2026 Toyota 4Runner

If we could choose a tagline for the 2026 Toyota 4Runner, it would be "Prepared for Anything." OK, it doesn't roll off the tongue — Don Draper, we're not. But the 4Runner can tackle just about everything you throw at it, whether the task is dropping the kids at school, making the monthly big-box store run, battling a blizzard, or trekking across punishing terrain. This midsize SUV was redesigned last year, and this year it continues as a capable alternative to its relatively raw and unrefined rivals.

While it's true that you can't remove the 4Runner's roof and doors the way you can with a Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler, let's be honest: It's a hassle, and you probably wouldn't do so very often. Instead, thanks to a rear window that powers down into the liftgate and the 4Runner's available power sunroof, you open this SUV up, let the outside in, and enjoy a similar sense of carefree freedom in seconds. We also dig the available JBL Bluetooth speaker that you can remove from the dashboard to add a soundtrack to your on-foot adventure. You can get pretty far away from civilization, too, thanks to features like Crawl Control (an off-road low-speed cruise control system), a stabilizer disconnect mechanism (to improve wheel articulation), and an off-road surround-view camera system to better navigate treacherous terrain.

The 4Runner's primary competitors are the Bronco and Wrangler. The Ford and Jeep are available in two-door or four-door formats and with a removable top and doors. But they're not quite as refined or sophisticated as the 4Runner. You might also consider this SUV a budget-friendly alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser. If you like the rugged, boxy look but have no plans to travel where cell signals fade, you might want a more asphalt-friendly crossover like a Honda Passport or Hyundai Santa Fe instead.

Our test team purchased a Toyota 4Runner to give you an in-depth look at what the ownership experience is really like. They're driving it and using it in their daily lives and reporting on their experiences with the 4Runner's off-road capability, ride quality and more. You can read their articles and watch videos by checking out our Toyota 4Runner One-Year Road Test page. We tested a 2025 4Runner, but all of our observations apply to the 2026 model as well.