Body Styles

The Toyota 4Runner is a traditional midsize body-on-frame SUV, available in both 2-row and optional 3-row configurations. It features tall ground clearance, an upright windshield, high beltline, and short overhangs for optimal approach and departure angles. The 5-door layout includes a signature power-retractable rear window integrated into the tailgate — a rarity in the segment. The exterior design has evolved subtly since 2010, emphasizing a boxy, utilitarian shape with flared fenders, roof rails, and a prominent grille flanked by square-cut headlamps. TRD Pro models receive unique black accents, “TOYOTA” heritage badging, and aluminum front skid plates for enhanced trail presence.

Model Name Meaning (Manufacturer)

The name Toyota 4Runner was created to emphasize the vehicle’s off-road heritage and go-anywhere capability, combining the number “4” — referring to four-wheel drive — with the word “Runner”, symbolizing speed, agility, and freedom of movement across diverse terrain.

From the manufacturer's perspective, the name was chosen to communicate that the 4Runner is a trail-ready SUV built for adventure, able to handle rugged conditions while delivering dependable performance. Introduced in the 1980s and continued through the 2010–2024 generation, the 4Runner name has become synonymous with durability, body-on-frame toughness, and true 4x4 capability, distinguishing it from more car-based crossovers in Toyota’s lineup.

The “Runner” portion of the name evokes a sense of motion, active lifestyles, and outdoor exploration — ideal for marketing to adventure-seekers, overlanders, and those who value off-pavement freedom. The use of “4” upfront immediately highlights its mechanical advantage in off-road environments, reinforcing its purpose-built nature.

Model Name Meaning (Languages)

“4Runner” is a stylized version of “forerunner,” meaning a trailblazer or one who comes first. This naming aligns with the vehicle’s long-standing reputation for off-road excellence and reliability. The use of the numeral “4” highlights its four-wheel-drive capability while modernizing its identity.

Body & Interior Colors and Rims

The 4Runner is available in classic rugged tones such as Ice Cap, Magnetic Gray, Midnight Black, Classic Silver, and Barcelona Red. TRD Pro-exclusive colors include Solar Octane, Lime Rush, Lunar Rock, and Army Green, rotating annually to reflect Toyota’s heritage and enthusiast market. Exterior accents vary by trim, with blacked-out grilles, color-matched bumpers, or chrome detailing depending on the model.

Inside, the cabin retains a durable and functional layout. Materials prioritize resilience, with soft-touch plastics, stitched vinyl, and rubberized controls on higher trims. Seats are available in fabric, SofTex, or perforated leatherette, with TRD Pro offering red contrast stitching and branded headrests. The 8-inch infotainment touchscreen includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, while higher trims add navigation and premium JBL audio. The rear cargo area features slide-out trays on select trims for easier loading, and second-row seats fold nearly flat to create a wide, practical cargo floor.

Wheel options range from 17-inch 6-spoke alloys on base SR5 trims to 17-inch TRD matte-black flow-formed aluminum wheels on TRD Pro. These are often paired with aggressive all-terrain tires, reinforcing the 4Runner’s off-road-first mission. All wheels use a high-offset design for clearance, with design details that range from industrial to tactical.

Top Expensive Options

• TRD Pro Off-Road Suspension with FOX Shocks: $2,500
• Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select System: $850
• JBL 15-Speaker Premium Audio with Subwoofer: $1,200
• Power Tilt/Slide Moonroof: $850
• Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS): $1,750
• Sliding Rear Cargo Deck with Underfloor Storage: $500
• SofTex-Trimmed Heated and Ventilated Front Seats: $1,000
• Dual-Zone Automatic Climate Control: $500
• Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert: $600
• Yakima Roof Rack and Crossbars (TRD Pro): $550

vs Competitors

The 4Runner competes with the Jeep Grand Cherokee, Ford Bronco, and Subaru Outback, yet remains distinct as one of the last body-on-frame SUVs in the midsize class. Compared to the Bronco, the 4Runner is less modern but more mechanically proven, offering decades of off-road credibility and reliability. The Grand Cherokee is more luxurious and road-focused, while the 4Runner leans fully into durability and trail confidence. The Subaru Outback offers better efficiency and ride comfort, but lacks the true 4x4 hardware and ruggedness of the Toyota. Though dated in some areas, the 4Runner continues to dominate among off-road purists and adventure seekers who value simplicity, longevity, and capability over creature comforts.

Fun Fact

Despite minimal redesigns since 2010, the Toyota 4Runner remains one of the best-selling body-on-frame SUVs in North America, with over 4 million units sold since its inception. Its legendary reputation for durability has made it a favorite among overlanders, search and rescue teams, and off-road enthusiasts worldwide — with many 4Runners regularly reaching 300,000+ miles on original powertrains.