The Toyota 4Runner has carved its legacy as one of the most iconic off-road SUVs in the automotive world. For decades, it has remained a top pick among adventure seekers, daily drivers, and families alike, especially for car shoppers looking for a rugged yet reliable Toyota SUV. Whether you’re in the market for a new car or a used car, the Toyota 4Runner offers a compelling blend of durability, utility, and evolution. In this blog, we’ll explore the Toyota 4Runner’s history in-depth, highlighting how this SUV has transformed from a compact utility vehicle into a refined and capable trail machine, with a spotlight on the all-new 2025 model.
Originally based on the Toyota Hilux pickup, the first-generation 4Runner featured a two-door body with seating for four and a removable rear hardtop. It launched with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing modest horsepower but outstanding reliability. Toyota aimed this vehicle at outdoor enthusiasts and off-road adventurers who wanted a more versatile option than a standard truck.
In later years, Toyota began offering independent front suspension on some trims, enhancing on-road comfort, and available turbocharged engine. These changes improved both on-road comfort and trail performance. The first-gen 4Runner set the foundation for what would become one of the most beloved off-road SUVs ever built with features that set it apart from other SUVs like a roll-down rear window and steel roll bar.
Toyota’s second-generation 4Runner marked a major shift. Gone was the fiberglass top—instead, the SUV featured a fully integrated steel body, making it more refined and family-friendly. While it still shared some architecture with the Hilux, this generation moved further from its pickup roots.
Offered in both two-door and four-door versions (though the two-door was discontinued early in the run), the second-generation 4Runner provided better safety, interior comfort, and modern features. New amenities included a choice of a 4-cylinder or V6 engine.
The shift toward a more passenger-focused experience did not come at the cost of off-road capability. The second-gen 4Runner remained an ideal companion for outdoor enthusiasts while offering an increasingly comfortable daily driving experience, paving the way for broader appeal in the growing SUV market.
The third-generation Toyota 4Runner arrived in 1996 and represented the most significant leap forward yet. Built on a new platform distinct from the Hilux, the SUV featured improved ride quality, sleeker styling, and a more car-like driving experience without abandoning its body-on-frame construction. Throughout its run the third-gen offered a 2WD four-cylinder model with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed electronic transmission (4ECT) was added, along with a 4WD four-cylinder with a 4ECT and a 4WD V6 Limited. This generation also introduced luxury-oriented features such as leather seating, sunroofs, and keyless entry. Despite the comfort upgrades, the 4Runner maintained its reputation for off-road toughness with available locking rear differentials and higher ground clearance.
This generation helped solidify the 4Runner as a do-it-all vehicle—one that could handle family road trips just as easily as it could conquer rocky trails.
Launched in 2003, the fourth-generation 4Runner was larger, more powerful, and more technologically advanced than its predecessors. Now riding on a platform shared with the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado, this version of the 4Runner offered a new level of capability and refinement.
For the first time, buyers could opt for a V8 engine—giving the 4Runner serious towing strength and increased torque for off-roading. The standard 4.0-liter V6 remained a popular option, offering a solid balance between power and efficiency.
Inside, the SUV delivered higher-end amenities including dual-zone climate control, optional navigation, and premium audio systems. Toyota also increased its focus on safety, with features such as downhill/hill-start assist control and side-curtain airbags becoming standard on many trims.
The fourth-generation 4Runner catered to drivers who wanted an SUV that could serve as both a daily commuter and a capable weekend warrior.
The fifth-generation Toyota 4Runner debuted in 2010 and has remained in production for over a decade—a testament to its enduring popularity. Built with off-road capability in mind, this generation doubled down on ruggedness while incorporating the connectivity and safety features that modern drivers expect.
The familiar 4.0-liter V6 remained under the hood, delivering ample torque for both urban driving and trail crawling. Specialized trims like the TRD Off-Road, TRD Pro, and Venture Edition added off-road gear such as crawl control, Multi-Terrain Select, and heavy-duty suspension components.
Toyota gradually updated the fifth generation 4Runner interior tech across the generation, adding Apple CarPlay, Android Auto. They even added Toyota Safety Sense P (TSS-P)starting with the 2019 model year, which brought advanced driver-assist features like lane departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and pre-collision braking.
While many competitors transitioned to unibody construction, the 4Runner proudly retained its body-on-frame design—ensuring it remained a true off-road SUV amidst a sea of crossover lookalikes.
In 2025, Toyota ushers in the sixth generation of the 4Runner, bringing the most dramatic transformation in its history. Built on the TNGA-F global truck platform—the same underpinnings as the 2024 Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra—the new 4Runner boasts improved rigidity, advanced suspension geometry, and increased refinement both on and off the road.
Powering the standard 2025 4Runner is a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine producing 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft of torque. For even greater performance, the available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain generates 326 horsepower and 465 lb-ft of torque, giving drivers a powerful yet efficient option.
Visually, the 2025 4Runner combines its heritage styling with modern touches. Square wheel arches, an aggressive front fascia, and an updated rear profile signal a bold new era while honoring the nameplate’s roots. Inside, drivers will find a thoroughly modern cabin featuring an available 14-inch multimedia touchscreen, digital gauge cluster, premium materials, and generous passenger space.
Safety remains a priority, with Toyota Safety Sense 3.0 standard across the lineup. This includes pre-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, lane tracing assist, and road sign assist, making the new 4Runner one of the safest off-road SUVs on the market.
Off-road-focused trims like the TRD Pro and Trailhunter return, equipped with features like aluminum skid plates and FOX shock, ensuring that the 4Runner remains a true adventure machine.
For car shoppers in Ontario and the Inland Empire, the Toyota 4Runner remains an enduring favorite for good reason. Whether you’re shopping for a brand-new 2025 model or a certified used car, the 4Runner consistently offers value, reliability, and trail-ready performance.
Unlike many modern SUVs that sacrifice capability for style, the 4Runner sticks to its roots with body-on-frame construction, high ground clearance, and a proven four-wheel-drive system. This makes it a top choice for drivers who want more than just a daily commuter—they want a partner for their outdoor lifestyle.
Schedule a test drive or browse our inventory today to find the 4Runner that fits your next adventure.
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