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2016 Toyota 4Runner review

Research, photos, specs, and expertise

Toyota 4Runner highlights

Customer rating

Pros

  • Outstanding off-road capability, especially in TRD Off-Road trims
  • Powerful V6 engine
  • Excellent cargo capacity

Cons

  • Rough ride compared to crossover options
  • Large engine uses more fuel than competing options
  • Infotainment system is dated, even for a 2016 model

Mileage (EPA estimate)

17 city, 21 highway, 18 combined

Pricing for current inventory

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2016 Toyota 4Runner is the first year with Bluetooth cellphone integration

The 2016 Toyota 4Runner is part of the fifth generation of Toyota's legendary off-road SUV, which debuted in 2009. For this model year, the biggest change was the addition of Bluetooth® hands-free cellphone support, which has become more important over time. Apart from that, Toyota did not make many changes for this model year, sticking with the successful formula that starts with a large 4.0-liter V6 engine driving one of the most capable off-road vehicles of its era.

With four trim levels to choose from, buyers could opt for the more luxurious Limited trim or get special features designed to deliver excellent off-road performance. But note that even Limited trims aren’t especially luxurious since this specialty off-road vehicle leans toward a functional interior. All 4Runners offer excellent all-around utility, which is why this SUV has remained popular with buyers for more than three decades.

All Toyota 4Runner years

Not sure what year to select? Learn about each Toyota 4Runner generation from 2011 to 2024

What is new for the 2016 Toyota 4Runner?

  • The Trail trim now comes with Navigation System as standard equipment.
  • The SR5 trim now comes with Entune and Navigation System as standard equipment.

5 reasons to buy the 2016 Toyota 4Runner

What We Like 

  • Off-road capability: The 4Runner is among the most capable off-road vehicles buyers could select in 2016. Toyota's part-time four-wheel-drive system was also used in the related Tacoma pickup, and depending on trim level, the 4Runner could be sourced with locking differentials, traction control, and disconnecting sway bars, all to increase off-road agility. There are good reasons why this generation 4Runner is prized by off-road enthusiasts. 

  • Cargo capacity: There’s 46.3 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats in use and 88.8 cubic feet with all the seats folded. That's enough to accommodate a washer or dryer, or an absurd amount of big-box staples. It’s also more than enough space for all of your camping and outdoor gear or even for you to stretch out and sleep in. The 4Runner's squared-off shape means it's easy to load large items, too. The 2017 4Runner will tow up to 5,000 pounds, enough for an ATV, side-by-side, boat, snowmobile, or a light camper.  

  • Optional third-row seat: The 2016 4Runner offered an optional third-row seat, even though it’s best suited for children on anything but a short trip.  

What Needs Improvement 

  • Ride and handling: Because of its traditional truck-based body-on-frame design and off-road focus, the 4Runner offers a rougher ride and slower cornering speeds than unibody-based crossover SUVs with independent rear suspension. Those are direct trade-offs for that off-road capability. Along the same lines, passengers will experience noticeably more noise and vibration in the 4Runner than in other SUVs. 

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Ratings & reliability

Customer ratings

The 2016 Toyota 4Runner is a beautiful SUV that customers love for its smooth ride and nice interior. The driver seat has motorized adjustments and the SUV has great fuel economy and handling.
4
Above Average

RepairPal gave the Toyota 4Runner an overall reliability rating of 4 out of 5 stars, which RepairPal describes as Above Average. This rating ranks Toyota 4Runner 7th out of 32 among Midsize SUVs.

View RepairPal's full rating of the Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner features and specs

Limited 2WD 4D Sport Utility

Standard Features

  • 20 Inch Plus Wheels
  • A/C Seat(s)
  • ABS Brakes
  • Air Conditioning
  • Alloy Wheels
  • AM/FM Stereo
  • Automatic Transmission
  • Auxiliary Audio Input
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • CD Audio
  • Cruise Control
  • Entune
  • Front Seat Heaters
  • JBL Sound System
  • Leather Seats
  • Memory Seat(s)
  • Navigation System
  • Overhead Airbags
  • Parking Sensors
  • Power Locks
  • Power Mirrors
  • Power Seat(s)
  • Power Windows
  • Rear Defroster
  • Rear View Camera
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Side Airbags
  • Smart Key
  • Sunroof(s)
  • Tow Hitch
  • Traction Control
  • Bluetooth Technology
  • Fold-Away Third Row
  • Full Roof Rack
  • Navigation System
  • Rear Air Conditioning
  • Rear Entertainment System
  • Remote Start
  • Running Boards
  • Satellite Radio Ready
  • Smart Key
  • Third Row Seat

Drive Wheels

Rear Wheel Drive (2WD)

Engine size

4.0L

Horsepower

270

Torque (ft-lbs)

278

Engine type

Gas

Fuel capacity

23

Wheelbase

109.8"

Overall length

190.7"

Width

75.8"

Height

71.5"

Leg room

F 41.7"/R 32.9"

Head room

F 38.6"/R 38.6"

Front tires

P245/60SR20

Rear tires

P245/60SR20

Seating capacity

5

Max towing capacity

500/5000 lbs.

Transmission

Automatic

2016 Toyota 4Runner FAQ

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