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Used 2012 Toyota 4Runner Consumer Reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
83 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 4Runner, so we've included reviews for other years of the 4Runner since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
5 out of 5 stars

Excellent Quality

Jake, 10/14/2010
2011 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
9 of 10 people found this review helpful

I have been driving the 2011 4Runner for about a week now and every single time I hop in, I like it even more. The ride is smooth, even over not so favorable roads (Dirt/Sand/Holes). I have been averaging about 19.8 MPG mixed driving. The engine puts out a lot of power for a V-6. By the way, I tried the pathfinder, pilot, and a couple of crossovers and this 4runner blows them out of the water. Toyota did a great job on this model.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun and Awesome!!

mrc12, 01/09/2012
2012 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
52 of 67 people found this review helpful

I love my '12 4Runner. I previously drove an '08 Highlander which I liked very much but it had a very hard ride. I originally never considered the 4Runner because I thought it was too much of a truck. Once I drove it, I realized I was wrong. The ride is smooth and quiet with minimal road noise. The ride is also very soft and floaty. Some people may like this, others not. The vehicle does dip a bit when breaking though. When I hit bumps or ride over RR tracks, I don't feel a thing. I have the sport seats, w/ 3rd row and Entune/NAV package and it is fun to use. The HD radio sounds great for stock. Heads turn when I drive by and I can say this is the most fun I've had driving a car.

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5 out of 5 stars

A Toyota for life

James, 05/04/2018
2012 Toyota 4Runner Trail 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 5 people found this review helpful

Can't go wrong with Toyota. Always starts. Pretty comfortable for small to mid size person. Not for big or tall

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love it!

rogersglobal, 03/16/2011
2011 Toyota 4Runner Trail 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful

So far so good! To date this is by far the best SUV I've owned. Toyota paid close attention to all the details and my 4Runner Trail Edition hasn't disappointed me yet.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Just got 2011

nothardly, 09/22/2010
2011 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
16 of 20 people found this review helpful

After much study and driving vehicles all year,I ordered the 4runner. Over the years I have owned Suburbans, Jeeps,Corvette,300ZX,Chevy Pickups,Audi and more. The only time I felt this satisfied with my decision on driving off the dealers lot was the Z. No picking it apart,just a feeling of I got what I paid for. Interior in the factory sand leather with black exterior is classic. It is so easy to get in and out without running boards, the seats are positioned just right and very comfortable. The doors are solid and standing under the rear lift is superb no ducking for 6'2", wow. Wife is 5'7" and she said I can just slide right into the seat. Just buy it if you like riding up high.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Not for everyone, but for the few

meagle1, 11/22/2011
2011 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful

This car is not for everyone, but if you live in a rugged area with a lot of snow and ice in the winter this is the perfect vehichle for you. I have had to "pull out" the popular cross-over "cars" with my 4runner when it snows more than 1 foot. When I drive to the city it is comfortable and has all of the amenities of my last Lexus. I would buy this luxury tough vehicle again.

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2.25 out of 5 stars

Please take sufficiently long test drive

matt138, 06/21/2011
2011 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful

Make sure to test drive with the radio off to see if you can live with the loud cabin noise every time the brake pedal is pressed. It is a squish sound like walking in a wet shoe. Also, the transmission is very rough and surges at 45 mph when "cruising" at low RPM. Neither of which came up during my short test drive (with radio on). I have only owned it for 300 miles and already had it back to the dealership. They had it for a full day only to tell me, "brake noise is loud but normal...the others on the lot sound exactly the same", and, they claimed they could not feel the surging/jerky transmission. Now after further research I see similar posts online. Very disappointing.

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5 out of 5 stars

1,2,3,4Runner!

BradoHallini, 08/09/2019
2011 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 12 people found this review helpful

I spent the better part of 2010-11 researching for a vehicle that would be capable of ANYTHING I could think of. It came down to 3 and the deciding factor was longevity. I have had the 2011 4Runner Limited edition since they took it off the truck. It was stunningly beautiful and looked very determined. Since I've had it, I've put on 184,000+ miles on her without nothing more but an oil change and 3 tire changes. She still purrs and gives me as much grunt and muscle as she did since day 1. I've been up high, down low, damn near sideways and through hip high Minnesota snowbanks. "Pearl" (her given name) championed every task and seems she wants, no, NEEDS more in order to keep herself satisfied. I'm an audiophile and imagine my surprise when I turned on my favorite tracks and her stereo SHOOK me! It has most of the techie information features that are now available now, and only on the high end trim levels. This 4Runner has spent many miles on 2 lanes and busy interstates as well as busy downtown Urban mazes. Bottom line? If you find one used, hop in and let it show you some love. Trust her!

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Wish I Had My Old 4runner Back

4runnerdriver, 11/29/2011
2011 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
18 of 23 people found this review helpful

I've owned 4runners since '86. Bought '11 model this yr. & this is the 1st time I've regretted it. This car is bigger and more awkward than my '02 4runner. It feels giant but the interior feels more cramped. The HVAC controls are not good. It gets really hot inside & with the fan on hi I still feel suffocating. What is most annoying is that with each 4runner I've owned since '86, the gas mpg is now much worse. It is basically the same car (but with more comforts and bells and whistles each year), what are you doing wrong that the MPG is getting worse??? For one, quit making them a few inches bigger each year. If I wanted bigger I'd buy a Sequoia. Now I'm shopping for an Explorer

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4.63 out of 5 stars

A Mini Land Cruiser

ixuonrahm, 05/30/2012
2012 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 8 people found this review helpful

Owned vehicle for 3 weeks. So far no problem, hope in future too. Like its tall trim, off-road capabilities and features. The cabin needs some improvements though - stereo isn't as good as my previous Audi A4's one, a little too much of plastic. The navigation screen is way too tiny, yet useful. Entune is a great feature, yet needs to be filled with more usefull apps. Bluetooth iPhone integration is another nice feature. The leather trim is very comfy. 2nd row provides plenty of space for passengers. 3rd row will also be needed one day, so it's good to have it. Very happy with it, so it won't disapoint me in the future.

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