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.
In This Article...
Do 4Runners really hold up that well?
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.
Is the 4Runner the most trustworthy car?
The Toyota 4Runner has a 4.0 out of 5.0 reliability rating, which places it 9th out of 26 midsize SUVs. It has lower ownership costs than the national average due to the $514 average annual repair cost. When compared to all other vehicles, the frequency and severity of repairs are both about average.
Do Toyota 4Runners frequently experience 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 20032005 model years.
How far is a Toyota 4Runner capable of traveling?
You might get 300,000 miles out of a Toyota 4Runner. In reality, the majority of the evidence points to 0.2% of 4Runner vehicles lasting longer than 300,000 kilometers.
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.
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. Ride quality can seem stiff, choppy and even rough. 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.
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.
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.
What is an equal to the Toyota 4Runner?
Top 10 Toyota 4Runner Rivals for 2018
- 2018 Tahoe by Chevrolet.
- Dodge Durango year 2018.
- 2018 Ford Explorer.
- GMC Yukon year 2018.
- Jaguar F-PACE for 2018.
- Jeep Grand Cherokee year 2018.
- Jeep Wrangler Unlimited from 2018.
- Land Rover Discovery year 2018.
Which vehicle’s engine lasts the longest?
The Small Block V8 made its debut as a 4.7-liter in the 1955 Chevrolet Corvette (’58 model shown) and the significantly bigger Bel Air saloon. Thereafter, it was employed in many GM automobiles and trucks. Similar to the Ford Windsor, it is currently only available from GM as a “crate” engine that may be purchased to maintain an older vehicle. It is estimated that well over 100 million were produced overall.
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.
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.
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A Toyota 4Runner is larger than a RAV4, right?
Exterior of the Toyota 4Runner. The dimensions of the 2022 Toyota RAV4 are 181182 L x 73 W x 6769 H, whereas those of the 4Runner are larger at 190191 L x 76 W x 72 H.
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.