Toyota is synonymous with making cars and SUVs that are market leaders, no matter the segment. This comes due to the manufacturer's reputation for building bulletproof vehicles that stand the test of time and outlast all kinds of conditions. Indeed, any of them could qualify as worthy investments that will last for years and hold on to their value better than most other vehicles.
One of the best vehicles in Toyota's lineup is the 4Runner. It is an SUV that is cooler than the likes of the Land Cruiser and the Sequoia, which makes it a great choice for buyers looking to stand out. Said buyers have hailed it as arguably the most versatile Toyota available today. Take a look at 10 reasons why the 4Runner makes that a valid claim.
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10 The Toyota 4Runner Has Enough Power For Anything
The Toyota 4Runner is a great SUV that gets the job done no matter what. It is equipped with all the tools to do so, not least of which is the power it has been given by Toyota. Powered by the old and trusty 4.0-liter V6 engine, it has enough power for any situation.
The 4Runner's engine thumps out a very respectable 270 hp and 278 lb-ft of torque, which is enough grunt to power through any circumstance or environment. Whether it is doing some overtaking on the highway or bashing some huge dunes away from the city, the power unit is certainly more than adequate despite being on the wrong side of age. Indeed, this is the one parameter 4Runner owners keep quiet about because it does not need addressing,
9 The Toyota 4Runner Is More Reliable Than You May Think
The Toyota 4Runner is an SUV that many people perceive the wrong way. Due to its reputation for being more of an off-roader than a highway SUV, the public tends to assume that it is not a very reliable vehicle. However, that could not be further from the truth, for it is a very dependable SUV that could become a long-lasting investment, thanks to its bulletproof reliability and fantastic resale value.
The 2022 4Runner has a great reliability rating as per multiple user reviews. It scores a staggering 87/100 in the reliability front and an 84/100 overall, which are great numbers. This also completely disproves the myth of the 4Runner being unreliable, with almost all of its owners hailing it as a vehicle of the old guard that can still hang with newer and more modern offerings.
8 The Toyota 4Runner Is A Fantastic Off-Roader
It is perhaps obvious to those who are aware of what the Toyota 4Runner can do, but it is a phenomenal vehicle for off-road duty. We are not talking the usual SUV ability to scale a few dunes, but some proper conquering of the sands. For its price, it is one of the best off-roaders in its segment, only being challenged by the likes of the Jeep Wrangler and the Ford Bronco.
Indeed, the 4Runner is so potent off the beaten track that it compromises a bit in the on-road department. However, off the tarmac, it is among the kings of the division. Only a newer model can make it even more of a weapon in the dunes, and with one coming very soon, all of its competitors will be forced to step up or be smoked by the Toyota.
RELATED: 10 Features That Would Make The 2024 Toyota 4Runner Redesign Even More Off-Road Capable
7 The Toyota 4Runner Can Seat Many Comfortably
As mentioned earlier, the Toyota 4Runner is more of an off-roader than an SUV for the road. However, that does not make it a slouch on the road. Not only does it provide adequately good performance on highways and in traffic, but it does a great job of seating more than five comfortably while doing it.
The 4Runner comes with a five-seat layout in the first two rows that can seat five adults without breaking a sweat. Some models come with an optional third row, but it cannot seat fully grown people quite as well. It is best left for children, but that does not take away from the fact that around seven people can be driven around with ease. Not bad for an SUV that is usually considered as a pure off-roader, and this is one trait the upcoming 4Runner redesign should leave untouched, unless it is for increasing room at the back.
6 The Toyota 4Runner Looks Sportier Than Its Siblings
Toyota SUVs generally tend to opt for opulence-based designs instead of looking sporty or funky. The likes of the Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Corolla Cross, RAV4, Highlander, and Venza are all examples of the aforementioned point. However, their sibling in the 4Runner is a bit different, looking way sportier than any of them.
The 4Runner has been designed in a way to make it stand out from the rest of the Toyota lineup, with the design doing exactly that despite being a bit old. This is especially true for the top-level models, which would look dapper and racy with outlandish shades of red or blue. The 2023 Toyota 4Runner will not be getting a redesign, with Toyota soldiering on with their existing model for one more year. However, we are expecting a 2024 Toyota 4Runner, in Toyota dealerships, which we expect will be an SUV that retains its youthful and flashy design but adds more awesome modifications.
5 The Toyota 4Runner Comes With Decent Features And Technology
The Toyota 4Runner is a bit dated at this moment, with a refresh only coming in 2024. This might put a few people off buying it, which is a shame considering it is a very capable SUV. It is also well-equipped in the features and technology department, boasting enough to stay relevant in its segment.
Those who dismiss the 4Runner as an ancient vehicle will be interested to know that the feature list on the SUV is longer than what they might have expected. It comes with multiple driver aids and safety features to make it a very dependable SUV. The Toyota also comes with an infotainment system that includes an 8-inch touchscreen display that is compatible with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Amazon Alexa, a 15-speaker JBL Audio System, Remote Connect, and Wi-Fi Connect.
RELATED: 5 Reasons To Buy The 2024 Jeep Wrangler (5 Why You Should Wait For The 2024 Toyota 4Runner Instead)
4 The Toyota 4Runner Has A Great Tow Rating
The Toyota 4Runner is a very capable SUV that can do things its more advanced competitors may not be able to do. One of those things is towing some seriously heavy equipment without breaking a sweat. Indeed, it is so capable in this department that if the Toyota Hilux is not your cup of tea, this one could deputize as your main hauler.
The 4Runner has a towing capacity of 5,000 lbs, which is simply fantastic for a vehicle that is not a heavy-duty pickup truck. For context, the Honda Pilot LX, Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo, and Jeep Wrangler 4-Door Sport can all only tow 3,500 lbs. The 4Runneralso comes with an integrated towing hitch receiver and a wiring harness that comes with 4-Pin and 7-Pin connectors, making it a junior pickup truck. Possible upgrades to the 4Runner could end up improving this number, which would make it smoke the competition.
3 The Toyota 4Runner Offers Great Bang For The Buck
The Toyota 4Runner is a great vehicle in its segment and one many buyers consider while shopping for a new SUV. One of its most appealing traits is its price tag, which is very affordable and undercuts some of its more direct rivals. Indeed, this has been the case throughout its 40-year history, which is why it has sold over 4,000,000 units.
In 2023, the price of the 4Runner starts at $38,805 for the TR5 model. Prices remain competitive for the TR5 Premium ($41,865), TRD Sport ($41,665), TRD Off-Road ($42,650), TRD Sport V6 ($43,540), Limited ($48,040), and Limited 4X4 V6 ($50,075) models. Buyers have the option of picking the model that suits their needs and their bank balance, but even the top-end model will not cost a fortune at the end of the day. Any of them will serve as the ultimate family SUV for off-road enthusiasts.
2 The Toyota 4Runner Is Good On The Road And Off It
The Toyota 4Runner has built a legendary reputation for being one of the best budget off-roaders of all time. It is definitely an SUV that prioritizes the dunes over the roads, which means it targets a certain section of car buyers. However, over the years, it has evolved to become a potent machine on the road, functioning as a great daily driver as well.
The 4Runner is not as capable on the road as its rivals, but it is not far behind them. That is not bad for an SUV that is showing its age, and it will only get better when a newer model rolls out of the Toyota factory. Until then, it will do enough on the road and use it as a means of getting to its home – the pristine dunes away from the city.
RELATED: 10 Features We Hope The 2024 Toyota 4Runner Redesign Borrows From The Land Cruiser
1 The Toyota 4Runner Comes In 4x2 and 4x4 Trims
As mentioned earlier, the Toyota 4Runner comes in multiple trims, seven to be precise. However, the options Toyota offer do not stop there. One of the more amazing options buyers get with the SUV is the choice between 4x2 and 4x4, which is a huge help for people looking to buy a 4Runner and have specific demands.
If the buyer lives in an area with little rain and snow and only does light off-roading, they will be very happy with the 4x2 variant. The 4x4 version, on the other hand, is for those who have to navigate the SUV through tricky conditions more often than not. This makes the 4Runner a great and versatile SUV that offers the best of all worlds and can get the job done wherever it is sent.