You can go over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house -- or anywhere else -- in the rugged Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner was one of the first midsize SUVs on the market and one of the last still built on a truck chassis (same as for the Toyota Tacoma). This is a real SUV and not some wimpy crossover, so it can ride rough, on the road or off. The 4Runner is a versatile workhorse as a family vehicle with optional third-row seating that turns it into a seven-passenger, and strong off-road and hauling capabilities for additional versatility. Want to know which 4Runner model should you buy? Read on to find out.
Available with either a V6 or V8 engine and with either rear- or all-wheel drive. The 2009 Toyota 4Runner’s truck-based construction delivers a truck-like ride, which translates as a bit rough even on paved roads. But if towing capacity is your thing, this tough guy will haul up to 7,300 pounds. Optional features include heated seats. Standard features include stability control.
The 2010 Toyota 4Runner is the redesigned fifth-generation model, and the last to offer a four-cylinder engine. New features include a USB port, Bluetooth, and rearview camera, and Toyota has been wise enough to leave the retractable rear tailgate window alone. It’s still there for hauling things too large to fit inside the ample cargo space.
The Toyota 4Runner is normally reviewed as a great off-roader and powerful hauler, but less than great as family transportation. That being said, the 2011 4Runner has above-average safety ratings and interior room. It’s available as a rear-wheel drive or part-time four-wheel drive, both with a standard 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine.
The 2011 Toyota 4Runner ranks eighth of 20 in 2011 affordable midsize SUVs, which is better than the 2012 model.
For the 2012 Toyota 4Runner, rear-wheel-drive is standard, but you can upgrade to four-wheel drive if you intend to do more off-roading or trailer-hauling than family errands. The optional third-row, which turns the 4Runner into a seven-passenger SUV, is cramped and suitable only for children. There’s more third-row room in the 4Runner’s sibling the Toyota Highlander, but a smaller engine and less off-road power.
Despite its hunky, 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine, the 2012 Toyota 4Runner gets 17 mpg in the city and 23 on the highway with a five-speed automatic transmission, comparable to other SUVs in its class. Reviewers rate the interior as comfortable, with ample head- and legroom.
The 2012 Toyota 4Runner is rated near the bottom of the pack in 2012 affordable midsize SUVs at No. 17 out of 20.
Like other model years, the 2013 Toyota 4Runner gets top ratings for its power and off-road capabilities, but reviewers were less impressed by its handling. Consumer Reports rated this model year as riding rough and stated the four-wheel drive system was mediocre. Also similar to other model years, it is available with rear- or four-wheel drive, with a 270-horsepower 4.0-liter V6 engine. EPA fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg in the city and 21 on the highway.
There’s just under 90 cubic feet of cargo space, which is typical for a three-row midsize SUV. The third row is cramped, and more suitable for children than adults.
Rearview camera, HD Radio, and leather seats are available in upper trim models. A USB port and Bluetooth are standard in all models.
The 2013 Toyota 4Runner is rated in the middle of the pack of affordable SUVs at No. 11 out of 20.
New this model year is hill-start-assist, which prevents backward roll when starting up on an incline, and downhill-assist, which controls descent speed so you can concentrate on steering.
The 2014 Toyota 4Runner gets top ratings for its off-road capability, but lower marks for a bouncy ride, sluggish acceleration, and truck-like hard cabin materials. EPA fuel economy ratings are 17 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway, which is lower than comparable models in its class. Cargo capacity is comparable to other three-row SUVs.
The lower-priced Trail model has manually-controlled climate controls and lets you disengage four-wheel drive entirely to run on rear-drive only. Upper trim models have automatic climate control and full-time four-wheel drive in 4x4 models. Transmission is 5-speed automatic with a manual mode. All trims feature the multi-terrain select system, which allows you to choose specific conditions such as mud or ice to change slip and grip algorithms, but only Limited trims get full-time four-wheel drive.
The 2015 Toyota 4Runner gets top marks for its off-road capability, but misses out for cramped third-row seats that are suitable only for children. It also gets low marks for an outdated transmission, limited cargo space, and mediocre fuel economy compared with other models in its class, including the Honda Pilot and Nissan Murano.
Trail and TRD Pro trims come with a locking rear differential for more solid footing in serious off-road situations. Upper trim models have leather upholstery and heated and ventilated front seats. Standard equipment on all models include a rearview camera, USB port, Bluetooth, an infotainment system with Siri Eyes Free, and a 6.1-inch touch screen.
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) gives the 2015 model the highest rating of Good in four of five categories.
The 2016 Toyota 4Runner comes standard with rear-wheel drive while part-time 4x4 and full-time 4x4 are optional. The engine is mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. EPA estimated fuel economy is 17 mpg in the city and 22 on the highway for the rear-wheel drive model and 17 mpg in the city, 21 on the highway for the 4x4. There’s also a 4.0-liter V6 for heavier duty needs.
New for 2016 is an upgraded infotainment system with Toyota’s EnTune.
Trim models include the basic Limited edition, SR5, SR5 Premium, Trail 4x4, Trail Premium 4x4, and TRD Pro 4x4. Exterior features in models above Limited include integrated fog lights, heated outside mirrors, and mudguards. Interior features in models above Limited include auto-dimming rearview mirror, heated front seats with lumbar support, and leather-trimmed seats.
The 2016 Toyota 4Runner ranks near the bottom of the U.S. News & World Report rankings of midsize SUVs at No. 17 of 18.
Best Midsize SUVs to Buy Now
Head to Head: 2016 Toyota 4Runner vs. 2016 Toyota Highlander
Best Midsize SUVs of 2016
17 Safest Midsize SUVs
8 Safest Luxury Midsize SUVs
14 Best Compact Luxury SUVs for the Money
2019 Best Cars for the Money
2019 Best Cars for Families
2019 Best Vehicle Brand Awards
Which Used Toyota 4Runner Is Right For You?
You can go over the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house -- or anywhere else -- in the rugged Toyota 4Runner. The 4Runner was one of the first midsize SUVs on the market and one of the last still built on a truck chassis (same as for the Toyota Tacoma). This is a real SUV and not some wimpy crossover, so it can ride rough, on the road or off. The 4Runner is a versatile workhorse as a family vehicle with optional third-row seating that turns it into a seven-passenger, and strong off-road and hauling capabilities for additional versatility. Want to know which 4Runner model should you buy? Read on to find out.