Toyota 4Runner (5th Gen)
10-24 · Toyota 4Runner
The last true body-on-frame SUV you can buy new. Used examples hold value so well, older ones cost almost as much.
Scores last updated: June 14, 2026
Score breakdown
Our take
What it really is
The 5th gen 4Runner uses the same 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 it has had since 2003. This is not an oversight. It is a deliberate choice to maintain mechanical simplicity and proven longevity. 26.8% chance of reaching 250k miles.
Why it's on this list
3rd in iSeeCars 250k longevity study. 25.5% 5-year depreciation, exceptional for any SUV. The 4Runner does what few modern SUVs can: genuine off-road capability, unlimited mechanical aftermarket, and 200k+ proven drivetrain.
The honest trade-offs
24.6% rollover risk, highest of any large SUV in NHTSA testing. 17 MPG combined. The interior has not been meaningfully updated since 2010. This is not a highway cruiser or a family comfort vehicle.
What to buy and what to avoid
Limited trim for daily use. Better seats and ride quality matter at 17 MPG. Avoid TRD Pro if primarily street-driven. Aggressive AT tires make highway noise worse. SR5 for the price-to-value entry point. 2014+ for the updated infotainment.
Annual cost of ownership
Key specs
Safety
Rust vulnerability
Reliability data
Repairability
References
Sources used to research and score this vehicle. Superscript numbers in the sections above link here.
- [1]datasetRepairPal
Annual maintenance cost, reliability rating, unscheduled visit frequency, severe issue probability
- [2]governmentNHTSA Crash Test Ratings
Overall crash test stars, rollover risk %, rollover stars, frontal and side ratings
- [3]governmentNHTSA Technical Service Bulletins
Manufacturer-acknowledged technical issues and dealer fixes
- [4]datasetIIHS Safety Ratings
Small overlap, side impact, overall safety rating, Top Safety Pick status
- [5]governmentEPA Fuel Economy Guide
MPG city/highway/combined, fuel grade required, tank size
- [6]forum threadCarComplaints
Most complained-about model years, common failure patterns by year and mileage band
- [7]datasetiSeeCars Long-Term Reliability
250k-mile survival rate, depreciation curve, best age to buy used
- [8]publicationBankrate / Insurify Insurance Estimates
Insurance cost estimates by vehicle class and driver profile
Looking to buy a Toyota 4Runner?
Start with our fully customized pre-purchase inspection checklist for you or your mechanic. Three versions: one for buyers who are not mechanics, one for enthusiasts with tools, one for handing off to a professional. Print or save as PDF.
Modernize this car
CarPlay, backup cameras, blind spot monitoring, TPMS, and dashcams. Researched picks and honest watch-outs.
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