The 4L-V6 delivers good acceleration but goes about its job noisily. The engine is carefully matched to the smooth, responsive automatic transmission. Impressive ride and handling for a true off-road SUV. Light, precise steering. Though hard to modulate, braking is strong. Big, clear gauges are housed in a blocky dashboard that contains too many buttons for the climate control system. Very large central console. Comfortable seats and a good use of cabin space. Attractive cabin materials.

A 4L V6 hooked up to a five-speed automatic transmission is the sole powertrain available. Power reaches all wheels via a part-time four-wheel drive system or an optional full-time four-wheel drive powertrain. The 4Runner is the reference point for four-wheel drive off-road SUVs.

Over time, the 4Runner has morphed from a reasonably-priced vehicle to an expensive one. That said, the price does not hamper sales and the highest spec trims are the most popular. With a third-row seat, heated front seats and steering wheel, a sunroof, dual-zone climate control and blind spot monitors, the base SR5 trim is nicely equipped. Moving up to the TRD Sport deletes the third-row seat but adds larger wheels, a 360 degree camera system and some “off-road” type of exterior trim, but is very expensive for what you get. Moving up to the Limited adds the third-row seat back in again, in addition to premium audio, ventilated front seats, leather seating and parking sensors, and is good value. Compared with the SR5, the TRD Off Road adds a locking rear differential, a more sophisticated suspension system, a 360 degree monitor including for the terrain being travelled over but loses the third-row seat and seems very expensive. The TRD Pro adds some luxurious items like a JBL audio system, but looks extravagantly overpriced. Most 4Runners will take about a year to show up once ordered, but with mult-year delivery times, the at about 3 years for delivery, the TRD Pro model is a catalogue phantom.

Above average reliability like other Toyota body-on-frame trucks. Previous generations of this truck were vulnerable to chassis corrosion. An oil-based anti-rust treatment is highly recommended.