2024 Toyota 4Runner Review, Pricing, and Specs (2024)

Overview

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner is the quintessential old-school, rugged SUV. Built on a truck-style separate frame, an increasingly rare configuration, it hasn’t received a major facelift in a decade—but that hasn’t scared away buyers yet. While it’s still a popular pick, its powertrain—a 4.0-liter V-6 and a dated 5-speed automatic transmission—looks antiquated next to what’s found in off-road rivals such as the Ford Bronco and Jeep Wrangler, and its fuel economy and horsepower are both below average as well. While the 4Runner’s on-road demeanor is more truck-like than newer competitors, it makes up for it with overlanding-ready hardware, including options such as a locking rear differential, upgraded suspension components, and all-terrain tires on TRD models. The 4Runner’s infotainment tech is also behind the times, but the blocky SUV at least keeps up to speed in terms of safety technology, with every model getting a suite of driver-assists as standard. The 4Runner may have a strong following, but its newer competitors make it look and feel ancient.

What's New for 2024?

For the 2024 model year, the 4Runner continues production virtually unchanged. The only addition is a new medium-brown color for the TRD Pro called Terra. In addition, the Lunar Rock and Lime Rush exterior colors are no longer available on the TRD Sport or TRD Off-Road models. Last year’s 40^th anniversary trim, a modified version of the SR5 model, is also discontinued after its short run. Prices should increase by about $300 regardless of trim.

Pricing and Which One to Buy

We recommend the TRD Off-Road model. It's not as capable off-road as the lifted TRD Pro, but its significantly lower price tag makes it a better value. Along with standard four-wheel drive and some TRD-specific exterior and interior bits, the TRD Off-Road gets equipment that helps justify its name. This includes an electronically locking rear differential for maximum traction in slippery or muddy conditions. It also has selectable drive modes (called Multi Terrain Select and Crawl Control) that can alter the SUV's powertrain behavior to accommodate various driving scenarios. We'd select the optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension, which allows improved wheel articulation during off-road action. We'd also opt for the sliding rear cargo deck, which makes moving heavy cargo easier and even provides tailgate seating.

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

Every 4Runner is motivated by a 270-hp 4.0-liter V-6 paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Available with rear-wheel drive and either full- or part-time four-wheel-drive systems, the outdated powertrain provides unremarkable acceleration, with the last version we tested taking 7.7 seconds to hit 60 mph. The automatic's lethargic responses don't optimize the engine's uneven behavior, and downshifts often require heavy right-foot inputs to spur the 4Runner ahead. Still, the Toyota manages to feel more composed on pavement than the more unwieldy Wrangler. Our time behind the wheel of the off-road-oriented model showed off the SUV's notable ground clearance, and its body-on-frame construction was supported by a soft suspension that absorbed a variety of terrain reasonably well. The 4Runner's steering is lightly weighted and imprecise, and while those traits betray any sense of sportiness, they're fine for crawling along trails and around parking lots. Aged though the Toyota feels in action, its performance is right in the mix with its more modern competitors, including the V-6 Dodge Durango. And the Toyota's rugged frame and torque-rich engine give it a leg up in towing; its 5000-pound capacity beats the Ford Edge and Wrangler, while falling short of the more powerful Durango's 8700-pound capability.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

The 4Runner's powertrain combinations show their age at the pump, with every model rated at a lowly 16 mpg in the city and 19 mpg on the highway. For comparison, the automatic, V-6-powered Wrangler has much better estimates of up to 19 mpg city and 24 highway. The last 4Runner we tested on our 75-mph highway fuel-economy route, which is part of our extensive testing regimen, did exceed expectations by returning 22 mpg. For more information about the 4Runner's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

The interior of the 4Runner is not what you'd call state-of-the-art, with switchgear that could have come from the latter years of the last millennium. Lackluster materials and styling aside, it manages to comfortably fit humans front and rear in spite of its back-of-the-class interior measurements. We haven't tested the optional third row, but we suspect that it's best for children. A flexible cargo area and several large, deep cubbies in the front row mean that the 4Runner is as versatile a hauler as it is a rock-crawler. Just don't try to heave anything into the cargo hold unless you have a chiropractor on call—its floor is uncomfortably high off the ground. The two-row models that we tested had an optional pull-out cargo deck designed to make loading and unloading heavy items—up to 440 pounds—a little easier. It can also double as a tailgate for seating. This provides a flat load floor when the second-row seats are folded, but also robs the cargo hold of several inches of height. Even so, we fit an impressive 14 carry-ons behind the second row.

Infotainment and Connectivity

Every 4Runner features an average-sized 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system. The interface includes a set of physical buttons as well as rotary volume and tuning knobs. The system comes standard with wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a SiriusXM trial subscription, and a subscription-based Wi-Fi hotspot. A built-in navigation system and a 15-speaker JBL audio system are available upgrades.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Every model has a host of standard driver-assistance technology that includes automatic high-beam headlamps, blind-spot monitoring, rear cross-traffic alert, and more. For more information about the 4Runner's crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites. Key safety features include:

• Standard forward-collision warning and automated emergency braking
• Standard lane-departure warning and lane-keeping assist
• Standard adaptive cruise control

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Toyota provides two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, a rarity in this class. The coverage in other categories is less impressive but matches industry norms.

• Limited warranty covers three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain warranty covers five years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary maintenance is covered for two years or 25,000 miles

More Features and Specs