Which year to buy
Best bet2023Fewest serious problems: 0.6× usual
Newest we'd buy2024The latest year rated a good buy
Avoid2010, 2025Far more serious problems than usual
Be careful2011–2012, 2015More problems; check the recalls were done
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2011CAREFULSerious complaints 2.1× usual, mostly air bags and structure Extended coverage
144 serious complaints of 163, the most about air bags (112) and structure (9); per car on the road, 2.1× this model's usual year. 10 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21002: desiccated air bag inflator rupture.
What owners report
“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2011 toyota 4runner. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 16v340000 (air bags) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the air bags, Jan 2017
“Received a letter about recall letter about peeling paint. Paint was ok at time of letter. A year later the paint is now peeling from every panel. Toyota says the campaign has ended and there is nothing they can do. But customer relations also said there are many people calling in after the fact with the same peeling problem.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the structure, Nov 2025
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage These reports indicate that vehicles with these specific paint colors, applied during the vehicle manufacturing process, may experience paint peeling on exterior metal body panels. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to the condition described above. (ZKG Region, Aug 2019)
- Extended coverage On July 30, 2018, a settlement of claims for Economic Loss related to Takata airbag inflators was approved for full implementation. The settlement includes Toyota's agreement to provide a Customer Support Program (?CSP?) for 2002-2019 model year (MY) vehicles originally equipped with certain… (22TE04, Jul 2022)
- Extended coverage Repair is Now Available Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Factory-Applied Paint. (Customer, Dec 2019)
- Extended coverage Repair Process: Customer Support Program ZKG ? (ZKG Paint, Dec 2019)
- Extended coverage CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM ZKG Multiple Models and Model Years Vehicles Painted with Blizzard Pearl (070) or Super White (040) Paint Color Coverage for Peeling of Factory-Applied Paint (ZKG Customer, Oct 2021)
- Extended coverage Customer Support Program ZKG ? (Z3G, Nov 2022)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
163 owner complaints · 10 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 19 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2011 trims and features
Every 4Runner year's verdict →
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Trims and features
What changed for 2011
- Starting prices: +$855 (1 trim; hover for each)
- Engine: 4.0L DOHC 24-valve EFI dual independent VVT-i V6 → 4.0-Liter DOHC 24-Valve V6 with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) (Trail, Limited)
- Engine: 2.7L DOHC 16-valve EFI VVT-i 4-cylinder → 4.0-Liter DOHC 24-Valve V6 with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) (SR5)
- Horsepower: 157 hp → 270 hp (SR5)
- Torque: 178 lb-ft → 278 lb-ft (SR5)
- Gears: 4 → 5 (SR5)
- Fuel economy (combined): 20 mpg → 19 mpg (SR5)
- Max towing: 2,000 lb → 5,000 lb (SR5)
- Curb weight: 4,295 lb → 4,400 lb (SR5)
2011 4Runner trims
| Limited | SR5 | Trail | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Starting MSRP | — | — | $36,555 |
| Powertrain | |||
| Engine | 4.0-Liter DOHC 24-Valve V6 with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) | 4.0-Liter DOHC 24-Valve V6 with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) | 4.0-Liter DOHC 24-Valve V6 with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) |
| Horsepower | 270 hp | 270 hp | 270 hp |
| Torque | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft | 278 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 5-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) | 5-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) | 5-speed Electronically Controlled automatic Transmission with intelligence (ECT-i) |
| Gears | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Drivetrain | 2WD / 4WD | 2WD / 4WD | 4wd |
| Fuel economy (combined) | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Size and capability | |||
| Seats | 5 + option | 5 + option | 5 |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| Cargo behind last row | 47.2 cu ft + option | 47.2 cu ft + option | 46.3 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 89.7 cu ft + option | 89.7 cu ft + option | 88.8 cu ft |
| Third-row legroom | Optional | Optional | — |
| Ground clearance | 2WD: 9 in 4WD: 9.6 in | 2WD: 9 in 4WD: 9.6 in | 9.6 in |
| Length | 189.9 in | 189.9 in | 189.9 in |
| Curb weight | 2WD: 4,525 lb 4WD: 4,805 lb | 2WD: 4,400 lb 4WD: 4,675 lb | 4,750 lb |
| Tech | |||
| Apple CarPlay | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Audio | JBL + option | — | Optional |
| Speakers | 15 + option | 8 | 8 + option |
| Driver assistance | |||
| Parking sensors | — | Rear + option | — |
| Comfort | |||
| Seats | Leather | Cloth + option | Cloth |
| Heated seats | Front | Optional | — |
| Climate zones | 2 | — | — |
| Second row | Split Bench | Split Bench | Split Bench |
| Exterior | |||
| Sunroof | Tilt/Slide Moonroof | Optional | Tilt/Slide Moonroof |
| Wheels | 20 in | 17 in | 17 in |
| Headlights | Halogen | Halogen | Halogen |
Packages and options (23)
| Limited | SR5 | Trail | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convenience Package | — | Optional | — |
| Fabric-trimmed 50/50 split fold-flat third-row seating | — | Optional | — |
| Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) | — | — | Optional |
| Leather-trimmed 50/50 split fold-flat third-row seating | Optional | Optional | — |
| Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof with Sunshade | Standard | Optional | Standard |
| Premium Package | — | Optional | — |
| Sport fabric-trimmed 8-way power-adjustable driver's seat and 4-way power-adjustable passenger seat | — | Optional | — |
| Cargo Cross Bars $185 | Optional | Optional | — |
| One Front and One Cargo Area 120V AC Power Outlet $200 | Standard | Optional | Standard |
| Sliding Rear Cargo Deck | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Voice-Activated Touch-Screen DVD Navigation System with JBL Audio | Optional | — | Optional |
| AM/FM/MP3 CD player with integrated XM Radio, USB, Bluetooth, and steering wheel audio controls | — | Optional | Standard |
| Anti-Theft Alarm System with Engine Immobilizer | Standard | Optional | Standard |
| Backup Camera with Electrochromic Mirror Monitor | Standard | Optional | Standard |
| Black | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Blizzard Pearl | Optional | Optional | — |
| Classic Silver Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Magnetic Gray Metallic | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Salsa Red Pearl | — | Optional | Optional |
| Shoreline Blue Pearl | Optional | — | Optional |
| Black | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Graphite | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| Sand Beige | Optional | Optional | Optional |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Oem order guide, Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, warranty, options, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 275–278 hp 2.4L 4-cyl turbo hybrid, 275–278 hp | 4WD, RWD | 21–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 0 | 0 | — | — |
| 2025 | 2.4L 4-cyl turbo, 275–278 hp 2.4L 4-cyl turbo hybrid, 275–278 hp | 4WD, RWD | 21–23 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 60 | Service brakes (22) | Yes |
| 2024 | 4.0L 6-cyl, 270 hp | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 17 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 9 | Structure (3) | Yes |
| 2023 | 4.0L 6-cyl, 270 hp | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 17 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 32 | Unknown or other (12) | Yes |
| 2022 | 4.0L 6-cyl, 270 hp | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 17 mpg | 4 of 5 | 3 | 39 | Unknown or other (7) | Yes |
| 2021 | 4.0L 6-cyl, 270 hp | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 17 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 36 | Steering (13) | Yes |
| 2020 | 4.0L 6-cyl, 270 hp | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 17 mpg | 4 of 5 | 1 | 33 | Unknown or other (8) | Yes |
| 2019 | 4.0L 6-cyl, 270 hp | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 18 mpg | 4 of 5 | 4 | 65 | Unknown or other (12) | No |
| 2018 | 4.0L 6-cyl, 270 hp | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 18 mpg | 4 of 5 | 5 | 58 | Steering (11) | No |
| 2017 | 4.0L 6-cyl, 270 hp | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 18 mpg | 4 of 5 | 5 | 36 | Unknown or other (14) | No |
| 2016 | 4.0L 6-cyl, 270 hp | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 18–19 mpg | 4 of 5 | 8 | 79 | Electrical system (18) | No |
| 2015 | 4.0L 6-cyl, 270 hp | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 18–19 mpg | 4 of 5 | 9 | 85 | Air bags (17) | No |
| 2014 | 4.0L 6-cyl, 270 hp | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 18–19 mpg | 4 of 5 | 7 | 77 | Electrical system (24) | No |
| 2013 | 4.0L 6-cyl, 270 hp | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 18–19 mpg | 4 of 5 | 6 | 36 | Unknown or other (10) | No |
| 2012 | 4.0L 6-cyl, 270 hp | 4WD, RWD | 19 mpg | 4 of 5 | 8 | 96 | Air bags (70) | No |
| 2011 | 2.7L 4-cyl 4.0L 6-cyl, 270 hp | 4WD, RWD | 19 mpg | Not rated | 10 | 163 | Air bags (112) | No |
| 2010 | 2.7L 4-cyl 4.0L 6-cyl, 270 hp | 4WD, RWD | 19–20 mpg | Not rated | 12 | 145 | Air bags (92) | No |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Which years have…
Wireless Apple CarPlayWireless Android AutoApple CarPlay (wired or wireless)Wireless phone chargingHead-up displayThird row (7+ seats)AWD or 4WDTows 5,000 lb or morePower liftgateHybrid, plug-in hybrid or electricAdaptive cruise with stop and goLane centeringBlind-spot monitoring360-degree cameraHeated front seatsHeated second-row seatsVentilated (cooled) seatsHeated steering wheelLeather seatsRemote startSunroof or moonroof
Apple lists CarPlay for: 4Runner 2020–2025 (Apple).
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | TOYOTA 4RUNNER HYBRID SUV HEV AWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | TOYOTA 4RUNNER HYBRID SUV HEV 4WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | TOYOTA 4RUNNER SUV N/A AWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | TOYOTA 4RUNNER SUV N/A 4WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2026 | TOYOTA 4RUNNER SUV N/A RWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 0 |
| 2025 | Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 58 |
| 2025 | Toyota 4Runner SUV 4WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 58 |
| 2025 | Toyota 4Runner SUV RWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 58 |
| 2025 | Toyota 4Runner Hybrid SUV AWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 2 |
| 2025 | Toyota 4Runner Hybrid SUV 4WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 2 |
| 2025 | Toyota 4Runner Hybrid SUV RWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 0 | 2 |
| 2024 | Toyota 4RUNNER SUV 4WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 9 |
| 2024 | Toyota 4RUNNER SUV 2WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 9 |
| 2023 | Toyota 4RUNNER SUV AWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 32 |
| 2023 | Toyota 4RUNNER SUV 2WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 32 |
| 2022 | Toyota 4RUNNER SUV AWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 39 |
| 2022 | Toyota 4RUNNER SUV 2WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 3 | 39 |
| 2021 | Toyota 4RUNNER SUV AWD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 36 |
| 2021 | Toyota 4RUNNER SUV 2WD | 4 | Standard | Standard | 1 | 36 |
| 2020 | Toyota 4RUNNER SUV 2WD | 4 | No | Standard | 1 | 33 |
| 2020 | Toyota 4RUNNER SUV AWD | 4 | No | Standard | 1 | 33 |
| 2019 | Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 65 |
| 2019 | Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD | 4 | No | No | 4 | 65 |
| 2018 | Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD | 4 | No | No | 5 | 58 |
| 2018 | Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 5 | 58 |
| 2017 | Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 5 | 36 |
| 2017 | Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD | 4 | No | No | 5 | 36 |
| 2016 | Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD | 4 | No | No | 8 | 79 |
| 2016 | Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 8 | 79 |
| 2015 | Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD | 4 | No | No | 9 | 85 |
| 2015 | Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 9 | 85 |
| 2014 | Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 7 | 77 |
| 2014 | Toyota 4Runner SUV FWD | 4 | No | No | 7 | 77 |
| 2013 | Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD | 4 | No | No | 6 | 36 |
| 2013 | Toyota 4Runner SUV 4WD | 4 | No | No | 6 | 36 |
| 2012 | Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD | 4 | No | No | 8 | 96 |
| 2012 | Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD | 4 | No | No | 8 | 96 |
| 2011 | Toyota 4runner SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 10 | 163 |
| 2011 | Toyota 4runner SUV RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 10 | 163 |
| 2010 | Toyota 4Runner 4-DR. w/SAB | Not Rated | No | No | 12 | 145 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI |
22 |
| 2026 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI |
21 |
| 2026 | 4Runner Hybrid 4WD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid |
23 |
| 2025 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start |
22 |
| 2025 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI; Hybrid Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI Auto (S8), 4 cyl, 2.4 L, Turbo, SIDI & PFI; with Stop-Start |
21–23 |
| 2024 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 17 |
| 2024 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part-time AWD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L |
17 |
| 2023 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 17 |
| 2023 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part-time 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Full-time 4WD |
17 |
| 2022 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 17 |
| 2022 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part-time 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L |
17 |
| 2021 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 17 |
| 2021 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part-time 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L |
17 |
| 2020 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 17 |
| 2020 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part-time 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, AWD |
17 |
| 2019 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 18 |
| 2019 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part-time 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, AWD |
18 |
| 2018 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 18 |
| 2018 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part-time 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L |
18 |
| 2017 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 18 |
| 2017 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part-time 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L |
18 |
| 2016 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 19 |
| 2016 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part-time 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L |
18 |
| 2015 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 19 |
| 2015 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part-time 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L |
18 |
| 2014 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 19 |
| 2014 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part Time 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Full Time 4WD |
18 |
| 2013 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 19 |
| 2013 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Full Time 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part Time 4WD |
18 |
| 2012 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 19 |
| 2012 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Full Time 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part Time 4WD |
19 |
| 2011 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L |
19 |
| 2011 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Full time 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part time 4WD |
19 |
| 2010 | 4Runner 2WD | Auto 4-spd, 4 cyl, 2.7 L Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L |
19–20 |
| 2010 | 4Runner 4WD | Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Full Time 4WD Auto (S5), 6 cyl, 4.0 L, Part Time 4WD |
19 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.