Which Toyota 4Runner Version Should You Buy?
The Toyota 4Runner choice depends on whether you prioritize lower weight, stronger performance, fuel economy, or the newest powertrain. The current sixth-generation SUV 5-doors offers two AWD versions: the gasoline 2.4 AT with 282 hp and 430 Nm, and the Hybrid 2.4 AT with 326 hp and 630 Nm. The Hybrid adds 44 hp and 200 Nm, making it the strongest specification in the data.
The Toyota 4Runner choice depends on whether you prioritize lower weight, stronger performance, fuel economy, or the newest powertrain. The current sixth-generation SUV 5-doors offers two AWD versions: the gasoline 2.4 AT with 282 hp and 430 Nm, and the Hybrid 2.4 AT with 326 hp and 630 Nm. The Hybrid adds 44 hp and 200 Nm, making it the strongest specification in the data. Earlier buyers can choose among gasoline and Diesel engines from 2366 to 4664 cm³, Manual or Automatic gearboxes, and RWD or AWD. Across the model history, the data covers six generations and eight catalogue periods from 1984 onward.
Toyota 4Runner generations: what changed?
First generation, 1984–1989. This SUV 3-doors has one version, the AWD 2.4 MT. Its 2366 cm³ Gasoline inline-4 produces 114 hp and 192 Nm through a 5-speed Manual gearbox. It is the simplest choice in the catalogue, but its measured 18.4-second acceleration and 13.8 l/100 km combined consumption make it substantially slower and more fuel-intensive than several later alternatives.
Second generation, 1989–1995. The SUV 3-doors catalogue expands to ten entries covering 2.4 MT, 2.4 AT, 2.5 MT, 3.0 MT, and 3.0 AT. Available outputs are 90, 114, 125, and 143 hp. All listed entries use AWD, while buyers can choose Gasoline or Diesel and Manual or Automatic transmission. Compared with the first-generation 2.4 MT, the equivalent 114 hp 2.4 MT retains the same measured performance and economy, while the 143 hp 3.0 MT cuts acceleration from 18.4 to 15.3 seconds.
Third generation, 1995–2002. The body changes to SUV 5-doors, with ten entries spanning 2.7 MT, 2.7 AT, 3.4 MT, 3.4 AT, 3.0 MT, and 3.0 AT. Outputs range from 125 to 185 hp, with RWD and AWD represented. Relative to the previous generation’s strongest 143 hp version, the 185 hp 3.4 AT adds 42 hp and reaches 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds. The generation also offers 240 mm of ground clearance, 30 mm more than the preceding generation’s listed 210 mm.
Fourth generation, 2002–2009. Before restyling, six entries cover 4.0 AT and 4.7 AT with 235–273 hp. The restyled SUV 5-doors adds four entries: 4.0 AT with 245 hp and 4.7 AT with 260 hp, each offered in RWD and AWD form. The restyled 4.7-litre engine produces 415 Nm, while the 4.0-litre produces 382 Nm. The 260 hp 4.7 AT therefore adds 15 hp and 33 Nm over the 245 hp 4.0 AT, although both have measured combined consumption of 12.4 l/100 km in the RWD specifications.
Fifth generation, 2009–2024. The original SUV 5-doors period has three entries: the RWD 2.7 AT, plus RWD and AWD 4.0 AT versions. The restyled period has two 4.0 AT entries, again divided between RWD and AWD. The 273 hp engine continues in both periods, but listed torque changes from 387 Nm before restyling to 377 Nm after it. The restyled versions use Direct injection (direct), whereas the earlier versions use Distributed injection (multi-point).
Sixth generation, from 2024. Both SUV 5-doors entries are AWD 2.4 AT versions with Turbo inline-4 engines and 8-speed Automatic gearboxes. The Gasoline version has 282 hp and 430 Nm. The Hybrid has 326 hp and 630 Nm, equivalent to approximately 136.2 hp per litre from 2393 cm³, versus approximately 117.8 hp per litre for the Gasoline version.
Toyota 4Runner engine options and specs
Repeated names are distinguished by generation, fuel, output, or drive.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders/layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| First 2.4 MT | 114 hp | 192 Nm | 2366 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| Second 2.4 MT | 114 hp | 192 Nm | 2366 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| Second 2.4 AT | 114 hp | 192 Nm | 2366 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second 2.5 MT | 90 hp | 215 Nm | 2446 cm³ | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| Second 3.0 MT, Gasoline | 143 hp | 240 Nm | 2959 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| Second 3.0 AT, Gasoline | 143 hp | 240 Nm | 2959 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Second 3.0 MT, Diesel | 125 hp | 295 Nm | 2982 cm³ | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| Third 2.7 MT, 152 hp RWD | 152 hp | 240 Nm | 2694 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | RWD |
| Third 2.7 MT, 152 hp AWD | 152 hp | 240 Nm | 2694 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| Third 2.7 MT, 182 hp | 182 hp | 240 Nm | 2694 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| Third 2.7 AT, 182 hp AWD | 182 hp | 240 Nm | 2694 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third 2.7 AT, 182 hp RWD | 182 hp | 240 Nm | 2694 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third 3.4 MT | 185 hp | 294 Nm | 3378 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| Third 3.4 AT, AWD | 185 hp | 294 Nm | 3378 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Third 3.4 AT, RWD | 185 hp | 294 Nm | 3378 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Third 3.0 MT, Diesel | 125 hp | 295 Nm | 2982 cm³ | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 5-speed Manual | AWD |
| Third 3.0 AT, Diesel | 125 hp | 295 Nm | 2982 cm³ | Diesel | 4, Inline | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Fourth 4.0 AT, 245 hp RWD | 245 hp | 382 Nm | 3955 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Fourth 4.0 AT, 245 hp AWD | 245 hp | 382 Nm | 3956 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth 4.7 AT, 235 hp AWD | 235 hp | 434 Nm | 4664 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth 4.7 AT, 235 hp RWD | 235 hp | 434 Nm | 4664 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Fourth 4.7 AT, 271 hp AWD | 271 hp | 427 Nm | 4664 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fourth 4.7 AT, 273 hp RWD | 273 hp | 427 Nm | 4664 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Restyled fourth 4.0 AT, AWD | 245 hp | 382 Nm | 3955 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Restyled fourth 4.0 AT, RWD | 245 hp | 382 Nm | 3955 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Restyled fourth 4.7 AT, RWD | 260 hp | 415 Nm | 4664 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Restyled fourth 4.7 AT, AWD | 260 hp | 415 Nm | 4664 cm³ | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Fifth 2.7 AT | 157 hp | 241 Nm | 2694 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Fifth 4.0 AT, RWD | 273 hp | 387 Nm | 3956 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Fifth 4.0 AT, AWD | 273 hp | 387 Nm | 3956 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Restyled fifth 4.0 AT, RWD | 273 hp | 377 Nm | 3956 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | RWD |
| Restyled fifth 4.0 AT, AWD | 273 hp | 377 Nm | 3956 cm³ | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 5-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Sixth 2.4 AT, Gasoline | 282 hp | 430 Nm | 2393 cm³ | Gasoline | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
| Sixth 2.4 AT, Hybrid | 326 hp | 630 Nm | 2393 cm³ | Hybrid | 4, Inline | Turbo | 8-speed Automatic | AWD |
Toyota 4Runner performance, mpg and economy
The quickest measured specification is the fourth-generation 245 hp 4.0 AT, which reaches 100 km/h in 7.8 seconds in both listed RWD and AWD forms. The same generation’s 235 hp and 271–273 hp 4.7 AT entries take 8 seconds where acceleration is provided. Sixth-generation acceleration and top speed are not measured.
Among entries with complete economy figures, the lowest stated combined consumption is 10 l/100 km for the third-generation Diesel 3.0 AT; its city figure is 15 l/100 km and its highway figure is 5.6 l/100 km. Its 0–100 km/h time is not measured, while top speed is 150 km/h.
For the restyled fifth generation, the RWD 4.0 AT records 13.8 l/100 km city, 10.7 l/100 km highway, and 12.4 l/100 km combined. The AWD 4.0 AT records 13.8, 11.2, and 13.1 l/100 km respectively. AWD therefore adds 0.5 l/100 km on the highway and 0.7 l/100 km combined, while city consumption is unchanged. Acceleration and top speed are not measured for either version.
For the sixth-generation Gasoline 2.4 AT and Hybrid 2.4 AT, city, highway, and combined consumption are not measured. That prevents a data-based fuel-cost comparison between them.
Toyota 4Runner dimensions and weight
The supplied specifications do not include exterior length, width, or height, so those Toyota 4Runner dimensions are not measured here. Available dimensional data covers weight, ground clearance, tank capacity, and—in the restyled fifth generation—wheel sizes.
The lightest listed version is the second-generation 114 hp 2.4 MT or 2.4 AT at 1600 kg, while the sixth-generation Hybrid 2.4 AT weighs 2370 kg. Its gross weight is 2951 kg, leaving a 581 kg difference between gross and kerb figures. At approximately 7.27 kg per hp, the Hybrid has a better weight-to-power figure than the restyled fifth-generation RWD 4.0 AT at approximately 7.31 kg per hp and the AWD 4.0 AT at approximately 7.77 kg per hp.
Listed ground clearance ranges from 210 mm in the first and second generations to 240 mm in several third- and fourth-generation versions. Sixth-generation clearance is not measured. Tank capacity rises from 65 litres in the first and second generations to 70 litres in the third, 87 litres in the fourth and fifth, then 72 litres for the sixth-generation Hybrid 2.4 AT; the Gasoline sixth-generation figure is not measured. Restyled fifth-generation wheel sizes are 265/70 R17 and 245/60 R20; wheel sizes for the other periods are not measured.
Which Toyota 4Runner version should you buy?
Choose the sixth-generation Hybrid 2.4 AT when maximum output is the priority. Against the sixth-generation Gasoline 2.4 AT, it delivers 44 hp more and 200 Nm more from the same 2393 cm³ displacement, while retaining AWD and an 8-speed Automatic gearbox. Its consumption is not measured, so the available data supports a performance argument, not an economy claim.
Choose the restyled fifth-generation RWD 4.0 AT if measured consumption and lower weight matter more than AWD. It matches the AWD version’s 273 hp and 377 Nm but weighs 125 kg less, has a gross weight 91 kg lower, and consumes 0.7 l/100 km less on the combined cycle. Both provide 229 mm of ground clearance and an 87-litre tank.
Choose the fifth-generation 2.7 AT when lower listed consumption matters more than power. Compared with the same period’s RWD 4.0 AT, it gives up 116 hp and 146 Nm, but its 11.8 l/100 km combined figure is 0.6 l/100 km lower. It also weighs 48 kg less and shares the 87-litre tank and 229 mm clearance.
Choose a restyled fourth-generation 4.7 AT when naturally aspirated V-shaped 8-cylinder output and torque are priorities. The RWD version has 260 hp and 415 Nm, versus 245 hp and 382 Nm for the RWD 4.0 AT. That is 15 hp and 33 Nm more, although city consumption rises by 1.6 l/100 km; their measured combined consumption is identical at 12.4 l/100 km.
Choose the third-generation Diesel 3.0 AT for the lowest measured combined consumption in the catalogue. Its 125 hp is modest, but 295 Nm arrives at 2000 rpm, and its 10 l/100 km combined figure is 1.8 l/100 km below the RWD 182 hp 2.7 AT. For stronger measured acceleration in the same generation, the 185 hp 3.4 AT reaches 100 km/h in 10.1 seconds, while its consumption is not measured.
Prices, listings, reliability records, replacement costs, and engine-problem data are not measured. Consequently, searches for a Toyota 4Runner for sale, a used Toyota 4Runner, or a particular trim cannot be resolved from these specifications alone; the defensible buying decision here is between the measured differences in power, torque, weight, performance, consumption, drive, and gearbox.