2019 Toyota 4Runner Review

Name: 2019 Toyota 4Runner Review
Brand: Toyota

Price Range: $26,391 - $44,998

2019 Toyota 4Runner Limited Nightshade Edition 4dr SUV Exterior

2019 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4dr SUV Exterior Shown

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Edmunds' Expert Review

byJames Riswick^{Edmunds Contributor
James Riswick has been testing cars and writing about them for more than 20 years. He was the senior reviews editor for Autoblog and previously served multiple editor roles here at Edmunds. He has also contributed to Autotrader, Car and Driver, Hagerty, JD Power and Autoguide Magazine. He has been interested in cars forever; his mom took him to the Toronto Auto Show when he was 18 months old and has attended at least one every year since (OK, except in 2020). He owns a babied 1998 BMW Z3 in James Bond blue and a 2023 Kia Niro EV.}

Pros

Off-road capability few other competitors can match
Variety of configurations to suit many buyers and price points
Versatile cargo area, especially with optional slide-out floor

Cons

Choppy ride quality compared with more modern crossovers
Lacks the latest driver safety aids
V6 engine is not particularly fuel-efficient
Tall step-in height makes for ungraceful entry and exit

What's new

TRD Pro has new Fox shock absorbers, new skid plate and roof rack, and standard sunroof and JBL sound system
New Limited Nightshade Edition with black-out color scheme
Part of the fifth 4Runner generation introduced for 2010

Rarely does a car get more popular with age, but that's exactly what's happening with the Toyota 4Runner. Despite entering its 10th year since it was completely redesigned — an eternity in car terms — the 4Runner sells exponentially better today than it did when minty fresh.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$192/mo

$170/mo

Avg. Midsize SUV

Calculate my fuel costs

Perhaps that has to do with today's SUV-hungry buyers, but the 2019 4Runner is also a distinctive model. It is rugged and off-road capable, yet it's spacious and family-friendly. Sure, it's a bit rough around the edges and lacks many of the technology features you'll find in other SUVs, but there's an honesty to the 4Runner and a just-right goodness that keeps it relevant. It won't be for everyone, but it'll be exactly what a great many want.

So, if you think you might be in that "great many," here are the 4Runner's good bits. Its rugged trucklike construction, abundant ground clearance and legitimate off-road hardware give it go-anywhere credentials few SUVs (and especially crossovers) can match or surpass. At the same time, it has a large cabin with a big, boxy cargo area that'll make packing for a go-anywhere adventure (or just a trip to Grandma's for the holidays) that much easier. You also get a reputation for near bulletproof reliability and a driving experience that's not as cumbersome or trucklike as you'd expect for an off-road-oriented SUV.

However, there are significant drawbacks to consider. The 4Runner's advanced age means it lacks the accident-avoidance tech found on other Toyota vehicles. Its cabin design and materials are more utilitarian than those of similarly priced rivals, and infotainment features route through a tiny 6.1-inch touchscreen. Also, the 4Runner can't match the on-road refinement and fuel economy of more modern crossover SUVs.

These distinct highs and lows are part of that honesty we were talking about, though. The 4Runner is what it is. If you can live with the lows, or weigh them favorably against its distinct highs, the 4Runner should prove its popularity is no fad.

Notably, we picked the 2019 4Runner as one of Edmunds' Best Midsize SUVs for 2018.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

7.2 / 10

Trim tested

Each vehicle typically comes in multiple versions, although trim levels share many aspects. The ratings in this review are based on our full test of the Toyota 4Runner Limited (4.0L V6 | 5-speed automatic | 4WD).

Scorecard

Overall	7.2 / 10
Driving	7.5
Comfort	7.0
Interior	7.0
Utility	7.5
Technology	6.0

Driving

7.5

The 4Runner accelerates with authority, with no ropey lag inherent in smaller engines with fuel-thrifty transmissions. This V6 is stout, and the five-speed keeps it in the power. The 4Runner is practically the last one standing for midsize 4x4 SUVs with real off-road capability and rugged sensibility.

Acceleration

7.0

The 4Runner exhibits surprisingly smooth, linear and powerful acceleration. Tall gearing and five speeds keep it in the powerband longer, unlike many of today's crossovers that shift to highest gears as quickly as possible. There's no insufferable lag, just ample thrust. It's not fast, but the V6 is surprisingly strong.

Braking

6.0

The brake pedal has a nebulous feel through two-thirds of the pedal travel, so drivers might need some time to achieve consistently smooth stops. Plenty of stopping power remains in the last third of the pedal travel. There's an abundance of nosedive in emergency stops.

Steering

7.0

Similar to the brakes, not a lot of real feel comes through the wheel, but the truck responds quickly and accurately. Steering effort is a bit heavy at higher speeds, but it's not fatiguing. At low speeds, it offers an appropriate amount of assist.

Handling

7.0

The 4Runner is surprisingly stable, even in tight, short turns. Body roll isn't excessive. Controlling it requires deliberate easing off of the throttle, braking, settling, then stabbing the throttle midcorner. The Limited-specific suspension system is at work here, trying its best to make the 4Runner feel somewhat luxurious.

Drivability

7.5

Smooth throttle delivery and seamless shifting make the 4Runner feel less like a truck and more like a crossover, but it's not quite either. The transmission's five available gears enable the driver to wring maximum thrust from the V6, but additional gears would improve fuel economy.

Off-road

9.0

The 4Runner excels off-road, but the Limited model is the least capable due to its 20-inch wheels and low-hanging front fascia. SR5 and TRD models have superior chin clearance and better-suited wheels and tires. The TRD Off-Road trim has a lockable rear differential, and it's the only one with available disconnecting stabilizer bars.

Comfort

7.0

The Toyota 4Runner offers a reasonable mix of comfort that's consistent with its overall mission and truck-based roots. It's not as cushy as today's typical crossovers, but few looking for this kind of rugged capability will take exception to that.

Seat comfort

7.0

The broad cushions and seatbacks offer a wide surface area for long-distance comfort, although lumbar support feels overly firm. With the optional third-row seating package, the second-row seats can slide and recline, but the third row is for kids only or short trips with average-size adults.

Ride comfort

6.5

The ride is not quite crossover-smooth, but it's not truck-brutish either. It bounces around on crummy pavement. But if you've driven trucks and can tolerate the kind of vibrations and jostling that can creep into a truck's ride, you'll find the 4Runner more than acceptable because it rides better than a pickup.

Noise & vibration

7.0

The isolation of road noise is good most of the time, but the squarish shape isn't particularly adept at quelling wind noise. It's not unreasonable or out of place in this type of vehicle, though.

Climate control

7.0

If you can get past controls that look as if they're from a Tonka set, they're large and easy to use. The climate system works swiftly and without delay. That's a big ask since the cabin is quite large, but front passengers get relief in two minutes or less. The Limited's seat-cooling fans are noisy.

Interior

7.0

The Limited's interior is a mishmash of materials. The dash has a piece of fake dark walnut capped by silver spray-painted plastic trim. The gauges look pulled from a mid-2000s Toyota Matrix. The design appears genuinely confused about whether it's a nice crossover or a rugged truck. But that sort of sums up the Limited.

Ease of use

7.5

The switch gear is big, logical and easy to use, but it looks ancient in 2019. It looked dated in 2009. The infotainment screen is laughably small, too.

Getting in/getting out

6.5

This off-road-biased 4x4 naturally comes with a higher step-up height relative to standard crossovers. Access to the front and rear is similar, but grab handles make it easier to gain leverage on entry. Shorter drivers will need to learn to spring up into the seats. The doors open nice and wide.

Driving position

7.0

The 4Runner offers an even higher, more commanding view than most crossovers. Drivers of all sizes will be able to find a good position, although adjustable pedals and more wheel telescoping would be appreciated.

Roominess

7.0

There's plenty of front head- and legroom for tall passengers, although the available sunroof consumes considerable headroom. The back has plenty of headroom but a bit less legroom. But the sliding and reclining rear seats should help even 6-foot-tall passengers find a comfy setting.

Visibility

7.5

It's surprisingly easy to see over the hood and toward the front corners, perhaps due to the simple and boxy design. There's good visibility out the back window, further enhanced by a backup camera. The rear quarters have the usual SUV blind spots, but a fairly level sightline out the sides offers good around-view visibility.

Quality

8.5

The 4Runner has tight gaps outside and an attractive interior. The premium vinyl upholstery in most trims should be easy to clean, but it won't fool anyone into thinking it's leather. Only the Limited gets the real stuff, which looks good and should hold up over the long haul.

Utility

7.5

This is why you buy the 4Runner: loads of room and a clean, squared-off shape to enhance cargo capacity and cabin usefulness, along with off-road build quality and capability. Load up the 4Runner with outdoor gear, pets, clothes, duffel bags and go. That's part of this SUV's primary appeal.

Small-item storage

6.5

For such a roomy cabin, there aren't many places to stash personal items. The door pockets can hold a slim water bottle and some smaller flat items. The center console is deep and wide enough for a cluster of wallets, phones, keys, small items and maybe an iPad Mini. You'll be hunting for stash spaces.

Cargo space

8.0

The rear seatbacks fold flat, and it's easy to pack the sizable cargo hold (88.8 cubic feet with seats down; 46.3 cubic feet with seats up) because of its squarish shape. Car campers will love it since it's easy to stretch out a couple of sleeping bags in the back. Available slide-out tray is a unique feature that aids loading.

Child safety seat accommodation

8.0

A leather flap backed with Velcro covers the LATCH anchors, but it's easy to pull back and access them. Three tethers are located behind each rear seat. The roomy second row can accommodate car seats in any of the three positions, even bulkier rear-facing models. The square door openings make for easy access.

Towing

7.0

Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, a useful figure that covers most boats and many small camping trailers. But the 4Runner doesn't offer a factory electric trailer brake controller. You'll have to go aftermarket to add that capability.

Technology

6.0

This 4Runner generation is now a decade old and its limited technology offerings show it. There's no safety tech available (other Toyotas come standard with them). And although the infotainment system's functionality is OK, it looks, feels and is dated. That could be a real deal-breaker given its competitors.

Audio & navigation

6.5

The navigation system is basic. Most smartphone-based nav apps are more powerful and sophisticated. The 6-inch display is small and there's no upgrade available. The JBL audio system is decent but lacks power and volume.

Smartphone integration

6.0

There's no Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, just Toyota's basic Entune app suite. But the USB and Bluetooth audio/phone connections offer a suitable workaround to the clunky Entune interface.

Driver aids

6.0

There's a surprising lack of common driver aids such as blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, lane keeping assist, forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking. Many of these come standard on other Toyotas or are offered on competitors.

Voice control

6.0

The rudimentary controls require very specific syntax and speech patterns. Most drivers will have better luck using the voice assistants on their phones.

Compare 2019 Toyota 4Runner trim levels

Helpful trims summary and side-by-side comparison chart

2019 Toyota 4Runner models

The 2019 Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV available in seven trim levels: SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, TRD Pro, Limited and Limited Nightshade. All share the same 4.0-liter V6 (270 horsepower, 278 pound-feet of torque), five-speed automatic transmission and 5,000-pound tow rating. SR5 and Limited trims are available with rear-wheel drive or four-wheel drive and a two- or three-row seating configuration. The remaining trim levels are 4WD-only and seat five. A low-range transfer case comes on 4WD versions of the SR5, TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trim levels.

The SR5 is the base model, but it's not bare-bones. Standard features include 17-inch wheels, skid plates, foglights, a rearview camera, heated mirrors, roof rails, a windshield wiper de-icer, a power rear window, power front seats (eight-way driver, four-way passenger), 40/20/40-split reclining and folding second-row seats, cloth upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 120-volt power outlet in the rear cargo area. The standard infotainment system boasts a 6.1-inch touchscreen, one USB port, and an eight-speaker sound system with a CD player, a media player interface, and HD and satellite radio.

Stepping up to TRD Off-Road adds a locking rear differential, slightly wider 17-inch wheels, Multi-Terrain Select off-road settings and a crawl control function. The interior wears additional TRD badging. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) feature is optional.

Premium variants of the SR5 and the TRD Off-Road get SofTex simulated leather upholstery, heated front seats, navigation, an upgraded 6.1-inch touchscreen and an auto-dimming rearview mirror. A sunroof is optional.

Serious off-roaders should consider the TRD Pro, which starts with the TRD Off-Road Premium and adds revised front springs, Fox dampers with internal bypass rear remote reservoirs, matte black 17-inch wheels, all-terrain tires, a special front skid plate, a roof rack and special styling. It also gains automatic headlights, LED foglights, the sunroof and a 15-speaker JBL sound system.

The Limited model is more luxury-oriented and sacrifices off-road capability in the process. It gets a Torsen locking center differential (4WD models only), a full-time 4WD system, and a separate suspension system Toyota calls X-REAS that's designed to reduce body roll without hurting ride quality. The Limited also gains the TRD Pro's extra creature comfort features plus 20-inch wheels, special styling, dual-zone climate control, parking sensors, keyless ignition and entry, heated and ventilated front seats, and leather seat upholstery. Power-deploying running boards are optional.

The new Limited Nightshade Edition just adds black exterior trim, replacing much of the Limited's standard silver and chrome accents.

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Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

4/5Above Average

#7 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs

RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.

Cost

^{The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Toyota 4Runner from 2008-2022.}

$469/yr

vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Frequency

^{The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).}

0.83x/yr

vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV

Severity

^{The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).}

13%

vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV

powered by RepairPal ^{Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2019 Toyota 4Runner.

5 (63%)

4 (22%)

3 (5%)

2 (3%)

1 (7%)

4.3

67 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 67 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

65 yr. old woman owner!

Donna Hankins, 04/25/2019

2019 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

After a year of searching what vehicle to buy this suv came out on top! As a formor owner of a ford explorer limited, this suv knocks all others out of the race. I LOVE this vehicle. It can tow my camper trailer, hual my dog and groceries, and take me on long trips comfortably. I don't have to figure out all the fancy add on technology found in other suv`s that I never used, and its …

I have had four!

Goldie, 01/24/2019

2019 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

I love my car. I am a tiny woman with a job that requires me to be available in any weather. In my car, I am confident that I will make it in blizzard and unplowed roads. Thats why I am driving my fourth one and would not consider anything else.

One of the last true SUVs

Colt, 01/15/2019

2019 Toyota 4Runner TRD OFF-ROAD 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

My wife, my daughter, and I love the 4Runner. It's a tried an true design. One of the last true body-on-frame SUVs. It's rugged, capable, dependable, and stylish. Admittedly, it doesn't have all the new driving assistance features like lane assist, forward emergency braking, or auto pilot. You cant go to sleep at the wheel, you have to drive it. But that's what it's designed for. It's …

Life Saver

Jennifer , 05/27/2019

2019 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)

I was traveling on interstate and had a brush with a tractor-trailer the sent me into the trees. The gentleman who came to my aide said he was afraid of what he was going to see when he approached my vehicle. I walked away and feel sure had I been in anything else, I wouldn’t be here writing this review...it’s the only vehicle choice for me, it honestly saved my life.

See all 67 reviews of the Toyota 4Runner

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2019 Toyota 4Runner video

2019 Toyota 4Runner vs 2019 Subaru Forester: Which Is Best On and Off the Road?

Edmunds editors Travis Langness and Calvin Kim take the new Subaru Forester and Toyota 4Runner on a trip to the local mountains to showcase each vehicle's strengths and weaknesses on and off the road. It's all to answer the pressing question: Does the car industry's near ideal…

2019 4Runner Highlights

Trim:

SR5

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$35,310
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	18 MPG
Cost to Drive	$192/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	47.2 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	rear wheel drive
Warranty	3 years / 36,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Our experts like the 4Runner models:

Downhill Assist Control: Improves directional control during descent on steep or slippery surfaces.
Brake Assist: Applies increased brake pressure when it senses a panic-braking situation.
Smart Stop Technology: Reduces engine power when the brake and gas pedals are applied simultaneously.

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
Overall4 / 5
Driver4 / 5
Passenger3 / 5
Side Crash Rating
Overall5 / 5
Side Barrier Rating
Overall5 / 5
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front Seat5 / 5
Back Seat5 / 5
Rollover
Rollover3 / 5
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of Rollover24.6%

IIHS Rating

The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.

Small Overlap Front Driver-Side Test
Marginal
Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side Test
Not Tested
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original
Good
Moderate Overlap Front Test – Updated
Not Tested
Side Impact Test – Original
Good
Side Impact Test – Updated
Not Tested
Roof Strength Test
Good
Rear Crash Protection / Head Restraint
Good

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2019 Toyota 4Runner Review

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Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What's new

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2019 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.

Edmunds' Expert Rating

Trim tested

Scorecard

Driving

Acceleration

Braking

Steering

Handling

Drivability

Off-road

Comfort

Seat comfort

Ride comfort

Noise & vibration

Climate control

Interior

Ease of use

Getting in/getting out

Driving position

Roominess

Visibility

Quality

Utility

Small-item storage

Cargo space

Child safety seat accommodation

Towing

Technology

Audio & navigation

Smartphone integration

Driver aids

Voice control

Which 4Runner does Edmunds recommend?

2019 Toyota 4Runner models

Reliability Ratings by RepairPal

Cost

Frequency

Severity

Most helpful consumer reviews

65 yr. old woman owner!

I have had four!

One of the last true SUVs

Life Saver

2019 Toyota 4Runner video

2019 Toyota 4Runner vs 2019 Subaru Forester: Which Is Best On and Off the Road?

2019 4Runner Highlights

Safety

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Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2019 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $2.89 per gallon for regular unleaded in Virginia.}