The Toyota 4Runner is a small, then mid-sized sport utility vehicle that Toyota of Japan has made and distributed worldwide since 1984. It was taken off the market in 2009 and is known in Japan as the Toyota Hilux Surf (Japanese:, Hepburn: Toyota Hairakkususfu). The 4Runner’s predecessor, the Toyota Hilux pickup truck with a fiberglass shell over the bed, was a tiny SUV. However, the design has subsequently undergone significant independent development to become a hybrid of a compact and mid-size SUV. At Toyota’s factory in Tahara, Aichi, or at the Hino Motors (a Toyota affiliate) factory in Hamura, every 4Runner has been produced in Japan.
Robert Nathan, a copywriter for the advertising firm Saatchi & Saatchi, came up with the moniker “4Runner.” Before the release of new Toyota models, the agency organized competitions for the creation of new car names. Since the sport utility vehicle was the first of its kind for Toyota, with an emphasis on its 4×4 capability and seating for four, the name 4Runner was invented as a play on the term “forerunner.” [Reference needed]
The Fortuner, which is built on the Hilux chassis, replaced the Hilux Surf in several regions in 2005.
The Bahamas, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Panama, Peru, the United States, and Venezuela are among the countries that now sell the 4Runner as of 2021[update].
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In how many units does Canada sell the 4Runner?
Sales of the Toyota 4Runner in the first half of 2020 were down 24 percent to 3,118 units, a long cry from the 20,596 RAV4s sold during the same time period. As a result, the Toyota 4Runner does not appear on lists of Canada’s best-selling utility vehicles. But throughout the course of the fifth generation, 4Runner volume has consistently increased, from 2,820 in 2010 to 5,736 in 2015 to 8,230 in 2019, the 4Runner’s best year ever.
In 2021, how many Toyota 4Runners were sold?
- In 1984, Toyota unveiled the first 4Runner. The fifth generation, which has been in production since 2010, is currently available in both RWD and 4WD.
- With 144,696 units sold, the 4Runner experienced record-breaking sales in 2021.
- The transmission and engine remain unchanged. The 4.0-liter V6 engine in all 2022 4Runners has a rating of 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.
- The top-of-the-line TRD Pro model has all the bells and whistles, including a FOX suspension, a front skid plate, Nitto Terra Grappler All-Terrain tires, and 17-inch flow-formed wheels.
- We put the TRD Pro’s new Lime Rush exterior color through its paces (no additional cost). Although the vehicle’s initial MSRP is $52,420, numerous resellers have the identical model advertised for over $65,000.
Toyota sold an astounding 144,696 examples of its 4Runner SUV in 2021. The Prius, Avalon, and C-HR combined have fewer sales than that! Holy crap, I guess. The 4Runner is even more well-liked and sought-after today than it was in 1984 or in 2010 when the fifth generation (the present generation is nearly 11 years old!) first appeared. When you start to take into account the current market value for both new and used cars, the 4Runner phenomenon becomes even more incomprehensible. When you conduct a fast search on websites like Carvana and Autotrader, you’ll discover that 4Runners of all trim levels may be purchased for up to $20,000 more than their listed value.
The fact that you’re not getting anything fresh with these old Toyota trucks surprises me the most. There aren’t any innovative technology or more potent engines available. Inside and exterior, not much has changed in the design. In actuality, even after all these years, the fundamental structure has not changed. Some may state, “Toyota product planners and engineers continue to approach its coveted 4Runner year after year with the mentality of “if it ain’t busted, don’t fix it.”
With this 2022 4Runner TRD Pro in Lime Rush, I spent a week (new green color for 2022). I seized the chance to put this into practice rather than driving around Los Angeles picking up groceries and lattes “in Johnson Valley, the site of the yearly King of the Hammers, a dated 4Runner through the ringer. There, in one of the finest ready-to-rock, off-road-capable SUVs of all time, I was able to make fresh and unforgettable memories in addition to remembering how fantastic the 4Runner still is (despite its outdated specs). I was able to climb steep sandy slopes and fly across desert dunes.
IMPORTANT TAKEAWAYS ABOUT THE 2022 TOYOTA 4RUNNER TRD PRO
The 4.0-liter V6 (1GR-FE) has been the engine of choice for all trim levels for more than 10 years, even if the TRD Pro was only debuted in 2015. Toyota engineers might have updated it, but the vehicle continues to deliver the same 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. I’ll be the first to say that when I initially climbed into the 4Runner, I remember thinking, “Man, this seems dated and is underpowered. This is especially obvious considering how easily I pass slow crawlers on the road and have a tendency to drive with a lead foot. I had to downshift frequently in the 4Runner to pass anything faster than a Geo Metro. However, after I was placed on the King of the Hammers battlefield, I realized that there was plenty of power. When I needed to scale Chocolate Thunder or soar over sand dunes like no other, there was no shortage of stuff. Would additional electricity be helpful? Of course! Nevertheless, this dependable vintage V6 does the job for what the 4Runner was designed and meant to do.
Any trim level of the 4Runner, from the entry-level SR5 to the Limited, may be easily adjusted to become a more acceptable and elevated off-roader; however, the TRD Pro removes all the uncertainty and offers a complete package that you don’t need to fiddle with. The FOX suspension and Nitto Terra Grappler all-terrain tires, in my opinion, are the two most significant improvements that are most beneficial.
The FOX system was developed during years of off-road racing in bikes, ATVs, vehicles, and trucks, with victories at Pikes Peak and Baja. The TRD Pro’s suspension system includes front monotube shocks with seven bypass zones, rear monotube shocks with eleven bypass zones, 2-inch remote reservoirs, and TRD-spec front springs. Without going into too much detail, the sophisticated hardware and meticulous tuning enable the most comfortable ride possible with the greatest suspension travel and controlled wheel travel. While navigating rocks, dips, and other difficulties, it may not seem like a luxury vehicle on the road, but in comparison to less-prepared suspension setups, it will feel like a Rolls Royce.
The Nitto Terra Grappler all-terrain tires were created especially for the TRD Pro. You can see from one glance that these are not the kind of skinny tire you’d expect to see on a BMW X5 or Mercedes GLE. Although they may be noisier on the road, these tires are built to withstand damage and have excellent traction on uneven conditions like dirt and mud. I essentially had no problems at King of the Hammers. In fact, I was shocked at how easily I was able to ascend some of the rough, steep hills. I’m unable to comment on how they fare in the toughest rock-climbing situations, but I was able to locate several rough hills that I could climb with ease and assurance. The incredibly soft and fine sand was where I encountered some difficulties, but I didn’t feel too awful about it since most trucks, excluding UTVs and race trucks with specialized tires, were getting stuck.
Now, I wouldn’t even begin to consider myself a great off-road driver, but the 4Runner TRD Pro gave me such a boost of confidence and handled rough terrain and obstacles with such ease that I believe anyone with common sense and some basic performance driving skills could accomplish it. Even if you are hesitant to travel off-road, the 4Runner is equipped with driving aids that can save even inexperienced drivers. A multi-terrain select control system with particular sand, loose rock, mogul, and rock modes is part of this. The 4Runner also has active traction control, crawl control, and a sophisticated hill descent system. You can pretty much get out of any tricky situation with the SUV (for the most part).
Okay, hold off on getting up from your seat just yet. I’ll concede that the TRD Pro could have a lot more gadgets and gizmos for its around $60K price tag, but there are enough to set it apart from the other models and give it a slightly more upscale feel. If you’ve ever purchased a Toyota, you know that the stereo system is frequently a letdown. However, the JBL 15-speaker system was fantastic. This has a hump. Speaking of audio, Toyota comes standard with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Additionally, a large sunroof, LED lighting, and dual climate control are standard. Additionally available are safety features like the blind spot monitor. Again, nothing revolutionary here, but Toyota is keeping up with the times in this regard satisfactorily.
If you look closely, you’ll find the TRD Pro has a distinctive grille, black wheels, an exhaust, and more features. The engine and oil pan are protected by the skid plate, providing piece of mind. The black 17-inch flow-form wheels on the TRD Pro add a good finishing touch and enhance the toughness of the vehicle. The rack is a good addition, though I haven’t used it myself. The tone from the exhaust is a little bit throatier and deeper. Although some people don’t like it, I would rather my 4Runner didn’t sound so weak.
It is obvious that the outdated V6 engine won’t provide us with the highest MPG ratings. With a combined fuel economy rating of 16/19/17mpg, the 4Runner is one of the least fuel-efficient vehicles on the market. I have some bad news for anyone looking at the fuel economy of a 4Runner: “Get up! The 4Runner was never intended to be your daily commuter car for 60 miles. Off-roading is in its DNA, and it has crazy adventures in mind. Owners of 4Runners who are questioning why their gas prices are too high are only doing a disservice to their own vehicles.
In 2014, the exterior of the fifth-generation 4Runner had a makeover. There hasn’t been anything to report since then. The interior isn’t modern, avant-garde, or appealing to the eye. The 4Runner looks like it belongs in the stone age in comparison to more modern SUVs made by Lexus and European automakers, which isn’t too far from the reality. But both the exterior and the interior have a function, and that is to provide a tough and powerful truck that is prepared and eager to take an off-road diversion and get muddy. And to be completely honest, there isn’t an SUV in its class that I would like to send home to mom.
I began my essay by highlighting Toyota’s astounding sales numbers for the 4Runner and its astronomical popularity. We can all agree that the old Toyota SUV hasn’t changed all that much. It can occasionally feel a little clumsy and unimpressive, but people who know what they’re getting aren’t hesitant to engage in a bidding battle and spend more money than the asking price or market value to get their hands on one. It’s basically a no-brainer to not just buy but invest in a 4Runner because it’s a classic tank (and not just the TRD Pro). The Toyota 4Runner is the undisputed king of SUVs if you’re looking for something that will weather the test of time, years of off-road usage, and the frequently brutal used car market.
Is the 4Runner being discontinued by Toyota?
Learn about the two grades of the Toyota 4Runner that will be replaced in 2022. What happens next, too?
We get a lot of fresh facts about the cars we adore at this time of year.
For the 2022 4Runner model year, anticipate Toyota will discontinue the Nightshade Special Edition and Venture Special Edition.
Toyota intends to swap these out for something altogether different. Something that has not yet been named or identified.
In the upcoming weeks, a formal announcement is anticipated. But for the time being, all we can do is wait and watch.
The transition to a new 4Runner grade the following year excites me, but I also regret seeing Nightshade go. One of my favorite 4Runner trims was this one.
For the 2019 model year, the 4Runner Nightshade was released as a sportier alternative to the 4Runner Limited.
Enjoy this video in which Sierra and I contrast the 4Runner Limited and 4Runner Nightshade.
Why is the 4Runner a hit?
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.
A Toyota 4Runner will depreciate 19% after 5 years and have a 5 year resale value of $44,562.
The Toyota 4Runner performs admirably at maintaining its value over time, placing in our Top 10 for both the 5-year and 7-year rankings. Since it first entered production in 1984, the 4Runner has acquired a devoted following. It might be your next SUV for the next ten years if you can find one that is in good condition and doesn’t have many kilometers on it. However, owners often use this vehicle for off-roading, so make sure it hasn’t spent a lot of time on the beach or in the woods.
The anticipated depreciation over the following ten years is shown in the figure below. These outcomes apply to cars that travel 12,000 miles annually on average and are in good condition. It also counts on a $55,260 initial selling price. Enter the purchase price, anticipated length of ownership, and yearly mileage estimate. We can estimate the Toyota 4Runner’s projected resale value using our depreciation calculator.