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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
4.75 out of 5 stars

Love it!

dmb72, 10/29/2011
2011 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I'm coming up on my 1 year anniversary of ownership of my 4-runner and I have nothing but positive vibes to say. I traded in my 08 Jeep Grand Cherokee for this car and I have never looked back If you're like me and want a true SUV to handle ski road trips in the winter, and camping in the summer, then this should be your ride. Fun to drive, powerful, and and is just plain cool to own. Plus, it handles whatever mother nature throws at you. My 4-runner has driven thru hurricane irene and a 30 inch Nor'easter with ease. I love the fact that it has stayed true to its roots and feels like what an SUV should feel like. If you are like most and want a crossover SUV feel, then this is not your ride

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Love my 4-Runner!

misspriss82, 09/23/2012
2011 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 4 people found this review helpful

I bought my 4-Runner brand new a year ago. I have the Blizzard Pearl color with tan leather interior. I love it! It is a bit bigger than older 4-Runners, but the ride seems smoother for an SUV this size. I only have one complaint - the windshield wipers do not have a good medium speed, they are either way too fast or way too slow. The radio area could look fancier, but it's user friendly, so I don't really care about that. I plan on keeping this vehicle for a long time and I will continue to buy 4-Runners in the future.

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5 out of 5 stars

everyone wants my car

Julia, 04/27/2016
updated 10/31/2018
2011 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
11 of 14 people found this review helpful

I will run this vehicle into the ground and judging by my uncle with a '97 @ 430k ...that's going to take a while. Bought this car pre-owned (64k) almost 2 years ago. I have the limited 4x4 which is AWD all the time. I drive mostly short city trips and then I frequently take road trips (at (89k now). I've had this car in every weather condition and I'm so thankful for that. Last week I got caught in a flash flood on the way to Vegas and while other cars were loosing control in deep puddles, the traction control kicked in/ AWD helped on multiple accounts to keep us center. Handles well in snow, sand, rocks, ect. It handled really well going down a steep curved hill in snow. In high winds, I barely feel it. I can fit more in this SUV with the seats folded down than a Tacoma (length wise). I work at a Toyota Dealership so I can see all the service records, and there's never been a major issue, even while they were certifying the vehicle for resale. I have to admit, it's probably due to the city driving, but my MPG has decreased since I bought it 18 down to 15/16. Handles well and can stop on a dime. A month after getting it, another 4Runner merged into me and I barely felt it although the whole right side needed to be replaced. Overall solid car. The navigation is due for an update, and the voice command is really annoying/inaccurate/long. (I recommend a '14 and up, cause they improved it drastically). Overall, I'm in love with this car and my friends always beg to ride in it for road trips. 12 plus hours, and you're still comfortable. The 3rd row should not be considered for regular use, and it's small and not very comfortable. However, for short, infrequent rides, it's a really nice option to have. If you're considering a package that doesn't come with a back up camera, I recommend getting one installed. Regardless of the kind of driver you are, stock this is a tall vehicle. I'm 5'8 and thin and my boyfriend is 6'2 and has an extremely wide build. We both sit comfortably. I've had kids aged 4-9 sit in my back seat. The boosters/car seats are super easy because everything is so high up. Although, they all struggle to get inside the car so if you have small kids or you're short, invest in running boards. *Update* I've now had the car over 4 years. I have only had to change the breaks & tires once in 50k miles, and I just replaced the struts before my warranty went out! Those are the only issues and I'm totally ok with routine maintenance. I have 106k miles and the car is still solid. BUY ONE THEY'RE AMAZING

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 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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4.25 out of 5 stars

Solid reliable choice

avoncarguy, 04/24/2012
2011 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
11 of 14 people found this review helpful

The 4Runner is simply one of the most reliable long-term ownership SUV's out there - the statistics on how many are still on the road are off the charts (over 90% I believe). This feels as if it was carved out of a solid piece of steel. That reliability is the main reason why I purchased mine. We have two Toyota's - in additon to the 4Runner we also have a Highlander as well. The Highlander has more space to be honest / better for my wife & daughter, but it lacks the truck-like qualities I wanted (hence the 4Runner).

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5 out of 5 stars

Original owner

Gordm, 02/17/2022
2012 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 7 people found this review helpful

I am an original owner. Vehicle now has over 310000 km and it is still the most reliable vehicle I have ever owned. Never had a single break down, never seen the inside of garage except for tires, breaks and oil changes. I fully expect to drive this another 2-300km as I am fully confident in my 4Runner. Like I said best ever.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 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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5 out of 5 stars

So Far Its Great!

echiasson, 05/02/2012
2012 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful

I have about 500 miles on it so far. I am 6'2" and if i put the seat all the way back i can barely reach the petals and still have room in the back seat to spare. You don't buy this SUV to get 40+ MPG but i avg. about 19 MPG so far and the engine isn't nearly broke in yet. Purchased the Premium Package with the SR5 and the leather interior is awesome! sun roof is good. Entune Nav is somewhat complicated. Took a few different techs to show me how to use it. Make sure you have Unlimited Data on your smartphone because having Pandora and Bing is awesome but it can eat up data packages quickly. I highly recommend this vehicle!!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

So Glad to be back in a 4runner!

roedrunner, 05/13/2011
2011 Toyota 4Runner Trail 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful

I previously had a 2005 4runner I had for almost 5 yrs (that I LOVED) and my brother talked me in to selling it to him. With a heavy heart I did so. I thought I'd try something new, so I bought a GMC Acadia, though roomy, it wasn't me and I sold it in 8 mos. Thought I'd try something different, so I looked at the Infinity EX35 and bought that. What was I thinking? Had it about a year until I could order a Trail to my exact specs. Yep, no test drive, nothing. I was excited to get back into a 4runner (which would feel like home). Well I've had Big Red (2010 Trail) for over a year now, and indeed, it does feel like home. 21K miles and I LOVE my truck!

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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 9 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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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 6 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

1200 miles, and very happy.

gw, 10/18/2010
2011 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
5 of 6 people found this review helpful

My 1st 4R but on 3rd Taco pickup. I purchased 10 days ago and just completed a road trip. I tried a new Highlander,Camry,Avalon as well as a used Lexus car and Acura MDX and TL; settled on the 4R as it felt better than the rest. I also own a '02 Accord I bought new, and while a good car I feel it doesn’t match Toyota quality. I found some criticisms something to watch for,but exaggerated. The break booster sound is noticeable with the radio off, but not a big concern. I have not noticed hood vibration, cheap sounding doors, or problems with the brake feel, and the horn is fine. The performance and ride is great. I have yet to try accelerate quickly or tow anything. Love it so far.

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