2026 Toyota 4Runner

If we could choose a tagline for the 2026 Toyota 4Runner, it would be "Prepared for Anything." OK, it doesn't roll off the tongue — Don Draper, we're not. But the 4Runner can tackle just about everything you throw at it, whether the task is dropping the kids at school, making the monthly big-box store run, battling a blizzard, or trekking across punishing terrain. This midsize SUV was redesigned last year, and this year it continues as a capable alternative to its relatively raw and unrefined rivals.

Edmunds spotlight: Unusual features of the 2026 4Runner

While it's true that you can't remove the 4Runner's roof and doors the way you can with a Ford Bronco or Jeep Wrangler, let's be honest: It's a hassle, and you probably wouldn't do so very often. Instead, thanks to a rear window that powers down into the liftgate and the 4Runner's available power sunroof, you open this SUV up, let the outside in, and enjoy a similar sense of carefree freedom in seconds. We also dig the available JBL Bluetooth speaker that you can remove from the dashboard to add a soundtrack to your on-foot adventure. You can get pretty far away from civilization, too, thanks to features like Crawl Control (an off-road low-speed cruise control system), a stabilizer disconnect mechanism (to improve wheel articulation), and an off-road surround-view camera system to better navigate treacherous terrain.

Competitors to consider

The 4Runner's primary competitors are the Bronco and Wrangler. The Ford and Jeep are available in two-door or four-door formats and with a removable top and doors. But they're not quite as refined or sophisticated as the 4Runner. You might also consider this SUV a budget-friendly alternative to the Toyota Land Cruiser. If you like the rugged, boxy look but have no plans to travel where cell signals fade, you might want a more asphalt-friendly crossover like a Honda Passport or Hyundai Santa Fe instead.

While the 4Runner is more agreeable in daily driving situations than its two main rivals, it still rides and handles more like a truck than a car. If you have no plans to head well off the beaten path, consider a crossover instead. But use the 2026 4Runner as Toyota intends, and you might never want to come home.