Used Toyota 4Runner Buying Guide

• The sixth-gen 4Runner introduced turbocharged and hybrid power.
• The widest selection on the used market is from fifth-generation models.
• Fifth-gen models covered a whopping 15 years–one of the longest production runs in history!

Toyota redesigned the 4Runner from the ground up in ’25, bringing it into a new era without abandoning the rugged formula that made it famous. It’s still a body-on-frame SUV, but now rides on the automaker’s TNGA-F platform.

The previous V6 gave way to a 278 hp 2.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder producing 317 lb-ft of torque, or a 326-hp i-Force Max hybrid with an impressive 465 lb-ft of torque. Both engines pair with an eight-speed automatic, and the hybrid is now the most powerful 4Runner Toyota has ever built.

Toyota also expanded the lineup. The Platinum model caters to drivers looking for more luxury, while the TRD Pro and all-new Trailhunter are built for serious off-road adventures. Trailhunter models stand out with 33-inch all-terrain tires, Old Man Emu suspension components, skid plates, a high-mounted air intake, and integrated auxiliary lighting.

Inside, the latest infotainment system offers faster response times, natural voice recognition, and a larger touchscreen. Blind-spot monitoring, a tow hitch receiver, and Toyota’s signature power rear window come standard, while a third-row seat remains available on non-hybrid models.

Because this generation is still new, used examples remain limited and typically command prices close to new models.

The fifth-generation 4Runner enjoyed one of the longest production runs in Toyota history. Throughout those 15 model years, Toyota steadily refined the SUV while preserving its rugged body-on-frame construction and impressive off-road capability.

Early models offered either a 2.7-liter four-cylinder or a 4.0-liter V6, although Toyota dropped the four-cylinder after the 2013 model year. The V6 became the sole engine choice and developed a reputation for dependable performance.

For 2015, the TRD Pro added an upgraded suspension, skid plates, and exclusive styling. In 2017, the Trail models were renamed TRD Off-Road. And in 2019, Toyota introduced the Nightshade Edition for buyers who preferred a darker appearance.

The dashboard got a full redesign in 2014. Six years later, Toyota made the Safety Sense-P standard. That same year also brought Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Amazon Alexa support, a bigger touchscreen, and extra USB ports. Push-button start and passive entry followed in later model years. Limited trims eventually gained a 360-degree camera, while the TRD Pro got its own feature: a Multi-Terrain Monitor.

The fifth-generation market spans everything from higher-mileage early models to low-mileage TRD Pros that continue to command premium prices. Buyers looking for the best combo of tech and value should focus on 2020-2024 models, while shoppers prioritizing affordability can often find earlier V6 models at lower prices.