Toyota 4 Runner Review: Honest Breakdown, 4Runner Colors & Buying Guide

When you think of SUVs that have lasted a long time, the Toyota 4Runner is perhaps the first one that comes to mind. People who love cars appreciate the 4Runner because it is boxy, reliable, and can handle difficult terrain.

Toyota 4Runner Review:

Important Points About Performance and Engine Power

The Toyota 4Runner has a 4.0-liter V6 engine that makes 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. This is what it does best. Compared to turbocharged competitors, it might not seem spectacular, but here’s the thing: Toyota didn’t make the 4Runner to be a speed demon. It was made to last, carry things, and drive on rough ground that would leave other SUVs stuck.

Add in its ability to pull 5,000 pounds, and you’ve got an SUV that can transport jet skis just as easily as it can drive through muddy terrain.

Ability to Go Off-Road

The 4Runner really excels here. The 4Runner nearly begs you to take it off the road with its part-time or full-time 4WD systems, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select.

The TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro trims are the real deal if you like to go on adventures. Think about skid plates, a locking rear differential, and a suspension made for serious playing.

Interior Comfort & Space

When you go inside, you’ll see that Toyota hasn’t bothered to make the wheel new. The inside of the 4Runner is useful, tough, and surprisingly big. You may set it up with two or three rows of seats, which makes it a good choice for families.

The bad thing? Some people might think the inside design is a little old-fashioned compared to newer models. If you enjoy big knobs, strong materials, and a lot of space for your stuff, this SUV will feel like home.

Tech and Entertainment

The 4Runner doesn’t have a Tesla-style screen, but it does have a standard 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa built in. It’s simple, dependable, and easy to use.

Safety and dependability

Toyota Safety Sense P comes standard on the 4Runner. It includes adaptive cruise control, lane departure alert, and automated emergency braking.

And let’s be honest: Toyota’s famous dependability means that you’ll probably still see 4Runners from the early 2000s on the road today. This SUV is made to last for decades, not just years.

Picking the Right Color for Your Toyota 4Runner

It’s not only about trims and engines when you choose an SUV; it’s also about personality. Your choice of color for your 4Runner says a lot about your personality.

Colors for the Classic 4Runner

• Super White: Clean, classic, and simple to keep looking good.
• Magnetic Gray Metallic is a fan favorite because it strikes a good balance between toughness and style.
• Midnight Black Metallic: always in vogue, sleek, and subtle.

Options that are bold and sporty

• Barcelona Red Metallic is great if you want a style that is sporty and tough.
• Nautical Blue Metallic is for people who prefer a rich, eye-catching gloss.
• Army Green: Tough and ready for adventure, perfect for people who want to go off-road.

Colors That Are Only Available in Limited Editions

Sometimes, Toyota makes custom colors just for certain trims. Some recent instances are:

Lunar Rock is a cult favorite among TRD Pro owners.

Solar Octane is a bright orange-red color that helps your 4Runner stand out no matter where you are.

It’s not only about style when you pick a color; it can also effect how much you can sell it for. White, gray, and black are neutral colors that tend to keep their worth better. On the other hand, unusual limited editions can get collectors excited.

Pros and Cons of the Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner, like many SUVs, has good and bad points. Let’s take them apart:

Pros:

• A V6 engine that has been demonstrated to be very reliable
• Great off-road performance, especially in TRD trims
• Lots much room inside and in the trunk
• 4Runners keep their value like gold, therefore they have a high resale value.
• A simple, tough style that SUV fans will love

Cons:

• The fuel efficiency isn’t very good (around 16–19 MPG combined).

  Compared to competitors, the interior design is old-fashioned.

  Ride can be rough on city streets.

  There aren’t many engine options yet; there aren’t any hybrid or turbo alternatives presently.

  More expensive to start than some other midsize cars

  If fuel efficiency and cutting-edge technology are your main objectives, you might want to look at a different SUV. The 4Runner is still hard to beat if you want a tough, dependable beast.

The Toyota 4Runner compared to its competitors

It’s only fair to compare the 4Runner to other midsize SUVs.

4Runner vs Jeep Grand Cherokee

• You can choose from more engines in the Jeep Grand Cherokee, like a V8 or a plug-in hybrid.
• But the 4Runner is usually more reliable over time than the Jeep.
• The inside of the Jeep feels more modern, but the 4Runner stays tough and simple.

Winner: Jeep for luxury and engine choices; 4Runner for durability and ease of use.

4Runner vs Ford Explorer

• It has higher gas mileage and hybrid options.

  But the Explorer can’t go off-road as well as the 4Runner.

  Explorer is better for families, and 4Runner is better for explorers.

4Runner vs Honda Passport

• The Honda Passport is more like a vehicle because it has a unibody base.
• It’s comfortable and works well, but it doesn’t have the tough off-road gear that the 4Runner does.
• The 4Runner is harder, but the Passport is more comfortable to drive every day.
• For people who commute, the Passport is the best choice. For people who want to travel, the 4Runner is the best choice.

Who Should Buy a Toyota 4Runner?

The fact that not everyone can drive the Toyota 4Runner is what makes it so great.
This SUV is best suited for:

• Adventurers who love off-roading, camping, and exploring trails.

• Families who need space and appreciate reliability.

• SUV purists who value ruggedness over flashy gadgets.

• Resale-conscious buyers who want a vehicle that retains value for years.

If your lifestyle involves dirt roads more than valet parking, the 4Runner is calling your name.

Real-World 4Runner Owner Reviews

Talk to any 4Runner owner, and you’ll notice a common theme: loyalty.

• Many owners keep their 4Runners well past 200,000 miles.

• Off-roaders swear by the TRD Pro, calling it “unstoppable.”

• Families love the practicality, though some wish for better gas mileage.

One 2020 4Runner owner summed it up perfectly:

“It’s not the fanciest SUV out there, but it’s the one I trust to get me anywhere, anytime.”

Best Trims for Different Drivers

Toyota offers several trims, and choosing the right one depends on your lifestyle.

SR5 — Best for Budget Buyers

• Affordable entry point into the 4Runner lineup.

• Great for families who don’t need all the off-road bells and whistles.

TRD Off-Road — Best for Adventurers

• Equipped with locking differentials and Crawl Control.

• Designed for those who hit the trails every weekend.

Limited — Best for Comfort & Luxury

• Adds premium features like ventilated seats and a smoother ride.

• Perfect for those who want ruggedness without giving up comfort.