2024 Toyota 4Runner Expert Review
Reviewed by Billy Rehbock
The days of the 4Runner as we know it are numbered. The fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner first went on sale for 2010, and the 2024 model year will likely wrap up the SUV's production run. We expect a fully redesigned 2025 4Runner complete with new powertrains, platform, and design. Rivals include other burly off-road vehicles including the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler.
What's New
- 40th Anniversary trim is discontinued
- Terra paint color added for TRD Pro trim
- Lunar Rock and Lime Rush colors are discontinued
What We Think
After celebrating 40 years of the 4Runner for 2023, Toyota's off-road SUV will stick around for a little longer before a sixth-generation model is introduced. While many SUVs have moved over to unibody platforms, the 4Runner has remained true to its rugged roots with body-on-frame underpinnings.
The 4Runner is decidedly old school, which yields certain advantages. Burly capability results from the SUV's frame-based platform, four-wheel drive, and off-road technology. A naturally aspirated V-6 engine and archaic five-speed automatic transmission have proven their dependability over 14 years of service.
Despite Toyota's best efforts to keep the 4Runner fresh, its age is impossible to hide thanks to its thirsty powertrain, dated interior, and clumsy road manners. Infotainment and active driver assistance technology is lacking, too. The second row isn't as spacious as rivals, even if cargo capacity is competitive.
There are plenty of vehicles on the market that check all of the right boxes for daily two-row or three-row SUV duty. The 4Runner exists for folks who want off-road focus above all else. Although we're sad to see an era come to an end, we're looking forward to the next iteration of the 4Runner.
Performance and MPGs
Toyota outfits the 2024 4Runner with a 4.0-liter V-6 engine that develops 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic transmission sends power to a standard rear-wheel-drive setup or an available four-wheel-drive setup. Our test team has produced 0-60 mph times ranging from 7.5 to 8.0 seconds in the 4Runner's various iterations over the years. The EPA rates the 2023 4Runner at 16/19 mpg city/highway, which we expect to carry over into the new model year.
What To Expect for the Next 4Runner
For 2025, Toyota introduces a new generation of the 4Runner. The redesigned SUV sits on a new platform, and reworked suspension should improve ride quality. It will offer two four-cylinder powertrains, including a hybrid. Top it all off with a more modern safety suite and a new look inside and out. Further down the road, we suspect Toyota could offer the 4Runner as an EV.
Safety Ratings and Features
The IIHS gives the 2023 Toyota 4Runner top-notch crash test scores of Good in every category aside from the small overlap front driver-side test, where it was given a Marginal rating. In NHTSA testing, the 2023 4Runner received a four-star overall rating.
At a time when the Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 collection of active safety features is standard on many of the automaker's new models, the 4Runner makes do with the first-generation version of this suite. Every 4Runner receives automatic emergency braking, lane departure warning, automatic high-beams, and adaptive cruise control. Additional standard equipment on all trims includes blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and rear seat occupant warning. It's worth noting that the 4Runner's adaptive cruise control system only functions at speeds of 25 mph and higher.
Cargo Space and Interior Room
Toyota offers the 4Runner in two-row and three-row configurations, with seating for five or seven passengers. Legroom in the second and third rows is meager, but cargo space is impressive compared to rivals.
Technology
Toyota equips the 2024 4Runner with a standard 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on every trim level. Built-in navigation is available at higher trim levels. Toyota distributes five USB ports throughout the cabin. Eight-speaker audio is equipped on lower trim levels and a 15-speaker arrangement from JBL is available.
Strong Resale Value
The Toyota 4Runner has some of the best resale values of any SUV on the market. According to our colleagues at IntelliChoice, the 4Runner retains 61.9 percent of its value after five years, likely aided by its off-road prowess and spacious interior. Improved powertrain and suspension refinement could make the SUV more desirable, however.
Recommended Trim
Toyota offers the 4Runner in seven trims ranging in price from around $41,800 to around $56,300: SR5, TRD Sport, SR5 Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium, Limited, and TRD Pro. We recommend passing up the 2024 4Runner's base SR5 trim in favor of the better-equipped SR5 Premium, which adds leatherette upholstery, heated and power-adjustable front seats, a split-folding second row, and auto-dimming rearview mirror. To get the full 4Runner experience, be sure to add four-wheel drive.
Key Competitors:
- <ul><li>Ford Bronco</li><li>Jeep Wranglertrend.com/cars/kia/sorento/">Kia Sorento</a></li><li>Honda Passport
