2009 Toyota 4Runner: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 4, 2026
The main change for the 2009 Toyota 4Runner is a new Trail Edition package for certain SR5 4WD V6 models. Otherwise, this is a quiet final year for the fourth-generation 4Runner before the 2010 redesign.
About the 2009 Toyota 4Runner
4th generation (2003-2009), final year before the 2010 redesign.
Toyota positioned the 4Runner as a traditional truck-based midsize SUV for people who wanted real trail ability, towing strength, and everyday usefulness in one vehicle. The brochure’s “Take the high road. The low road. Any road.” theme fits the model well: it offered more rugged capability than car-based crossovers, but with enough comfort and convenience to work as a daily family SUV.
The SR5 is the straightforward, utility-focused version, while the Sport adds firmer suspension tuning, a hood scoop, and more aggressive trim. The Limited is the comfort-focused model, with leather, heated front seats, dual-zone climate control, and either a V6 or V8.
What changed, by category
2009 Toyota 4Runner specs and features by trim
| Feature | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 4.0 Liter / V8, 4.7 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter / V8, 4.7 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter / V8, 4.7 Liter |
| Transmission | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive | Automatic, 5-Spd w/Overdrive |
| Drivetrain | 4WD / 2WD | 4WD / 2WD | 2WD / 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 15–16 mpg | 15–16 mpg | 14–16 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 19–20 mpg | 19–20 mpg | 17–21 mpg |
| Horsepower | 236–260 hp | 236–260 hp | 236–260 hp |
| Torque | 266–306 lb-ft | 266–306 lb-ft | 266–306 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 7000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 42.2 cu-ft | 42.2 cu-ft | 40.6 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 34.6 in | 34.7 in | 34.7 in |
| Seats | 7 | 5 | 7 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | |||
| Alloy Wheels | |||
| Fog Lights | |||
| Heated Mirrors | |||
| Power Moonroof | |||
| Rear Spoiler | |||
| Roof Rails | |||
| Trailer Hitch Receiver | |||
| Navigation System | |||
| Premium Audio | |||
| 115V Power Outlet | |||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | |||
| Dual Power Front Seats | |||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | |||
| Heated Front Seats | |||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | |||
| Leather Seats | |||
| Leather-Wrapped Steering Wheel | |||
| Memory Driver's Seat | |||
| Power Driver's Lumbar Support Seat | |||
| Third Row Seat | |||
| Tilt Wheel | |||
| Tilt/Telescoping Steering Wheel | |||
| Wood Interior Trim | |||
Frequently asked questions
What is the main change to the 2009 Toyota 4Runner?
The main change is a new Trail Edition package for certain SR5 four-wheel-drive models with the V6. The rest of the 4Runner lineup changed little.
Was the 2009 Toyota 4Runner redesigned?
No. The 2009 4Runner is the final model year of the fourth generation, and the redesigned fifth-generation model arrived for 2010.
Did the 2009 Toyota 4Runner get a new engine?
No. It continued with a 4.0-liter V6 and a 4.7-liter V8, both paired with a five-speed automatic transmission.
Did the 2009 4Runner receive new safety or technology features?
No major lineup-wide safety or technology upgrades arrived for 2009. Its stability control, traction control, braking aids, side airbags, and curtain airbags carried over.
How different is the 2009 Toyota 4Runner from the 2008 model?
It is not very different. The Trail Edition package is the main distinction, while the core SR5, Sport, and Limited models largely carry over.