2024 Toyota 4Runner Review

Toyota’s 2024 4Runner is a mid-size crossover SUV in its fifth generation, which was introduced in 2010. Its starting price is $40,075, and there are no significant updates for the 2024 production year. Minor changes include new medium-brown Terra and Solar Octane colors for the TRD Pro trim. Toyota has also discontinued the 4Runner’s Lunar Rock and Lime Rush colors for TRD Sport and TRD Off-Road grades. We’ll look closer at this model’s seven variants during our review’s trim guide section.

MotoPickers Rating: 6.5/10

A test drive reveals this model as offering solid off-road capability matching its rugged design that’s available in a wide range of configurations. Its interior, although dated, is practical, with an expansive cargo area and thoughtful features like a slide-out floor. However, the 2024 4Runner doesn’t excel in fuel economy, and its off-road performance isn’t always conducive to on-road driving with downsides like an unrefined transmission, which directly affects mileage. 

Our review will explore whether you should consider this model or wait for a new generation that’s likely approaching. Comparable 2024 model-year rivals of this Toyota include:

• Jeep’s Grand Cherokee
• Chevrolet’s Trailblazer
• Nissan’s Pathfinder
• GMC’s Acadia
• Ford’s Bronco 
• Honda’s Passport
• Subaru’s Ascent 

Learn what the 2024 Toyota 4Runner is all about with our findings below.

Exterior spotlight 

The 2024 4Runner’s rugged exterior is characterized by features like 17” alloy wheels with black painted inserts on the TRD Off-Road trim, which includes exclusive side badging. The hood scoop on some trims contains a solid look, but necessities like roof rails aren’t offered on all grades. Moving into a Limited Grade 4Runner delivers 20” wheels and chrome body accents for a distinct appearance. A TRD Sport 4Runner flaunts exclusive badging and color-keyed body details.

While the headlights feature LED capability, their design is plain compared to competitors like Jeep’s Grand Cherokee and Subaru’s Ascent. However, Toyota complements the 2024 4Runner’s headlights with LED fog lights. The taillights could also use a refresh, as rivals like Ford’s Bronco contain a sleeker configuration. This Toyota’s exterior is visibly bulky, so while these dimensions can aid during scenarios like off-roading, fitting into a tight parking spot is more challenging.

Color options include:

• Ice Cap
• Wind Chill Pearl
• Classic Silver Metallic
• Underground
• Nautical Blue Metallic
• Midnight Black Metallic
• Barcelona Red Metallic
• Solar Octane (new)
• Terra (new)

One design element enhancing the 2024 4Runner’s curb appeal is its confident stance, which is formed by style choices like a bolder front grille, high ground clearance, and wide wheel arches. Toyota supplies this crossover SUV with off-road protective components like a skid plate covering the engine and front suspension, an available skid plate shielding the transfer case, and an optional TRD Pro-stamped front aluminum skid plate.

Side mirrors with heating are standard across most trims. Automatic running boards are optional within specific grades, such as the limited, which slightly mitigates the awkward passenger entries and exits this SUV’s design facilitates. 

It’s easy to see why some complain about the 2024 4Runner’s boxy design, despite some rivals like the 2024 Honda Santa Fe containing boxy exterior aesthetics. Still, the 2024 Santa Fe’s exterior appears more contemporary with its distinctive squared-off, rectilinear body.

Interior analysis 

The 2024 4Runner’s TRD Sport trim expresses its interior style via SofTex-trimmed seats and TRD embroidered headrests complemented by accent stitching and TRD carpet floor mats. Higher-level trims, like the Limited Grade, offer heated and ventilated front leather-trimmed seats, and an optional power tilt/slide moonroof, which keeps you comfortable year-round.

Opting for a Limited Grade 2024 4Runner yields faux wood accents in areas like the dashboard and shift knob, adding a hint of character to the cabin. Toyota offers 2024 4Runner drivers an available heated steering wheel on upper trims and dual-zone automatic climate control with an air filter, and second-row vents are standard on all variants except the base grade.

Separate interior material options include fabric-trimmed front seats and perforated leather-trimmed seats. The 2024 4Runner seats five to seven passengers, with an optional third row accommodating the upper limit. However, this available third row is tight for taller passengers or extended drives. Second-row seats primarily fold in a 40/20/40-split configuration.

Front seat support includes options like an 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat with power lumbar support and a 4-way adjustable front passenger seat. Cargo capacity measures an impressive 47.2 cu. ft. behind the second row, but only 9 cu. ft. behind the available third row.

While the 2024 4Runner excels in areas like cargo capacity behind the second row, its interior materials aren’t as nice as some competitors, like Jeep’s Grand Cherokee and Chevrolet’s Tahoe. The 2024 Grand Cherokee contains optional genuine wood accents, unlike the 4Runner’s faux wood trim. Chevrolet’s Tahoe offers optional premium leather with various stitching patterns and a more spacious third row.

Power and performance 

Toyota’s 2024 4Runner offers a 4.0-liter V6 engine with 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque, which is average for its segment. Trims like the 4Runner Limited qualify for optional four-wheel drive (4WD), with rear-wheel drive (RWD) as standard. Other trims like the TRD Pro and TRD Off-Road contain part-time 4WD, helping drivers balance the benefits of 4WD with the fuel efficiency of RWD dynamics by manually engaging and disengaging 4WD. 

An available Crawl Control system aids off-roading by automatically adjusting throttle and braking to maintain a steady speed while you focus on traversing challenging terrain. The optional Multi-Terrain monitor utilizes cameras around this SUV to project enhanced surrounding views onto the 8” touch display. Off-road enthusiasts looking to push the 4Runner to the limit will benefit from the available Mul-Terrain Select feature, which has four terrain modes that optimize traction. 

Toyota’s 2024 4Runner can tow up to 5,000 lbs, which isn’t spectacular. The available X-REAS suspension enhances cornering, while the optional Kinetic Dynamic Suspension decouples this SUV’s sway bars to improve wheel articulation for easier drives up demanding paths like mountain inclines. The sway bars automatically reconnect when things smoothen out.

Like Crawl Control, the available electronic locking rear differential keeps you in command when crossing obstacles by balancing engine power distribution to rear wheels. While the 2024 4Runner has some impressive off-roading features, the vast majority of them are upgrades you’ll find within higher trims, potentially deterring budget-conscious drivers. 

This Toyota’s powertrain is also slightly disappointing, considering competitors like Ford’s Bronco and Jeep’s Grand Cherokee deliver 330 horsepower and 293 horsepower, respectively. Jeep’s Grand Cherokee exceeds the 4Runner’s towing capacity by over 2,000 lbs at 7,200 lbs. When properly equipped, Toyota’s 2024 4Runner can hold its own off-road, but you’ll find more robust powertrains, larger towing capacities, and more advanced performance systems within rival models.

Tech overview

The 2024 4Runner is compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, but unlike many competitors, these features aren’t yet available wirelessly. This Toyota’s display measures 8” across all grades, which falls short of rivals like the Chevrolet Tahoe and GMC Yukon, which have 10.2” standard displays.

Selecting the 2024 4Runner’s upgraded sound system means receiving 15 speakers, an amplifier, and a subwoofer. Buyers of this mid-size SUV receive a three-month SiriusXM trial with over 425 channels.

Connected services and owner considerations

Toyota’s app allows you to utilize Remote Connect to wirelessly complete vehicle commands like starting your engine, locking/unlocking your doors, and locating your SUV. Remote Connect can also work through a smartwatch. 

You can bolster the 2024 4Runner’s connectivity with available WiFi connect supporting up to three devices. Destination Assist connects you with a live agent if you need human-led navigational support. 

Routine maintenance is one of the most significant aspects of owning a vehicle and maintaining its resale value. However, many people forget the timetables regarding service for their vehicle’s automaker. Service Connect will remind you when it’s time for necessary maintenance and supply 4Runner health reports during a trial period lasting up to 10 years. 

Toyota offers 2024 4Runner purchasers a three-year or 36,000-mile basic warranty, whichever comes first, and five-year or 60,000-mile powertrain coverage—both of which are on par with the mid-size SUV segment. Every new Toyota also comes with ToyotaCare, covering normal maintenance for two years or 25,000 miles and supplying 24/7 roadside assistance for two years and unlimited mileage.

Safety capabilities

The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) gave the 2024 4Runner its second-highest crash protection rating of four stars. IIHS (Insurance Institute for Highway Safety) officials have not yet released a verdict for this Toyota’s crash protection capabilities.

Standard safety

Toyota’s Safety Sense+ system is a suite of advanced standard safety features, which include:

• Pre-collision system with pedestrian detection
• Dynamic radar cruise control
• Lane Departure Alert 
• Automatic High Beams 

The pre-collision system with pedestrian detection recognizes and visually warns drivers of high-risk collision situations with other cars or pedestrians and automatically brakes when necessary. Dynamic radar cruise control allows highway drivers traveling 25-110 MPH to automatically maintain a safe, preset distance from the car ahead via automatic acceleration and braking. 

Lane departure Alert keeps you centered at speeds above 32 MPH, with visual and audio alerts highlighting instances where you’re drifting outside lane markings. The 2024 4Runner’s Lane departure alert can provide automatic assistive steering inputs.

Automatic high beams work at speeds above 25 MPH during the night and eliminate the need for manual adjustments to your brights to accommodate oncoming traffic. The automatic high beam system will switch your brights on when the coast is clear.

Star Safety System (standard)

The Star Safety System enhances the 2024 4Runner’s passenger protection with:

• Vehicle stability control
• Traction control
• Anti-lock brake system
• Brake assist
• Electronic brake-force distribution
• Smart stop technology

All 4Runner trims contain eight standard airbags.

Available safety

You can optimize your environmental awareness behind the wheel of a 2024 Toyota 4Runner with this mid-size SUV’s available front and rear parking assist sonar sensors alerting you of objects in your driving path. Additionally, the optional panoramic view monitor utilizes front, side, and rear cameras to form a full 360-degree perspective of your surroundings on your display.

This Toyota also offers an available blind spot monitor with rear cross-traffic alert that helps solidify peace of mind behind the wheel. A standard backup camera assists during reverse maneuvers via the 8” central infotainment system.

Trim Guide 

Let’s examine the starting prices and highlight-worthy features of each 2024 Toyota 4Runner trim.

SR5 (base trim) – $40,705

The 2024 4Runner SR5 contains Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility and Toyota Safety Sense+, but only delivers 16 MPG in the city and 19 MPG on the highway, like the other grades.

TRD Sport – $43,565

Purchasing a TRD Sport means receiving 20” split 6-spoke alloy wheels that are much larger than the standard 17” configuration, SofTex-trimmed seats with TRD stitching, and X-REAS Sport Enhancement Suspension.

SR5 Premium – $43,765

SR5 Premium drivers get the benefit of added safety with the Blind Spot Monitor (BSM) with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert system and added comfort via SofTex-trimmed seats.

TRD Off-Road/TRD Off-Road Premium – $44,550/$47,130

The TRD Off-Road trim boasts a red-stitched TRD logo on front driver/passenger headrests, Crawl Control, and Multi-Terrain Select.

Limited – $49,940

A Limited grade 2024 4Runner includes 20” split 6-spoke alloy wheels and perforated leather-trimmed seats. 

TRD Pro – $55,170

The TRD Pro makes its mark with unique touches like a TRD-stamped aluminum front skid plate, TRD FOX high-performance shocks, and TRD-tuned front springs.

Final verdict

MotoPickers is giving the 2024 Toyota 4Runner a 6.5/10 overall rating. This mid-size SUV offers some impressive off-road capabilities, but you’ll have to opt for a higher trim to utilize many of them, with trims costing upwards of $50,000. We can think of better options that cost this much or less, like Jeep’s Grand Cherokee. 

While this Toyota’s exterior and interior both need a style refresh, the outside suffers more from its aging than the cabin, with bulky proportions and a lack of refinement in areas like headlight and taillight design. Interior aging issues include a lack of wireless smartphone charging, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. However, we’ll keep our eyes peeled for this model’s revamping, which is likely around the corner.