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.
2012CAREFULSerious complaints 2.2× usual, mostly air bags and brakes Extended coverage
94 serious complaints of 96, the most about air bags (70) and brakes (6); per car on the road, 2.2× this model's usual year. 8 recalls. NHTSA investigation EA21002: desiccated air bag inflator rupture.
What owners report
“Takata recall. The contact owns a 2012 toyota 4runner. The contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 17v006000 (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, Feb 2017
“The brakes of the vehicle slip. When you are on the freeway and you need to stop for accidents and you brake the vehicle slips and almost wants to role over. When the vehicle comes to complete stop after a few seconds it moves forward almost 6 inches.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the brakes, Dec 2014
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.
96 owner complaints · 8 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 19 mpg · NHTSA: 4 of 5 stars · 2012 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 2012
- Starting prices: +$200 (1 trim; hover for each)
- Engine: 4.0-Liter DOHC 24-Valve V6 with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) → 4.0L V6 DOHC 24-Valve with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) (all trims)
- Speakers: 15 → 8 (Limited)
2012 4Runner trims
| Limited | SR5 | Trail | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | |||
| Starting MSRP | — | — | $36,755 |
| Powertrain | |||
| Engine | 4.0L V6 DOHC 24-Valve with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) | 4.0L V6 DOHC 24-Valve with Dual Independent Variable Valve Timing with intelligence (VVT-i) | 4.0L V6 DOHC 24-Valve 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 | ECT-i | ECT-i | ECT-i |
| Gears | 5 | 5 | 5 |
| Drivetrain | 2WD 5 / 2WD 7 / 4WD 5 / 4WD 7 | 2WD 5 / 2WD 7 / 4WD 5 / 4WD 7 | 4wd |
| Fuel economy (combined) | 19 mpg | 19 mpg | 19 mpg |
| Size and capability | |||
| Seats | 2WD 5: 5 2WD 7: 7 4WD 7: 7 | 2WD 5: 5 2WD 7: 7 4WD 7: 7 | 5 |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb | 5,000 lb |
| Cargo behind last row | 2WD 5: 47.2 cu ft 2WD 7: 9 cu ft 4WD 7: 9 cu ft | 2WD 5: 47.2 cu ft 2WD 7: 9 cu ft 4WD 7: 9 cu ft | 46.3 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 2WD 5: 89.7 cu ft 2WD 7: 88.8 cu ft 4WD 7: 88.8 cu ft | 2WD 5: 89.7 cu ft 2WD 7: 88.8 cu ft 4WD 7: 88.8 cu ft | 88.8 cu ft |
| Third-row legroom | 2WD 5: — 2WD 7: 29.3 in 4WD 7: 29.3 in | 2WD 5: — 2WD 7: 29.3 in 4WD 7: 29.3 in | — |
| Ground clearance | 2WD 5: 9 in 4WD 5: 9.6 in 4WD 7: 9.6 in | 2WD 5: 9 in 4WD 5: 9.6 in 4WD 7: 9.6 in | 9.6 in |
| Length | 189.9 in | 189.9 in | 189.9 in |
| Curb weight | 2WD 5: 4,525 lb 4WD 5: 4,805 lb 4WD 7: 4,805 lb | 2WD 5: 4,400 lb 4WD 5: 4,675 lb 4WD 7: 4,675 lb | 4,750 lb |
| Tech | |||
| Touchscreen | 6.1 in + option | Optional | Optional |
| Apple CarPlay | — | Optional | Optional |
| Android Auto | — | Optional | Optional |
| Audio | Optional | — | — |
| Speakers | 8 + option | 8 | 8 |
| Driver assistance | |||
| Parking sensors | — | Rear | — |
| Comfort | |||
| Seats | Leather + option | Optional | Cloth |
| Heated seats | Front | Optional | — |
| Climate zones | 2 | — | — |
| Second row | — | — | 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 (56)
| Limited | SR5 | Trail | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Convenience Package | — | Optional | — |
| Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) $1,750 | — | — | Optional |
| Premium Package $4,775 | — | Optional | — |
| Premium Package with Third Row | — | Optional | — |
| Part-time 4WD with Active Traction Control (A-TRAC) | — | Optional | — |
| 7-Pin to 4-Pin Adapter | — | — | — |
| Automatic Running Boards | Standard | Optional | — |
| Towing Ball Mount | — | — | — |
| Door Edge Guards $69 | — | — | — |
| Exhaust Tip $90 | — | — | — |
| Hood Protector $165 | — | — | — |
| Paint Protection Film $395 | — | — | — |
| Roof Rail Cross Bars | — | — | — |
| Running Boards | — | — | — |
| Tonneau Cover | — | — | — |
| TRD Air Filter | — | — | — |
| TRD Oil Cap | — | — | — |
| TRD Oil Filter | — | — | — |
| TRD Performance Brake Pads | — | — | — |
| TRD Radiator Cap | — | — | — |
| Ashtray | — | — | — |
| Auto-dimming rearview mirror with integrated backup camera display $525 | Standard | Optional | Standard |
| Cargo Divider $149 | — | — | — |
| Cargo Mat | — | — | — |
| Cargo-Net Envelope | — | — | — |
| Cargo Net — Spider | — | — | — |
| Cargo Tote $49 | — | — | — |
| Cargo Tray | — | — | — |
| Carpet Floor Mats | — | — | — |
| Emergency Assistance Kit $70 | — | — | — |
| Fabric-trimmed 50/50 split-fold third-row seat | — | Optional | — |
| First Aid Kit $29 | — | — | — |
| Leather-trimmed 50/50 split fold-flat third-row seat and sliding second row | Optional | — | — |
| Rear-Seat Entertainment System | — | — | — |
| Remote Engine Starter | — | — | — |
| Sliding Rear Cargo Deck with Under-Floor Storage Compartment | Optional | Optional | Standard |
| Display Audio with Navigation and Entune | Standard | Optional | Optional |
| Voice-activated touch-screen DVD navigation system with integrated backup camera display | Optional | — | — |
| Anti-Theft System with Engine Immobilizer | Standard | Optional | Standard |
| Downhill Assist Control (DAC) | — | — | — |
| NavTraffic subscription | Optional | — | — |
| Safety Connect subscription | Optional | — | — |
| XM Select Package subscription | Optional | Optional | Optional |
| 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 Leather | Optional | — | — |
| Graphite Fabric | — | Optional | — |
| Graphite Sport Fabric | — | Optional | — |
| Graphite Water-Resistant Fabric | — | — | Optional |
| Sand Beige Fabric | — | Optional | — |
| Sand Beige Leather | Optional | — | — |
| Sand Beige Sport Fabric | — | Optional | — |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: model, trims, powertrain, fuel economy, 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.