Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner at a glance

The name was coined by copywriter Robert Nathan at Saatchi & Saatchi as a play on "forerunner". The 4Runner sits in our Toyota catalogue next to the Land Cruiser family, which shares much of its hardware.

Generations and model history

First generation (1984-1989). Production began in October 1983 and US sales in May 1984. The car was essentially a short-bed Hilux with a removable fibreglass top, a rear bench and a roll bar. The 2.4-litre 22R four gave 72 kW (96 hp); fuel injection (87 kW, 116 hp) followed in 1985 and a 101 kW (135 hp) turbo in 1986. That year also brought independent front suspension, and a 108 kW (145 hp) 3.0 V6 arrived in 1988.

Second generation (1989-1995). Launched for the 1990 model year with a full steel body on a frame and, for the first time, five doors. The two-door was dropped in the US in August 1992. Engines ranged from a 2.4 diesel to the 3.0 V6 with 110 kW (150 PS) and 240 Nm; a 1KZ-TE 3.0 turbodiesel with 96 kW (130 PS) was offered in some markets. This generation was also sold in parts of Europe.

Third generation (1995-2002). Developed from 1990, it shared its chassis with the Land Cruiser Prado and parts with the first Tacoma. The wheelbase grew by 58 mm, and the 3.4-litre 5VZ-FE V6 delivered 136 kW (183 hp) and 294 Nm. Dual airbags and ABS came in 1996, Vehicle Stability Control became standard for 2001, and the V6 could tow up to 2,270 kg.

Fourth generation (2002-2009). Based on the Land Cruiser Prado 120, it added a 4.7-litre V8 (175 kW / 235 hp, later 200 kW / 268 hp) with full-time four-wheel drive. The V6 grew to 4.0 litres and 183 kW (245 hp). Towing rose to 3,311 kg for the rear-drive V8.

Fifth generation (2009-2024). Unveiled at the State Fair of Texas in September 2009, it shared its basis with the Land Cruiser Prado J150 and the Lexus GX. The V8 was dropped and the 4.0 V6 became the core engine, rated at 201 kW (270 bhp) and 377 Nm from 2014. That year brought a facelift; the TRD Pro off-road version followed for 2015 and Toyota Safety Sense-P became standard in 2020. The fifth generation ran for 15 model years.

Sixth generation (2024-). Revealed on 9 April 2024 and built at Tahara, it moved to the TNGA-F platform of the latest Tacoma. Sales were pushed back to December 2024 by supply constraints.

Engines, transmissions and performance

The hybrid places an electric motor of 36 kW (48 hp) and 249 Nm between the engine and the gearbox. Its battery sits under the load floor, so hybrid versions lose the optional third row. The power-operated rear window, a 4Runner tradition, survives.

Earlier V6 cars used five-speed automatics; the 2.7-litre four of the fifth generation had a four-speed unit. Four-wheel drive came in part-time form on SR5 and Trail versions and as a full-time system on the Limited. To convert the American hp ratings yourself, use our power converter.

Dimensions, space and boot

Figures are Toyota USA data for the 2025 SR5 with rear-wheel drive; cargo volumes follow the American measuring method and are not directly comparable with European VDA litres. The 4Runner seats five, with an optional third row for seven. At almost five metres long, it is worth checking with our garage fit tool before importing one.

Fuel economy and running costs

The EPA rates the 2025 SR5 2WD with the 2.4 turbo at 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway and 22 mpg combined (US), which equals about 11.8, 9.0 and 10.7 l/100 km. The previous 4.0 V6 of the fourth generation managed 17 mpg city and 20 mpg highway (13.8 and 11.8 l/100 km), the 4.7 V8 15 and 19 mpg.

Toyota USA listed the 2025 SR5 2WD at USD 41,270 plus USD 1,495 delivery, roughly EUR 36,500 before delivery (2025 exchange rate). European buyers pay import costs, duty and VAT on top, and the car carries no EU type approval.

Trims and equipment

The sixth generation comes in nine trims: SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, Platinum, TRD Pro and Trailhunter. The last three get the hybrid as standard. TRD Pro, introduced for 2015, has had a signature colour every year, from Inferno Orange (2015) to Terra (2024). The fifth generation's 40th Anniversary Special Edition of 2023 was limited to 4,040 cars.

Safety

The 4Runner has never been tested by Euro NCAP because it is not sold in Europe. In the US, the IIHS rated the 2015 model Good for moderate-overlap frontal, side and roof-strength tests, but only Marginal in the small-overlap frontal test. The fourth generation earned Good in frontal offset and side tests (with side airbags) but Poor for rear-impact protection. Euro NCAP-tested alternatives can be found in our safety ratings section.

Reliability and known issues

Long life is a large part of the 4Runner's reputation. A 2019 iSeeCars study ranked it fifth among vehicles most likely to pass 200,000 miles (about 322,000 km), with 3.94% of cars doing so. Known weak points are few and specific: the fourth generation's 1GR-FE V6 received a head gasket modification to cure a common failure, and second-generation cars are known for rear suspension sag. Check service history and frame corrosion on any used example.

Rivals

In Europe the closest Toyota is the Land Cruiser, which shares the 4Runner's ladder-frame engineering. Ford and Jeep offer comparable off-roaders with removable roof panels and doors.

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