The fact that the 4Runner has a proven track record of dependability and that Consumer Reports gave the 2020 and 2019 model years flawless marks on its dependability rating should not come as a surprise. Each was given a score of five stars.
The 4Runner is the longest-lasting mid-size SUV on the market, with 3.9 percent of cars crossing the 200,000-mile milestone, per an iSeeCars survey. Additionally, according to the report, 0.2% will endure for more than 300,000 kilometers.
Naturally, this depends on how well you maintain the vehicle. You run the danger of reducing the vehicle’s potentially long lifespan if you skip one or two oil changes.
It’s important to note that J.D. Power has a slightly different opinion, awarding the 2021 Toyota 4Runner a mere 79 out of a possible 100 points for average reliability.
Nevertheless, it is impossible to deny the fact that the 4Runner has seen extremely few safety recalls, especially when examining the most current models. Only three recalls have been made for the 2019 model year: two for incorrect labeling and one for the steering.
In This Article...
How durable are Toyota 4Runners?
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.
What issues are there with Toyota 4Runners?
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 20032005 model years.
What was the Toyota 4Runner’s finest year?
The fourth generation Toyota 4Runner is a wonderful option for someone seeking for a capable and dependable secondhand SUV. These 4Runner vehicles were available with a 4.7 liter V8 engine with a maximum output of 265 hp or a basic 245 hp 4.0 liter V6 engine. In general, the fourth 4Runner generation, which was produced from 2003 to 2009, is dependable. However, certain years are more trustworthy than others.
The fourth generation Toyota 4Runner’s most dependable model year is 2008. Vehicle History suggests the 2008 Toyota 4Runner. The 2008 4Runner also received J.D. Power’s Dependability Award.
It received a “Great dependability score” of 87/100 and was rated as the top SUV in its class by customers. In addition to winning a Quality Award, the 2007 model year stood out among its rivals as the best SUV.
The Toyota 4Runner model years from 2004 and 2005 each received a Quality Award from J.D. Power. Early model years are less dependable than those made after 2005, according to Vehicle History. The greatest versions for the fourth generation of the Toyota 4Runner may be found between 2005 and 2009, but it doesn’t necessarily imply used SUV shoppers should steer clear of these.
Is maintaining a 4Runner expensive?
The annual auto maintenance costs for the Toyota 4runner come to $514. The table that follows provides a detailed ranking of each car in this overall scheme for comparison’s sake. Given that the Toyota 4runner costs $514 on average per year in maintenance and that the average vehicle costs $651, the 4runner is significantly less expensive to maintain.
How durable are 4Runner transmissions?
RepairPal forecasts that the Toyota 4Runner’s average annual maintenance expenditures will be $514. (annually).
Considering the $573 average annual maintenance cost for midsize SUVs, purchasing a Toyota 4Runner will be a great deal for you.
How Long Do the Brakes Last?
The normal lifespan of brake parts, such as brake pads and brake rotors, is between 30,000 and 60,000 miles.
Your driving style and the frequency of maintenance will determine how long the ones on your Toyota 4Runner endure.
How Long Do the Tires Last?
Depending on the quality of the tires and how you use them, your Toyota 4Runner’s tires may last up to four years.
Regular off-road driving will hasten tire wear, especially if the tires are of lower quality.
How Long Do the Transmissions Last?
Owners of the Toyota 4Runner claim that the transmission can last between 100,000 and 120,000 kilometers. If you take care of it properly, you can extend its lifespan.
Is a Toyota 4Runner safe?
The NHTSA has awarded the most recent Toyota 4Runner generation a 4-star overall crash test rating. The 4Runner receives a 5-star overall side-impact rating, a 4-star overall front impact rating, and a 3-star front impact rating for the passenger. This is decent for a midsize SUV with an emphasis on off-roading, like the 4Runner, but it is a little lower than similar midsize SUVs with unibody construction.
The 4Runner is constructed robust, but since it hasn’t undergone a makeover in a while, it lacks some of the newest safety features. Anti-lock brakes, stability control, and interior airbags are all included as standard equipment. Even with all of that, it lacks the newest lane-keep assistance and pre-collision sensors found in Toyota Safety Sense, one of the latest collision avoidance systems available. Some of the more recent Toyota SUVs come equipped with these characteristics.
The 4Runner appears to be reasonably safe all around, and the fact that it is supported by a sturdy frame helps it perform well in crash test evaluations. In the unfortunate event of an accident, it need to be able to withstand damage well.
Do Toyota 4Runners flip easily?
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 Toyota 4Runners expensive to maintain?
A Toyota 4Runner’s average yearly maintenance costs are $500 to $525, which are exactly in line with the national average of $500 to $700 for all cars and just under the national average of $575 for midsize SUVs. The 4Runner is sturdy and doesn’t cost a lot to fix.
The 4Runner is still fundamentally a Toyota, and Toyotas are renowned for their legendary dependability and low total cost of ownership. Your 4Runner should have no trouble lasting a very long time as long as you perform the necessary periodic maintenance, and it can continue to be reasonably priced for the duration of the vehicle. Toyotas are inexpensive to work on because Toyota parts are widely available and reasonably priced.
It is usually a good idea to get an inspection done when looking at used 4Runners to make sure that no maintenance has been neglected over time.
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.
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 4Runner model should I purchase?
All generations of the 4Runner are capable off-roaders, but the third and fourth are probably your best chance. They offer more durable 4WD systems and powerful engine options, as well as higher build quality and safety features.
What should I expect to pay for a 4Runner?
The 2022 4Runner costs $40,450 and is a new, street-oriented TRD Sport model, while the SR5 Premium costs slightly more, $41,015. The TRD Off-Road, which costs $41,435; and the TRD Off-Road Premium, which costs $44,380, are additional 2022 Toyota 4Runners.
Do 4Runners perform well in the snow?
Toyota 4Runners are great vehicles for navigating off-road environments. Toyota has made every effort to enhance its range for driving on snowy or icy roads, which present numerous challenges for motorists. Will your 4Runner be capable of navigating a deep snowfall, or did the enhancements fall short?
Toyota 4Runners perform well in the snow because to their 4WD and traction control systems, which can manage unexpected slips in hazardous winter driving conditions. The 4Runner’s nine-inch ground clearance and 6,300-pound weight are sufficient to provide the best traction in a variety of weather conditions.
In this post, we’ll talk about a variety of 4Runner features that make it possible for it to easily navigate snowy roads. We’ll also discuss whether your 4Runner needs snow boots, why snow tires are a necessity, and how to make it more weather-resistant.