One of the most popular SUVs ever is the Toyota 4runner. Many of us have grown so accustomed to its fame that we have forgotten what makes it such a unique car in the first place. What is it therefore that we so adore about the 4runner?
Toyota 4runners are renowned for being straightforward, capable off-road vehicles, and their near-unmatched reliability. They very effectively hold their worth and present their owner in an adventurous light. The 4runner shares the famous reputation of the Toyota truck family, and it is unquestionably deserved.
We adore the 4runner for a variety of reasons. The majority of individuals agree that they live up to the hype, while there are a few who think they’re overrated.
In This Article...
Can you truly rely on 4Runners?
The Toyota 4Runner is quite trustworthy. The midsize SUV is constructed to be strong and robust, much like many pickup truck models, thanks to its body-on-frame construction.
Average SUVs are outlasted by the 4Runner. When properly maintained, it can easily last for more over 200,000 kilometers. Based on the average yearly national driving distance, that translates to more than 14.8 years. When it comes to dependability, very few SUVs can compete with the 4Runner. It competes with solid vehicles in its segments like the Dodge Durango and Honda Pilot.
Despite being one of the most dependable cars on the market, the Toyota 4Runner isn’t the greatest SUV in its class. Some others even contend that the 4Runner is the worst midsize SUV.
Why is the 4Runner so popular?
The 4Runner is a great car to invest in because it has the right off-roading equipment and is reliable from Toyota.
When it comes to automotive durability, Toyota is a well-known brand, and this is particularly true for its 4Runner range. The Toyota brand is renowned for both its dependability and durability. It follows that even after 3-5 years, their cars typically have respectable resale values. The Toyota 4Runner is particularly resistant to depreciation since even after a few years, it still has a high selling price.
With almost five generations under its belt, beginning in 1984, the Toyota 4Runner has undoubtedly gone a long way.
Before having a 4-liter V6 engine/4.7-liter V8 engine coupled with shock absorbers, upgraded underbody elements, and a five-speed automatic transmission, the vehicle line was initially a modified Hilux pickup. Off-road enthusiasts could also use part-time 4WD band triggers. With the addition of a fog light, roof rails, cloth seats, and an Entune Audio Plus system to an already outstanding list, the 2019 model becomes available.
In order to determine how reliable the 4Runner is, Motor Biscuit surveyed 65 users. The results of the study revealed that the 4Runner has a dependability rating of up to 4 out of 5. Keep reading to learn why.
Which Toyota 4Runner model years are the best?
A top SUV with a devoted following among midsize SUV fans is the Toyota 4Runner. If you’re looking for a used SUV, there are some model years that are better made than others, just as 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. The 2015 Toyota 4Runner, however, as well as the 2003–2005 and 2001–2002 Toyota 4Runner, are better avoided.
We take a closer look at each of these models to demonstrate why it is best to choose one over the others. We also look at the most common 4Runner complaints over the years.
RAV4 or 4Runner, which one is superior?
Overall, the Toyota 4Runner provides more space and power, while the Toyota RAV4 gets better gas mileage while maintaining high performance levels. 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 is the lifespan of a 4Runner?
The 4Runner continues the tradition of dependability that Toyota vehicles have established. One of the most dependable models from the manufacturer is the Toyota 4Runner, which frequently travels up to 300,000 miles.
The Toyota 4Runner came in at number five out of 16 vehicles in an iSeeCars research headlined “Longest-lasting Cars to Reach 200,000 Miles and Beyond,” with 4.1% of the SUVs achieving over 200,000 miles.
Additionally, the SUV is predicted to travel close to 200,000 miles, as stated by many trustworthy automotive sources and confirmed by owners on well-known enthusiast communities like Toyota 4Runner. They’ll run even longer with good maintenance, and 300,000 is not an outlandish number.
Will all 4Runners eventually travel 200,000 miles? No. The secret to a 4Runner’s long-term survival is routine maintenance. Fortunately, Repair Pal estimates that the 4Runner’s yearly maintenance expenditures are $514 less than the national average.
Do 4Runners encounter many issues?
The front brake calipers, front brakes, warping concerns, and early wear of the front brake rotor and brake master cylinder have all been reported by numerous owners. Brake issues are common in 4Runners of the fourth generation, particularly in the 2003–2005 model years.
Do 4Runners readily flip over?
The NHTSA has given the Toyota 4Runner a 3-star roll-over rating, which is an average grade for a vehicle like the 4Runner. Nevertheless, the 4Runner does flip rather frequently. The 4Runner’s ladder frame construction causes it to sit higher and have a higher center of gravity than many SUVs with unibody construction.
The 4Runner’s greater center of gravity is fantastic for off-road driving, but on city streets, it can make it a little less stable in turns than a vehicle. Since 4Runners are more susceptible to tip than some of the other lower vehicles out there, it is generally a good idea to avoid making abrupt curves with one at a high speed.
The 4Runner is a fantastic midsize SUV that is made to be rugged and capable of driving everywhere. Its truck-like construction does make it more top-heavy, which eventually results in its 3-star rollover rating.
Are 4Runners fuel-efficient?
The EPA estimates that the Toyota 4Runner can achieve 17 mpg total gas mileage across all variants, with 16 city and 19 highway miles per gallon.
Why are 4Runners so popular?
Yes, buying a used Toyota 4Runner will save you a ton of money. It goes without saying that Toyota SUVs are strong, dependable, and maintain their value over time. This means that if you decide your 4Runner isn’t a good fit, you could not lose much money when you sell it or trade it in.
However, there is now a high demand for and a small supply of the 4Runner. Finding a good deal could be challenging. New cars are hard to come by because of the global semiconductor chip shortage and the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.
This indicates that consumers looking to purchase a brand-new car are looking at used vehicles. Nevertheless, sales of Toyota 4Runner models rose by 21.8 percent in the first half of 2021. Despite the 4Runner costing around $3,800 more than competitors, sales rose.
According to CarGurus, the cost of a used model has gone up over the past 30 days by 0.71 percent, over the past 90 days by 2.94 percent, and over the past year by 23.13 percent.
The 4Runner is bulletproof, right?
One of the most reasonably priced and trustworthy armored vehicles available is Alpine’s armored Toyota 4Runner.
The armored Toyota 4Runner from Alpine is constructed utilizing cutting-edge technology to offer clients the best level of security. This bulletproof Toyota 4Runner, which is typically armored to Level A9/B6+, is resistant to 7.62mm lead core, 5.56×45, and M80 ball bullets as well as two DM51 hand grenades. You’ll be kept secure in potentially fatal scenarios with the armored 4Runner. A 4Runner with armor is a great option for usage by the government, embassy, or business. Multi-layered ballistic glass, several siren systems, front strobe lights, and other features can be found on the bulletproof 4Runner.
- EACH CLIENT MAY REQUEST A HIGHER OR LOWER LEVEL PROTECTION PACKAGE.
- Replaced with hardened ballistic steel is all opaque material surrounding the passenger area.
- ALL ORIGINAL GLASS WAS REMOVED AND REPLACED WITH MULTI-LAYERED BALLISTIC GLASS THAT HAD BEEN NIJ TESTED.
- TYPICALLY, PROTECTION IS DONE AT LEVEL A9/B6+ (7.62×39, 5.56×45, 7.62×51 AND M80 BALL)
How affordable is the 4Runner?
The 2022 Toyota 4Runner is renowned for being highly dependable, which contributes to its high resale value. The 4Runner has a predicted reliability rating of four out of five, according to Consumer Reports. It is better than average.
Based on how well prior model years hold up, Consumer Reports assigns a predicted dependability rating. Numerous car owners have received surveys asking them to share any problems they may have had in 17 possible problematic zones.
The fuel system, transmission, body integrity, and other components are among the problem areas. The 4Runner appears to have experienced problems with the fuel system in 2019, but other from that, the majority of the serious difficulties are documented on models from before 2016.
The Toyota 4Runner may easily surpass 300,000 miles with the right upkeep and attention. In truth, it’s acceptable to locate a used 4Runner with 200,000 kilometers. It might still have a long life ahead of it if it were consistently maintained.
A Toyota 4Runner’s annual maintenance costs are at $514. This is excellent when compared to the $652 average annual maintenance expense for SUVs.
Why not purchase 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. Unacceptable Ride Quality
Based on a truck basis, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner drives and feels like a truck. The ride might be rough, uncomfortable, or downright unpleasant. In their SUVs, a lot of automakers have made significant improvements. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case with Toyota’s 4Runner.
3. Uncomfortable Entry and Exit
The Toyota 4Runner from 2021 is elevated. With larger SUVs designed with off-road capabilities in mind, this is to be anticipated. The 4Runner’s off-road skills are aided by its considerable ground clearance. Unfortunately, this can make getting in and out of the car a little difficult.
V6 or V8 4Runner: Which is better?
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. While the V8 is smoother and gives more performance, the V6 is more fuel-efficient and needs a little less upkeep. Both are excellent choices; it just depends on how you intend to use your 4Runner.
There are many supporters of both the 1GR V6 and the 2UZ V8, and the majority of them aren’t persuaded that one is equally as good. The truth is that both engines are capable of handling every activity that an SUV might be used for, whether it be commuting, hauling, or off-roading. Both of them are poorer and better at different areas.
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.