2019 Toyota 4Runner Review: For The Rugged At Heart
When you think of off-road SUVs, a number of monikers jump to mind: the Jeep Wrangler, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, and Toyota Land Cruiser being chief amongst them. Of course, Toyota has more in its off-road arsenal than just the Land Cruiser, and the 4Runner is an ultra-capable off-road crawler that's celebrating 35 years in existence as the fifth generation now enters its tenth production year. As a midsize body-on-frame SUV that shares underpinnings with the Toyota Tacoma, it's a true rival for the Jeep Wrangler Unlimited and the upcoming Ford Bronco, and much like its adversaries, the 4Runner is wayward on-road, with loose steering, even looser handling, and specification levels that seem as aged as the decade-old design. But steer away from tarmac and head into the great unknown, and the 4Runner's burly 4.0-liter V6, available four-wheel-drive, and low range transfer case truly shine. Don't think of it as a sub-par on-road vehicle, instead, it's an ultra-versatile seven-seat off-roader designed for those who like to live on the edge.
What's the Price of the 2019 Toyota 4Runner?
The 4Runner range spans across seven models, with the base trim SR5 carrying an MSRP of $35,310, excluding tax, licensing, registration, and a $1,095 destination charge. Stepping up one trim, the SR5 Premium is priced at $37,140, close on the heels of the TRD Off-Road model at $38,485. The 4Runner TRD Off-Road Premium is listed for $40,395, while the off-road-oriented TRD Pro sports a $46,815 price tag. Finally, the Limited and Limited Nightshade Edition models are priced at $43,625 and $47,400 respectively.
Best Deals on 2019 Toyota 4Runner
2019 4Runner Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
190.2 in | 109.8 in | 71.5 in | 75.8 in | 63.2 in | 63.2 in |
Exterior Colors
2019 4Runner Performance
Engine and Transmission
Handling and Driving Impressions
Body-on-frame SUVs make several concessions for the sake of their ruggedness, but the 4Runner seems to make more than most. Firm suspension geared towards off-road prowess is hell on the road, sending ripples and corrugations rattling through the cabin. The steering suffers too, although not from excessive feedback but rather from its wayward nature. It's loose on center and the response to inputs is dull and slow. The mud and snow tires found on most models don't inspire confidence on tarmac, and the TRD Pro's all-terrain tires do even less; if anything, this makes every commute a nerve-wracking experience.
But once off-road, the tires, suspension, and truck foundations prove invaluable. A high ride height and stiff suspension mean that it's a cinch to climb rocks and rutted terrain, and the deadness of the steering wheel means it doesn't shuffle excessively in hand. It's by no means a short wheelbase Wrangler, but it's damn good off-road, particularly in TRD Pro guise, with thick skid plates, Fox internal bypass shocks, and grippy tires getting the most out of what the V6 has to offer.
2019 4Runner Interior
Seating and Interior Space
2019 4Runner Trunk and Cargo Space
2019 4Runner Safety and Reliability
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance | Maintenance |
---|---|---|---|---|
3 Years / 36,000 Miles | 5 Years / 60,000 Miles | 5 Years / Unlimited Miles | 2 Years / Unlimited Miles | 2 Years / 25,000 Miles |
US NHTSA Crash Test Result
Overall Rating | Frontal Barrier Crash Rating | Side Crash Rating | Rollover Rating |
---|---|---|---|
4/5 | 4/5 | 5/5 | 3/5 |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Toyota 4Runner A Good SUV?
Spend any significant amount of time with a 4Runner on road, and you'll rue the day you ever decided to purchase one. It's thirsty, unrefined, and the handling and steering are loose at best, even scary if you've got the all-terrain tires of the TRD Pro. But the hungry V6 engine is a potent performer, and it comes to life off-road, which is where the 4Runner suddenly makes so much sense. It's not as good as a Wrangler, but then again, a Wrangler is far worse on-road. However, the 4Runner is highly accomplished off-road in a way almost no midsize SUVs can compare to, and with age on its side, it's incredibly reliable, too. It's also a spacious campaigner, with an abundance of storage and seating space - provided you stick to the five-seat configurations. We're disappointed in Toyota's lack of effort regarding safety features and driver assists, something they'll hopefully remedy for 2020, but the 4Runner is still a great midsize SUV if you keep it in its comfort zone. If you're an outdoor adventure lover who occasionally has to spend time on-road, then the 4Runner might just be the best SUV for you. Just don't expect any refinement.
What Toyota 4Runner Model Should I Buy?
The 4Runner's wayward on-road dynamics and thirsty engine means that no one buys one to use as a commuter with no intention of heading off-road. So it makes sense then that you head straight for one of the TRD trims to capitalize on the 4Runner's off-road ability. The TRD Off-Road might seem like an enticing buy with a relatively low price, but if you're going to buy a 4Runner, we'd recommend going all-out for the TRD Pro. The suspension enhancements, all-terrain tires, locking differential, and extra underbody protection make it the consummate off-roader, while it also benefits from a number of luxuries like enhanced infotainment, a power sunroof, and dual-zone climate control. With bespoke exterior styling, it'll also never be confused for lesser models, so you'll always stand out from the crowd.
2019 Toyota 4Runner Comparisons
2019 Toyota 4Runner vs Jeep Grand Cherokee
midsize off-roaders aren't exactly prevalent these days, but the Jeep Grand Cherokee probably strikes the best balance between capable off-roader and luxurious on-road machine. It's a little smaller than the 4Runner and doesn't offer seven-seat capability as the Toyota does, but it also doesn't offer the same abundant storage capacity as the 4Runner. It's capable off-road, with Selec-Terrain traction management, 4WD, and air suspension that can raise or lower to suit the terrain, but the 4Runner is naturally more rugged and more capable off-road, with a long history of reliability to back it up. However, the Grand Cherokee is vastly more comfortable, luxurious, and refined, with an eight-speed automatic gearbox and a range of available engines catering to all needs. It's got a more luxurious interior, loads more safety features, and better infotainment to boot. What it lacks in cargo space it makes up for in towing capacity, hauling 1,200 lbs more than the Toyota. So, while the Toyota is spacious and rugged, the Grand Cherokee is a superior all-rounder. If you'll be spending more time on-road than off, the Jeep makes far more sense.
2019 Toyota 4Runner vs Toyota Highlander
Toyota offers two polar-opposite midsize SUVs in the form of the 4Runner and the Highlander, each built for a purpose. The Highlander is the on-road crossover of the family, unibody construction and front-wheel-drive base mean that it's suited to on-road use, while the vastly better gas mileage means you can travel further for less. The Highlander is also quicker, more refined, and more comfortable on-road, with better handling dynamics and higher levels of refinement. Interior materials feel more premium and the available technology - safety and infotainment - are better in the Highlander. But it can only handle modest off-tar work, even with all-wheel-drive equipped. Where things get rocky, the 4Runner is vastly superior, with locking differentials, a low-range transfer case, and genuine 4x4 capabilities. The 4Runner is also more capacious from a cargo perspective, but that's unfortunately where its benefits end. At around $3,000 more expensive, the 4Runner is more costly to buy and run, but at least it's highly reliable. At the end of the day, if you're after an off-roader, get the 4Runner, but if you just want a high-riding daily runner, the Highlander is better in almost every way.