“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.”
Toyota 4Runner: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 13, 2026
The Toyota 4Runner is a truck-based midsize SUV known for durability, real off-road ability, and useful cargo space. It combines trail-ready toughness with enough practicality for everyday driving.
The 4Runner has long favored rugged construction and trail ability over the softer feel of a typical family crossover. Its lineup has consistently ranged from straightforward everyday models to comfort-focused versions and serious off-road trims. The redesign for 2025 kept that basic character while adding stronger technology, modern safety features, turbo engines, and hybrid models.
Strengths
- Its truck-based construction and dedicated trail trims give it genuine off-road ability.
- The 4Runner has a long-running reputation for durability and reliability.
- Its cargo-friendly shape works well for luggage, outdoor equipment, and everyday hauling.
- Recent models pair the rugged formula with modern safety systems and easy phone connectivity.
- The 2026 4Runner is rated to tow as much as 6,000 pounds.
Who it's for
The 4Runner best suits someone who wants one SUV for commuting, hauling gear, towing, and regular trips beyond paved roads. It is especially appealing to shoppers who value durability and trail capability more than the smoother, more car-like character of a crossover.
Toyota 4Runner lineup
The SR5 is the broad-use starting point for shoppers who want the basic 4Runner formula without a specialized focus. Pick the TRD Sport for a more road-focused personality, or the TRD Off-Road when trail hardware matters more; Premium versions add a more comfort-oriented position to those themes. The Limited has traditionally been the comfort-focused choice, while the TRD Pro is the factory-built model for more serious off-road use. Since the 2025 redesign, Platinum has taken the luxury-focused role and Trailhunter has added an expedition-minded alternative to the TRD Pro.
Toyota 4Runner generations
From 2009 to 2026, the 4Runner spans three generations. The current 6th Generation arrived for 2025, following the 5th Generation (2010–2024).
6th Generation (2025–Present)
The 2025 redesign moved the 4Runner to Toyota’s newer truck-style platform and replaced the old V6 with a turbocharged four-cylinder engine family. A hybrid system, larger touchscreens, updated safety features, and new Platinum and Trailhunter trims also arrived.
22 In Stock
2026
The nine-trim lineup carries over. Hybrid TRD Off-Road Premium models gain a stabilizer-disconnect system.
2025New generation
Full redesign with a new truck-style platform, turbocharged engines, a hybrid system, updated safety features, and a wider trim lineup.
5th Generation (2010–2024)
This generation kept truck-style body-on-frame construction and settled into a 4.0-liter V6 with a five-speed automatic after its launch year. It received a major styling and cabin refresh for 2014, followed by a broad safety and touchscreen update for 2020.
310 In Stock
2024Trim changes
A quiet final year with the same V6, five-speed automatic, safety equipment, and seven-trim lineup.
2023Trim changes
The limited-run 40th Anniversary Special Edition joins the lineup. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert become standard on every trim.
2022Trim changes
The road-focused TRD Sport joins the lineup. LED high beams and a rear-seat reminder become standard.
2021Trim changes
The Trail Special Edition joins the lineup. Every trim gains LED low-beam headlights and fog lights.
2020Mid-cycle update
A broad update adds the Toyota Safety Sense P safety suite, a redesigned dashboard, and an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto to every trim. The Venture special edition also joins the lineup.
2019Trim changes
The blacked-out Limited Nightshade Edition joins the lineup, while TRD Pro gets upgraded suspension and equipment.
2018
The six-trim lineup carries over without a significant update.
2017Trim changes
Trail and Trail Premium continue under the new TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium names.
2016
The touchscreen software is updated, and SR5 and Trail gain smartphone-linked navigation.
2015Trim changes
TRD Pro joins the lineup as a factory off-road trim with upgraded suspension, added ride height, and a front skid plate.
2014Mid-cycle update
Major refresh with a redesigned front end, a reworked cabin, and a standard touchscreen and backup camera. SR5 Premium and Trail Premium also join the lineup.
2013
Mostly a carryover year. Four-wheel-drive SR5 models switch from a transfer-case lever to a dashboard control.
2012
SR5 gains USB and Bluetooth connectivity, while Limited gets a standard 6.1-inch touchscreen with navigation.
2011
The short-lived four-cylinder engine leaves, making the 4.0-liter V6 standard across the lineup.
2010New generation
Full redesign with a larger cabin, reworked cargo area, stronger V6, new Trail trim, and eight standard airbags.
4th Generation (2003–2009)
The fourth generation ended with SR5, Sport, and Limited trims. Its final model year changed little before the fully redesigned 2010 4Runner arrived.
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2009
A new Trail Edition package arrives for certain four-wheel-drive SR5 V6 models, but the main lineup is largely unchanged.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Toyota 4Runner.
2026 Toyota 4Runner2025 Toyota 4Runner2024 Toyota 4Runner2023 Toyota 4Runner2022 Toyota 4Runner2021 Toyota 4Runner2020 Toyota 4Runner2019 Toyota 4Runner2018 Toyota 4Runner2017 Toyota 4Runner2016 Toyota 4Runner2015 Toyota 4Runner2014 Toyota 4Runner2013 Toyota 4Runner2012 Toyota 4Runner2011 Toyota 4Runner2010 Toyota 4Runner2009 Toyota 4Runner
Frequently asked questions
Is the Toyota 4Runner a truck-based SUV or a crossover?
The 4Runner is a truck-based SUV. Its body-on-frame construction is built around durability, towing, cargo use, and real off-road work rather than the softer road-focused design of a typical crossover.
Does the Toyota 4Runner come as a hybrid?
Yes. Hybrid 4Runners began with the sixth-generation redesign for 2025 and use Toyota’s i-FORCE MAX system. That generation also includes a nonhybrid 2.4-liter turbo engine, while most fifth-generation models use a gas V6.
Does the Toyota 4Runner still have a V6?
Not in the sixth generation. The redesign that arrived for 2025 replaced the V6 with 2.4-liter turbo gas and hybrid powertrains plus an eight-speed automatic. Most 2011–2024 examples have a 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic.
How many people does a Toyota 4Runner seat?
The latest 4Runner seats five to seven people, depending on the version and seating layout. Used examples vary by year, so confirm whether the specific SUV has two rows or a third row.
Is the Toyota 4Runner a practical family SUV?
Yes, especially for families that value cargo room, an upright cabin, and genuine trail ability. The newest generation seats five to seven. Its truck-based design makes the most sense when durability and outdoor use matter as much as everyday transportation.
What is the main difference between fifth- and sixth-generation 4Runners?
The sixth generation is a major mechanical and technology reset. Fifth-generation models from 2010–2024 mainly use a 4.0-liter V6 and five-speed automatic. Models from 2025 use turbo gas or hybrid power, an eight-speed automatic, newer safety tech, and larger touchscreens.
How much can a Toyota 4Runner tow?
The latest sixth-generation 4Runner is rated to tow up to 6,000 pounds. Ratings for older used examples vary by year, trim, and drivetrain, so verify the exact vehicle before planning around its towing capacity.
Toyota 4Runner Reviews
What owners are saying about the Toyota 4Runner.
4.3
Toyota 4Runner
(2,180 reviews)
“The car is wider than my old 4 Runner it has taken me a while to get used to it. I don't like location of GPS display, other buttons were moved to weird spots in the car.”
“If you want a vehicle that will last and will always get you from point A to point B, get a Toyota.”
“The 4runner is the most dependable and reliable vehicle I have owned (my 2nd 4runner). Carrying capacity is great, tows great.”
“Definitely one of the coolest SUVs on the market. Holds incredible resale value.”
“Overall absolute best vehicle to retain it's value on the market, especially with 4WD. One major flaw that I live with is the throttle body fuel injected engine that grossly over revs at startup and causes poor fuel mileage, but nothing is perfect.”
Sources
- pressroom.toyota.com — The 2026 Toyota 4Runner Engineered For Exploration
- pressroom.toyota.com — Whats New For 2026
- pressroom.toyota.com — The All New 2025 Toyota 4Runner The Icon That Inspires Exploration
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyotas Trailhunter Grade Features That Elevate The Tacoma And 4Runner Overlanding Experience
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2025 Toyota 4Runner Refines Adventure Ready Heritage
- toyota.com — 4Runner / 2025
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2024 Toyota 4Runner Rugged Capability
- pressroom.toyota.com — Whats New For 2023
- toyota.com — Pdf / 2024 / 4Runner Ebrochure
- pressroom.toyota.com — Whats New For Toyotas 2023 Trucks Crossovers And Suvs
- pressroom.toyota.com — Toyota 4Runner Celebrates Historic Run With 40Th Anniversary Special Edition
- pressroom.toyota.com — 2022 Toyota 4Runner Adds New Trd Sport Model New Standard Safety Features