2027 Toyota 4Runner

Overview

The 2027 4Runner is part of a dynasty of off-road capable Toyota SUVs, and its bloodline stretches back to the early 1980s. The 2027 model you see here is the sixth generation of the mid-size SUV, and it sports a host of contemporary technology features for connectivity and driver assistance. But the 4Runner has not lost its way, as it is still built on a stout body-on-frame platform and offers an available four-wheel drive system built specifically for off-roading.

While the 4Runner is a natural on the trail, it’s clumsy—but comfortable—on the road. A third-row seat is an option, but the small passenger space back there renders it nearly useless. In short, the 4Runner is great for wilderness excursions, but there are better choices, some within Toyota's lineup, if you spend your time on pavement using your SUV for family duty.

Expert Tip: Toyota builds a 4Runner Hybrid with more power and more off-roading equipment, but we review that model separately.

Where This Vehicle Ranks

#6 in Best Mid-Size 2-Row SUVs

1

Honda Passport

10/10

STARTING AT: $46,790

SHOP Passport

2

Ford Bronco

9.5/10

STARTING AT: $43,290

SHOP Bronco

3

Toyota Land Cruiser

9.5/10

STARTING AT: $59,775

SHOP Land Cruiser

4

Ford Bronco Raptor

9.5/10

STARTING AT: $81,990

SHOP Bronco Raptor

5

Toyota Crown Signia

9/10

STARTING AT: $46,485

SHOP Crown Signia

6

Toyota 4Runner

8.5/10

STARTING AT: $44,000

SHOP 4Runner

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What's New for 2027?

No major changes are in store for the 4Runner for the 2027 model year.

C/D Expert Tip:

If this year's model is largely unchanged and you're comfortable with a lightly used car, you may want to consider shopping previous model years. A one-to-three-year-old model will likely have a warranty and it'll cost less than buying new.

C/D RATING:8.5/10

2026 Toyota 4Runner

Shop for a 2026

C/D RATING:8.5/10

2025 Toyota 4Runner

Shop for a 2025

Shop All Used Toyota 4Runner

Pricing and Which One to Buy

Engine, Transmission, and Performance

• Engine: 278-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder
• Transmission: 8-speed automatic
• Drivetrains: rear-wheel drive, four-wheel drive

All 4Runners come with a 278-hp turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder and an eight-speed automatic transmission. A rear-wheel-drive layout is standard, but a full-time four-wheel drive system is optional and comes with a two-speed transfer case with high and low range.

All manner of terrain-conquering equipment is offered, including optional disconnecting anti-roll bars, a locking rear differential, and an off-road cruise control system. The hybrid models are available with even more off-road goodies, including manually adjustable dampers, but we review that model separately.

When we drove the 4Runner both on- and off-road, we were impressed with the new model's improved road manners compared with its predecessor, but it's nonetheless clumsy and ponderous enough that you won't forget you're driving a truck-based SUV. It's fun to drive in the dirt, though, thanks to its good visibility and quick steering.

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0–60-MPH Times

• C/D 60-mph Test: 7.5 seconds (Limited 4x4)

In Comparison: The four-cylinder Ford Bronco proved slightly quicker to 60 mph in our testing, doing the deed in 7.1 seconds.

View Exterior Photos

Towing and Payload Capacity

• Max Towing: 6000 pounds

The maximum towing capacity for the Toyota 4Runner is 6000 pounds, a robust figure compared to many of its competitors, including the Jeep Wrangler.

Fuel Economy and Real-World MPG

• C/D 75-mph Highway Fuel-Economy Test: 21 mpg (Limited 4x4)
• EPA City Ratings: 19-20 mpg
• EPA Highway Ratings: 24-26 mpg

The EPA estimates the 4Runner's fuel economy at up to 20 mpg city, 26 mpg highway, and 22 mpg combined. On our 75-mph real-world highway fuel economy test, a four-wheel-drive 4Runner Limited delivered 21 mpg. For more information about the 4Runner's fuel economy, visit the EPA's website.

Interior, Comfort, and Cargo

First Row: If the 4Runner's cabin looks familiar to you, that's because it shares much of it with the Tacoma pickup truck. The dashboard and infotainment setup are essentially identical. There are storage bins strategically placed throughout the interior, and all the controls are within easy reach for the driver. The 4Runner can be turned into a pseudo-convertible by rolling down all four windows, dropping the power-operated rear window, and sliding open the optional sunroof. It's not as open-air as a Wrangler or a Bronco with their removable roofs off, but it's a close approximation that lets occupants enjoy nature while traversing trails.

Second Row: Passenger space in the 4Runner’s back seat is generous, and the seat cushions are comfortable enough for a long drive. The bench seat splits in a 60/40 fashion and can tumble out of the way for access to the optional third row.

Third Row: While the extra row of seats could come in handy for kids or an occasional tag-along passenger, the space in the is small enough that no adult will be comfortable back there. We suggest skipping this option or considering the larger Grand Highlander SUV if you need a three-row SUV with a roomy wayback.

Cargo Capacity: In our testing, we fit three carry-on suitcases inside the 4Runner's cargo bay behind the third row; with the last two rows folded, we fit 29.

View Interior Photos

Infotainment and Connectivity

• Infotainment: 8.0-inch touchscreen (standard), 14.0-inch touchscreen (optional)
• Connectivity: Bluetooth, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
• Audio System: 8-speaker stereo (standard), 15-speaker JBL stereo (optional)

An 8.0-inch infotainment display is standard and runs Toyota's latest software, which we have found both easy to use and quick to load. A larger, 14.0-inch display is optional, as is a 12.3-inch digital gauge cluster.

All models come with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, USB-C ports, and a digital key system that lets you lock, unlock, and start the 4Runner via a smartphone app. A wireless smartphone charging pad is optional. Base and TRD Sport 4Runners ship with an eight-speaker stereo, but TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road Premium, and Limited trims get a 15-speaker JBL stereo instead.

Safety and Driver-Assistance Features

Toyota equips every 4Runner with a suite of driver-assistance features. The standard package includes basics such as automated emergency braking and lane-departure warning, as well as more advanced offerings such as adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature and a system that can detect if the driver is non-responsive and bring the 4Runner to a stop if needed.

• Standard Safety Features: automated emergency braking, lane-keeping assist, adaptive cruise control with a lane-centering feature
• Optional Safety Features: automatic high-beam headlamps, 360-degree exterior camera system

For information about the 4Runner’s crash-test results, visit the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) websites.

Warranty and Maintenance Coverage

Toyota provides two years of complimentary scheduled maintenance, a rarity in this class. The coverage in other categories is less impressive but matches industry norms.

• Limited Warranty: three years or 36,000 miles
• Powertrain Warranty: five years or 60,000 miles
• Complimentary Maintenance: two years or 25,000 miles

C/D Test Results and Specs

Each year, we put hundreds of vehicles through our rigorous instrumented testing regimen. If the data in the chart below is for a different model year, that's because this vehicle hasn't changed from when we last tested it, and the test results remain accurate.

Specifications

Specifications

2025 Toyota 4Runner Limited 4WD
Vehicle Type: front-engine, rear/4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 4-door wagon

PRICE
Base/As Tested: $58,850/$62,875

ENGINE
turbocharged and intercooled DOHC 16-valve inline-4, aluminum block and head, port and direct fuel injection
Displacement: 146 in³, 2393 cm³
Power: 278 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque: 317 lb-ft @ 1700 rpm

TRANSMISSION
8-speed automatic

CHASSIS
Suspension, F/R: control arms/live axle
Brakes, F/R: 13.4-in vented disc/13.2-in vented disc
Tires: Dunlop Grandtrek PT5A
265/55R-20 113V M+S

DIMENSIONS
Wheelbase: 112.2 in
Length: 194.9 in
Width: 77.9 in
Height: 73.1 in
Passenger Volume, F/M/R: 56/44/36 ft³
Cargo Volume, Behind F/M/R: 84/45/12 ft³
Curb Weight: 5111 lb

C/D TEST RESULTS
60 mph: 7.5 sec
1/4-Mile: 15.7 sec @ 90 mph
100 mph: 20.2 sec
Results above omit 1-ft rollout of 0.3 sec.
Rolling Start, 5–60 mph: 8.2 sec
Top Gear, 30–50 mph: 3.9 sec
Top Gear, 50–70 mph: 5.2 sec
Top Speed (gov ltd): 115 mph
Braking, 70–0 mph: 170 ft
Roadholding, 300-ft Skidpad: 0.74 g

C/D FUEL ECONOMY
Observed: 18 mpg

EPA FUEL ECONOMY
Combined/City/Highway: 21/20/24 mpg

C/D TESTING EXPLAINED

More Features and Specs