Reliability
RepairPal reliability rating
RepairPal gave the Toyota 4Runner an overall reliability rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Excellent. This rating ranks Toyota 4Runner 4th out of 30 among Midsize SUVs.
Cost
RepairPal reports that the average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Toyota 4Runner is $423, compared to an average of $521 for Midsize SUVs and $619 for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Frequency
According to RepairPal, Toyota 4Runner owners bring their vehicles into a repair shop for unscheduled repairs an average of 0.8 times per year, compared to an average of 1.1 times for Midsize SUVs and 1.4 times for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
Severity
RepairPal reported that the probability of a repair being a severe or major issue is 10% for the Toyota 4Runner, compared to an average of 12% for Midsize SUVs and 12% for all the vehicles RepairPal considered in its dataset.
2010 - present
Despite styling and equipment changes since its introduction, the 4Runner we have today is very similar to what went on sale in 2010.
Like a lot of modern SUVs, the Toyota 4Runner has rugged styling and a raised stance. But this is no shopping-mall cruiser. The 4Runner backs up its burly skin with a traditional body-on-frame truck chassis, a solid rear axle, and a suspension tuned for serious off-road duty. The 4Runner doesn’t just go beyond the trailhead, it goes beyond the trail itself to parts unknown. Best of all, it has a more comfortable ride and higher max towing capacity than the Jeep Wrangler or Ford Bronco, its two biggest rivals. On the downside, the aging 4Runner can’t keep up with the many powertrain options Ford and Jeep have started offering in the last few years, or with their recent technology upgrades.
While the 4Runner is great at (responsibly) fording streams and bounding over hills—especially the various TRD (Toyota Racing Development) models—it isn’t as comfortable around town as a crossover SUV like the Toyota Highlander. It’s also not as roomy inside as you’d expect from such a big vehicle, and the antiquated five-speed automatic transmission hurts estimated fuel economy. The 4Runner only recently (2020) received features like Apple CarPlay® and Android Auto™ smartphone integration and advanced driver-assist systems.
What you can expect to pay for a 2011 - 2022 Toyota 4Runner
Model highlights
Off-road capability second to none
Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) remotely disconnects stabilizer bars for improved wheel articulation
Tows up to 5,000 pounds
Multiple trims and configurations to suit different buyers
Slide-out cargo tray improves cargo versatility
Iconic nameplate
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Changes by year
Latest generation from 2010 - present
2023 Toyota 4Runner
New for 2023
Blind-spot alert and rear cross-traffic warning system now standard equipment
Added 40th Anniversary Special Edition
Trail Special Edition has been discontinued
Learn more
2022 Toyota 4Runner
New for 2022
New TRD Sport based on SR5; improves on-road ride quality with Cross-Linked Relative Absorber (X-REAS) system from Limited trim
All 4Runner models feature rear-seat occupant alert
LED high beams standard on all trims
TRD Pro adds Multi-Terrain Monitor, which provides 360-degree camera view around vehicle
Limited adds similar Panoramic View Monitor 360-degree camera
Blind-spot warning and rear cross-traffic warning standard on all but SR5 and TRD Off-Road; available on TRD Sport
Trail and Venture editions no longer available
Learn more
2021 Toyota 4Runner
New for 2021
4Runner Trail Special Edition limited to 4,000 units; based on the SR5 Premium, it adds black exterior badging, black seating with tan stitching, sliding rear cargo tray, Yakima rooftop cargo basket, all-weather floor mats, 40-quart cooler
LED headlights standard on all trims
TRD Pro trim gets new wheels and retuned shock absorbers
Learn more
2020 Toyota 4Runner
New for 2020
Toyota's suite of advanced driver-assist systems standard on all grades and includes automatic emergency braking, forward collision warning, lane departure alert, and adaptive cruise control
New touchscreen audio systems include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
New Venture Edition based on TRD Off-Road Premium; features standard Yakima roof rack, gunmetal-colored 17-inch TRD wheels, exterior trim
Keyless entry and ignition standard on all but SR5 and TRD Off-Road models
TRD Pro features new sporty-sounding exhaust system
TRD Pro gains climate control interface from Limited
USB ports added for rear passengers
Learn more
2019 Toyota 4Runner
New for 2019
TRD Pro now features Fox shock absorbers, new skid plate and roof rack, standard sunroof, upgraded JBL sound system
Limited Nightshade Edition features black-out color scheme
Learn more
2018 Toyota 4Runner
New for 2018
New Wilderness package available on SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Off-Road Premium adds roof rack crossbars, all-weather floor liners, and cargo tray
TRD Enhancement package available for TRD trims adds TRD 17-inch matte gray alloy wheels, TRD-stamped aluminum front skid plate
Learn more
2017 Toyota 4Runner
New for 2017
Trail and Trail Premium renamed TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium
All TRD-branded 4Runner models receive carbon fiber-look interior trim, TRD floor mats
Learn more
2016 Toyota 4Runner
New for 2016
SR5 and Trail trims add new audio system that allows navigation integration from a smartphone using Scout® GPS Link
Learn more
2015 Toyota 4Runner
New for 2015
TRD Pro model debuts between Trail and Limited trims with matte black 17-inch wheels, off-road tires, automatic headlights, TRD-stamped aluminum front skid plate, Bilstein shocks, upgraded front springs, a higher ride height, a distinct black front grille, and TRD aesthetic upgrades
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2014 Toyota 4Runner
New for 2014
Exterior styling refreshed with new headlights, grille, front and rear bumpers, and taillights
4Runner Trail receives unique, more aggressive front end styling
Interior refreshed with improved materials
Touchscreen audio with Toyota Entune™ standard on all trims
SR5 and Trail now available in base and Premium versions
Learn more
2013 Toyota 4Runner
2012 Toyota 4Runner
New for 2012
Improved audio system options with Toyota Entune™ added
Power running boards added as option for SR5, Limited
Learn more
2011 Toyota 4Runner
Looking for 2010 models or older?
CarMax only sells 2011 models and newer. But no matter the year, we'll happily buy your car.
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