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.
In This Article...
Is the Toyota 4Runner a trustworthy vehicle?
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.
How durable are Toyota 4Runners typically?
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.
Why not purchase a 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.
What was the 4Runner’s best 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.
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.
Do 4Runners cost a lot to maintain?
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 long do the transmissions on Toyota 4Runners last?
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 4Runner 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.
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.
What is the best Toyota 4Runner available?
4Runner TRD Pro 2022 The 4Runner TRD Pro is the best Toyota 4Runner configuration if you want the best driving experience possible. This 4Runner trim choice is off-road capable and offers the highest level of luxury and capability: $52,420 MSRP*
What does a 4Runner have high mileage?
What if you don’t find a Toyota 4Runner with 200,000 miles on it to be all that impressive? You must have some fairly high standards then. Yet in this instance? Actually, it’s alright. Because the 4Runner is designed to last for more than 200,000 miles, as it turns out. In fact, iSee Cars estimates that only 0.2% of 4Runner vehicles will travel more than 300,000 miles.
How much is a used 4Runner worth?
The 4Runner has a great track record for toughness, dependability, and lifespan. It’s a reliable vehicle with outstanding off-road capabilities. Because of this, even vehicles with high mileage are in high demand, which raises the price.
Can 4Runners handle snow well?
The Toyota 4Runner SUV is generally well-equipped to handle the snow. The vehicle has long been associated with off-road driving. It performs best off-road at its top trims. Winter driving can benefit from features like high ground clearance, traction control, and all-terrain tires. The 4Runner’s inexpensive 4WD immediately makes it a solid choice for the majority of snowy conditions, even though the lowest trims aren’t flawless. The Toyota 4Runner performs well in the snow because of this.