2024 Toyota 4Runner – toyota.com | Shop 2024 Toyota 4Runner on Carsforsale.com
The 2024 Toyota 4Runner is part of the 5th generation, a series that stretches back to 2010, a.k.a. an eternity in the auto industry. But it’s a well-loved SUV with legions of loyal followers thanks to its commitment to body-on-frame live-rear-axle ruggedness, a combination that makes the 4Runner a beast off-road.
After the 2023 4Runner, which we review here, celebrated 40 years in production with sweet retro graphics, updates for 2024 are limited to additional paint colors – Underground for the entire lineup and a deep reddish-brown Terra shade exclusive to TRD Pro models.
Old-school cool factor
True off-road capability
Power-sliding rear glass
Overpriced packages
A pig at the pumps
Ancient platform
An oldie but a goodie
Regardless of trim, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner is motivated by a 4.0L V6 that makes a respectable 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque. A 5-speed automatic sends power to the rear wheels, though part- and full-time 4WD with low range is available.
It’s a remarkably thirsty old motor, capable of a pathetic 16 mpg city, 19 mpg highway, and 17 mpg combined whether you’re driving a 2WD or 4WD model. Fortunately, it can two 5,000 pounds and has between 9 and 9.6 inches of ground clearance – which is the real reason you would buy a new 4Runner.
The TRD Off-Road and Pro models capitalize on this underbody room with a special ABS configuration, Multi-Terrain Select drive modes, and Crawl Control, which is akin to low-speed cruise control. Tack on the Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) for auto-decoupling sway bars for even more capability or buy the TRD Pro model with its trick Fox dampers, TRD-tuned springs, and all-terrain rubber for maximum effect.
Though there will be no massaging seatbacks like in the fancy Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit Reserve, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner does have a cavernous cargo hold that can swallow 90 cubic feet of stuff. Normally, it is a two-row SUV with space for 5, but an optional third row adds space for 2 more.
However, that way back row is best suited for kids. The 2nd row isn’t much better for adults with just 33 inches of legroom, but at least it reclines! If this is a priority, you might consider the Toyota Grand Highlander with its 39 inches of rear legroom.
Upholstery ranges from cloth and SofTex to leather with heated and ventilated cushions. And of course, all 4Runners come with the signature power-sliding rear glass, which is just plain cool.
An 8-inch infotainment touchscreen is standard on the 2024 4Runner, as is Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, 3 USB ports, and a Wi-Fi hotspot. You can upgrade the 8-speaker stereo to a thumping JBL 15-speaker system with a variety of packages that bundle tech like a surround-view monitor (SVM) and connected navigation.
With Toyota Safety Sense, the latest 4Runner comes standard with forward collision mitigation, lane-departure alert, adaptive cruise control, and blind-spot monitoring with rear cross-traffic alert. There are also 8 airbags, but the NHTSA only rates the 4Runner 4 stars overall, which is partly due to the 3 out of 5 stars for rollover safety.
Base 4Runners feature alloy wheels, full LED exterior lighting, a host of underbody skid plates, roof rails, and keyless entry. Cabin amenities consist of black cloth, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and a 1-year subscription to Safety Connect with its automatic collision notification and SOS button.
TRD Sport models are paved road-ready with 20-inch rims and a sweet hood scoop. The $4,245 Premium Audio package features a sliding rear cargo deck, connected navigation, automatic running boards, and an SVM.
The SR5 Premium trim dials up the convenience with a heated steering wheel and front seats, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a power-adjustable passenger seat, and SofTex upholstery in your choice of beige or gray. A $2,660 package brings a third row of seating, a sunroof, and an SVM.
Along with the TRD running gear mentioned earlier, TRD Off-Road 4Runners get a TRD shift knob, Amazon Alexa integration, and an overhead console. For $3,485, you can tack on KDSS, connected navigation, and running boards.
In Premium spec, the TRD Off-Road is dressed up with red TRD lettering on the front seat headrests, comes with part-time 4WD, and has turn signals integrated into the side mirrors.
For 50 large, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner Limited boasts 20-inch wheels, chrome trim, a sunroof, and full-time 4WD. These luxury-esque variants also have dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, climatized front seats, a 15-speaker JBL audio system, and parking sensors at both ends.
The top-spec TRD Pro 4Runner has exclusive matte black 17-inch wheels wrapped in all-terrain rubber. It also comes with a TRD roof rack and front skid plate, a heritage-style front grille with TOYOTA spelled out, and the Multi-Terrain Monitor that offers camera angles up front, out back, and along the sides. It’ll be fun to see how this model stacks up against the all-new Toyota Land Cruiser.
If you’re buying a 2024 Toyota 4Runner, chances are you’re looking to do some trail work. In which case, the TRD Off-Road is a good place to start as it comes with several off-road-focused features for some $11,000 less than the TRD Pro.
The Jeep Wrangler is an obvious competitor here, and like the 4Runner, offers all the old-school off-roading you can handle for similar price points. It’s also got a similar warranty to Toyota’s which includes 3 years of basic coverage, 5 years of powertrain coverage, and 2 years of complimentary maintenance.
2024 Toyota 4Runner – toyota.com | Shop 2024 Toyota 4Runner on Carsforsale.com
As a big, chunky, durable off-roader, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner is a killer SUV. But $56,000 for the top-dog TRD Pro seems awfully expensive for such an ancient platform that burns gas faster than my son eats breakfast – which is saying something.
But, if you’re in the market for such a vehicle, the 4Runner is undeniably cool and that has value. Just be sure to consult our latest rundown of new car incentives before going shopping and maybe consider waiting for the next generation as it can’t be too far down the road.
All 2024 Toyota 4Runners are rated for 5,000 pounds of towing.
The 2024 4Runner comes with two rows of seats and room for 5, though a third-row seat is optional that increases total seating to 7.
The 2024 4Runner starts at $41,350 for an SR5 model and can hit $57,000 for a loaded TRD Pro variant.