A used Toyota 4Runner will cost less money than a new one. However, how could consumers pick the ideal model year? The majority of Toyota 4Runner model years are suggested. All of them have relatively good reliability ratings. However, the 2001, 2006, 2007, and 2013 model years get the top scores from Consumer Reports.
Overall, these years are an excellent place to start if you’re shopping for a secondhand vehicle. However, it’s crucial to look into a used car’s past. Even a very dependable model that is neglected can result in significant issues for subsequent owners.
In This Article...
What 4Runner model is the best-of-the-best?
2022 4Runner TRD Pro If you’re looking for the best Toyota 4Runner configuration available, the 4Runner TRD Pro is the right choice. This off-road and commute-ready 4Runner trim option offers top-tier luxury and capability for $52,420 MSRP*.
What years of Toyota 4Runner are the best?
The Toyota 4Runner is a top SUV with a popular following among midsize SUV enthusiasts. If you’re looking for a used SUV, there are some model years that are better built than others, just like with any car. These are better choices. In order to prevent issues, what are the Toyota 4Runner’s best and worst year choices?
The 2017 Toyota 4Runner is typically considered to be the greatest model, with the 2009 and 2000 Toyota 4Runners closely behind. On the other hand, it’s advisable to avoid the 2015 Toyota 4Runner, as well as the 2003-2005 and 2001-2002 Toyota 4Runner.
We examine closer at each of these models to show you what makes each one a good choice or a dud. We also evaluate the top 4Runner complaints throughout the years.
Shared Features
The 2020 Toyota 4Runner comes in seven trims: SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, Limited, and Nightshade Edition. A 4.0-liter V6 and a five-speed automatic power each 4Runner. Each one also boasts the Toyota Safety Sense-P suite, which includes automatic high beams, dynamic radar cruise control, lane departure alert, and a pre-collision system with pedestrian recognition. Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Amazon, Alexa, satellite radio, HD radio, Bluetooth connectivity, voice recognition, and an 8-inch touchscreen are all features shared by the SR5 Premium and TRD Off-Road.
SR5 Premium Features
The SR5 Premium costs $39,215 at launch. Standard amenities include SofTex synthetic leather upholstery, heated front seats, power adjustable front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a universal garage door opener, and integrated navigation. The SR5 Premium comes with 2WD but can be upgraded to 4WD
TRD Off-Road Features
The TRD Off-Road starts at $39,740. It receives the features of the base model SR5 rather than those of the SR5 Premium. Its off-road abilities, however, greatly outpace those of the SR5 Premium. Crawl control, a locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select drive mode selection, and standard 4WD are all features of the TRD Off-Road.
Visit Arlington Toyota to test drive the 2020 Toyota 4Runner and choose which model is best for you.
Which is superior 4Runner SR5 or Limited?
Built with similar exterior and interior features, you might not identify the distinctions between these two trim levels at first sight. But when you break apart all that they have to offer, it’s clear to see that there are plenty of ways these two models of the 4Runner vary.
Interior Standard Features
The difference between the SR5 and Limited trim levels’ standard equipment is the most notable one. The SR5 comes equipped with a ton of features to keep drivers secure, comfortable, and content, but the Limited trim goes above and beyond to justify the higher price.
SR5 Standard Features
- keys-free entry
- Fabric upholstery in black, graphite, or beige.
- Internet hotspot
- Integration of mobile devices
- Satellite radio
- audio controls on the steering wheel
- using Bluetooth technology
- Keyless entry
- swivel seats
- Additional audio jack
- Autonomous cruise control
- Powered driver’s seat
- audio player
Limited Standard Features
The Limited offers the following features in addition to what is typical for the SR5:
- Front seats with cooling
- seats with leather trim
- Heated front seats
- radio in high HD
- textured wood trim
- Power-assisted front-seat
- Lunar/Sun roof
- engine starting remotely
- navigational aid
- Garage door opener universal
- high-end audio system
- multi-zone climate control
- Seat memory
- climate regulation
Safety Features
Although the NHSTA gives these trim levels high marks, the Limited has more basic safety features that reduce the likelihood of collisions.
A backup camera, anti-lock braking system, brake assist, and lane departure warning are included in both trim levels, but the Limited has even more to add.
Both a rear parking aid and a cross-traffic alert system are included in this premium trim level. The Limited also comes with a blind spot monitor to help drivers avoid collisions when changing lanes on the highway.
Suggested Retail Price
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the prices of these two trim levels differ significantly. When compared to the SR5, the nearly fully loaded Limited trim level has significantly more to offer in terms of standard equipment.
The almost 10,000 that separates their relative MSRPs reflects these distinctions.
The SR5 has a starting price of $36,605, while the upper-tier trim level Limited begins at $47,190. Of course, the costs will rise significantly if you add packages or other stand-alone services to either trim level.
Why you should not buy a Toyota 4Runner?
1. Low fuel efficiency
Any SUV rarely offers outstanding fuel economy, but the Toyota 4Runner does particularly poorly in this area. Its combined fuel efficiency is only 17 miles per gallon. On the interstate, you might get up to 19 miles per gallon at best. Even for cars of this class, this is below average.
2. Low-Grade Ride Quality
Based on a truck basis, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner drives and feels like a truck. Ride quality can feel stiff, choppy and downright bumpy. In their SUVs, a lot of automakers have made significant improvements. Sadly, this isn’t the case for Toyota and its 4Runner.
3. Inconvenient Entry and Exit
The Toyota 4Runner from 2021 is elevated. This is to be expected with larger SUVs that are constructed with off-road capabilities in mind. The 4Runner’s off-road capabilities are aided by its high ground clearance. Unfortunately, this can make getting in and out of the car a little difficult.
What problems do Toyota 4Runners have?
Many owners have complained about troubles with the front brake calipers and front brakes, warping problems, and premature wear in the front brake rotor and brake master cylinder. Fourth generation 4Runners are renowned for brake difficulties, especially the 2003-2005 model years.
Which is superior RAV4 or 4Runner?
Overall the Toyota 4Runner gives more available power and capacity, while the Toyota RAV4 offers better fuel efficiency while still having good performance capabilities. After reading the comparison between the Toyota 4Runner and RAV4 for 2021, get in touch with Jim Hudson Toyota to schedule a test drive of each vehicle.
What does SR5 refer to?
In the 1980s, the SR5 was the top trim on several Toyotas. When a truck had a five-speed manual transmission, it was considered a luxury. SR stood for Sport Rally, and SR5 was the Sport Rally Five Speed. However, that was back when Toyota’s compact pickup was simply known as the Toyota Pickup. Tacoma didn’t become popular until 1995. What does a Tacoma’s SR package entail? What makes SR and SR5 different from one another?
What is better V6 or V8 4Runner?
Politics, religion, and the question of whether the fourth-generation 4runner’s V6 or V8 engine is superior are the three topics that are frequently too divisive to discuss with others. If you have ever spent any time on the 4runner forums online, that is at least how it appears.
The truth is that both the 4.0 V6 and 4.7 V8 engines deliver excellent performance and dependability. The V6 is more fuel-efficient and requires slightly less maintenance while the V8 is smoother and gives superior performance. Both are excellent choices; it just depends on how you intend to use your 4Runner.
There are lots of fans of both the 1GR V6 and the 2UZ V8 and most of them can’t be convinced that the other is just as wonderful. The truth is that both engines are capable of handling any task that an SUV might be used for, whether it be commuting, towing, or off-roading. Both of them are worse and better at different things.
I’ll do my best to be as impartial and as informative as I can given that I myself possess a V8. It’s important to note that I’ve personally driven both the V6 and V8 4Runners.
Look at the chart below to see each motor’s advantages before we compare these two fantastic motors in more detail:
Let’s now examine each engine in more detail to see how it stacks up in various scenarios.
When did 4Runners start having frame issues?
As a result, the organization acted quickly and started looking into a number of Toyota 4Runners that were made at that time.
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration made the following conclusions about Toyota 4Runners for each year during that time period. However, you may wonder why they mention recalls. It is crucial to realize that there are many sorts of vehicle recalls, and these correspond to Technical Service Bulletins.
- 644 complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 investigations involving the 2003 Toyota 4Runner
- 1 investigation, 5 recalls, and 89 complaints related to the 2008 Toyota 4Runner
- 1 investigation, 6 recalls, and 20 complaints were found for the 2009 Toyota 4Runner.
- 378 complaints, 5 recalls, and 2 investigations related to the 2005 Toyota 4Runner
- 599 complaints, 2 recalls, and investigations involving the 2004 Toyota 4Runner
- 1 investigation, 5 recalls, and 142 complaints related to the 2007 Toyota 4Runner
- 2 investigations, 5 recalls, and 330 complaints related to the 2006 Toyota 4Runner
Despite the fact that Toyota Motor Corporation is not voluntarily recalling its faulty 4Runners, a federal class-action lawsuit against the company is being joined by an increasing number of owners of faulty vehicles every month. Company representatives agreed to resolve the issue of premature rusting through a settlement notwithstanding their refusal to discuss it. Toyota Motor Corporation will be held liable for knowingly putting on the market defective vehicles and for failure to warn consumers.
Is buying a 4Runner worthwhile?
The Toyota 4Runner is an OK SUV, but it has too many glaring problems to call it good in most regards. The V6 engine produces ample power, and most other midsize SUVs can’t match this Toyota’s off-road capabilities. There are two rows of large seats inside, as well as a sizable quantity of cargo room.