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.
In This Article...
Which 4Runner year is the most dependable?
Although almost every model has the ability to become a nice, trustworthy used SUV, the 2017 Toyota 4runner model year is the most trustworthy. The majority of vehicles in the fifth and current generation, which debuted in 2010, are powered by a 4.0 liter V6 engine. Consumers ranked the 2018 and 2017 models first, according to J.D. Power. The 2017 model, however, has a higher reliability score.
The 2017 Toyota 4Runner additionally received a J.D. Power Dependability Award. The reliability score for this capable pre-owned SUV is 88/100. The 4Runner gained a few trim levels in 2017 and now offers three TRD-branded variants.
Nevertheless, because 4Runner models retain their value well, even secondhand ones are frequently quite pricey. According to J.D. Power, a used Toyota 4Runner costs, on average, between $23,992 and $48,884.
Which 4Runner generation is the best?
This version of the 4Runner, which has model years from 2003 through 2009, is the greatest of the group for a variety of reasons, as Canadian Gearhead outlined. These models begin with the same dependability for which Toyota is renowned.
4th generation 4Runners can travel at least 500,000 miles with regular maintenance, which is really amazing.
Under the hood, this generation differs significantly from previous generations. The 4.7-liter V8 engine, which is also available in other Toyota models like the Sequoia and Tundra pickup, is unique to this generation of the 4Runner.
The V8’s specs changed according on the model year. 235 horsepower and 320 lb-ft of torque are available in the 2003–2004 models, while 270 horsepower and 330 lb–ft of torque are available in cars manufactured after 2005.
The fourth-generation 4Runner’s standard 4.0-liter V6 engine is also quite capable. It is found in the Toyota Land Cruiser, Tundra, FJ Cruiser, and Tacoma, and delivers 245 horsepower and 283 pound-feet of torque.
The V6 is ultimately more dependable and offers higher fuel efficiency, but being less powerful and refined than the V8.
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.
Which year is ideal for the V8 4Runner?
This is a deceptive question because a 4th generation 4runner from any year is a sure bet. They are all competent and dependable. Any rust-free 4runner (ideally with documented service records) will be an excellent purchase as long as you’ve examined the VIN to discover its accident history.
I advise purchasing the nicest and most modern model that your budget would allow. The most desirable models, in my opinion, are the facelifted V8 vehicles from 2006 and later. Everything comes down to personal taste.
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 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.
How far are 4Runners good for?
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 long does the engine last on a Toyota 4Runner?
You might get 300,000 miles out of a Toyota 4Runner. Some drivers desire more, even though a Toyota 4Runner with 200,000 miles on it is amazing.
What is the Toyota 4Runner’s reliability?
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.
Can the 4Runner handle snow?
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.
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.
What is the Toyota 4.0 V6’s reliability?
Everyone is aware that Toyota manufactures indestructible engines, but like the majority of man-made objects, there are production problems and prospective weaknesses to watch out for. This article will go over the Toyota 4.0 V6’s dependability in detail and the highest mpg you can get out of the v6 monster.
The 2009 and later vehicles’ Dual VVT-i 4.0 V6 engine is quiet, dependable, and smooth, with an engine life that easily exceeds 200,000 miles (320,000 km).
It goes without saying that the secret to an engine’s dependability is routine maintenance and the use of premium oils and lubricants. Undoubtedly, certain engines are more likely than others to experience mechanical and dependability problems.
So how does the 4.0 v6 fare in terms of durability and dependability? What are some of the potential problems you can anticipate and how effective are these engines really?
Which 4Runner generation year is the best?
Purchasing a Fourth-Generation 4Runner Today The fourth-generation 4Runner never achieved the same level of sales success as its predecessor. The 4Runner found 114,212 homes in the US in 2004, its best year. However, demand fell to just 48,000 homes in 2008 and fewer than 20,000 homes in 2009, the 4Runner’s poorest year since 1987.
How fuel-efficient are Toyota 4Runners?
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.
What year is the fifth-generation 4Runner?
Model years 2019, 2018, and 2017 are wonderful options if you want to get into a “newer 4Runner. Although the price is still over $25,000, there isn’t much of a difference between the current 2020 and 2021 vehicles and these years’ versions, so you may save some money while still enjoying the newest safety features, technology, and body styles. You can save around $8,200 by buying a used 4Runner that is only two years old instead of buying one brand-new, and it will still be a fairly recent model with lots of usable life left.
Although the model years 2010–2013 are still considered to be in the 5th generation, they are less expensive due to their age. For less than $15,000, you may own a 2010 or 2011. They still have a lot of life remaining because the 4Runner is considered one of the greatest SUVs for driving far beyond 200,000 miles. These model years are likely to have off-roading features like crawl control and many terrain settings because they have undergone significant modifications from the prior versions. Starting in 2010, there were also a lot more trim options available.