2024 Toyota 4Runner: A Comprehensive Guide On Features, Specs, And Pricing

If there was an award for not fixing what isn’t broken, the Toyota 4Runner would be a top contender. The fifth-generation 4Runner carries on for at least one more year (it’s up to 14 years in production now, but who’s counting). Toyota does get credit for some modest updates they’ve added in recent years. For 2023, all 4Runner models come standard with Toyota Safety Sense-P.

More remains the same than changes once again for the 2024 Toyota 4Runner: same engine, same transmission, same platform, same gas mileage. You get the idea. The TRD Pro grade gets an all-new exclusive color, Terra. Another color, Underground, is added to all grades as well.

Pricing increased only slightly from the last model year. The base MSRP for an SR5 4×2 model starts at $42,100, including $1,395 in delivery, processing, and handling fees. The top-of-the-line Limited 4×4 model starts at $53,370, also including delivery, processing, and handling fees.

In order to give you the most up-to-date and accurate information possible, the data used to compile this article was sourced from various manufacturer websites and other authoritative sources, including Toyota, Fueleconomy.gov, NHTSA, and IIHS.

What’s New For 2024?

The most noteworthy changes to the 4Runner for 2024 are color options. The TRD Pro grade gets an exclusive, earthy, Terra color. All grades get a dark gray Underground color added to their palette as well. The SUV received the automaker’s Safety Sense-P system as standard in 2023, which has carried over to 2024.

2024 Toyota 4Runner Highlights

• New exclusive Terra color for 4Runner TRD Pro grade
• New Underground color for all 4Runner grades
• Toyota Safety Sense-P advanced active safety package remains standard on all 4Runner grades

Engine Specifications And Performance

The 2024 4Runner sits on its same tried and true body-on-frame-with-a-solid-rear-axle platform that can be optioned as 2WD, or with part-time or full-time 4WD. The 4.0-liter V-6 engine featuring dual variable valve timing with intelligence remains unchanged for 2024 and is rated at a mid 270 horsepower and 278 pound-feet of torque.

The V-6 is still paired with a nostalgically archaic, yet loyally dependable five-speed automatic transmission. It’s been the only transmission option available for the SUV for 14 years. Together they lumber the 4Runner from zero to 60 in just shy of eight seconds. Getting there will require a little grip and forearm strength to keep the mildly chaotic road manners under control.

Performance Specifications

(Source: Toyota and EPA)

Towing Capabilities And Payload Capacity

In terms of towing and payload capacity, the 4Runner can get the job done, but it will need to work a little harder than some to do it. At most, the SUV can carry up to 1,625 pounds and, at a minimum, can carry up to 1,495 pounds depending on the driveline and grade configuration.

When a trailer is attached, the 4Runner can haul a relatively average weight of 5,000 pounds. Regardless of grade, the meek powertrain will be grunty and revvy as it works all five gears to keep up with itself.

(Source: Toyota)

Off-Road Capability

Driving dynamics for the 4Runner are more suited for off-pavement navigation than grand tour cruising. Limited 4Runner models get an exclusive full-time 4WD system that includes a Torsen center differential with a locking feature.

Torque split ranges from 40:60 in most scenarios to 30:70 and 53:47, depending on input and terrain demands. TRD Off-Road and TRD Pro models are equipped with an electronic-locking rear differential and Toyota Crawl Control feature for enhanced off-road capability.

Depending on the driveline configuration, the 4Runner can handle up to 33 degrees of incline and 26 degrees when returning to level. Ground clearance measures in at just over nine inches. The 2024 Ford Bronco bests the 4Runner in approach and departure angle, but not in ground clearance. The 2024 Jeep Wrangler bests both the Bronco and 4Runner in angles and ground clearance.

(Source: Toyota)

Interior Technology And Comfort

Best Interior Features Of The 2024 Toyota 4Runner

• Available in two or three row configuration
• Amazon Alexa, Android Auto, and Apple CarPlay compatible
• 10 cup and bottle holders, three USB ports, and one 120V outlet located throughout
• Standard Toyota Safety Sense-P active safety package on all models
• Signature power rear window
• Over 40 cubic feet of cargo space behind the second row

The interior on the 4Runner is dated yet functional; it provides what you need without being overly modern and complex. After a minor refresh in 2020, the infotainment setup remains unchanged for 2024. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility is standard, as well as Toyota Safety Sense-P on all models.

The 4Runner seats up to five or up to seven with the optional third row with over 40 cubic feet of cargo space available behind the second row. There are 10 cup and bottle holders (or 12 with three rows), three USB ports between the first and second rows, and one 120V outlet located in the cabin. The signature power rear window remains a staple for 2024.

Technology

Technology on the 2024 Toyota 4Runner is sufficient, but sufficiently out of date in terms of design and intuitiveness. There are plenty of buttons and knobs for those that appreciate a tactile user experience.

An 8.0-inch touchscreen display is the only infotainment option available across all 2024 Toyota 4Runner grades. It houses Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, Amazon Alexa, and in-vehicle navigation. A JBL premium audio system is available. Connected services like Safety Connect, Wi-Fi Connect and Destination Assist Connect are also available.

Interior Dimensions

(Source: Toyota)

Safety And Reliability

Safety on the 4Runner stays consistent for 2024. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) maintains a four-star overall safety rating for the 4Runner. So far, no recalls, investigations, or complaints have been reported to the NHTSA.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) has not conducted a crash test rating on the 4Runner since the 2014 model year but says the test still applies to the 2014-2024 model years. At the time of testing, the IIHS found that the 4Runner maintained marginal to good safety ratings in terms of crashworthiness.

There’s something to be said about getting flack for being outdated. Fourteen years in production has earned the 4Runner serious credit for exceptional reliability. Last year, Consumer Reports rated the 4Runner as its top 10 most reliable cars in 2023 with a reliability score of 87 out of 100.

This year, Consumer Reports says the 2024 4Runner is expected to be much more reliable than the average new car. JD Power rated the 2024 4Runner 86 out of 100 for its quality and reliability scoring: the higher rating means fewer problems experienced among owners per consumer data.

Driver Assistance Features

Toyota has managed to breathe some modern life into the elderly 4Runner in the form of new technology, including an advanced active safety package. Toyota Safety Sense-P was added as standard to all 4Runner grades in 2023. The driver assistance features include:

• Pre-Collision System with Vehicle and Pedestrian Detection
• High-Speed Dynamic Radar Cruise Control
• Lane Departure Alert with Sway Warning System
• Automatic High Beams

IIHS Crash Testing

IIHS crash testing last took place on the 2014 Toyota 4Runner. The agency states ratings from the 2014 model year testing apply to all model years between 2014 through 2024.

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

• Recalls (NHTSA): 0
• NHTSA Investigations: 0
• NHTSA Consumer Complaints: 0
• Awards: N/A

Warranties

Warranties from Toyota for the 4Runner are pretty standard across the board. Three years and 36,000 miles for full comprehensive coverage with up to five years and 60,000 miles for the powertrain. A maintenance and roadside warranty is in effect for two years and up to 25,000 miles. Corrosion issues are covered for up to five years with no mileage limitations in place.

(Source: Toyota)

2024 Toyota 4Runner Versus Its Competitors

We chose the 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee and 2024 Honda Passport to compare against the 4Runner. One offers a three-row alternative to the 4Runner that doesn’t sacrifice off-road abilities. The other is a modern FWD SUV that offers off-road enhancements and doesn’t require trading road manners for trail capability.

How The 2024 Toyota 4Runner Model Compares To The 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee

• 	2024 Toyota 4Runner	2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee
  Engine:	4.0-L V-6	3.6 liter pentastar V-6
  Torque	278 LB-FT	260 pound-feet
  Transmission	5-Speed Automatic	Eight-speed automatic
  Driveline	RWD	Two/four-wheel drive
  MSRP	$42,100-$51,335	$36,495-$71,040
  Towing Capacity	5,000 Pounds	6,200 pounds
  Horsepower	270	293 horsepower

Jeep Grand Cherokee because it offers off-road capability, modern powertrains and technology, two or three-row models, and a spacious cargo capacity comparable to the 4Runner. Where the 4Runner is more of a traditional rough-and-tumble body-on-frame SUV, the Grand Cherokee sits on a modern unibody platform for improved ride quality and handling.

The Grand Cherokee is more powerful and more fuel-efficient than the 4Runner. However, the Jeep Grand Cherokee has been notoriously less reliable compared to the 4Runner, and really most vehicles in the segment, unfortunately. Pricing for the Grand Cherokee two-row model starts at $41,330 including destination charges, which is less than a base 4Runner SR5 model.

How The 2024 Toyota 4Runner Compares To The 2024 Honda Passport

• 	2024 Toyota 4Runner	2024 Honda Passport
  Model	4Runner	Passport
  Engine:	4.0-L V-6	3.5-L V-6
  Torque	278 LB-FT	262 LB-FT
  Driveline	RWD	FWD
  MSRP	$42,100-$51,335	$43,295-$49,365
  Towing Capacity	5,000 Pounds	5,000 Pounds
  Fuel Economy	17 MPG Combined	21 MPG Combined
  Horsepower	270	280

The Passport is only offered in two rows and has less cargo capacity than the 4Runner. On the flip side, the Passport is more powerful and more fuel-efficient than the 4Runner. Reliability ratings from Consumer Reports are better than the Jeep Grand Cherokee but don’t beat the 4Runner. JD Power rates the quality and reliability of the Passport at 85 out of 100, which is on par with how the 4Runner ratings turned out. The base MSRP for the Passport starts higher than the 4Runner and tops off lower.

How Much Does A 2024 Toyota 4Runner Cost?

The 2024 Toyota 4Runner offers six different grades depending on whether it’s optioned as 2WD or 4WD. Altogether, grades include SR5, SR5 Premium, TRD Sport TRD Off-Road TRD Off-Road Premium, and Limited. TRD Off-Road and TRD Off-Road Premium grades are not available as 2WD models.

Pricing for 2WD 4Runners starts at $42,100 for SR5 models, including Toyota’s $1,395 charge for delivery, processing, and handling fees. Limited 2WD models start at $51,335. Adding four-wheel drive increases the base MSRP for an SR5 model by approximately $1,875. Limited models with 4WD start at $53,370.

Source: (Toyota)

Fuel Economy

Fuel efficiency ratings for the 4Runner are easy to report when only one engine option is available. According to the EPA, the 4Runner is rated at 16 MPG combined. Oddly, there is no difference in fuel economy between 2WD and 4WD models, meaning the 4×4 components don’t add much weight to the vehicle overall. This is dismal frankly. Most competitors, even with comparable V-6 engines instead of a turbocharged four-cylinder, run at least three more gears in the transmission and are rated closer to or into the 20 MPG range.

GAS

(Source: EPA)

Is It Worth Buying A 2024 Toyota 4Runner?

There are few but significant reasons to buy a 2024 Toyota 4Runner. One reason is you want your new car purchase to last forever and plan to drive it until the wheels fall off; the 4Runner has proven year after year to be capable of that.

Another reason is you like the nostalgic feel of a modern retro driving experience; you like an underpowered V-6 with a no-nonsense transmission and driving experience, one that isn’t refined or comfortable but still enjoyable. Another reason is you want to live out your off-roader/overlander dreams and the 4Runner is your chosen vehicle to do it with.

The 2024 model year is just a brand new 2010. The powertrain is old, the fuel efficiency isn’t great, and the road manners are dysfunctional. But those qualities are part of what makes people like the 4Runner. Not that it’s underpowered and not fuel efficient, but its engine is reliable and torquey without the use of turbos.

A lot of people like the feel of driving an old SUV, where you can feel what you’re driving and not just numbness, where you have traditional four-wheel drive systems instead of auto-everything all-wheel drive. There are a lot of things the 4Runner isn’t, but a lot of things the 4Runner is. It’s old school and out of date, but it’s loyally dependable and consistently capable.