“Better on gas than I expected and rides like a dream. I like to drive with the windows down. Including the rear. A real sturdy and fun ride!”
2017 Toyota 4Runner: What's New, Specs & Features
Last updated August 13, 2026
The main change for the 2017 Toyota 4Runner is that the Trail and Trail Premium grades were replaced by the TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium names. Otherwise, this is a light update with small TRD appearance and cabin touches plus a couple of trim-level equipment changes.
About the 2017 Toyota 4Runner
5th generation (2010-2024), after the 2014 styling update; 2017 is the year the Trail grades were renamed TRD Off-Road.
Toyota positions the 4Runner as a true do-anything SUV for buyers who want real truck-based toughness without giving up everyday usefulness. It is meant for trail access, towing, camping, and family duty, with some trims offering third-row seating and others focusing on serious off-road hardware. Compared with softer crossovers, the 4Runner stands out for its body-on-frame construction, low-range four-wheel drive, strong durability reputation, and honest utility-focused design.
The SR5 remains the practical everyday 4Runner, while the TRD Off-Road models pair a locking rear differential and low-range four-wheel drive with trail-focused driving aids. The TRD Pro adds specialized Bilstein shocks and extra underbody protection, while the Limited emphasizes road comfort with leather-trimmed heated and ventilated front seats, navigation, and JBL audio.
What changed, by category
Styling
Trail and Trail Premium were replaced in the lineup by TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium. The TRD models received TRD branding and cabin accents; TRD Pro added red TRD headrest logos and a carbon-fiber-look center-console treatment.
Tech
Navigation changed from optional to standard on the SR5. The power moonroof changed from standard to optional on the SR5 Premium.
2017 Toyota 4Runner specs and features by trim
| Feature | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engine | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter | V6, 4.0 Liter |
| Transmission | Auto, 5-Spd SeqShft | Auto, 5-Spd SeqShft | Auto, 5-Spd SeqShft | Auto, 5-Spd SeqShft | Auto, 5-Spd SeqShft | Auto, 5-Spd SeqShft |
| Drivetrain | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD | 4WD |
| Fuel Type | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas | Gas |
| MPG City | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg | 17 mpg |
| MPG Highway | 21 mpg | 21 mpg | 20 mpg | 21 mpg | 20 mpg | 20 mpg |
| Horsepower | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp |
| Torque | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft |
| Max Towing | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb | 5000 lb |
| Trunk/Cargo | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft | 89.7 cu-ft |
| Rear Legroom | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in | 32.9 in |
| Seats | 7 | 7 | 5 | 7 | 5 | 5 |
| Doors | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Alarm System | ||||||
| Automatic Headlights | ||||||
| Front & Rear Parking Sensors | ||||||
| Rear View Camera | ||||||
| Alloy Wheels | ||||||
| Fog Lights | ||||||
| Power Moonroof | ||||||
| Power Side Steps | ||||||
| Rear Spoiler | ||||||
| Roof Rails | ||||||
| Built-In Hard Drive | ||||||
| Navigation System | ||||||
| Premium Audio | ||||||
| Smartphone Interface | ||||||
| Subwoofer | ||||||
| Auto-Dimming Interior Mirror | ||||||
| Dual Power Front Seats | ||||||
| Dual-Zone Climate Control | ||||||
| Heated Front Seats | ||||||
| Integrated Garage Door Opener | ||||||
| Leather Seats | ||||||
| Memory Driver's Seat | ||||||
| Power Driver Seat | ||||||
| Third Row Seat | ||||||
| Ventilated Front Seats | ||||||
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2017 Toyota 4Runner substantially different from the 2016 model?
No. The 2017 4Runner is a light trim and equipment update rather than a redesign. Its biggest change is the replacement of the Trail names with TRD Off-Road names, while the engine and transmission carry over.
What happened to the 4Runner Trail trims for 2017?
The Trail and Trail Premium were replaced by the TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium names for 2017. These models keep the trail-focused role and add TRD-specific branding and cabin details.
What is the difference between the 2017 TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium?
The TRD Off-Road Premium combines the standard model's low-range four-wheel drive, locking rear differential, Multi-Terrain Select, and Crawl Control with heated SofTex-trimmed front seats, integrated navigation, HomeLink, and heated power mirrors.
Did the 2017 Toyota 4Runner get a new engine or transmission?
No. The 2017 4Runner continues with a 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic transmission; the year's main updates involve trim names, TRD details, and equipment packaging.
What equipment changed on the 2017 SR5 and SR5 Premium?
Navigation became standard on the 2017 SR5, while the power moonroof changed from standard to optional on the SR5 Premium. These are trim-level equipment changes rather than model-wide updates.
2017 Toyota 4Runner Reviews
What owners are saying about the 2017 Toyota 4Runner.
4.4
2017 Toyota 4Runner
(206 reviews)
“Omg get it!!! I'm absolutely in love with it! I told my husband (who I just married this last weekend) that I may love my 4Runner more then him.”
“This vehicle will probably save your life and you'll enjoy driving it everytime you get behind the wheel no matter what terrain!”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2017 Toyota 4Runner Everday Suv Explore Where When You Want
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2017 4Runner Trd Off Road Line Up
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2016 Toyota 4Runner Debut
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2018 Toyota 4Runner Diehard Rugged Suv Comfortable Side
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota 4Runner Icons Fifth 2010 2024 Sixth 2025 Generations