-inch LED light bar, and color-selectable LED fog lights.
The new 4Runner got Toyota’s latest infotainment system with natural voice commands and a larger eight-inch base screen. It also came standard with blind-spot monitoring, fabric seats, a tow hitch receiver, and power rear window. A third row was still available with this generation, but only with non-hybrid models.
Fifth Generation (2010–2024)
The fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner maintained the off-road ready, body-on-frame construction at a time when most other midsize SUVs were switching to a car-based unibody design. In addition to the redesign, this 4Runner was slightly longer, wider, and taller than the previous generation.
The short-lived V8 was discontinued in 2010, and Toyota introduced a new base 157hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder engine that was standard on the SR5 and a 278hp 4.0-liter DOHC V6—standard with every model except the SR5. Trims at launch included the SR5, the Trail, and the Limited. SR5 and Limited were RWD as standard, while 4WD was available. The Trail trim was only available with 4WD.
All 4WD models got Downhill Assist Control and Toyota’s A-TRAC active traction control, while the Trail trim added standard features such as an electronic locking rear differential, Crawl Control, and a Multi-Terrain Select system. All 4Runners of this generation also got power windows and door locks, a multi-information display, and 10 cup holders. Available features included XM Satellite Radio, Bluetooth, a JBL audio system, leather seats, and heated front seats.
This was the longest generation in the 4Runner history, so there were a lot of continuous improvements rather than big sweeping changes. There was light refresh for the 2014 model year with a revised front and rear fascia, material upgrades, and a revised dash and center stack. This model year also dropped the four-cylinder engine.
The 4Runner TRD Pro trim made an appearance in 2015, adding exclusive color options, TRD Bilstein shocks, TRD-tuned front springs, and a TRD front skid plate. This model year also heralded the standard back-up camera. In 2017, the Trail and the Trail Premium trims were renamed TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium. Then in 2019, there was a new Nightshade package with blacked-out badging and accents.
Some of the biggest tech changes occurred in 2020, with the addition of an upgraded infotainment system, larger and higher-resolution touchscreen display, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa integration, 4G LTE internet access powered by Verizon, additional rear USB ports, and GPS-based navigation. This model year also added Toyota Safety Sense-P (TSS-P) as standard fare, comprising a pre-collision system, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and adaptive cruise control.
The 2022 model year also saw a series of upgrades, with the addition of standard passive entry and push-button start. The TRD Sport was introduced into the lineup, the TRD Pro added a multi-terrain monitor, and the Limited trim got a standard 360-degree camera. A 40th Anniversary Special Edition and new paint colors appeared towards the end of this generation’s life in 2023 and 2024.
Due to the longevity of the fourth-gen Toyota 4Runner, these vehicles are prolifically available, but used prices can be steep. In fact, the lowest we saw was $10,000 for a 2011 model with more than 200,000 miles. At the top end of the scale were a few low-mileage TRD Pros for $70,000. If you’re willing to go for a pre-2020 model, then you’ll find some solid options in the $30,000 range.
Fourth Generation (2003–2009)
Though the fourth-generation Toyota 4Runner added more technology and safety features, but it was still targeting the same off-road buyers. It continued to use a body-on-frame construction and had both RWD and 4WD drivetrains, and all models were equipped with skid plates for the engine and a transfer case.
At launch, the fourth-gen 4Runner came with three trim levels: the SR5, the Sport Edition, and the Limited. It added a new, more powerful V6 engine, and for the first time, a V8, and maximum towing capacity with the latter powertrain increased to 7,300 pounds.
The optional 4WD system was full-time when equipped with the V8, and had multi-mode part-time capability with the V6. A new suspension system, X-Relative Absorber System (X-REAS), was optional on the SR5 and standard starting with the Sport Edition.
Standard features included remote keyless entry, automatic climate control, power driver’s lumbar support, and a power rear tailgate window. There were also options such as an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power moonroof, DVD-based navigation, JBL Synthesis audio, and a back-up camera. A third-row seat was added as an option in 2004.
The fourth-gen 4Runner also upped its safety game, including Toyota’s Star Safety System on every model. This brought standard features such as anti-lock brakes, electronic brakeforce distribution, brake assist, traction control, and vehicle stability control. Side airbags became optional in 2003 and standard in 2008. Along with these changes, The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gave it Good overall ratings in the front and side impact crashes. Even though it had Poor ratings for rear impact protection, IIHS released a report in 2007 showing the 4Runner had one of the lowest death rates for all vehicles on the road for the 2003 and 2004 model years.
The fourth-gen 4Runner got a mid-cycle refresh in 2006, with changes to the front and rear bumpers, a new grille, projector-beam headlights, LED taillights, and the addition of an auxiliary input jack. At this time, the Toyota 4Runner SR5 got additional chrome trim, the Sport Edition received a smoked-chrome grille, a tubular roof rack, and step bars, and the Toyota 4Runner Limited added unique 18-inch wheels and memory seats.
There were no major changes for the rest of this generation, but there were some interesting packages. The Urban Runner Package with the Sport Edition in 2008 added aTom Tom navigation system, Alcantara suede seat inserts, 18-inch Limited-style alloy wheels, a color-keyed front grille, and a double-decker cargo system. The Trail Edition in 2009 offered an electronic locking rear differential, a switch to enable/disable the Advance Traction Control system, and Bilstein dampers.
As Consumer Reports notes, the near-bulletproof durability and a 2010 redesign that cheapened the 4Runner, this generation is highly sought after in the used car market. We saw less than 500 for sale in a nationwide search, topping out at $40,000. If you’re lucky (and willing to travel), you should be able to find a reasonable 4Runner in this generation for less than $15,000.
Third Generation (1996–2002)
It was in this generation that the modern midsize SUV started to take shape. It had an all-new body shell on an all-new chassis, and instead of being based on the Hilux, it shared many of its parts, including the powertrains, with the first-generation Toyota Tacoma midsize pickup truck. It had a larger body on a longer wheelbase, which increased both passenger space and the cargo area.
A new 150hp 2.7-liter four-cylinder replaced the outgoing 2.4-liter engine, and a 183hp 3.4-liter V6 replaced the previous 3.0-liter unit. A five-speed manual transmission or a five-speed auto were available with both engines. The third-generation 4Runner was available in three trims: base, SR5, and Limited.
In addition to new powertrains, the 4Runner added driver and front passenger airbags, a lift-up tailgate, and an optional selectable electric lock in the rear differential. Though ground clearance decreased by a half-inch, maximum towing capacity increased to 5,000 pounds.
There was a mid-cycle refresh in 1999 with a new “fat lip” front bumper design and an updated center console. This model year also added a new 4WD system with a center differential and a full-time 4WD mode in addition to the existing 2Hi, 4Hi, and 4Lo modes. An enhanced sport package was also available with the SR5 trim, which included fender flares and a hood scoop.
In 2000, the five-speed manual was discontinued, and in 2001, the four-cylinder engine option disappeared. Heading into the final years of this generation, 4Runner got transparent taillights, a new grille design, new wheels, standard vehicle stability control, and a multi-mode transfer case on 4WD models.
Used examples of the third-gen Toyota 4Runner are few and far between, and you’ll probably have to cast a nationwide search. When we checked, prices for this generation ranged from $800 for salvage finds to $37,000 for a highly modified model with ground lights. However, looking at average retail prices on Consumer Reports, you can expect to pay around $6,000.
Second Generation (1990–1995)
Though the second-generation Toyota 4Runner was still based on the Hilux pickup, it was redesigned to add a full steel integrated body, taking on a classic SUV-like shape.
Most models had four doors, but two-door versions remained available until 1993. The rear suspension switched to a multilink coil spring design, replacing the previous model’s leaf springs. Powertrain options included a four-cylinder and V6, which were carry overs from the first generation. Anti-lock brakes were standard on the SR5 V6 models from 1990, and four-wheel anti-lock brakes were optional.
Neither the first- nor the second-generation 4Runners were considered particularly safe. Toyota added side-impact door beams in 1994, but crash test ratings for the second-generation models were low. It received one or two stars (out of five) for the driver’s side in a frontal collision, while the passenger side received three to four stars.
4Runners in this generation are available but they’re scarce. We saw a handful ranging from $2,100 for a junker to $24,000 for a 1993 example with less than 100,000 miles. Classic.com lists the average price of a vehicle in this generation at around $13,000, and it notes a top sale of $31,000 for a 1994 SR5 V6 4X4 with a manual transmission.
First Generation (1984–1989)
The first-generation Toyota 4Runner followed the Toyota Trekker, which was a third-party conversion of the Toyota Hilux short-bed pickup truck. Similarly, the 4Runner was also based on the Hilux, but it added a roll bar and a removable fiberglass canopy as well as a retractable window in the tailgate. Originally, it only had two doors and two seats in the front. It took inspiration from the Ford Bronco and the Chevrolet K5 Blazer, which were also based on short-bed pickups and built for off-road prowess.
The original 4Runner was mechanically identical to the Hilux, and initially equipped only with a four-cylinder engine and five-speed manual transmission. A turbocharged four-cylinder engine was added in 1986, along with an automatic transmission and a heavier rear differential, but it was replaced by a 3.0-liter V6 in 1988. Both RWD and 4WD drivetrains were available.
It’s rare to find a first-generation 4Runner for sales these days, at least on mainstream websites, and you’re more likely to see it in classic-car circles. Classic.com notes the average transaction price for a vehicle in this generation is about $19,000, and lists the top sale of $42,000 for a 1988 SR5 model with a V6 engine, which sold at auction.
