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Used 2016 Toyota 4Runner Consumer Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
105 reviews
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Pros
Cons
4 out of 5 stars

SR5 Premium a Great Value

Robert, 05/19/2016
2016 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
49 of 50 people found this review helpful

I purchased a 2016 SR5 Premium 4Runner with 4WD. This SUV is a better value than the Limited model which, due to its larger tires and full-time 4WD has a harsher and noisier ride than the SR5 Premium. The SR5 Premium has a smooth and comfortable ride, far from truck-like. There is also no difference in comfort between the faux leather seats in the Premium and the real leather in the Limited; the only difference is that the faux leather is more durable and easier to clean. The engine is smooth and has adequate power, while the transmission shifts smoothly. However, it could use an extra gear (or two) as the fuel economy is poor. Have only managed close to 15 mpg in town (2 mpg under the EPA rating), and that is driving modestly to keep the revs in the Eco zone. Highway mileage appears closer to the rated 21 mpg. The brakes are also soft, and require a significant amount of force to stop promptly. When you roll the rear window down and open up the sun roof the ventilation is incredible. Rear seats are easy to fold down and the space it creates is immense.

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

Love my new Trail Premium

Joseph, 11/13/2015
updated 11/16/2020
2016 Toyota 4Runner Trail Premium 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
67 of 69 people found this review helpful

l had a 2005 Outback XT wagon (which I loved) for about 10 years and it was time to look for something new. The question I faced was, do I get another outback, or do I go with something new. I wanted a truck, but I do a lot of commuting in the city, so it wasn't really an option. I decided to drive a 4runner and that is what sealed the deal. I liked all the features of the trail premium, especially the 4 wheel drive options, so I settled on it with the addition of KDSS. I read a lot of reviews about KDSS that said it was worth it, and I have to agree. I love being up higher than previously in my outback, and I love the truck-like ride. The seats in the premium are very soft and comfortable. The interior is pretty much perfect, with real knobs for the radio and heat controls. I love the reclining rear seats, which are a really nice feature for the passengers in the back. There is definitely enough room with the rear seats folded down to be able to sleep in the back. I had a great experience working with the Mark Miller Toyota dealership in SLC and they were able to get me exactly the setup I wanted. While I loved my Subie, I really love my new Toyota. I look forward to easily driving this thing for 10 years or more. **A year later and 15,000 miles update** I still love my 4runner. It has performed solidly and it hasn't had a single issue. The 4-WD behaved perfectly last winter, so I look forward to more of the same this winter. The only real difference that I notice between it and my old Outback is the stiffer ride and it doesn't corner so well. Besides that, I am really pleased with it and am happy with my decision to purchase it. ***Two years later and 30,000 miles and I still love my 4runner. I have had the chance to finally get it off road, and the thing is amazing. Two Utah winters, and never one worry about getting up the canyons to ski. I haven't had a single problem with it. It is a great truck, and I wouldn't change anything about it. I would buy it again without a second thought.

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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5 out of 5 stars

Honeymoon is over - and I still LOVE THIS 4RUNNER!

D Johnson, 12/25/2015
updated 06/27/2017
2016 Toyota 4Runner Trail Premium 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
96 of 100 people found this review helpful

Simple review: Buy one if you want to off-road more than the average bear! Reason for purchase: 4x4 alone quite often and needed a reliable vehicle to get me into the middle of nowhere. As an amateur astronomer, I also needed room for dry/clean storage. Also needed an interior long enough for sleep (I don't tent). To me it's a truck with extra seating and storage. The 4x4, including crawl, locker, and terrain select have been used quite extensively by this driver. I've been in back country fresh snow (a few times now), mud, and desert. The factory Dunlop GrandTrek tires remain as the Achilles heel when playing in fresh deep snow or mud. So far (knock-on-wood) the 4Runner has taken everything I've thrown at it. Of course keep in mind being alone miles from nowhere I've had to keep a conservative approach to things! Engine: (in my opinion) - this is a truck with a large but factory choked V6. Toyota probably keeps it detuned for long lasting and reliable reasons! I'm certain this rig is easily capable of 325+ HP if tuned. Transmission: The 5 speed is dated (albeit reliable as it approaches the end of the development cycle). Even with these minor noted issues, there are no driving complaints. There are no issues merging with traffic or anything like that. I have not towed with it (probably never will), so I can't comment on the 5000 lb rating. Interior - seats are great, heated too. No issues with steering or controls in general. Surprisingly no rattles yet; however I anticipate them as the vehicle ages and is used for intended purposes. Touch screen could be a little bigger. Love the dual map mode - use if often. Audio system is a non-issue - works great. Be nice to have more USB ports. REAR WINDOW DROPS. Yeah, capital letters there - big deal, that rear window....a BIG factor in my purchase of this vehicle. Hauling lumber in an SUV - no prob here. See if you can name all the current SUV's that can drop the rear window? I could type forever and bore you with details for which you will not really 'get'. Let's just say if you want a capable vehicle that will 'mostly' keep up with a stock Wranglers the 4Runner may be your ticket. 6/26/17: Yes, I still own this rig. Still drive it daily. This 4Runner is taken off-road frequently. 4WD is locked in (high and low along with ATRAC, DIFF LOCK, Crawler mode, etc) often. While the truck has accrued a few deep brush scrapes, the mechanical and operational, along with safety systems, has remained flawless. I have no qualm with taking this 4Runner, fully loaded, on a weekend excursion of any kind. Snow is nothing but fun! Only modification is WeatherTech floor liners - - great for snow especially if panning in remote creeks. Buy one, now.

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

4 Runner Won Me Over

Terry Dymek, 01/05/2016
2016 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
75 of 79 people found this review helpful

looking for a vehicle that delivers better 4WD performance than your typical 'Crossover'? Well the 4 Runner sure fit that bill for me. Looked at EVERYTHING in this segment and found the 4 Runner to be the best overall in terms of comfort, performance, quality and value. Don't be put off by reviews that talk about how body on frame vehicles cannot deliver the same ride and handling quality as the typical unibody. The 4 Runner does not ride or handle like a truck ( I have a 2105 Chevy Silverado so I know what a real truck ride is like). While certainly not car-like, the 4 Runner rolls down the road smoothly and confidently. My main requirement was to be able to drive up a very steep and long driveway during New England winters. Other AWD vehicles (Subaru, Rav 4, etc) could not handle the job if there was more than a couple of inches of snow on the ground. The 4 Runner has absolutely no problems with any snow depth. Sure, I could have bought and Audi Q series but for the money and maintenance costs over the long run, you just can't beat the Toyota 4 Runner

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

Owners' Reviews Speak for Themselves

Ben Kenobi, 12/07/2016
2016 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
33 of 34 people found this review helpful

I think that if you're looking for a car and have read reviews online, you've realized it's hard to trust even major sources. This is hands down one of the best VEHICLES you can buy today. When major sources review cars, they go through a Matrix and index values based on arbitrary variables. They don't spend that intimate time you need to really get to know a car. Cars with a lot of bells and whistles will stand out on the testing circuits, but only a handful of cars can really stand the test of time. The new Toyota 4runner is that car and an impeccable one. It may not get the fuel efficiency of modern crossovers, or have the luxurious amenities of today's crossover SUVs. But this car will literally stand through the all tests the earth provides without too much compromise. Rain or shine, snow or ice, mountain or overpass the 4runner will deliver a fun, safe ride with the utmost confidence. I would recommend lifting it a couple inches, getting new wheels and all-terrain tires -- then it will be unstoppable. Literally a beast, that's not overdone like modern American trucks with huge in your face, cringeworthy macho-man-grills. The 4runner is absolutely one of the best cars made today, with just the right amount of brawn and style. Don't trust the Car and Driver tester types that can't understand this type of need and segment. These guys nailed it, and I sadly think the secret is out, as I'm seeing more of them on the streets. The absolute best SUV if you want something to last and plow you through any condition, any time, any place. Wish it had a V8 Diesel and cornering lights!

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
4 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

I love my truck!

Giles, 09/09/2016
updated 03/23/2020
2016 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
18 of 18 people found this review helpful

Update at 4 years and 40K miles. Still love it. I replaced factory tires with Kumho Crugen - much better (quieter and better grip in snow). The only problem is with the Entune head unit that fails to connect with my phone about once a week. When I try to manually connect it waits for the Bluetooth to time out, reboots. Update at three and a half years: I still love it. If I needed to replace it I'd buy another. Update: Two and a half years and 30K miles later - I still love it. If I needed to replace it I'd buy another. Executive summary: I’m really happy with it. My 4Runner is a white SR5 Premium with sand beige interior, bought new in February 2016 now has 10,000 miles. I would have considered the Trail Premium, but really did not want to live with the coal mine interior (black/gray) that is the only option on that model. The Limited wasn’t attractive to me because it has several things I did not want (permanent 4WD, lower-profile tires, power running boards, power tailgate, seats made with cow leather). The only option that I chose was the fixed running boards - I know that they might be a compromise off-road, but they make such a difference on entry/exit that there was no question about having them. Driving impressions: Over 10,000 miles I have driven a mix of suburban commute and highway, including a 4,500 mile trip from the East coast to Colorado, where we travelled for 100+ miles on unpaved Forest Service roads. No true off-roading, but the USFS roads were rocky, steep, switchbacked washboards in places. It was excellent, and fast enough for me, even at altitudes of 10,000+ feet. The steep descents and switchbacks on unpaved roads were the first place I’ve actually found a use for manual shifting in an automatic transmission. The truck cruises nicely at 80+mph Out West. It’s no sports car, but feels solid and rides well. I’ve seen reviews that regret the lack of a V8 option, but the current 4L V6 has more power and torque than the previous V8 in a 4Runner, so I’m not sure what the benefit would be. The transmission “only” has five speeds, but that is of no importance to me - it works just fine. Fuel consumption is usually between 19 and 20mpg, and on the long trip was 20.4 from start to finish. Comfort: My wife does not like driving the 4Runner (she says it’s big, heavy and truck-like - all true) but finds riding in it comfortable. For comparison, her vehicle is an Acura RDX. Actually, the 4Runner is a lot easier to park than the RDX because you can see the corners and it doesn’t have the fashionable angled windows. The back seat is spacious and comfortable. The main problem with comfort is for the dog, because it’s quite a jump up to the load area where she has her bed. (BTW: A Weather Tech tray in the load area is a great idea). The dog really likes the opening tailgate window! The only comfort issue I can think of is that it takes longer than I would like to get the heater working in cold weather - it’s nice to have the seat heaters on a cold morning. Interior: The interior is functional, but not bleak, and is a little dated. The cockpit looks like the boombox that you bought in 1985, but all of the controls are well placed and feel solid. Overall, I like it. The fake leather seats in this trim level are comfortable and seem durable. Only the driver’s seat has lumbar and height adjustments, and there is no memory function at this trim level. Electronics: The standard Entune system is just about good enough. I like the head unit, although it’s shorter on power than I would prefer, and the curves of its frequency equalization are weird. The only thing I’ve changed is that I replaced the speakers in the front and rear doors with much better ones. Big improvement for not much money. I love having my entire audio collection on a 128GB thumb drive, and use the XM radio often enough that it’s worth the subscription (despite XM’s nasty compression artefacts). Books on CD work well (as do music CDs). The maps in the navigation system even have the USFS roads - a bit of a surprise there. One irritation with the navigation is that you can’t do much with it when you’re moving, even from the passenger seat. The BlueTooth phone connection works very well; the only problems are that it’s “forgotten” about my phone a couple of times and it can’t see texts or email on my phone (Google Nexus, Android 6). The Entune system has voice recognition that you train to your voice, but is totally worthless - it will cause either laughter or rage but it certainly won’t be of any use to you. The info-tronics play no part in controlling the vehicle, which I see as an advantage - no need to control seat heaters or ventilation through the touch screen. Problems: No real problems. The only issue is a persistent wheel balance shake at 62-63mph. The dealer has tried to fix it three times and has made it different each time. I could probably get it taken care of by a tire specialist, but can live with it for now.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
4 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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5 out of 5 stars

4Runner Trail is a Good Compromise

brett h, 04/01/2016
updated 10/08/2018
2016 Toyota 4Runner Trail 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
15 of 15 people found this review helpful

I come from a long line of Toyota vehicles (4runner and pickups). My vehicle for the last 3 years was a Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon. Nothing beats a Wrangler off road, and I mean nothing. However ... I needed something that can perform close to the Wrangler off road but with better handling, cargo and acceleration. Had not driven the 4Runner model in about ten years so was surprised to find that Toyota actually improved the off road performance of the 4Runner with wider wheel base and KDSS technology. The 4.0 L engine has plenty of torque and acceleration. The interior of the 2016 4Runner is rugged and refined and the fold down rear seats leave plenty of room gear. Highway driving is very comfortable compared to the Wrangler. No wind noise and wandering. I lifted my 4 Runner 3" in the front and 2" in the rear myself with no difficulty (larger tires and better ground clearance). Toyota reliability is well known unlike Jeep. I am back to Toyota to stay. Grab one while you can. 30k miles no complaints.

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

I love it

John, 05/14/2016
updated 05/18/2020
2016 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
23 of 24 people found this review helpful

I purchased a kitschy, unique, kinda' cool vehicle during 2007; the FJ Cruiser. I paid, with tax, $23K. My neighbors assumed I paid in the 30's. I spent a few hundred extra bucks and tricked it out with chrome brush guards and nerf bars and tail light guards. Anyway, that son-of-a-beach served me for 355K miles. No rust. No issues. I hit a deer at 45mph and was uninjured. I was rear ended by a guy whose car was stoved in to the windshield. The firefighters used shovels to pick up his car's remnants. I had to replace the cap on my tow hitch. I only passed it on to my son because he is off to grad school and I'm not getting any younger. Time for a new rig. So, with that unbelievable longevity there was no way I wasn't buying another Toyota. My FJ got 21 miles/gallon and so does this. One thing I love is that I think I am even higher up than my FJ. I enjoy driving this rig. I think the front end looks spectacular. I think the rest of it could have a bit more flair. Update: Start of year 4. 152K miles. Zero issues. Still love it.

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

4 Runners are forever

Kathy, 04/07/2016
2016 Toyota 4Runner Trail 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful

In 1997, I purchased a brand new SR5 4 Runner. This year I decided to sell my SR5 and buy a 2016 Trail 4 Runner. 4 Runners are so reliable. I never had any problems with my SR5 and to this day I miss it. On the other hand, I love my new trail. It is amazing on and off road. I purchased the KDSS option and it does make a difference.....less body lean on cornering, smooth ride on and off road and the crawl features are fantastic. This SUV goes anywhere! I am very pleased with little road noise, and great handling for this body on frame suv. You will not be disappointed! This is a practical, reliable and fun vehicle and will take on any challenge. It is truly an amazing SUV.

Technology
4 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
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4 out of 5 stars

For the right type of buyer, a great car

CAndrews, 08/15/2016
2016 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful

I read a lot of reviews about the 2016 4Runner before buying them. Many were positive, many were negative. None really caught my experience after 6 months of owning. You can read all of those reviews elsewhere but here's my take: in the city, the 4runner is a bit clunky. Its hard to maneuver around; I really notice this when pulling into parking spots and you have to 3-point turn it in. On the highway, it's pretty good, but not perfect -- a bit loud compared to my old car (ok it was an old Lexus). But let me say: I love the car. For two reasons: 1) the value is quite good. When you get that much space and third row seating, with the quality of a toyota, its a pretty decent deal, particularly compared to the premium SUVs. 2) The car really shines in rough conditions -- I'd say this car is built for weekend warriors and off-roaders. We take it to Maine and Vermont to hike/ski and it's in its element. It can handle a lot, its meant to be rough around the edges, you have 4WD in the snow, etc. etc. etc. Finally, I'd say I kind of like the toughness and fun look of the car. From the back window to the tankish-look, it feels tougher and more sporty than all its comparisons, which get better city ratings but which I would not trade this car for. I'm a bit disappointed with the city driving capabilities, but after 6 months, I really like this car (ok, truck).

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