The Toyota 4Runner is a rugged, old-school body-on-frame midsize SUV that's found success in a world filled with stylish car-based SUVs filled to the brim with tech. It's not fuel-efficient, comfortable or high-tech, but it's loved for its tough looks, off-road heritage and versatility. Like many truck-based SUVs, the 4Runner is very capable off-road, has plenty of towing capacity and offers loads of cargo space. Some rivals try to mimic the 4Runner's rugged look with body cladding and all-terrain tires, but few are truly built for off-roading.
Toyota hasn't confirmed anything, but considering that the 4Runner was last redesigned for 2010, it's long overdue and should get one soon, but we aren't sure when. With the recent redesigns of the 2022 Tundra and 2023 Sequoia, it's very likely the Tacoma and 4Runner are up next. But if Toyota follows the same truck-then-SUV order, 2023 might not be the year for the 4Runner's redesign and it will carry over mostly unchanged.
When the 4Runner does get redesigned, expect updated tech and new engines including a possible turbocharged four-cylinder and a hybrid option. The 4Runner will also receive styling similar to the new Sequoia and will likely ride on a smaller version of its platform called TNGA-F. The new frame should be lighter and more rigid, possibly improving the 4Runner's comfort and performance.
If you aren't into the 4Runner's classic looks or don't need its impressive off-road capability, there are a few alternatives to consider that perform better in city driving and offer more modernity. The newly redesigned Jeep Grand Cherokee and Ford Bronco boast solid off-road chops while offering lots of comfort and tech. There is also the Honda Passport, which has sufficient off-road capability for most and packs many modern features. If you'd like to know more about how the 4Runner performed during testing, check out our Expert Rating below to get our test team's full review of its performance, fuel efficiency and more.
Edmunds Expert Rating
Our VerdictThe Edmunds Vehicle Testing Team evaluates a fresh batch of vehicles every week, pairing objective assessments at our test track with real-world driving on city streets, freeways and winding roads. The data we gather results in our Expert Ratings. They’re based on 30-plus scores that cover every aspect of the automotive experience.
The 4Runner isn't the most polished SUV around, and its V6 is thirsty compared to the engines in a lot of similarly priced crossovers. Still, it's hard to find a vehicle that offers this much capability with this much utility and seating for up to seven people. The 4Runner isn't the SUV for everyone, but it might be perfect for some.
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How does the 4Runner drive? The 4Runner's performance is adequate. It's not terribly fast, but the engine and transmission are smooth. It can hold its own in traffic. The brakes are a bit jumpy, and there's some nosedive when you really mash the brake pedal, but you'll get used to it. Around corners, the 4Runner turns in quickly and provides a pleasing amount of stability for a truck-based SUV. Even so, car-like crossover SUVs are more nimble.
The 4Runner becomes a superstar if you're the sort who would take it off-road for exploring or adventure camping. Its multimode 4WD system, high ground clearance and special TRD features make it capable of taking on rocky trails. If that's important to you, then the 4Runner's otherwise mediocre performance will be more or less insignificant.
How comfortable is the 4Runner? You wouldn't be far off the mark if you sized up the 4Runner's comfort potential just by looking at it. You actually can judge this book by its cover. Its truck-based construction results in a somewhat bouncy and stiff ride. It's not terrible, but just about any other crossover SUV rides more smoothly.
The same goes for wind noise as the 4Runner's boxy shape stirs up more than the generally sleeker and more low-slung competition. Interestingly, road noise from the tires is relatively tame because the body-on-frame construction provides an extra layer of sound suppression between road and cabin.
How’s the interior? Living with a 4Runner is a pretty pleasant experience, but it has one fairly obvious drawback: its tall ride height. That makes getting in and out somewhat difficult, though side steps are available to help out. It's really no worse than any full-size pickup in this regard, but other crossover SUVs are easier to access.
Once you're inside, you'll find easy-to-understand controls and a highly adjustable driving position that affords a commanding view ahead. There's plenty of space in both the front and back rows. Visibility to the sides and back is surprisingly good because of the 4Runner's squared-off shape and windows.
How’s the tech? The 4Runner's touchscreen audio system has clear graphics and numerous fixed shortcut buttons that make it easy to drill down into the menus without staring at the screen as much. It also supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. Standard driver aids include traffic-adaptive cruise control and forward collision mitigation.
How’s the storage? The 4Runner's squared-off cargo area is big. Fold the rear seats down and you can even roll out sleeping bags back there. Cargo can be accessed by opening the hatch, of course, or by lowering the 4Runner's power rear window.
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, but little kids will have a hard time climbing up into the cabin. Towing capacity is 5,000 pounds, a useful figure that covers most boats and many small camping trailers. The vehicle is also prewired for not only four-pin but also seven-pin trailer plugs that come on trailers with electric trailer brakes.
How’s the fuel economy? The aging 4.0-liter V6 engine and five-speed automatic make for a rather thirsty pairing that does no better than 17 mpg combined (16 city/19 highway). This is, on average, 4 mpg worse than rival crossover SUVs with all-wheel drive.
Is the 4Runner a good value? The 4Runner costs more than some of the crossovers it competes with, but in return you get more in terms of off-highway and towing performance. It also has a strong resale value, so much of the extra you'll pay up front will come back when you move on to something else later on.
While you own it, you'll have two years of free scheduled maintenance for things such as oil changes and tire rotations. The warranty, should you ever need it, is fairly standard. The 4Runner's big downside occurs at the pump, which you will be visiting often because its EPA-estimated fuel economy is in the teens in both the city and on the highway.
On the road, it's fine. It gets you there. The fun comes in when you take it off-road. As every other SUV has descended into crossover pavement-and-snow mediocrity, the 4Runner still waves the flag for the body-on-frame SUV fans who want real off-road performance.
Toyota hasn't released official information on the 2023 Toyota 4Runner as of this writing. We'll update our recommendation if anything changes, but based on last year's 4Runner, we suggest going with the Trail Special Edition because it offers plenty of off-road capability when optioned with four-wheel drive and a few unique features including a Yakima roof rack, dark wheels, a sliding rear cargo deck, and a 40-quart cooler with tie-down straps. But if you're planning on hitting some serious trails, make sure to get one of the TRD Off-Road trims or the TRD Pro.
[Editor's note: The following information is based on last year's 4Runner and modified from what we know about the 2023 model. We will update this section once we have complete information.] The Toyota 4Runner is a midsize SUV available in eight trim levels: SR5, Trail Special Edition, TRD Sport, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited and TRD Pro. (TRD stands for Toyota Racing Development.)
