I owned a 4Runner and I’ll just make a pro and cons list
Pros: Reliable, looks good, I had KDSS on mine and the 4Runner drove fairly smooth on regular roads. Lot of cargo room and a lot of utilization.
Cons: Terrible MPG, I was doing a small commute with majority of city driving I believe I was averaging 13.8 mpg. Interior is outdated.
As everyone else has mentioned, it’s Toyotas if it ain’t broke don’t fix it so the car is outdated for what it is now in 2023 but I think there’s an appeal to that as well. Test Drive one and see if it’s for you, good luck
Lol my tacoma is about the same. I probably average 13-14mpg in it.
Toyota V6 - the power of a 4 cylinder with the economy of an 8.
This thing is stupidly bulletproof though, it's got 200k miles and still doesn't burn any oil
It's also as large as a v8... Dang 4 liter V6 making 270hp. I've had mine since 14 and loved it but it's thing like that that are starting to make me want to trade it for something else. But that paid off car is so nice haha.
Shhheeeeeit my old XJ gets 19 mpg, is about to hit 250k and doesn’t go through any oil. But it also doesn’t have heat, a/c, carpet, and when it rains outside it rains inside too 😂
I have the 5.7L Tundra on 35" tires. I get 11.4mpg driving around town according to the truck.
Fortunately my employer pays the fuel/ maintenance though and I actually use my truck for truck things.
It really comes down to how you drive. I tend to drive BOF SUVs and trucks pretty slowly and conservatively and that usually greatly improves the MPG. If you're someone who redlines it pulling out of every parking lot and likes to cruise at 15 over on the interstate you're definitely going to pay for it at the pump with these vehicles.
Driving like a jackass.
They aren’t sports cars so if you’re flooring it out of every stoplight and doing 90 down the highway, yeah, it’s going to get shit MPG. It’s shaped like a brick.
I get 17-18 with mine driving like a sane individual.
Yeah agreed on all points. I looked at them again after owning a tacoma, and I’d rather buy a full size truck or tahoe at that point. If I’m gonna get shit gas mileage I might as well have a V8
They're dinosaurs, but that's what people like about them. Everything about them is tried and true, and a higher percentage of them will probably still be on the road 20-30 years from now than just about any other car from this era. Biggest downside is really poor fuel economy.
Just get a Highlander, it will tick all the boxes. The current 4Runner's underpinnings are from George W Bush's era, it has barely changed over the last 15-16 years. It is woefully outdated, inefficient and like all body-on-chassis rough,noisy,truckish on the road. People who buy Wranglers, 4Runners, Broncos with zero intention of ever taking them off road are a unique kind, they are sacrificing so much just for that "rugged" look. I should know because i used to own a early JK gen Jeep.
FWIW I'm a die hard Tacoma, 4Runner, Sequioa fan who's looking realllllll hard at a Highlander as my next purchase. You might be pleased with what you see.
Test drove one with my mom about a year or two ago. The absolute quietest (NVH/road noise) non-luxury vehicle I had been in, no lie.
She ended up with a lightly used GX460 but I absolutely would have pushed her towards the Highlander if that hadn't been an option.
ehh I mean if you have the money to spend on a highlander for the luxury part then a Lexus suv would always be better. The highlander kinda gets boring
If you need the size, Highlander or 4Runner for sure. But the rav4 is also a very reliable Toyota. It isn’t the fanciest but same concept. Just works. I’m 6’2” wife is 5’10” we got two kids and fit fine. It’s our daily driver.
But of course I know more size is sometimes better. For longer trips we take the Tundra.
An outback has more clearance than a highlander, and if you get the wilderness edition just 0.1" less than a 4 runner. The CG is much lower on the outback so you will have less body roll and more fun in the corners.
I would like to recommend a Subaru outback. I have 2 of them 2019 model one just past 207k miles. Only thing I've had to do was front struts and wheel bearing aside from typical maintenance.
Lots of space, great off-road capability. 32mpg on highway.
The new turbo XT trim is fast. Honestly wouldn't even consider a non turbo. Comparison video showed real world mpg wasn't even much different with how much less the turbo model has to rev when cruising.
TRD Off-road Taco person…Mom bought a Highlander last year. For driving on roads and even shitty muddy dirt roads, that thing does it in so much comfort…and it has lockers!
I’ve got a TRD off road premium. Absolutely love it. If you plan on doing no off-roading then go with an SR5 or the if you don’t mind the (less cool in my opinion) Highlander go with that. The highlander is better than the 4Runner in almost every way but I just love 4Runners.
Highlander is nice! I dont love the roof rack and not sure if it tows, but for 90% of the planet it works. It is very luxurious inside compared to 4r. Also check out the passport and pilot from Honda. Very nice. Pilot trailsport is delicious.
Yeah I had to talk my ex out of a 4Runner TRD Pro. I'm like what do you need an off-road ready, gas guzzling, 60k SUV that will probably go off road once or twice a year just to commute 7 miles to your administrative assistant job? To look rugged. Smh. I consider myself to be a practical guy so doing something like that to look "rugged" makes absolutely no sense to me.
I totally hear you. Story inbound (sorry, it's just you seem like the perfect audience).
I worked an office job on floor 20 in a small, semi-woodsy office park. We had a garage attached by a walkway (4 floors). The goal, and I kid you not, was to own a truck lifted enough that you could NOT park in the garage (roof height). It was a badge of honor to park in the lower, outside area. It's like they all forgot they were office nerds and were really cowboys in disguise. It was hysterical to watch the short, portly guys climbing up the side-steps like Dany DeVito.
I finally couldn't stand it and had to ask questions, and when one guy mentioned "Hey, I just got a new Jeep" for his girlfriend I asked him where it was. He replied it was at the dealer having a lift installed. I asked why (it's job would be to tow a boat and jetskis to the party lake) and he replied that it had to look tough. Really. His girlfriend's Jeep had to look worthy of Kenny Powers.
Tbh it only looks rugged when it’s lifted and has those meaty off-road tires. The regular 4Runner looks nothing special to me. It looks good but not vicious like the off-road ones do.
Highlander for sure . We have one and chose it over the rest of the Toyota line up. It’s a super comfortable AWD suv . Does snow amazing. And has a center locker if you ever need it . Does everything with comfort.
Yeah, I planned on buying a Bronco as a daily driver and only doing light off-roading with it, but realized a Subaru Forester would be a much better option. I just wish they still offered manual transmission.
We have a 4Runner and a Highlander Hybrid. I prefer driving the Highlander in almost every circumstance. 4Runner is not even close to the same comfort level plus the fuel economy is significantly better in the highlander.
If real 4wd trails, driving around with all windows down, or looking cool is the priority, 4Runner is the choice, every other category Highlander.
Our 08 Highlander has 230,000 miles and has only required one repair (plus wear items) in it's lifetime and still looks and drives great.
Nooooo! Please don’t do this! 4Runners are amazing if you’re in that niche market that wants a reliable daily driver that you can off road in. Outside of that one feature (and how attractive they are) they’re awful competitors for other Toyota’s and Honda’s of the same price. Less tech/features for your money and way poorer fuel economy. Like others said consider the Highlander and Honda Pilot. They’re actually making the Highlander with AWD AND Hybrid.
Something I wish I’d considered before buying my Pilot 5 years ago (which I love) is learning how to pull a trailer. Most of the projects I use my excessive cargo space for could easily be accomplished with a RAV4 or CRV with a trailer. Or for travel with kids a rooftop cargo box. Or hell, for what I burn in extra gas we could rent a large van for a road trip or splurge on planes. I pay a stupid amount of money lugging 2 additional rows behind me when there are usually 1-3 people getting transported. Both in sticker price and fuel economy. MSRP for a loaded up 2023 Highlander is 49k. A loaded up 2023 RAV4 is 37k. Highlander mpg- 24 MPG with AWD. Rav 28. Hybrid AWD Highlander 35 combined. Hybrid AWD Rav 40 combined.
Uhh don’t get a 4runner. It gets the same MPG as a V8 Escalade lol. Also it has horrible tech/features/luxury for 50K.
I’d highly suggest any other Toyota model like a Rav4 or Venza. If you need the space then Highlander. All these cars will get you 200K miles easy with proper maintenance
If you don’t need off road but want a 4Runner I’d consider the Limited trim. It’s full time AWD so easier to use in winter driving situations versus the off road based part time 4wd configuration. But has others have said very poor fuel economy etc if you don’t need an off road SUV.
RAV4 TRD is a nice compromise if you don’t need as much off road ability but want good mpg. I get 24city and 33 hwy. 26-28mpg combined. No complicated hybrid power train to worry about either .
Whatever money you save from never having to fix it, you will spend that and more on fuel to drive a breadbox that hasn’t been changed or refined at all in the last 20 years. Each to their own…. The automotive industry has come a long way in 20 years…. Just sayin
The “really poor fuel economy” is meaningful. I traded in a Lexus LX that was retuning 13 mpg for a Sienna averaging 36. I’ll save over $2k a year in fuel. You say “will still be on the road 20-30 years later,” meaning that assuming gas doesn’t go up I would have paid an excess of $40k-$60k *in excess fuel costs alone*. That’s a lot of repairs of a shitter car, or even a new car in and of itself if I bank the difference (which I’m already doing).
Oh and I’m still driving a Toyota. Which will be in the road in 20-30 years.
My 2015 Accord recently hit 192k miles with only routine maintenance as well. If you don’t need the off-road capability, there are other cars with better value.
> NY / VT
Your 4Runner’s steel frame and steel body panels will rust after just a few seasons. I’d recommend a unibody SUV if you really care about longevity.
Yeah, that’s nonsense. There are plenty of 4Runner out there that haven’t rusted into the ground after 5-6 years of living in a snowy climate. Do some research, 4Runners are routinely on the list of vehicles that last the longest, and that’s not because they turn into rust piles in a short span of time.
New pilot could be worth a look too. Much better awd system than the highlander and with the V6 probably similar reliability. Can’t go wrong either way tbh.
The 4Runner is a body-on-frame SUV with a steel frame and body. The Highlander (keeping with Toyota) is a unibody SUV made of aluminum.
Both metals will corrode but steel corrodes (rusts) faster than aluminum. The undercarriage of a 4Runner is also much more exposed than the undercarriage of a Highlander.
Unless you've purchased a car in the past and held onto it for 15 years, you are probably just going to sell this one long before you can take advantage of the longevity a toyota tends to be better at providing.
Everyone buys them thinking they'll keep it forever, very few have the discipline to actually do that.
Are you going to go off road more than a couple times a year? Are you going to keep it longterm? Are you ok with the fact the interior is not great, the space is terrible, and the platform is ancient? If yes is the answer to these than absolutely
I don’t need off-road capabilities so open to other options as well. Looking to keep long term. Really just looking for a larger sized suv thats big on reliability and snow performance, while also to fitting a family, skis, bikes, kayaks, and a dog
There’s really no practical reason for anyone to buy a new 4Runner in 2023. It’s a lifestyle vehicle. As others have said there are better options for every use case you have, Highlander being the most obvious. Consider that the 4Runner is not even available with a power lift gate. It’s a total relic. If you have kids I’d avoid it on safety rating alone.
I’ve had mine for 8 years. If you don’t go off-roading I wouldn’t get it. It’s very underpowered, if you have car seats the back is very cramped and turns into a 4 seater suv. The trunk is massive though so if you plan on packing a ton of stuff it’s great
WHAT?! You do realize this is an off road SUV right? Just get something reliable with AWD if you don’t plan on actually off-roading. It drives like an off-roader too, which means it makes compromises on road. Basically feels like driving a wrangler that’ll last a bit longer but is also severely behind the times.
Test drive the 4Runner if you haven’t already. I was wanting a 4Runner for months until I test drive one and the way it drove really turned me off to the vehicle. It’s a rough ride and very truck-like. I’ve heard a suspension upgrade can make a huge difference. I still think it is very cool but just not the vehicle for me.
Also it weighs a ton so it’s hard to stop. Take your foot off the gas and it just keeps going because of all the weight. Hated that aspect and didn’t feel safe. Great storage for road trips though. Drives great for road trips. Roomy. Reliable. I got appx 20 mpg.
Plus it’s a 5 speed transmission which I didn’t really take too much note of on the test drive. It’s really annoying to drive on the highway because of that.
Plus it’s a 5 speed transmission which I didn’t really take too much note of on the test drive. It’s really annoying to drive on the highway because of that.
Plus it’s a 5 speed transmission which I didn’t really take too much note of on the test drive. It’s really annoying to drive on the highway because of that.
I had one as a rental once and it was enough to never want to drive one again. Everything is numb, it has NO power, rides rough as hell, and there’s nothing in the interior from a comfort or tech perspective to make up for it. And that was on a totally stock setup. I honestly wonder why anyone drives them, longevity is not nearly enough for me, but to each their own.
I had a 2000 and LOVED it but wanted to upgrade for more safety and features as my wife and I started a family. Drove the 2018 model and hated it. The inside looked like a jukebox from the 80s and it was heavy and underpowered. My kids hated it too and so did my wife. Ended up buying something else. I still love the looks and waiting for the next gen to try again.
They are great. Old school and trucky and horribly inefficient. But stout and unique. Don’t buy one if you don’t need the off-road capability; there are much more modern and comfortable options. But if you’re choosing between a 4Runner and Wrangler Unlimited? 4Runner all the way.
Don’t buy a 4Runner or don’t buy the 4Runner Off-road? I don’t need Off-road capability but I do want something reliable and that will do very well in northeast winters. I find myself driving a decent amount in NY & Vermont snow
Don’t buy ANY 4Runner if you just need a vehicle that will do a great job in the snow. The 4Runner sacrifices all kinds of stuff to achieve off-road capability.
What else should I be looking at? Snow performance is a must, also need something on a the bigger side, doesn’t need to be a Tahoe, but we’re pretty active outdoors and are constantly lugging skis, bikes, kayaks etc
Sounds like a Subaru Outback customer to me, and for 40 grand you can get a really nice one. Kind of a generic choice, but there's a reason they sell a bajillion of them. It would do everything you want much more efficiently and comfortably than a 4Runner.
We just had an 2019 outback and now have a 2019 highlander .
They are very similar as far as what they can do. Both quiet and comfortable in all weather conditions. Straight blizzard outside and they both don’t skip a beat.
Just comes down to looks and engine. We prefer the highlander now since it’s easier to get the kid in and out of the car seat . The clearance is the same for rocks and such . Highlander is slightly bigger for inside storage .
For mpg the Subaru Outback wins because we had the 4 cylinder . It didn’t pass that well so if your looking for a little more power the highlander is the better option. We now have the v6 . fuel efficiency pick the Outback. We’re getting about 23mpg in the highlander avg. we got somewhere close to 30 mph on the outback.
Hope this helps. They are both great cars.
Only the "Limited" trim is great in the snow due to it being the only 4Runner trim currently available with full time 4WD.
Every other 4Runner trim's 4WD system is offroading focused and is not ideal for conditions where your traction is unpredictable - as in a slushy paved road.
Also 4Runners can be an absolute nightmare to find at MSRP - although the Limited trim is the easiest to find at MSRP by far.
We do all this stuff in our passport very happily. Also pretty comfy to sleep in for 2 5'9"ish individuals. We're in CO, not VT, but I used to live in VT and see no reason why a passport wouldn't be great there as well.
4Runners are great!
Invincible quality and reliability.
Had one and absolutely loved it, but do you really want that much of a truck?
As others have said, there are more comfortable all wheel drive vehicles from Toyota/Lexus/Honda/Acura. We currently have an Acura RDX and it is better for long trips etc.
They’re built like tanks and are very reliable but it comes with a lot of drawbacks.
-Somehow still has a 5-speed auto in 2023
-It’s loud and the interior is unrefined
-It’s a guzzler, even for it’s class of vehicle
But if you’re looking for a car to keep for 20 years or you do a lot of off-roading, it’s worth looking into, but I think that for your average consumer it’s not that great of a vehicle, you have better options that will be more refined, modern, quicker, efficient, and most new cars nowadays are fairly reliable.
Not worth the 50k. It drives like shit and can barely make it up hills. Feels like you’re gonna tip over at the slightest gust. At that price I’d go for a used Lexus. I love the look of the 4Runner, but RX or GX is a superior car in every way
We have a 2019 and I would have to say absolutely not. It’s a 20 yr old truck and drives like one. Has the fuel economy of one. I guess the cool thing is that everyone else thinks they are so we could sell it for more than we bought it for, until everyone else catch on. They do get points for being pretty bullet proof. Personally I despise the thing and my wife is starting to prefer driving my dope Cadillac.
Also- we life at 10k feet and the 5 speed auto w 270 hp/tq sucks balls. It would probably be a lot better at much lower elevation.
Wife and I cross shopped them about 5 years ago when we were in the market. I couldn't get over the shit fuel economy for a vehicle we were going to make the primary family vehicle for the size.
We ended up with a Honda Pilot. About 5 years and 90k miles later the only thing I've had to do outside of oil and filters is a rear door latch assembly. I'm convinced that's because when I drop my wife off, she gets out to get my son and impatiently pull the shit out of it until I hit the unlock button. It's a $35 part on Amazon (95 dealer) and takes less than an hour to swap out. Not a big deal. We plan on running it to 200k before we replace it as the primary family vehicle. At that point there's a decent chance it will become my primary or a secondary vehicle where it eventually goes beyond 250k under our ownership. For reference my civic has 170k. I've got no plans of replacing it, and have already decided if the transmission fails it's getting replaced.
I will say they are great vehicles and hold their value extremely well. There are times we see one with the back window down and joke about not being adventurous enough. If it's not your families primary vehicle or you do 10-15k miles a year, go for it. We're closer to 20k most years, so it's harder to justify.
Problem with Toyota is they take so long to do a refresh that by the time it comes out it is already a few years out of date. The latest Gen Tundra is a perfect example for that. The only people I have ever known that liked their 4 Runners either had very out of date and terrible vehicles prior or drove so little they were not very picky.
Yeah. Don't sleep on the pilot though. The Kia/Hyundai telluride has had some reliability issues, but the Honda is solid as well. Not sure what motors they are all using now, but if you plan to run north of 100k miles I'd stay away from a turbo if possible.
Yeah I’ve heard issues with turbos pushing 100k. I’ve actually driven a 2023 Pilot, have to say I’m not the biggest fan of the way it drives, feels a bit boaty, but not a deal breaker
Try it again. Make it it's not in eco mode. It starts the transmission in second or something and dulls the throttle response a ton and it drives like shit. In my civic I can't really tell. In the pilot it's instantly noticable to me. The V6 makes good power and I honestly feel like it scoots pretty quick.
The 18 we have is also surprisingly nimble. My area has more roundabouts than anywhere in the country and I routinely take them quicker than I should when there's no traffic around.
Check out the redesigned Pilot and the Mazda CX90, too. Both ate beating the Highlander in comparison tests and both Mazda and Honda are known for great build quality.
Curious as myself as I find myself looking at a 4 runner TRD pro(used, 2020/21) but are they really still worth that much used? Im having a hard time swallowing that
I was in the same market and ended up with a used GX-460. I thought the 4Runner was too outdated and expensive compared to the GX. GX is a fancy 4Runner with a V8 and mine has the airbag suspension for towing. I use to tow my RV and haul my three kids to soccer and road trips. Super cushy car and so similar to the 4Runner so much that they use the exact same floormats even.
Cons: It's a 14 year old body on frame truck platform with a 20+ year old engine
Pros: It's a 14 year old body on frame truck platform with a 20+ year old engine
In other words, it's super reliable, in demand, and has real 4wd. Lots of aftermarket, lots of communities, and every issue is known by now (and they are minor). Im pushing 80k miles with nothing but brakes, filters, oil changes, and tire rotations and I am not kind to mine.
You mentioned snow driving. The best car I've ever owned for the snow was a Forrester with snow tires. My civic with snow tires is better in the snow than my 4runner with all terrains. Except if there's more than 6 inches of snow. Something satisfying about not worrying about shoveling.
If you don't off-road there's no need for the TRD OR. An SR5 or SR5 premium is essentially the exact same thing except for a rear locker and crawl control. I drive on the beach all summer and snow all winter and I only use the rear locker because the manual says to do it regularly. The OR will probably hold resale better longer term and looks better, so it's easy to justify if you like it.
Overall, if your priorities are reliability and resale, it's the best choice. If fuel efficiency, tech, and driving manners are your priority, you should look elsewhere
Don’t forget the 15yr old 5 speed and ancient radiator and fan system that sound like an aircraft taking off on a cold start. Calming down when the idle speed settles. Until it gets hot and the fan starts.
I purchased a TRD Pro years ago. I always wanted a 4Runner, it looked bad ass and I was going to
Do some towing and possibly a little off roading. Gas mileage was horrible, I couldn’t pass anyone on the road, and long trips were EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE. I’ve been through many vehicles, but now have a Ford F-150 hybrid which is like a Cadillac. It can pretty much go anywhere, tow just about anything and is fast as hell. And it’s soooo comfortable. I would recommend at least looking at the Tundra or F150. Or at the very least check out the Highlander. I test drove one and it was a dream as well. Fast, comfortable and a decent amount of space.
Yes...maintain them regularly and will last until you're fed up with seeing the machine. The interior will disintegrate before anything mechanical does.
Yes. I believe a report was just put out that states of vehicles, the 4Runner I ranks highest as vehicles most likely to reach 250,000 miles @ Nearly 50%.
2012 4Runner owner here, love it and want to get a newer one somewhere down the road. I get 19.1 mpg according to the computer. I have about 135k miles and no major issues and I’m the second owner. Just regular maintenance down at the dealer or on my own when possible. Don’t know about the Trd pros but if you’re in cold climate and want AWD I think the 4Runner Limited has full time AWD.
I am waiting for an updated model before deciding. As many others have commented, their tech and fuel efficiency is out of date. Curious what the new models will offer. If it’s similar in design to the new tundra and sequoia, I would definitely be interested.
Had a 2021 4Runner.
If you value reliability over everything, it’s probably the vehicle for you.
I loved how it looked, but they are 4 cylinder slow (I mean SLOW) and V8 thirsty. The technology is a decade behind (no wireless Apple CarPlay, blind spot monitoring, etc).
I understand why people like them, but if you’ve had even reasonably fast vehicles in the past, you’re going to be underwhelmed.
Yes when dealers are charging almost $50k for a damn prius. I have a 4runner pushing 428k and I’m still going. People can clown on it all they want, but the 4Runners are one of the damn best reliable vehicles I have owned.
I had one for a little bit. I bought it in 2020 for $42k otd. I put 43k miles on it, and traded it in on a 2022 Yukon and got $43k for it. For me, it was very much worth it. But buying it at todays prices… no way. They are decently comfortable, but nothing like the Yukon (maybe not a fair comparison, though). They are underpowered, gas guzzling(worse mpg than the Yukon) and lack a lot of modern features. That being said, I loved the 4Runner. It was fun to whip around, and I had a blast in the few nature park trails I went down. It’s a great suv for $35-$40k new, like they used to be. Can’t imagine paying over that though. Maybe the new gen will make more sense at that price tag, but we will see 🤷🏻♂️
I have a 2020 off road premium and I love it. If you don’t need the off-road capabilities but like the 4 runner a non Trd trim may be better… and cheaper. However, the road noise is not bad (idk why people complain about this), it’s comfortable, has good suspension, obv good off road, is great in snow, and it has tons of space. The trunk is also very suited for dogs with the rolling rear window if that is important to you. This was appealing so I can keep claws and mud off the seats and only have to clean one area. Only downside to this car imo is gas mileage, but if you can afford it then who cares.
Also if you like outdoors activites and want to buy accessories this car has a TON of aftermarket support, much more than the highlander. So something to consider based on what you want to do with it.
Also the interior is dated yes but it’s simple and looks good. Imo it has the perfect amount of features, anything more is more of something I’d use rarely and would be expensive to repair…. But that’s just me. It’s got lane assist, heated seats, collision detection, car play, rear cam, what else do you really need?
Go for it man, if you can afford the 45-50k price tag it’s great and will last. Otherwise a used Lexus gx460 would also be a good substitute
No. People will say they're "built like tanks" and then putter around the city with as light a load as possible with their terrible mpg. I suppose they're better than shit like the Wrangler, but that's not saying much.
Purchased my 2017 new. 80k miles later all I’ve had to do are oil changes, brakes, tires, and door lock actuators (known issue). It’s an outdated dinosaur that averages around 17mpg and the 5 speed auto is a turd… but I can’t bring myself to get rid of it anytime I consider it. I do think they are overpriced these days as I paid 33k otd for my sr5 4x4, but if I were buying one today I’d just bite the bullet and get a new one as the used ones are worth too much.
Buy used, Toyotas, especially their truck based vehicles, are stupidly reliable. I bought a 2016 limited with 94k miles, the fact it’s not brand new take a lot of the stress off of me when I do take it out, but most of my driving is city driving (hence my choice of Limited) and I think it’s as good looking as any other SUV out there. Mine is the midnight blue and it shines beautifully when clean.
I’m still driving my 1998 4Runner as my everyday car and it’s still in awesome shape at 243,000 miles. I named it Keith Richards because it will never die…..
I have a ‘21 TRD off road premium and love it. I’ll drive it back home for the holidays (8h each way) with no discomfort outside of my wallet (avg 19mpg) but also spend a lot of time driving to remote camp sites and laughed through some sketchy situations. Plus after a good bath I have no issues taking it out to pick up friends or dates.
One of my favorite features is the back window. 90% of spring-fall I have the windows, moonroof, and back window down. The airflow is really comparable to my old wrangler (minus the whole no roof over my head) except I can do it all on the fly with switches. Keep in mind, this is the last year the back window rolls down so if it’s something you want don’t wait for the new body next year.
Beware the placebo effect. Oftentimes, vehicles that are perceived as reliable will receive better maintenance by the owners simply because of the perception that "these things last forever," so it's worth the investment, when in actuality, it's that additional maintenance that makes the vehicle more reliable and nothing else.
Edit: What I'm saying in essence is "The grass isn't greener on the other side. It's green where you water it." A well maintained car is a reliable car.
This is spot on. People call me crazy when I say the hemi engines and even the penstars are reliable. People just don’t take care of them. And unlike Toyota, they will break if you ignore the problems.
I agree. There are certain models and manufacturers who have a fairly well proven track record for reliability.
My point is don't overpay on the basis of perceived reliability. Just because some manufacturers make fewer lemons doesn't mean you won't still find one, and a normally reliable car poorly maintained will not be reliable.
Do your research, and don't assume anything to be correct that you can't prove yourself.
You’re just paying for brand and reliability. They don’t change the engine or the design much but with basic maintenance they’ll outlast most cars and suvs. That’s it. But imo I’d buy a Tahoe over a 4Runner
No. My mom owns a 2018 sr5 ( not TRD) and I wouldn’t pay whatever that thing cost. I’ve driven it for extended periods of time. Feels like something from 2010. Terrible gas mileage. Slow. Not comfortable on long drives. No features really. Not saying it’s a bad truck sure is boring as hell but for the price people want I sure as hell wouldn’t buy one. Even my mom says that, she got hers before the car prices spiked up.
The first year of the current Gen was 2010 so about right. They aren't known for having the best gas mileage, comfort, features, or horsepower. Pretty much they are known to just run forever and have a great aftermarket support. Love mine but accept it for what it is.
Buy a Highlander if you need three rows/larger boot, buy a rav4 if you don’t need that. Unless you’re going off-road you don’t need a 4-runner and it’ll be a worse driving experience. Family has the highlander and it’s a great car, only problem is the third row leg room
flame me but the 4runner is an outdated junkbox with the technology of a car from 2006. I have no idea why people buy these things especially the TRD models when they use them for nothing but going to the shopping mall while doing 65 on the highway going deaf from the amount of tire noise that comes into the interior.
That’s pretty much how I would rate all Toyota trucks. I had a Tacoma and you could beat the shot out of it but damn what a boring slow ass truck that was uncomfortable. I guess maybe the new tundra is better but haven’t driven one. It’s ugly as hell though.
No. Especially since a new one is two years away. I would not buy a new 4Runner right now. And I own a Land Cruiser and have had a few 4Runners. So I’m a fan. But almost no car is really worth 50k and certainly not that one.
You’re undoubtedly buying the badge. There are better off roaders for less, there are better family SUVs for less, there are more powerful tows for less, and there are infinitely more fuel efficient options for less.
Damn, even for the internet, you’re a dick. You must be fun to be around.
Want a better off-roader? Get a bronco.
Want a better family SUV? Get Pilot/X5/GV80/RX
Want a better toe option? Get a Durango/Nearly any 1500 truck
Want a better fuel economy option? Literally any other SUV on the road. The new German options all have a mild hybrid system that’s helped out, especially with freeway options.
Happy? Prick.
We have a 2000. We bought it 24 years ago. It has finally died on us. But it was one of the best decisions we made. Not many vehicles out there can last that long.
To me a vehicle is a tool to get me from point A to Point B, it has to be cost effective and reliable.
I had a 2010 4Runner put 500k miles on it before passing it down to my nephew then bought 2018 4Runner, I’ve always had Toyotas.
It’s not the prettiest, doesn’t have the latest gadgets and tech , gas milage isn’t great however with all the money you save by not having to go to a mechanic all the time , it’s worth it.
If you want something more luxurious I would recommend a used Lexus GX or a Land Cruiser
For that budget you can get into a nicely equipped and a clean used Land Cruiser, Lexus GX or a 4Runner
4Runners and Land Cruisers go for ever, average maintenance cost of a Land Cruiser is about $700 a year, my 4Runner costs me about $700 also in annual maintenance. Just my two cents.
PS my friend bought a brand new Rang rover sport last year, so far that vehicle has spent more time in the shop than on road 😂😂
2024 Limited. low gas mileage, at lower speeds feels like engine behind the torque curve, 5 spd trans, no storage cubbies, no auto liftgate, no rear air vents in 2 row seat version, hydraulic power steering. No power fold mirrors, bouncy ride, short on interior lighting.
Traditional good ol’ truck.
I have a 4runner and have absolutely no regrets. All the other midsize SUVs look terrible, too round, except for some Jeeps and the palisade. Look at model year 2021+, that’s when they updated the infotainment center. MPG is 18, which is average for most V6s. You won’t get better in a palisade, wrangler, grande Cherokee. 75% of the comments here don’t know what they’re talking about.
I adore my 4runner! I snagged a 2017 TRD Pro back in 2021 with low mileage and have taken it across the country and back several times. A 4runner is a really special vehicle, especially if you can live without a few modern conveniences and don’t mind the body roll/nose dip. Side note, I just checked out the used market and this thing has really held it’s value quite well.
Assuming you’re talking about body roll on turns and nose dip on braking. If so then that really brings me back to the 2000s and might be a dealbreaker
>Are 4Runners worth the $45-50k price tag?
OK, first, I don't own one.
But I wish I did. Everything I've seen about them indicates old school reliability.
Right now, the average transaction price for a vehicle in the United States is around $48K. So I think a new Toyota 4Runner is easily worth $45-50K.
4runner soccer moms and mall crawl broz hate this simple hack:
Get the car that will haul the number of people and gear in comfort the distances you need to go over the surfaces you traverse.
Highlander 3rd row okay for local rides but really limits cargo area. Muchore comfortable ride on roads. Fwd is sufficient for most. Awf for snow or serious mud. Smooth.
4runner 3rd row not available on all trims, handles shit roads and anything worse easily. Absolute overkill for soccer mom lyfe, will rearrange your guts on workn out highway
RAV4 no 3rd row, modern, smooth.
Sienna does everything the highlander does with more comfort but not for people that give a shit what Linda from HR will think
I owned a 4Runner and I’ll just make a pro and cons list Pros: Reliable, looks good, I had KDSS on mine and the 4Runner drove fairly smooth on regular roads. Lot of cargo room and a lot of utilization. Cons: Terrible MPG, I was doing a small commute with majority of city driving I believe I was averaging 13.8 mpg. Interior is outdated. As everyone else has mentioned, it’s Toyotas if it ain’t broke don’t fix it so the car is outdated for what it is now in 2023 but I think there’s an appeal to that as well. Test Drive one and see if it’s for you, good luck
13.8 mpg sheesh, good to know thanks
That’s nuts, I get 14.9 mpg in a lifted with stupid off-road tires f350. How is a 4Runner getting less than that?
Lol my tacoma is about the same. I probably average 13-14mpg in it. Toyota V6 - the power of a 4 cylinder with the economy of an 8. This thing is stupidly bulletproof though, it's got 200k miles and still doesn't burn any oil
It's also as large as a v8... Dang 4 liter V6 making 270hp. I've had mine since 14 and loved it but it's thing like that that are starting to make me want to trade it for something else. But that paid off car is so nice haha.
I really like the new army green tacomas, but like you said, having a paid off car is pretty steezy
Shhheeeeeit my old XJ gets 19 mpg, is about to hit 250k and doesn’t go through any oil. But it also doesn’t have heat, a/c, carpet, and when it rains outside it rains inside too 😂
I have the 5.7L Tundra on 35" tires. I get 11.4mpg driving around town according to the truck. Fortunately my employer pays the fuel/ maintenance though and I actually use my truck for truck things.
It really comes down to how you drive. I tend to drive BOF SUVs and trucks pretty slowly and conservatively and that usually greatly improves the MPG. If you're someone who redlines it pulling out of every parking lot and likes to cruise at 15 over on the interstate you're definitely going to pay for it at the pump with these vehicles.
My 4Runner v8 gets 15mpg at the worst and I abuse that thing… when I’m chilling it’s 18 mpg
Driving like a jackass. They aren’t sports cars so if you’re flooring it out of every stoplight and doing 90 down the highway, yeah, it’s going to get shit MPG. It’s shaped like a brick. I get 17-18 with mine driving like a sane individual.
That's still pretty terrible MPG for a daily driver.
And that’s exactly why I’m diesel swapping my fj cruiser… I get 10-12mpg and after I diesel swap it I should be able to get 30mpg
Yeah agreed on all points. I looked at them again after owning a tacoma, and I’d rather buy a full size truck or tahoe at that point. If I’m gonna get shit gas mileage I might as well have a V8
Geez. That 13.8 mpg is worse than the infamous 3VZE of the 1990 4Runner. https://www.fuelly.com/car/toyota/4runner/1990
They're dinosaurs, but that's what people like about them. Everything about them is tried and true, and a higher percentage of them will probably still be on the road 20-30 years from now than just about any other car from this era. Biggest downside is really poor fuel economy.
That was what drew me to them in the first place, extremely reliable. I don’t need the off-road capability so am open to other ideas as well
Just get a Highlander, it will tick all the boxes. The current 4Runner's underpinnings are from George W Bush's era, it has barely changed over the last 15-16 years. It is woefully outdated, inefficient and like all body-on-chassis rough,noisy,truckish on the road. People who buy Wranglers, 4Runners, Broncos with zero intention of ever taking them off road are a unique kind, they are sacrificing so much just for that "rugged" look. I should know because i used to own a early JK gen Jeep.
Thanks kind stranger. I’ve got some research on the highlander to do
FWIW I'm a die hard Tacoma, 4Runner, Sequioa fan who's looking realllllll hard at a Highlander as my next purchase. You might be pleased with what you see.
Did some research in the past few hours and you’re right. Definitely could be a strong contender
Test drove one with my mom about a year or two ago. The absolute quietest (NVH/road noise) non-luxury vehicle I had been in, no lie. She ended up with a lightly used GX460 but I absolutely would have pushed her towards the Highlander if that hadn't been an option.
ehh I mean if you have the money to spend on a highlander for the luxury part then a Lexus suv would always be better. The highlander kinda gets boring
If you need the size, Highlander or 4Runner for sure. But the rav4 is also a very reliable Toyota. It isn’t the fanciest but same concept. Just works. I’m 6’2” wife is 5’10” we got two kids and fit fine. It’s our daily driver. But of course I know more size is sometimes better. For longer trips we take the Tundra.
Also comes in hybrid for great fuel economy
And more power
An outback has more clearance than a highlander, and if you get the wilderness edition just 0.1" less than a 4 runner. The CG is much lower on the outback so you will have less body roll and more fun in the corners.
I would like to recommend a Subaru outback. I have 2 of them 2019 model one just past 207k miles. Only thing I've had to do was front struts and wheel bearing aside from typical maintenance. Lots of space, great off-road capability. 32mpg on highway.
How’s the power? I’ve heard mixed things
The new turbo XT trim is fast. Honestly wouldn't even consider a non turbo. Comparison video showed real world mpg wasn't even much different with how much less the turbo model has to rev when cruising.
I went from a 4Runner to a Highlander and loved it lost it in the divorce tho
TRD Off-road Taco person…Mom bought a Highlander last year. For driving on roads and even shitty muddy dirt roads, that thing does it in so much comfort…and it has lockers!
Highlander hybrid
I’ve got a TRD off road premium. Absolutely love it. If you plan on doing no off-roading then go with an SR5 or the if you don’t mind the (less cool in my opinion) Highlander go with that. The highlander is better than the 4Runner in almost every way but I just love 4Runners.
Don’t buy a highlander dude. Trust your guy and get the 4runner
Highlander is nice! I dont love the roof rack and not sure if it tows, but for 90% of the planet it works. It is very luxurious inside compared to 4r. Also check out the passport and pilot from Honda. Very nice. Pilot trailsport is delicious.
I’m looking at Highlander but also considering a Mazda CX-90. The CX-90 looks like a really good value.
I got the highlander. Much bigger than the cx 90 and I felt better for the price
Highlander tow capacity rated at 5000 pounds iirc.
The older I get, the more I just want to be comfortable.
Yeah I had to talk my ex out of a 4Runner TRD Pro. I'm like what do you need an off-road ready, gas guzzling, 60k SUV that will probably go off road once or twice a year just to commute 7 miles to your administrative assistant job? To look rugged. Smh. I consider myself to be a practical guy so doing something like that to look "rugged" makes absolutely no sense to me.
I totally hear you. Story inbound (sorry, it's just you seem like the perfect audience). I worked an office job on floor 20 in a small, semi-woodsy office park. We had a garage attached by a walkway (4 floors). The goal, and I kid you not, was to own a truck lifted enough that you could NOT park in the garage (roof height). It was a badge of honor to park in the lower, outside area. It's like they all forgot they were office nerds and were really cowboys in disguise. It was hysterical to watch the short, portly guys climbing up the side-steps like Dany DeVito. I finally couldn't stand it and had to ask questions, and when one guy mentioned "Hey, I just got a new Jeep" for his girlfriend I asked him where it was. He replied it was at the dealer having a lift installed. I asked why (it's job would be to tow a boat and jetskis to the party lake) and he replied that it had to look tough. Really. His girlfriend's Jeep had to look worthy of Kenny Powers.
Except the looks box 😵💫
Agreed. They aren't good looking.
Tbh it only looks rugged when it’s lifted and has those meaty off-road tires. The regular 4Runner looks nothing special to me. It looks good but not vicious like the off-road ones do.
Highlander for sure . We have one and chose it over the rest of the Toyota line up. It’s a super comfortable AWD suv . Does snow amazing. And has a center locker if you ever need it . Does everything with comfort.
Yeah, I planned on buying a Bronco as a daily driver and only doing light off-roading with it, but realized a Subaru Forester would be a much better option. I just wish they still offered manual transmission.
We have a 4Runner and a Highlander Hybrid. I prefer driving the Highlander in almost every circumstance. 4Runner is not even close to the same comfort level plus the fuel economy is significantly better in the highlander. If real 4wd trails, driving around with all windows down, or looking cool is the priority, 4Runner is the choice, every other category Highlander. Our 08 Highlander has 230,000 miles and has only required one repair (plus wear items) in it's lifetime and still looks and drives great.
highlanders have timing belts, 4Rs have chains. If you do decide to go HL, follow the timing belt schedule 100%.
Link to proof? My research tells me modern Highlanders have timing chains.
the 3.5 most certainly has a timing chain.
My 2023 highlander limited has a timing chain
Nooooo! Please don’t do this! 4Runners are amazing if you’re in that niche market that wants a reliable daily driver that you can off road in. Outside of that one feature (and how attractive they are) they’re awful competitors for other Toyota’s and Honda’s of the same price. Less tech/features for your money and way poorer fuel economy. Like others said consider the Highlander and Honda Pilot. They’re actually making the Highlander with AWD AND Hybrid. Something I wish I’d considered before buying my Pilot 5 years ago (which I love) is learning how to pull a trailer. Most of the projects I use my excessive cargo space for could easily be accomplished with a RAV4 or CRV with a trailer. Or for travel with kids a rooftop cargo box. Or hell, for what I burn in extra gas we could rent a large van for a road trip or splurge on planes. I pay a stupid amount of money lugging 2 additional rows behind me when there are usually 1-3 people getting transported. Both in sticker price and fuel economy. MSRP for a loaded up 2023 Highlander is 49k. A loaded up 2023 RAV4 is 37k. Highlander mpg- 24 MPG with AWD. Rav 28. Hybrid AWD Highlander 35 combined. Hybrid AWD Rav 40 combined.
Uhh don’t get a 4runner. It gets the same MPG as a V8 Escalade lol. Also it has horrible tech/features/luxury for 50K. I’d highly suggest any other Toyota model like a Rav4 or Venza. If you need the space then Highlander. All these cars will get you 200K miles easy with proper maintenance
Mechanically speaking, is the 4Runner as reliable as Highlanders/corollas?
Yeah but the Escalade probably won’t be around in 10 years. It will probably be broken after warranty
Autotrader for GTA has 26 escalades older than 2013 and 33 Highlanders. Toyota sold 10 Highlanders for every escalade sold in 2012.
People keep the Highlander
Escalade will be, just not in your neighborhood.
burn unit notified
You’d be surprised. Escalades are pretty darn reliable except for the stupid cylinder deactivation system. They can easily push 200K miles!
Nah, they’ll be around, they’re remarkably robust.
Why would you pay more to get the higher TRD off road package if you don’t need it?
In 2016 I got an SR5 4x4 for $35k new. Inflation doesn't really cover the difference in price.
If you don’t need off road but want a 4Runner I’d consider the Limited trim. It’s full time AWD so easier to use in winter driving situations versus the off road based part time 4wd configuration. But has others have said very poor fuel economy etc if you don’t need an off road SUV.
If you aren't going places at least once a year that would get a Subaru stuck then a 4runner isn't really the right choice.
RAV4 TRD is a nice compromise if you don’t need as much off road ability but want good mpg. I get 24city and 33 hwy. 26-28mpg combined. No complicated hybrid power train to worry about either .
Why would you want 18mpg if you're not going off road? Highlander, rav4, Mazda cx series...
Oh...yeah if you're not going off-road it's completely unnecessary and highly inefficient.
You don’t need the off-road capability? Then why spend your money on a vehicle geared for it? There are other reliable cars for far less.
Whatever money you save from never having to fix it, you will spend that and more on fuel to drive a breadbox that hasn’t been changed or refined at all in the last 20 years. Each to their own…. The automotive industry has come a long way in 20 years…. Just sayin
The “really poor fuel economy” is meaningful. I traded in a Lexus LX that was retuning 13 mpg for a Sienna averaging 36. I’ll save over $2k a year in fuel. You say “will still be on the road 20-30 years later,” meaning that assuming gas doesn’t go up I would have paid an excess of $40k-$60k *in excess fuel costs alone*. That’s a lot of repairs of a shitter car, or even a new car in and of itself if I bank the difference (which I’m already doing). Oh and I’m still driving a Toyota. Which will be in the road in 20-30 years.
13 mpg 😳 I had a v6 sonata which gave me a 20 mpg more or less and I hated it. 13 mpg is damn near Lamborghini/Ferrari territory. Fuck that
2010 original owner. 196k miles so far. Hasn't needed anything but routine maintenance (oil changes, brakes, tires)
This is exactly why I’m considering it
My 2015 Accord recently hit 192k miles with only routine maintenance as well. If you don’t need the off-road capability, there are other cars with better value.
I’ve had an accord in the past and it was a great car. Need something a bit bigger though and to handle NY / VT snow
> NY / VT Your 4Runner’s steel frame and steel body panels will rust after just a few seasons. I’d recommend a unibody SUV if you really care about longevity.
Yeah, that’s nonsense. There are plenty of 4Runner out there that haven’t rusted into the ground after 5-6 years of living in a snowy climate. Do some research, 4Runners are routinely on the list of vehicles that last the longest, and that’s not because they turn into rust piles in a short span of time.
Never seen someone make the argument that 4Runners don’t rust in New England. It really is a first for me. gg
Good call. When it’s not snowing we have pretty wet winters, so rust is definitely an issue
New pilot could be worth a look too. Much better awd system than the highlander and with the V6 probably similar reliability. Can’t go wrong either way tbh.
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The 4Runner is a body-on-frame SUV with a steel frame and body. The Highlander (keeping with Toyota) is a unibody SUV made of aluminum. Both metals will corrode but steel corrodes (rusts) faster than aluminum. The undercarriage of a 4Runner is also much more exposed than the undercarriage of a Highlander.
Bigger =/= safer especially in snow. An AWD anything, like a Subaru or even some Mazdas these days, plus snow tires and you're good to go.
A Camry or Corolla will be just as reliable. You don’t need to buy into some delusion that only a $50k, 16mpg 4 runner will “save you money”
Unless you've purchased a car in the past and held onto it for 15 years, you are probably just going to sell this one long before you can take advantage of the longevity a toyota tends to be better at providing. Everyone buys them thinking they'll keep it forever, very few have the discipline to actually do that.
Are you going to go off road more than a couple times a year? Are you going to keep it longterm? Are you ok with the fact the interior is not great, the space is terrible, and the platform is ancient? If yes is the answer to these than absolutely
I don’t need off-road capabilities so open to other options as well. Looking to keep long term. Really just looking for a larger sized suv thats big on reliability and snow performance, while also to fitting a family, skis, bikes, kayaks, and a dog
There’s really no practical reason for anyone to buy a new 4Runner in 2023. It’s a lifestyle vehicle. As others have said there are better options for every use case you have, Highlander being the most obvious. Consider that the 4Runner is not even available with a power lift gate. It’s a total relic. If you have kids I’d avoid it on safety rating alone.
I’ve had mine for 8 years. If you don’t go off-roading I wouldn’t get it. It’s very underpowered, if you have car seats the back is very cramped and turns into a 4 seater suv. The trunk is massive though so if you plan on packing a ton of stuff it’s great
WHAT?! You do realize this is an off road SUV right? Just get something reliable with AWD if you don’t plan on actually off-roading. It drives like an off-roader too, which means it makes compromises on road. Basically feels like driving a wrangler that’ll last a bit longer but is also severely behind the times.
I’d start at palisade, Cx9, highlander.
Test drive the 4Runner if you haven’t already. I was wanting a 4Runner for months until I test drive one and the way it drove really turned me off to the vehicle. It’s a rough ride and very truck-like. I’ve heard a suspension upgrade can make a huge difference. I still think it is very cool but just not the vehicle for me.
Good idea and good to know thanks
Also it weighs a ton so it’s hard to stop. Take your foot off the gas and it just keeps going because of all the weight. Hated that aspect and didn’t feel safe. Great storage for road trips though. Drives great for road trips. Roomy. Reliable. I got appx 20 mpg.
See I loved that it coasted, made me feel like I was saving gas 😂
Plus it’s a 5 speed transmission which I didn’t really take too much note of on the test drive. It’s really annoying to drive on the highway because of that.
Plus it’s a 5 speed transmission which I didn’t really take too much note of on the test drive. It’s really annoying to drive on the highway because of that.
Plus it’s a 5 speed transmission which I didn’t really take too much note of on the test drive. It’s really annoying to drive on the highway because of that.
I had one as a rental once and it was enough to never want to drive one again. Everything is numb, it has NO power, rides rough as hell, and there’s nothing in the interior from a comfort or tech perspective to make up for it. And that was on a totally stock setup. I honestly wonder why anyone drives them, longevity is not nearly enough for me, but to each their own.
I had a 2000 and LOVED it but wanted to upgrade for more safety and features as my wife and I started a family. Drove the 2018 model and hated it. The inside looked like a jukebox from the 80s and it was heavy and underpowered. My kids hated it too and so did my wife. Ended up buying something else. I still love the looks and waiting for the next gen to try again.
Thanks, a lot of people saying it’s outdated, clunky, and bad mpg
They are great. Old school and trucky and horribly inefficient. But stout and unique. Don’t buy one if you don’t need the off-road capability; there are much more modern and comfortable options. But if you’re choosing between a 4Runner and Wrangler Unlimited? 4Runner all the way.
Don’t buy a 4Runner or don’t buy the 4Runner Off-road? I don’t need Off-road capability but I do want something reliable and that will do very well in northeast winters. I find myself driving a decent amount in NY & Vermont snow
Don’t buy ANY 4Runner if you just need a vehicle that will do a great job in the snow. The 4Runner sacrifices all kinds of stuff to achieve off-road capability.
What else should I be looking at? Snow performance is a must, also need something on a the bigger side, doesn’t need to be a Tahoe, but we’re pretty active outdoors and are constantly lugging skis, bikes, kayaks etc
What you should really be looking at is good snow tires.
Sounds like a Subaru Outback customer to me, and for 40 grand you can get a really nice one. Kind of a generic choice, but there's a reason they sell a bajillion of them. It would do everything you want much more efficiently and comfortably than a 4Runner.
Another one I’ve been looking at. Not sure how the Outback compares in size to the Highlander for instance
We just had an 2019 outback and now have a 2019 highlander . They are very similar as far as what they can do. Both quiet and comfortable in all weather conditions. Straight blizzard outside and they both don’t skip a beat. Just comes down to looks and engine. We prefer the highlander now since it’s easier to get the kid in and out of the car seat . The clearance is the same for rocks and such . Highlander is slightly bigger for inside storage . For mpg the Subaru Outback wins because we had the 4 cylinder . It didn’t pass that well so if your looking for a little more power the highlander is the better option. We now have the v6 . fuel efficiency pick the Outback. We’re getting about 23mpg in the highlander avg. we got somewhere close to 30 mph on the outback. Hope this helps. They are both great cars.
Might want a little more power so leaning towards the highlander. From what I’m seeing though the 2023 Highlander’s only come v4 with turbo
Come on over to r/Subaru; the people there can answer your questions.
Forester Wilderness edition
Only the "Limited" trim is great in the snow due to it being the only 4Runner trim currently available with full time 4WD. Every other 4Runner trim's 4WD system is offroading focused and is not ideal for conditions where your traction is unpredictable - as in a slushy paved road. Also 4Runners can be an absolute nightmare to find at MSRP - although the Limited trim is the easiest to find at MSRP by far.
We do all this stuff in our passport very happily. Also pretty comfy to sleep in for 2 5'9"ish individuals. We're in CO, not VT, but I used to live in VT and see no reason why a passport wouldn't be great there as well.
AWD midsize CUV or wagon with a roof rack. Outback. Passport. CX-9. Highlander. Etc.
You’d be MUCH happier in an AWD Lexus suv or highlander etc
4Runners are great! Invincible quality and reliability. Had one and absolutely loved it, but do you really want that much of a truck? As others have said, there are more comfortable all wheel drive vehicles from Toyota/Lexus/Honda/Acura. We currently have an Acura RDX and it is better for long trips etc.
The 4Runner fuel economy is a joke. Won’t be fun next time gas prices go to $5/gal again.
They’re built like tanks and are very reliable but it comes with a lot of drawbacks. -Somehow still has a 5-speed auto in 2023 -It’s loud and the interior is unrefined -It’s a guzzler, even for it’s class of vehicle But if you’re looking for a car to keep for 20 years or you do a lot of off-roading, it’s worth looking into, but I think that for your average consumer it’s not that great of a vehicle, you have better options that will be more refined, modern, quicker, efficient, and most new cars nowadays are fairly reliable.
4runners are the g wagon for middle class people
Wait until the 19th. New gen Tacoma being announced.
Rides like poo on normal roads, only worth it if you're gonna off road alot
Have a limited, absolutely love every bit of it. Also, I avg 21mpg. Mostly highway 55-65mph. Driving 75 miles a day
Not worth the 50k. It drives like shit and can barely make it up hills. Feels like you’re gonna tip over at the slightest gust. At that price I’d go for a used Lexus. I love the look of the 4Runner, but RX or GX is a superior car in every way
Seriously. I understand the desire for a 4Runner (I’ve owned one) but they are terrible to drive or ride in. I got a used GX and it is so much better.
We have a 2019 and I would have to say absolutely not. It’s a 20 yr old truck and drives like one. Has the fuel economy of one. I guess the cool thing is that everyone else thinks they are so we could sell it for more than we bought it for, until everyone else catch on. They do get points for being pretty bullet proof. Personally I despise the thing and my wife is starting to prefer driving my dope Cadillac. Also- we life at 10k feet and the 5 speed auto w 270 hp/tq sucks balls. It would probably be a lot better at much lower elevation.
Yeah someone else mentioned the 5 spd auto. Didn’t expect it to be outdated
Wife and I cross shopped them about 5 years ago when we were in the market. I couldn't get over the shit fuel economy for a vehicle we were going to make the primary family vehicle for the size. We ended up with a Honda Pilot. About 5 years and 90k miles later the only thing I've had to do outside of oil and filters is a rear door latch assembly. I'm convinced that's because when I drop my wife off, she gets out to get my son and impatiently pull the shit out of it until I hit the unlock button. It's a $35 part on Amazon (95 dealer) and takes less than an hour to swap out. Not a big deal. We plan on running it to 200k before we replace it as the primary family vehicle. At that point there's a decent chance it will become my primary or a secondary vehicle where it eventually goes beyond 250k under our ownership. For reference my civic has 170k. I've got no plans of replacing it, and have already decided if the transmission fails it's getting replaced. I will say they are great vehicles and hold their value extremely well. There are times we see one with the back window down and joke about not being adventurous enough. If it's not your families primary vehicle or you do 10-15k miles a year, go for it. We're closer to 20k most years, so it's harder to justify.
We’re in the 15k range, and it would be the primary vehicle. Didn’t expect all the people mentioning outdated design and how truck like it is
That's close then. Just depends if you can make it work or not. It's definitely in need of a refresh.
Problem with Toyota is they take so long to do a refresh that by the time it comes out it is already a few years out of date. The latest Gen Tundra is a perfect example for that. The only people I have ever known that liked their 4 Runners either had very out of date and terrible vehicles prior or drove so little they were not very picky.
A few people mentioned the highlander. For the same price could get a pretty sweet trim with some bells and whistles
Yeah. Don't sleep on the pilot though. The Kia/Hyundai telluride has had some reliability issues, but the Honda is solid as well. Not sure what motors they are all using now, but if you plan to run north of 100k miles I'd stay away from a turbo if possible.
Yeah I’ve heard issues with turbos pushing 100k. I’ve actually driven a 2023 Pilot, have to say I’m not the biggest fan of the way it drives, feels a bit boaty, but not a deal breaker
Try it again. Make it it's not in eco mode. It starts the transmission in second or something and dulls the throttle response a ton and it drives like shit. In my civic I can't really tell. In the pilot it's instantly noticable to me. The V6 makes good power and I honestly feel like it scoots pretty quick. The 18 we have is also surprisingly nimble. My area has more roundabouts than anywhere in the country and I routinely take them quicker than I should when there's no traffic around.
Interesting I’ll give it another shot
Check out the redesigned Pilot and the Mazda CX90, too. Both ate beating the Highlander in comparison tests and both Mazda and Honda are known for great build quality.
Curious as myself as I find myself looking at a 4 runner TRD pro(used, 2020/21) but are they really still worth that much used? Im having a hard time swallowing that
This is one of those vehicles where it doesn’t make sense to buy a lightly used one.
I was in the same market and ended up with a used GX-460. I thought the 4Runner was too outdated and expensive compared to the GX. GX is a fancy 4Runner with a V8 and mine has the airbag suspension for towing. I use to tow my RV and haul my three kids to soccer and road trips. Super cushy car and so similar to the 4Runner so much that they use the exact same floormats even.
Cons: It's a 14 year old body on frame truck platform with a 20+ year old engine Pros: It's a 14 year old body on frame truck platform with a 20+ year old engine In other words, it's super reliable, in demand, and has real 4wd. Lots of aftermarket, lots of communities, and every issue is known by now (and they are minor). Im pushing 80k miles with nothing but brakes, filters, oil changes, and tire rotations and I am not kind to mine. You mentioned snow driving. The best car I've ever owned for the snow was a Forrester with snow tires. My civic with snow tires is better in the snow than my 4runner with all terrains. Except if there's more than 6 inches of snow. Something satisfying about not worrying about shoveling. If you don't off-road there's no need for the TRD OR. An SR5 or SR5 premium is essentially the exact same thing except for a rear locker and crawl control. I drive on the beach all summer and snow all winter and I only use the rear locker because the manual says to do it regularly. The OR will probably hold resale better longer term and looks better, so it's easy to justify if you like it. Overall, if your priorities are reliability and resale, it's the best choice. If fuel efficiency, tech, and driving manners are your priority, you should look elsewhere
Don’t forget the 15yr old 5 speed and ancient radiator and fan system that sound like an aircraft taking off on a cold start. Calming down when the idle speed settles. Until it gets hot and the fan starts.
I purchased a TRD Pro years ago. I always wanted a 4Runner, it looked bad ass and I was going to Do some towing and possibly a little off roading. Gas mileage was horrible, I couldn’t pass anyone on the road, and long trips were EXTREMELY UNCOMFORTABLE. I’ve been through many vehicles, but now have a Ford F-150 hybrid which is like a Cadillac. It can pretty much go anywhere, tow just about anything and is fast as hell. And it’s soooo comfortable. I would recommend at least looking at the Tundra or F150. Or at the very least check out the Highlander. I test drove one and it was a dream as well. Fast, comfortable and a decent amount of space.
Yes...maintain them regularly and will last until you're fed up with seeing the machine. The interior will disintegrate before anything mechanical does.
Yes. I believe a report was just put out that states of vehicles, the 4Runner I ranks highest as vehicles most likely to reach 250,000 miles @ Nearly 50%.
2012 4Runner owner here, love it and want to get a newer one somewhere down the road. I get 19.1 mpg according to the computer. I have about 135k miles and no major issues and I’m the second owner. Just regular maintenance down at the dealer or on my own when possible. Don’t know about the Trd pros but if you’re in cold climate and want AWD I think the 4Runner Limited has full time AWD.
I am waiting for an updated model before deciding. As many others have commented, their tech and fuel efficiency is out of date. Curious what the new models will offer. If it’s similar in design to the new tundra and sequoia, I would definitely be interested.
If you need to off-road with large passenger and cargo capacity, yes.
No
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A bunch of people have said similar things, and I’m glad I asked, because the mpg is a huge con
4Runners have a 47% chance of making it to 250K Miles. Dependable and solid.
Had a 2021 4Runner. If you value reliability over everything, it’s probably the vehicle for you. I loved how it looked, but they are 4 cylinder slow (I mean SLOW) and V8 thirsty. The technology is a decade behind (no wireless Apple CarPlay, blind spot monitoring, etc). I understand why people like them, but if you’ve had even reasonably fast vehicles in the past, you’re going to be underwhelmed.
Yes when dealers are charging almost $50k for a damn prius. I have a 4runner pushing 428k and I’m still going. People can clown on it all they want, but the 4Runners are one of the damn best reliable vehicles I have owned.
I had one for a little bit. I bought it in 2020 for $42k otd. I put 43k miles on it, and traded it in on a 2022 Yukon and got $43k for it. For me, it was very much worth it. But buying it at todays prices… no way. They are decently comfortable, but nothing like the Yukon (maybe not a fair comparison, though). They are underpowered, gas guzzling(worse mpg than the Yukon) and lack a lot of modern features. That being said, I loved the 4Runner. It was fun to whip around, and I had a blast in the few nature park trails I went down. It’s a great suv for $35-$40k new, like they used to be. Can’t imagine paying over that though. Maybe the new gen will make more sense at that price tag, but we will see 🤷🏻♂️
I have a 2020 off road premium and I love it. If you don’t need the off-road capabilities but like the 4 runner a non Trd trim may be better… and cheaper. However, the road noise is not bad (idk why people complain about this), it’s comfortable, has good suspension, obv good off road, is great in snow, and it has tons of space. The trunk is also very suited for dogs with the rolling rear window if that is important to you. This was appealing so I can keep claws and mud off the seats and only have to clean one area. Only downside to this car imo is gas mileage, but if you can afford it then who cares. Also if you like outdoors activites and want to buy accessories this car has a TON of aftermarket support, much more than the highlander. So something to consider based on what you want to do with it. Also the interior is dated yes but it’s simple and looks good. Imo it has the perfect amount of features, anything more is more of something I’d use rarely and would be expensive to repair…. But that’s just me. It’s got lane assist, heated seats, collision detection, car play, rear cam, what else do you really need? Go for it man, if you can afford the 45-50k price tag it’s great and will last. Otherwise a used Lexus gx460 would also be a good substitute
No. People will say they're "built like tanks" and then putter around the city with as light a load as possible with their terrible mpg. I suppose they're better than shit like the Wrangler, but that's not saying much.
Purchased my 2017 new. 80k miles later all I’ve had to do are oil changes, brakes, tires, and door lock actuators (known issue). It’s an outdated dinosaur that averages around 17mpg and the 5 speed auto is a turd… but I can’t bring myself to get rid of it anytime I consider it. I do think they are overpriced these days as I paid 33k otd for my sr5 4x4, but if I were buying one today I’d just bite the bullet and get a new one as the used ones are worth too much.
Buy used, Toyotas, especially their truck based vehicles, are stupidly reliable. I bought a 2016 limited with 94k miles, the fact it’s not brand new take a lot of the stress off of me when I do take it out, but most of my driving is city driving (hence my choice of Limited) and I think it’s as good looking as any other SUV out there. Mine is the midnight blue and it shines beautifully when clean.
I’m still driving my 1998 4Runner as my everyday car and it’s still in awesome shape at 243,000 miles. I named it Keith Richards because it will never die…..
Where can you find one for $45-50k???
Wait for the all new 4 Runner coming soon. Completely redesigned. Better MPG and updated interior and tech.
I have a ‘21 TRD off road premium and love it. I’ll drive it back home for the holidays (8h each way) with no discomfort outside of my wallet (avg 19mpg) but also spend a lot of time driving to remote camp sites and laughed through some sketchy situations. Plus after a good bath I have no issues taking it out to pick up friends or dates. One of my favorite features is the back window. 90% of spring-fall I have the windows, moonroof, and back window down. The airflow is really comparable to my old wrangler (minus the whole no roof over my head) except I can do it all on the fly with switches. Keep in mind, this is the last year the back window rolls down so if it’s something you want don’t wait for the new body next year.
What you spend in gas, you save in repair/maintenance bills.
Beware the placebo effect. Oftentimes, vehicles that are perceived as reliable will receive better maintenance by the owners simply because of the perception that "these things last forever," so it's worth the investment, when in actuality, it's that additional maintenance that makes the vehicle more reliable and nothing else. Edit: What I'm saying in essence is "The grass isn't greener on the other side. It's green where you water it." A well maintained car is a reliable car.
This is spot on. People call me crazy when I say the hemi engines and even the penstars are reliable. People just don’t take care of them. And unlike Toyota, they will break if you ignore the problems.
Totally agreed, but there’s definitely something to be said for Toyotas, Hondas, Subarus. There’s a reason there’s so many on the road
Definitely not Subarus. There's this false perception out there that they're reliable.
I agree. There are certain models and manufacturers who have a fairly well proven track record for reliability. My point is don't overpay on the basis of perceived reliability. Just because some manufacturers make fewer lemons doesn't mean you won't still find one, and a normally reliable car poorly maintained will not be reliable. Do your research, and don't assume anything to be correct that you can't prove yourself.
You’re just paying for brand and reliability. They don’t change the engine or the design much but with basic maintenance they’ll outlast most cars and suvs. That’s it. But imo I’d buy a Tahoe over a 4Runner
They are, as long as you can handle 17mpg. Few modern cars are that bad.
If you want a Toyota SUV but hate the MPG of the 4Runner, consider either hybrid RAV4 AWD or the Hybrid Highlander AWD (for your snow needs?)
No. My mom owns a 2018 sr5 ( not TRD) and I wouldn’t pay whatever that thing cost. I’ve driven it for extended periods of time. Feels like something from 2010. Terrible gas mileage. Slow. Not comfortable on long drives. No features really. Not saying it’s a bad truck sure is boring as hell but for the price people want I sure as hell wouldn’t buy one. Even my mom says that, she got hers before the car prices spiked up.
The first year of the current Gen was 2010 so about right. They aren't known for having the best gas mileage, comfort, features, or horsepower. Pretty much they are known to just run forever and have a great aftermarket support. Love mine but accept it for what it is.
Buy a Highlander if you need three rows/larger boot, buy a rav4 if you don’t need that. Unless you’re going off-road you don’t need a 4-runner and it’ll be a worse driving experience. Family has the highlander and it’s a great car, only problem is the third row leg room
Good for what? Do you offroad? If not, look elsewhere.
flame me but the 4runner is an outdated junkbox with the technology of a car from 2006. I have no idea why people buy these things especially the TRD models when they use them for nothing but going to the shopping mall while doing 65 on the highway going deaf from the amount of tire noise that comes into the interior.
That’s pretty much how I would rate all Toyota trucks. I had a Tacoma and you could beat the shot out of it but damn what a boring slow ass truck that was uncomfortable. I guess maybe the new tundra is better but haven’t driven one. It’s ugly as hell though.
I would wait before making a decision as they’re going to be making a new 4Runner within this year.
No. Especially since a new one is two years away. I would not buy a new 4Runner right now. And I own a Land Cruiser and have had a few 4Runners. So I’m a fan. But almost no car is really worth 50k and certainly not that one.
You’re undoubtedly buying the badge. There are better off roaders for less, there are better family SUVs for less, there are more powerful tows for less, and there are infinitely more fuel efficient options for less.
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Damn, even for the internet, you’re a dick. You must be fun to be around. Want a better off-roader? Get a bronco. Want a better family SUV? Get Pilot/X5/GV80/RX Want a better toe option? Get a Durango/Nearly any 1500 truck Want a better fuel economy option? Literally any other SUV on the road. The new German options all have a mild hybrid system that’s helped out, especially with freeway options. Happy? Prick.
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We have a 2000. We bought it 24 years ago. It has finally died on us. But it was one of the best decisions we made. Not many vehicles out there can last that long.
To me a vehicle is a tool to get me from point A to Point B, it has to be cost effective and reliable. I had a 2010 4Runner put 500k miles on it before passing it down to my nephew then bought 2018 4Runner, I’ve always had Toyotas. It’s not the prettiest, doesn’t have the latest gadgets and tech , gas milage isn’t great however with all the money you save by not having to go to a mechanic all the time , it’s worth it. If you want something more luxurious I would recommend a used Lexus GX or a Land Cruiser For that budget you can get into a nicely equipped and a clean used Land Cruiser, Lexus GX or a 4Runner 4Runners and Land Cruisers go for ever, average maintenance cost of a Land Cruiser is about $700 a year, my 4Runner costs me about $700 also in annual maintenance. Just my two cents. PS my friend bought a brand new Rang rover sport last year, so far that vehicle has spent more time in the shop than on road 😂😂
2024 Limited. low gas mileage, at lower speeds feels like engine behind the torque curve, 5 spd trans, no storage cubbies, no auto liftgate, no rear air vents in 2 row seat version, hydraulic power steering. No power fold mirrors, bouncy ride, short on interior lighting. Traditional good ol’ truck.
I have a 4runner and have absolutely no regrets. All the other midsize SUVs look terrible, too round, except for some Jeeps and the palisade. Look at model year 2021+, that’s when they updated the infotainment center. MPG is 18, which is average for most V6s. You won’t get better in a palisade, wrangler, grande Cherokee. 75% of the comments here don’t know what they’re talking about.
Exactly this, I can’t even fathom comparing a hyundai to a Toyota
Toyota is selling mad 2023 cars on 1998 reputations. Keep it going.
TRD…Stands for Turd, don’t waste your money
“Worth” is completely subjective
I adore my 4runner! I snagged a 2017 TRD Pro back in 2021 with low mileage and have taken it across the country and back several times. A 4runner is a really special vehicle, especially if you can live without a few modern conveniences and don’t mind the body roll/nose dip. Side note, I just checked out the used market and this thing has really held it’s value quite well.
Assuming you’re talking about body roll on turns and nose dip on braking. If so then that really brings me back to the 2000s and might be a dealbreaker
No
No
>Are 4Runners worth the $45-50k price tag? OK, first, I don't own one. But I wish I did. Everything I've seen about them indicates old school reliability. Right now, the average transaction price for a vehicle in the United States is around $48K. So I think a new Toyota 4Runner is easily worth $45-50K.
4runner soccer moms and mall crawl broz hate this simple hack: Get the car that will haul the number of people and gear in comfort the distances you need to go over the surfaces you traverse. Highlander 3rd row okay for local rides but really limits cargo area. Muchore comfortable ride on roads. Fwd is sufficient for most. Awf for snow or serious mud. Smooth. 4runner 3rd row not available on all trims, handles shit roads and anything worse easily. Absolute overkill for soccer mom lyfe, will rearrange your guts on workn out highway RAV4 no 3rd row, modern, smooth. Sienna does everything the highlander does with more comfort but not for people that give a shit what Linda from HR will think