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Photo of a Toyota 4Runner

Toyota 4Runner

From 1984's removable fiberglass roof to the 326-hp hybrid of 2025.12

Researched October 30, 2026 from 38 sources

Also called

  • Son of Land CruiserAn early name considered inside Toyota for the original model, which was based on its compact 4x4 pickup.3

At a glance

0200400
93–326 hpPower
0510
7.7–8 s0–60 mph
0100200
182–187 km/hTop speed
0400800
190–630 N·mTorque
01,2502,500
1,430–2,472 kgWeight

The coral arc spans the family, from its mildest version to its wildest.2571214161718

Engine
2.0–4.7 L I4/V6/V8, gas or diesel; gen 6: 2.4 L turbo four or hybrid12914
Layout
Front engine; rear- or four-wheel drive; body-on-frame1
Gearbox
US 5-speed manual through 2000; 4-/5-speed autos; 8-speed auto from 2025101415
Built at
Toyota Tahara and Hino Hamura plants, Japan1

The story

Toyota adapted the Hilux pickup to carry people and gear for 1984, adding a removable fiberglass rear roof. Six 4Runner generations have been built in Japan; its Japanese name was Hilux Surf.14

1984: Hilux roots, removable fiberglass roof19841989: Steel body, two or four doors19891996: New chassis, longer wheelbase19962003: The first V8 4Runner20032006: Projector lights, revised power ratings20062010: 270-hp V6; one-year four-cylinder20102015: TRD Pro joins the lineup20152023: 4,040 anniversary specials20232025: Sixth generation: 326-hp hybrid2025 Toyota Hilux: 1968–presentToyota HiluxToyota Trekker (N30): 1981–1983Toyota 4Runner, first generation (N60): 1984–1989N60Toyota 4Runner, second generation (N120/N130): 1990–1995Toyota 4Runner, third generation (N180): 1996–2002N180Toyota 4Runner, fourth generation: 2003–2009Toyota 4Runner, fifth generation (N280): 2010–2024N280Toyota 4Runner, sixth generation (N500): 2025–present 197019801990200020102020
GenerationsBefore and afterMilestones1467810111416202122
Show the numbers
YearWhat happened
1968–presentToyota Hilux
1981–1983Toyota Trekker (N30)
1984–1989Toyota 4Runner, first generation (N60)
1990–1995Toyota 4Runner, second generation (N120/N130)
1996–2002Toyota 4Runner, third generation (N180)
2003–2009Toyota 4Runner, fourth generation
2010–2024Toyota 4Runner, fifth generation (N280)
2025–presentToyota 4Runner, sixth generation (N500)
1984Hilux roots, removable fiberglass roof
1989Steel body, two or four doors
1996New chassis, longer wheelbase
2003The first V8 4Runner
2006Projector lights, revised power ratings
2010270-hp V6; one-year four-cylinder
2015TRD Pro joins the lineup
20234,040 anniversary specials
2025Sixth generation: 326-hp hybrid
  1. 1984

    Hilux roots, removable fiberglass roof

    US sales begin in May with a two-door body and removable rear canopy. The first 4Runner is built from the Hilux pickup.145

  2. 1989

    Steel body, two or four doors

    The second generation arrives for the 1990 model year, replacing the fiberglass cap with an integrated steel body. Two- and four-door versions are offered.1

  3. 1996

    New chassis, longer wheelbase

    The larger third generation gains 2 inches of wheelbase and coil-sprung double-wishbone front suspension, with at least 25% more front suspension travel.6

  4. 2003

    The first V8 4Runner

    The fourth generation adopts Prado foundations and offers a 4.7 L V8 with 235 hp alongside a 4.0 L V6 with 245 hp.678

  5. 2006

    Projector lights, revised power ratings

    A facelift adds projector headlights and LED taillights after 2005 brought the V6 a five-speed automatic; 2006 also changes the horsepower-rating system.89

  6. 2010

    270-hp V6; one-year four-cylinder

    The fifth generation's new 4.0 L V6 makes 270 hp. A four-cylinder alternative lasts only for the 2010 model year.1011

  7. 2015

    TRD Pro joins the lineup

    The TRD Pro arrives with knobby tires and a lifted suspension.1112

  8. 2023

    4,040 anniversary specials

    The SR5-based 40th Anniversary Special Edition gets yellow, orange and red stripes, bronze 17-inch wheels and bronze cabin stitching; just 4,040 are planned.13

  9. 2025

    Sixth generation: 326-hp hybrid

    The sixth generation offers a turbo four with 278 hp and 430 Nm, or an i-FORCE MAX hybrid with 326 hp and 630 Nm. Both use eight-speed automatics.214

Every generation

  • Toyota Hilux
    Toyota Hilux1968–present
  • Toyota Trekker
    N301981–1983
  • Toyota 4Runner, first generation
    N601984–1989
  • Toyota 4Runner, second generation
    N120/N1301990–1995
  • Toyota 4Runner, third generation
    N1801996–2002
  • Toyota 4Runner, fourth generation
    Toyota 4Runner, fourth generation2003–2009
  • Toyota 4Runner, fifth generation
    N2802010–2024
  • Toyota 4Runner, sixth generation
    N5002025–present

Power over the years

From 96 hp to 326 hp in 41 years.

0100200300400 1990200020102020 hp 1984 · 96 hp · 22R 2.4 L1985 · 116 hp · 22R-E 2.4 L1986 · 135 hp · 22R-TE turbo1988 · 145 hp · 3VZ-E 3.0 L V61996 · 150 hp · US 2.7 L 3RZ-FE1996 · 183 hp · US 3.4 L 5VZ-FE V62003 · 235 hp · 4.7 L V82003 · 245 hp · 4.0 L V62005 · 270 hp · 4.7 L V8, variable valve timing2010 · 270 hp · 4.0 L V62025 · 278 hp · i-FORCE 2.4 L turbo four2025 · 326 hp · i-FORCE MAX hybrid 326 hp i-FORCE MAX hybrid 96 hp 22R 2.4 L
1245671015
Show the numbers
YearHorsepowerModel
19849622R 2.4 L
198511622R-E 2.4 L
198613522R-TE turbo
19881453VZ-E 3.0 L V6
1996150US 2.7 L 3RZ-FE
1996183US 3.4 L 5VZ-FE V6
20032354.7 L V8
20032454.0 L V6
20052704.7 L V8, variable valve timing
20102704.0 L V6
2025278i-FORCE 2.4 L turbo four
2025326i-FORCE MAX hybrid

Versions

10 versions worth knowing, with their power.

  • Standard

    DX / SR5 (first generation)

    1984–1989

  • Standard

    Base / SR5 / Limited / Highlander (third generation)

    1996–2002

  • Standard

    SR5 / Sport Edition / Limited (fourth generation)

    2003–2009

  • Trail / TRD Off-Road (fifth generation)

    Performance

    Trail / TRD Off-Road (fifth generation)

    2010–2024

    270 hp
  • TRD Pro

    Performance

    TRD Pro

    2015–2026

  • Trailhunter

    Special

    Trailhunter

    2025–2026

  • Special

    Nightshade / TRD Venture / Trail

    2021

    270 hp

  • Special

    Urban Runner / Trail Edition (fourth generation)

    2008–2009

  • Limited

    40th Anniversary Special Edition

    2023

  • Performance

    SR5 Turbo

    1986–1987

    135 hp

How to spot one

Look for

  • First generation: squared wheel arches, two doors and a removable rear roof.6
  • 1990–1995: rounded wheel arches and a full steel body, usually with four doors.6
  • Fifth generation: square fender flares and a square rear bumper.10
  • Newer generations: rear-hatch glass rolls down inside the tailgate.1214
  • Sixth generation: trapezoidal rear quarter glass with a wrap-over shape.214

Year by year

  1. 1984–1985 / 1986–1989

    Early cars have a leaf-sprung solid front axle; from 1986, look for torsion bars and CV shafts. The grille changed from three sections to two.15

  2. 1999

    Third-generation facelift brought a revised front bumper and headlights; some trims also gained running boards.15

  3. 2006

    Fourth-generation facelift added projector headlights, LED taillights and rounded wheel arches in place of the earlier square shapes.9

  4. 2014

    Fifth-generation restyle sharpened the headlights into a pointier shape.11

  5. 2025

    Sixth generation revived wrap-over rear quarter glass, echoing the first two generations.2

Don’t confuse it with

  • Photo of a Toyota 4Runner
    4Runner
    Photo of a Toyota Hilux
    Toyota Hilux

    Toyota Hilux

    First-generation fronts match the pickup; look behind the cab for the passenger area and removable rear roof.1

  • Photo of a Toyota 4Runner
    4Runner
    Photo of a Tacoma
    Tacoma

    Tacoma

    Sixth-generation 4Runner: look for wrap-over quarter glass; Tacoma and 4Runner share much of their shape ahead of the B-pillars.214

  • Photo of a Toyota 4Runner
    4Runner
    Photo of a Nissan Pathfinder
    Nissan Pathfinder

    Nissan Pathfinder

    Second-generation 4Runner has retractable tailgate glass; contemporary Pathfinder tailgates lift upward with the glass closed.1

Against its rivals

  • 4Runner vs Land Rover Discovery SD (1996)

    Comparison placing lower is better

    4Runner1 place
    Land Rover Discovery SD (1996)6 place
    23
  • Ford Explorer XLT (1996)

    4Runner vs Ford Explorer XLT (1996)

    Comparison placing lower is better

    4Runner1 place
    Ford Explorer XLT (1996)4 place
    23

  • 4Runner vs Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (1996)

    Comparison placing lower is better

    4Runner1 place
    Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (1996)3 place
    23

  • 4Runner vs Nissan Pathfinder LE (1996)

    Comparison placing lower is better

    4Runner1 place
    Nissan Pathfinder LE (1996)2 place
    23

Prices

Value today $13.0K–$22.0K5

Price when newAuction saleValue today
$0$20K$40K$60K$80K 1990200020102020 Value today: $13,000–$22,000 1985 · $11,998 · US SR5 base2003 · $26,000 · US SR5 estimated base2003 · $33,000 · US Sport estimated base2022 · $53,635 · US TRD Pro base2022 · $55,003 · US TRD Pro as tested2025 · $68,350 · US TRD Pro base2025 · $68,350 · US Trailhunter base 1985 · $11,998 · US SR5 base price, 1985 model year 2024 · $25,250 · 2000 SR5 4WD, 139k miles, BaT2024 · $29,500 · 2016 Trail Premium, 66k miles, BaT2024 · $14,000 · 2004 Limited V8 4WD, 205k miles, BaT2024 · $10,269 · 2006 Limited V8 4WD, 161k miles, BaT2025 · $55,000 · 2024 TRD Pro, modified, 19k miles, Bring a Trailer2025 · $13,500 · 1985 5-speed, repainted/modified, 113k miles, Bring a Trailer2025 · $45,500 · 2023 TRD Off-Road Premium 4x4, 14k miles, BaT2025 · $6,300 · 1995 SR5 V6 4WD, 106k miles, BaT2026 · $28,500 · 1985 4x4 5-speed, 86k miles, BaT2026 · $65,000 · 2025 TRD Pro Hybrid 4x4, 5,500 miles, BaT $65.0K BaT, 2026
37121822303132333435363738
Show the numbers
YearPriceAmountDetail
1985Launch price$11,998US SR5 base price, 1985 model year
1985Price when new$11,998US SR5 base
2003Price when new$26,000US SR5 estimated base
2003Price when new$33,000US Sport estimated base
2022Price when new$53,635US TRD Pro base
2022Price when new$55,003US TRD Pro as tested
2025Price when new$68,350US TRD Pro base
2025Price when new$68,350US Trailhunter base
2024Auction sale$25,2502000 SR5 4WD, 139k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$29,5002016 Trail Premium, 66k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$14,0002004 Limited V8 4WD, 205k miles, BaT
2024Auction sale$10,2692006 Limited V8 4WD, 161k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$55,0002024 TRD Pro, modified, 19k miles, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$13,5001985 5-speed, repainted/modified, 113k miles, Bring a Trailer
2025Auction sale$45,5002023 TRD Off-Road Premium 4x4, 14k miles, BaT
2025Auction sale$6,3001995 SR5 V6 4WD, 106k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$28,5001985 4x4 5-speed, 86k miles, BaT
2026Auction sale$65,0002025 TRD Pro Hybrid 4x4, 5,500 miles, BaT
2026Value today$13,000–$22,000

The rest of the story is in the app

The full file tells why each version matters, the legend behind the car and what to check before buying one.

  • Versions

    • Why each of the 10 versions matters

  • Legend

    • 14 stories from its legend
    • “Second at Baja, then displayed with the dirt”
    • “From 4x4 Evo to Forza Horizon 5”

  • Generations

    • The story of each of the 8 generations

  • Market

    • 6 things to check before buying one
    • Where prices are heading, and why
Read the full file in SPOT

SPOT is free on iPhone. Full car files come with SPOT Plus.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to the source it rests on.

See all 38 sources
  1. Toyota 4Runner - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  2. 2025 Toyota 4Runner Refines Adventure Ready Heritage media.toyota.ca
  3. Driven: 1985 Toyota 4Runner SR5 Packs a One-Two Punch caranddriver.com
  4. The 3rd Gen Toyota 4Runner: Everything You Need to Know motortrend.com
  5. Toyota 4Runner 1st Gen — BoxyTrucks boxytrucks.com
  6. Toyota SUV Spotter's Guide - 4Runner Facts motortrend.com
  7. Tested: 2003 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V-8 4WD caranddriver.com
  8. 2003-09 Toyota 4Runner | Consumer Guide Auto consumerguide.com
  9. The Ultimate 4th Gen Toyota 4runner Buyers Guide canadiangearhead.com
  10. THE ALL-NEW 2010 TOYOTA 4RUNNER BUILDS UPON ITS RUGGED HERITAGE DELIVERING GO-ANYWHERE PERFORMANCE WITH MORE POWER, AND USING LESS FUEL media.toyota.ca
  11. 2010-24 Toyota 4Runner Buying Guide: Which Fifth-Generation Model Is Best for You? - TrueCar Blog truecar.com
  12. Tested: 2022 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Is an SUV from the Jurassic Era caranddriver.com
  13. 2023 Toyota 4Runner Turns 40, Celebrates with Rad Stripes caranddriver.com
  14. 2025 Toyota 4Runner: Capable Across the Lineup - Mobility Engineering Technology mobilityengineeringtech.com
  15. Toyota 4Runner third-generation through the years: A history lesson on the 1996-2002 models - Autoblog autoblog.com
  16. 75 Years of TOYOTA | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | Vehicle Lineage | In-depth Vehicle Information, Specification toyota-global.com
  17. 75 Years of TOYOTA | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | Vehicle Lineage | In-depth Vehicle Information, Specification toyota-global.com
  18. 2025 Toyota 4Runner Trailhunter First Drive Review: Making the Case For Exploration motortrend.com
  19. Authentic Adventure Awaits: New 4Runner Trail Highlights Toyota’s 2021 Lineup Of Rugged And Refined Mid-Size Suvs media.toyota.ca
  20. Now on sale: 2026 Toyota 4Runner media.toyota.ca
  21. Toyota Hilux - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.org
  22. Modified 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $55,000 on August 1, 2025 (Lot #203,198) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  23. The Mobilizers: 1996 Off-Road-Ready SUVs Compared caranddriver.com
  24. 75 Years of TOYOTA | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION GLOBAL WEBSITE | Vehicle Lineage | In-depth Vehicle Information, Specification toyota-global.com
  25. Dirty Love: The Baja 1000 Toyota 4Runner jalopnik.com
  26. IGCD.net - Internet Game Cars Database igcd.net
  27. Forza Horizon 5 Series 5 Update forza.net
  28. This ’80s Inspired Toyota 4Runner SEMA Concept Is Rad, Bodacious And Far Out carthrottle.com
  29. The 2025 Toyota 4Runner Has Tons of Buttons Inside. That’s on Purpose thedrive.com
  30. No Reserve: 1985 Toyota 4Runner 4×4 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $13,500 on November 26, 2025 (Lot #221,264) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  31. No Reserve: 27-Years-Family-Owned 1995 Toyota 4Runner SR5 V6 4WD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $6,300 on May 23, 2025 (Lot #193,001) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  32. 2025 Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro Hybrid 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $65,000 on June 12, 2026 (Lot #247,445) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  33. 1985 Toyota 4Runner 4x4 5-Speed for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $28,500 on September 15, 2026 (Lot #263,123) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  34. 2023 Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium 4x4 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $45,500 on October 31, 2025 (Lot #217,519) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  35. No Reserve: 2000 Toyota 4Runner SR5 4WD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $25,250 on September 12, 2024 (Lot #162,392) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  36. Original-Owner 2016 Toyota 4Runner Trail Premium for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $29,500 on September 10, 2024 (Lot #162,007) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  37. No Reserve: 2004 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD V8 for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $14,000 on June 18, 2024 (Lot #151,114) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  38. No Reserve: 2006 Toyota 4Runner Limited V8 4WD for sale on BaT Auctions - sold for $10,269 on May 6, 2024 (Lot #145,839) | Bring a Trailer bringatrailer.com
  • en.wikipedia.org
  • media.toyota.ca
  • caranddriver.com
  • motortrend.com
  • boxytrucks.com
  • consumerguide.com
  • canadiangearhead.com
  • truecar.com
  • mobilityengineeringtech.com
  • autoblog.com
  • toyota-global.com
  • bringatrailer.com
  • jalopnik.com
  • igcd.net

Photo credits

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