The Toyota 4Runner has had a loyal following since its inception in 1984. The rugged off-roader started life as a modified Toyota pickup complete with a removable hardtop. Over time, it morphed into the four-door SUV we see today. Along the way, it gained a reputation for bullet-proof reliability and durability, strong resale, and an appetite for venturing to remote locations.
Toyota 4Runner Generations
Toyota 4Runner (6th Generation: 2025 - Current)
Key Improvements: New for 2025, the 4Runner promises to stay true to its ancestry but with a modern twist. It retains the previous model's body-on-frame architecture but grows in size, power, available trims, and features. For the first time, Toyota offers a hybrid powertrain alongside a turbocharged 4-cylinder that replaces the previous generation’s V6. With 278 horsepower on tap, it is more than up to the task, but the i-Force MAX hybrid offers even more power, a ton of torque, and better fuel economy. Two new trims, the Platinum and Trailhunter, join the lineup. Improvements over the previous 4Runner include an additional 1,000-pound towing capacity, bringing the max to 6,000 pounds. There are more safety and driver-assist systems, such as lane-changing assist and Proactive Driving Assist. Familiar features like the retractable rear window and available third-row seat remain, but the 4x4 system sees major upgrades, joined by new features like a disconnecting stabilizer bar, an improved Crawl Control, Old Man Emu shocks (Trailhunter), and a Multi-Terrain Select system that now functions in 4WD High and Low. There's more tech, too, with an available 14-inch touchscreen, wireless connectivity, a digital instrument cluster, Digital Key phone app, and a head-up display.
Toyota 4Runner (5th Generation: 2010 - 2024)
Key Improvements: The fifth-generation 4Runner is the longest-running of the 4Runner generations, seeing many improvements over its 14-year run. Compared to the fourth generation, the fifth generation 4Runner is more refined, with better on-road driving dynamics, safety features, and high-tech upgrades. It’s taller and wider than the last version, offering a 157-hp 4-cylinder engine (one year only) and the more popular 270-hp V6; the previous generation’s V8 does not carry over. An available Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) features disconnecting front and rear stabilizer bars for improved wheel articulation. A new Trail Edition offers Crawl Control and a rear-locking differential.
Model Updates: For 2011, Toyota drops the 4-cylinder engine option. For 2012, Toyota adds more audio and connectivity features, like Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, and the Entune multimedia system. The 2014 4Runner gets a modest refresh inside and out, while the 2015 model gains new trims, including the TRD Pro that adds Bilstein shocks and a TRD-tuned suspension. 2016 sees updates to the Entune system, allowing smartphone navigation to connect to the touchscreen. 2017 and 2018 bring more TRD-inspired packages, while 2019 ushers in Fox internal bypass shocks for the TRD Pro. The 2020 4Runner gains Toyota Safety Sense P with adaptive cruise control, forward collision warning and avoidance, lane departure warning, and auto-high beams. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto join the Entune multimedia system. 2021 brings LED headlights, while 2022 sees the SR5 premium and higher trims gain blind-spot monitor and rear cross-traffic alert, which become standard across the lineup in 2023.
Toyota 4Runner (4th Generation: 2003 - 2009)
Key Improvements: The 4th generation grows in size and sophistication, offering a V8 engine for the first time, along with more safety and high-tech features such as built-in navigation. A third-row seat and better safety equipment like a rear backup camera are added. The previous generation's manual transmission is no longer available. Other improvements include a double-wishbone front suspension, the introduction of full-time 4WD, and the X-REAS hydraulic damping system that helps limit body roll. Side curtains and front side-impact airbags are optional until they become standard in 2008.
Model Updates: The 2003 4Runner adds an optional third-row seat, while a five-speed transmission becomes standard in 2004. The 2009 4Runner offers an electronic locking rear differential on the Trail Edition package.
Toyota 4Runner (3rd Generation: 1996 - 2002)
Key Improvements: The third-generation 4Runner sees vast improvements over the second, especially in structural rigidity, safety, and power. New 4- and 6-cylinder engines improve efficiency, and airbags are added for the driver and passenger. Other changes include a lift-up tailgate, a coil spring suspension, an available full-time 4WD system, and vehicle stability control. This is the last generation to offer a manual transmission.
Toyota 4Runner (2nd Generation: 1990 - 1995)
Key Improvements: The second-generation 4Runner departs from the original design, jettisoning the removable hard top in favor of a more traditional fixed-roof design. Four-door and 2-door models debuted, with the 4-door eventually taking over after 1992. The flip-down tailgate features a retractable glass window, and there are more luxury features, like power windows and door locks. Like the first generation, the second-gen 4Runner wasn’t known for good crash-test safety scores, although rear anti-lock brakes appear after 1990.
Toyota 4Runner (1st Generation: 1984 - 1989)
The original 4Runner was a really cool idea. Based on a Toyota pickup truck, it featured a removable rear hardtop cap and rear seats. During its short run, the OG 4Runner offered turbocharged 4-cylinder and V6 engines, manual and automatic transmissions, and a rudimentary 4-wheel-drive system.
Toyota 4Runner Buying Tips
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