Toyota 4Runner History

Since its debut in the early 1980s, the Toyota 4Runner has undergone numerous changes and improvements over the years. From its original design as a rugged two-door SUV to the more recent versions that combine off-road capability with modern amenities, the 4Runner has proven to be a versatile and enduring vehicle. Over the course of its history, there have been several key milestones that have shaped the 4Runner into the iconic vehicle it is today.

Here are the most important moments in 4Runner history.

1. In 1984, Toyota introduced the 4Runner as a compact SUV.
2. In 1990, the 4Runner received a major redesign, growing in size and gaining new features like optional four-wheel drive and a V6 engine.
3. In 1996, Toyota introduced the third-generation 4Runner with even more advanced features, including a multi-mode four-wheel drive system and a standard V6 engine.
4. In 2003, the fourth-generation 4Runner debuted, boasting a powerful V8 engine option and an available third-row seat for the first time.
5. In 2009, the fifth-generation 4Runner hit the market, featuring a redesigned exterior, improved off-road capabilities, and a new Trail Edition trim package.
6. In 2010, the 4Runner got a powertrain upgrade, switching to a standard V6 engine with increased power and better fuel efficiency.
7. The 4Runner received a refresh in 2014 with updated styling and new technology features like an available Entune infotainment system.
8. The current, fifth-generation 4Runner has been in production since 2009, with various updates and enhancements over the years, including the addition of new trim packages like the TRD Pro and 40th Anniversary Edition.
9. The production of the sixth generation Toyota 4Runner is expected in 2024 or 2025. Better styling, improved riding quality, and enhanced off-road experiences are just some things we can expect in the future.

Used Toyota 4Runner Pricing

The year, trim, mileage, and overall condition influence the cost of a used Toyota 4Runner. You could pay anywhere from $5,000 to $50,000.

To get an idea of how much a used 4Runner is worth in your area, do some comparison research. Prices can vary depending on local supply and demand, as well as other factors such as mileage and the vehicle’s history. It’s also a good idea to have a reputable mechanic inspect the vehicle before you buy it, as this can help identify any potential issues that could reduce its value.

You can filter PrivateAuto’s used Toyota 4Runners for sale in your area to get a sense of what owners are asking. Then, with our innovative offer feature, you can make an offer that works for your budget, then sit back and see if it gets accepted!

4Runner SR5

The Toyota 4Runner SR5 is the base trim in the 4Runner lineup, and it offers a no-frills reliable SUV. While the SR5 is less well-equipped than other 4Runner trims, it still has many of the features that drivers require.

Here are the specs for the 2023 SR5; previous model years may vary.

• Audio plus 8-inch infotainment touchscreen display
• Android Auto, Apple CarPlay, and Amazon Alexa
• Toyota safety sense
• Fabric-trimmed front seats
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support
• Leather-trimmed tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio and Bluetooth
• 17-in. 6-spoke alloy wheels with P265/70R17 tires
• Chrome “SR5” external hard badges
• Towing capacity of 5,000 lbs

4Runner SR5 Premium

The Toyota 4Runner SR5 Premium is a step up from the base SR5 trim, with more advanced features and upgraded comfort. One of the main differences between the SR5 and SR5 Premium trims is the addition of more luxury features, such as heated leather seats and an upgraded infotainment system.

Here are the upgrades for the 2023 SR5 Premium.

• Premium audio 8 inch touchscreen
• SofTex®-trimmed heated front seats
• SofTex®-trimmed 40/20/40 split
• Reclining and fold-flat second-row seat
• 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
• HomeLink universal transceiver
• Skid plate covering transfer case
• Heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror

Used Toyota 4Runner SR5 Prices

Most used Toyota 4Runner SR5s will sell for $20,000 to $40,000, depending on mileage, condition, and age.

4Runner TRD Sport

One of the most noticeable differences between the base trim and the TRD Sport is the inclusion of a hood scoop, which gives the latter a more aggressive appearance. The TRD Sport has other advanced features as well.

Here are the upgrades for the 2023 TRD Sport; previous model years may vary.

• Front and rear Bilstein shocks
• Front anti-sway bars
• Electronic locking rear differential
• Toyota safety sense P
• TRD Sport carpet floor mats
• 20-in. split 6-spoke alloy wheels with P245/60R20 tires
• “TRD Sport” external hard badges
• Color-keyed TRD hood scoop
• X-REAS sport enhancement suspension

Toyota 4Runner TRD Off-Road

The TRD Off-Road builds on the TRD Sport but has a beefier trim and a few more amenities.

• SofTex trimmed heated front seats
• 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support
• 4-way power-adjustable front passenger seat
• TRD red lettering on driver and front passenger headrests
• Accessory cargo space net
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• Part-time selectable 4WD
• HomeLink universal transceiver
• 17-in. 7-spoke alloy wheels with black accents
• P265/70R17 tires
• Heated power outside mirrors with turn signal indicators
• Active traction control (ATRAC)
• Kinetic dynamic suspension system

4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium

The TRD Off-Road Premium offers the following upgrades from the TRD Off-Road

• Premium audio 8 inch touchscreen
• Leather-trimmed seats
• TRD red lettering on driver and front passenger headrests
• Accessory cargo net
• Auto-dimming rearview mirror
• HomeLink universal transceiver
• Overhead console with multi-terrain monitor and crawl control switches
• 17-in. 7-spoke alloy wheels with black accents
• P265/70R17 tires

Used Toyota 4Runner TRD Trim Prices

Most used Toyota 4Runner TRD trims will sell for $20,000 to $40,000, depending on mileage, type, condition, and age.

4Runner 40th Anniversary Edition

In 2023, Toyota released a special edition 4Runner, the 4Runner 40th Anniversary Special Edition, to commemorate the 4Runner’s 40-year legacy. This edition, limited to only 4,040 units, pays homage to the 4Runner’s history of conquering difficult terrain across the country, including muddy terrain, rocky trails, and water crossings.

• Bold and stylish 17-in. bronze-colored wheels
• Heritage “TOYOTA” front color-keyed grille
• Bronze-colored “40th Anniversary” rear external hard badge
• Bronze-colored external emblem overlays
• Unique racing-inspired tri-color striped graphics
• Color-keyed door handles
• Rear liftgate window defogger with timer and UV protection
• Star safety system
• Lower anchors and tethers for children
• Part-time 4WD system
• Downhill assist control
• Hill start assist control
• Coil-spring independent double-wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar
• Coil-spring 4-link with lateral rod rear suspension with stabilizer bar

Used Toyota 4Runner 40th Anniversary Edition Prices

Most used 4Runner 40th edition trims will sell for $35,000 to $60,000, depending on mileage, condition, and other factors.

4Runner Limited

When compared to the base 4Runner, the Limited trim is a significant upgrade in both comfort and power.

Here are the upgrades for the 2023 Toyota 4Runner Limited; previous model years may vary.

• Torsen limited-slip center differential with locking feature
• Downhill assist control
• Active traction control
• X-REAS sport enhancement suspension
• Premium Audio with JBL Speakers with an 8-in. touchscreen
• Panoramic view monitor with 360-degree overhead view in low-speed drive and reverse, and curb view
• 20-in. split 6-spoke alloy wheels
• P245/60R20 tires
• Roof rails
• Chrome “Limited” external hard badges
• Chrome door handles with touch-sensor lock/unlock feature
• Dual zone automatic climate control with air filter and second-row vents
• Perforated leather-trimmed, heated, and ventilated front seats

Most used Toyota 4Runners with the Limited trim package will sell for $20,000 to $60,000, depending on mileage, condition, and age.

Runner TRD Pro

The TRD Pro trim is the most exclusive 2023 4Runner trim package.

Here are the upgrades for the 2023 4Runner TRD Pro.

• Multi-terrain monitor with selectable front, side, or rear view
• SofTex trimmed heated front seats
• SofTex trimmed 40/20/40 split, reclining, and fold-flat rear seat
• TRD red lettering on driver and front passenger headrests
• TRD shift knob
• TRD Pro all-weather floor liners
• Overhead console with multi-terrain select and crawl control switches
• Skid plate covering transfer case
• TRD Pro-stamped front aluminum skid plate
• 17-inch matte-black flow-form TRD alloy wheels with P265/70R17 A/T tires
• Unique “TOYOTA” front grille
• Premium audio with JBL speakers and an 8-inch touchscreen
• Part-time 4WD
• Active traction control
• Backup camera
• Electronic locking rear differential
• TRD FOX high-performance shocks with rear remote reservoirs
• Coil-spring independent double-wishbone front suspension with stabilizer bar
• Coil-spring 4-link with lateral rod rear suspension with stabilizer bar
• Toyota Safety Sense P, pre-collision system with pedestrian detection, lane departure alert, automatic high beams, and dynamic radar cruise control

Most used Toyota 4Runner TRD Pro trim packages will sell for $40,000 to $63,000, depending on mileage, condition, and age.