Toyota 4Runner 4th Generation 2003-2009 (N210) Review

The Toyota 4Runner 4th generation received a facelift in 2006. Toyota basically carried everything over and only made some minor design and interior tweaks. The 4Runner's fanbase likes the unfussy nature of this SUV, so it wasn't worth messing with the formula too much.

Toyota makes the basic facelift upgrades, including a redesigned bumper¹, grille, and lower fascia². The easiest way to recognize a facelifted model is the new headlights with scalloped lower edges³. The grille is also new and loses the two-slat design in favor of a single thick horizontal slat passing through the Toyota logo. The previous elongated horizontal slot in which the squared-off fog lights and turn signals were placed side by side in the lower bumper is now nearly square and contains round fog lights⁴; the turn signals have migrated to the headlight clusters. The pyramidal styling theme of the grille now continues into the bumper with distinct creases that terminate either side of the lower air intake. Three slots are crisply molded into the chin below the lower air intake to replace the four subtle equivalents on the pre-facelift car.

At the rear, Toyota keeps the shape of the taillights the same but they now contain LED brake lights and lighter-hued turn signals to give it a fresher, more modern look¹. The bumper is tidied up and loses the fog lights that used to sit on either side². The lower bumper is smoothed out and receives the same three-slot styling motive as the front bumper in its lower edge, with the center slot housing the tow-hitch receiver; the old car had a fussy five-slot arrangement and the center bumper molding protruded more³.

The side profile is neater too and the more flowing front and rear bumpers¹ and revised lights at either end can be spotted from the side as well². More noticeable is the smoothed-out fender flares with their creases now arching over the wheels gracefully instead of the odd horizontal creases that sat uneasily in the upper parts of these moldings on the pre-facelifted car³. They also flow into the lower door moldings more seamlessly, especially the in the rear⁴. Toyota introduces a new-look 18-inch alloy for the Limited trim⁵.

Toyota listened to customer feedback before facelifting the 4Runner 4th generation. The most noteworthy updates are things you can't even see. Toyota thickens the front windscreen and front side windows to reduce road noise. Certain models join the modern age and receive auxiliary inputs for media devices. In terms of presentation, it looks pretty similar to before, but Toyota anoraks will spot the subtle tweaks to the gauge cluster, with the speedo's center portion containing the metric km/h speed markings no longer being a contrasting light gray but a darker gray, with the legend "MPH and km/h" lettering moved from the right-hand side to the center of the dial. More noticeable is that the three gun-barrel dial surrounds are now thinner, rounded, and simplified, no longer the previous thick, continuous item with fussy slots in its top for the turn signals and angular outer edges¹. Head units are updated too, depending on the trim, with the navigation units, for example, sporting flatter buttons².

There are two engine options available for the 4Runner: a 1GR-FE 4.0-liter V6 and a 2UZ-FE 4.7-liter V8. The pre-facelift 4.0 V6 is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, but it is upgraded to a five-speed from 2005. The V8 comes standard with the five-speed automatic transmission and gets a healthy power boost for 2005. The 4Runner 4th gen is sold with rear-wheel drive as standard, but an RWD 4Runner makes little to no sense; there are several even more comfortable unibody SUV options out there, which make more sense if you don't need a hardcore off-roader. Why live with a ladder-frame chassis and a solid rear axle if you aren't going to put the benefits to good use? The 4WD system depends on what engine you go for. The 4.0 V6 is paired with a part-time 4WD system with a transfer case and low range, while the V8 uses a full-time 4WD system with low range.

There's both good and bad news. The bad is that the EPA-estimated figures for the Toyota 4Runner 4th gen reached 18 mpg at best on the combined cycle. The good news is that owners reported better fuel consumption figures on average than the claimed figures across the board. The addition of a five-speed automatic on the 4.0 V6 does little to improve the EPA-estimated fuel consumption, however. Still, you need to go into this purchase knowing that the 4Runner is going to guzzle gasoline.

* Real-world mpg and MPGe figures are provided by the EPA. Once a car has been on sale for a significant period of time, the EPA gets real-world figures directly from the customer base. These figures are then provided on the EPA website. Real-world figures are not available for certain models due to a lack of sales, or not enough people partaking in this after-sales survey.

The Toyota 4Runner 4th gen is an older model, so don't expect modern driver-assistance features. The 2003 lineup only has the basics covered on all trims with front and rear ventilated disc brakes with ABS and brake assist, hill-start assist, downhill assist (4x4s only), traction and stability control, child-seat anchors, automatic door locks, auto-off headlights, variable intermittent windshield wipers, front sun visors with sliding extensions, and only two airbags; additional side and curtain airbags cost extra, so check whether these have been specified. Limited trims get a HomeLink universal transceiver, auto-on and -off headlights, and an auto-dimming rear-view mirror additionally. Take note that only the 2004+ 4Runner Limited fitted with the optional navigation system have a backup camera. When speccing the optional curtain airbags, a rollover sensor ensures they also deploy in a rollover - but only from 2005. Front side airbags and curtain airbags are only standard equipment on 2008 and 2009 4Runners.

The Toyota 4th gen 4Runner was sold between 2003 and 2009, which means it was only subjected to the less severe pre-2011 NHTSA crash tests. It did well in the side impact, but the rollover result isn't great.

Toyota launched the 4th gen 4Runner in three trims: SR5, Sport, and Limited. These trim levels lasted the entire lifespan. During its final year in production, Toyota introduced an optional package for the V5 SR5 called the Trail Edition. This optional package comes with many additional features, so we also include it as a separate trim. It's worth remembering that third-row seats only become an optional extra across the range in 2004.

Higher trims generally contain everything already standard on lower trims - or the trims they're based on - except when otherwise specified. The 2006 facelift and the thicker windshield glass to reduce wind noise applies to all models, as does the auxiliary audio jack in the center console that's newly standard on the facelifted 4Runner. Only from 2008 are front-side and curtain airbags for the first two rows standard on all trims. Keep in mind that 2003 and 2004 V6s still have the old four-speed automatic transmission; this engine received the V8's five-speed automatic from 2005.

2003 and 2004 models are only available as five-seaters. In 2005, Toyota gave buyers the option of adding a third row. We wouldn't bother with three-row 4Runners, as the seats are only suitable for small kids. They don't fold into the floor, which means they have a permanent negative effect on the cargo capacity. Also, keep in mind that third-row passengers only get seatbelts and no other safety features; they are not covered by the side airbags either. As for cargo capacity, the five-seater has 42.1 cubic feet, while folding the second-row forward gives you access to 75.1 cubes. It's also enough space for a family of four to go on an extended overland trip. The same can not be said of the seven-seater, even if you fold the seats down. Build quality is typical Toyota. Some of the plastics may look and feel hard, but the inside was built to be durable. Toyota knew that owners were going to be taking these things off-road, so the main aim was to bolt the interior together properly. This strategy definitely paid off, because even the oldest 2003 model still feels solid and is remarkably rattle-free.

Toyota has a massive footprint in the USA, not to mention the thousands of independent specialists you can also use. The 4Runner is a remarkably cheap vehicle to maintain. Over a period of ten years, you can expect to fork out roughly $6,000 on servicing, which is way below the average in this segment. Since most of the models out there are high-mileage examples, you should budget for more than a basic oil change per year. A more accurate figure would be $600 for an annual service if only to ensure that a proper inspection is carried out. It's an absolute must on older cars. 4Runners are known for lasting way beyond 300,000 miles, so if you keep to the regular service intervals, it should keep soldiering on forever. Just remember to replace that cambelt on the V8 at 90,000-mile intervals.

Technical Service Bulletins according to the NHTSA. Check service book for:

The 4Runner is renowned for being as reliable as the sun, which means there are few 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner recalls. The most notable recall on the list list was for a stuck throttle pedal due to an incompatible floor mat. This problem was only discovered in 2011, so it's relevant to all models produced between 2003 to 2009. The first-year models were also recalled for an improperly assembled fuel pulsation damper that could result in a fuel leak, as well as incorrect wheel nuts used to mount the optional alloy wheels. The 4Runner was also recalled in 2016 for the infamous Takata airbag problem, which means it's also relevant for all model years. 2009 models were also recalled for an improperly calibrated seat sensor. 2005 to 2009 models with seat heaters were recalled due to the copper strand wires possibly overheating. Finally, all model years were recalled for missing load-carrying labels for tires. Toyota mailed the correct information to owners, but it was also happy to slap a health and safety sticker on the car if owners insisted on going to the dealership.

• Codes P0136, P0133, P0156, P0430, and P0420 are for an O2 sensor malfunction.
• Codes P450, P0455, P0441, P0442 P0446 and P0456 indicate a problem with the EVAP system.
• Code P0118 shows that the engine coolant temperature is high.
• Code P0051 is an oxygen sensor heater control circuit warning for the 4.7 V8 engine.
• Code P0327 is for engine knock.
• Code P0300 is for a misfire. Codes P0301 to P0308 indicate the specific location of the misfire.
• Code P0712 indicates that there is something wrong with the transmission fluid temperature sensor.
• Code P0505 is an error code from the idle air control system. This is usually found on older, high-mileage cars and often indicates body throttle problems.
• Code P0335 is from a crankshaft position sensor. These are known for going haywire if an owner wades through deep water.
• P0606 is a big one. It means you have to replace the entire ECU.
• Code P0406 is a warning from the exhaust gas sensor. It's usually a warning that the car has catalytic converter problems.
• Code P0705 indicates that the ECU is not receiving any information from the gearbox. In other words, the ECU has no idea if the gearbox is in drive, park, reverse, or neutral.
• Code P0986 is a warning from the shift solenoid and it usually indicates transmission problems.
• Code P0104 indicates there is a problem with the mass airflow sensor.
• Code P0016 occurs when the crankshaft and camshaft position sensor are out of alignment.

For the most part, the 4Runner seems to offer a positive ownership experience and there aren't too many problems. Yes, there were big problems, but you need to look at the big picture. Toyota sold so many that even the serious issues only represent a small percentage of all 4Runners. The issues we mention here are mostly anomalies. The less common problems are mostly related to age and 2003-2009 Toyota Tundra oil-leak problems, for example, can occur at the valve cover gaskets, just like in virtually any old car. If you have a look at the used examples out there, you'll see that there are many with 200,000+ miles on the clock. The first-generation models have been around for two decades.

The starter solenoid can also corrode over time, which can lead to starter problems. Thankfully, a replacement starter solenoid is just $50. The charcoal canister purge control solenoid valve is also known for failing, and it will trigger various EVAP warning codes. It's worth checking whether this $60 part is the cause of an EVAP leap before you spend hundreds of dollars more fixing a different problem.

Some owners reported melted door handles, though there doesn't seem to be a cause. The door handles aren't located near a known heat source, but perhaps these owners live in extreme heat conditions? And even less common are singular reported cases of Toyota 4Runner heating and air-conditioning - or AC - problems. Older 4Runners simply run out of freon and need a top-up. It's rarely anything more serious than that, although the odd compressor relay can also sometimes fail.

The areas for which the least problems are reported in general are the following:

• 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner battery-draining, alternator, ignition switch, and related electrical problems are rare.
• In terms of the basic driver-assistance features and running gear, 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner ABS, VSC, traction-control, master-cylinder, and power-steering problems are rarely reported.
• Other accessories and powered systems are generally tough and reliable and fuel-gauge, turn-signal, electric-rear-window, sunroof/moonroof, door-lock, and headlights problems aren't Toyota 4Runner weak spots.

The 4Runner is generally robust, but we'd avoid 2003 to 2005 models, as they received the most customer complaints. Rust is generally not something you want to deal with, especially when found on something as important as the ladder-frame chassis. The rest of the car is literally bolted to said chassis, so any structural weakness is a hard pass.

We'd try to get our hands on the final year Trail Edition. It comes standard with all the basic equipment you need for proper off-roading. These models are hard to find, however. If you can't find a Trail Edition, aim for a later year model with 4x4 and a V8. There's little difference as far as fuel consumption goes, and we like the fact that the V8 comes with a permanent AWD system. Ideally, you should get a high-spec Limited with the least mileage. In terms of problems, the 4Runner got better with age, and the 2008 and 2009 model years are the most problem-free.

The 2003-2009 Toyota 4Runner will likely outlast your grandchildren's grandchildren. There are plenty of high-mileage examples out there that prove it was built to last. Yes, there are a few issues, but they only represent a small number of cars sold. Keep in mind that older cars come with general wear and tear problems, like air-conditioning problems, and other age-related issues. With the 4Runner, you're going to want to know that it's been well taken care of. If you can find a high-mileage model with a full service history, you should be able to get at least another 200,000 miles out of it.