Is a Toyota 4Runner a Good Daily Driver? (8 Crucial Facts)
For those not into serious off-roading, the Toyota 4Runner is less suitable for daily driving due to its stiff ride and poor fuel economy.
Toyota 4Runner’s Negatives as a Daily Driver
#1 Subpar Ride Comfort
Excellent off-roaders rarely ride as comfortably as crossovers on the pavement, and the 4Runner doesn’t stray far from this notion.
Its suspension does an adequate job masking road bumps at low speeds; however, it unhesitatingly transmits pavement flaws into the cabin at higher speeds, resulting in a somewhat bouncy and stiff ride.
The constant body motion can grow wearing during longer drives.
While the upright design makes it easy to see out of the driver’s seat, the less aerodynamic-efficient shape isn’t particularly adept at quelling wind noise.
Delightedly, road noise from the tires is relatively muted, with the body-on-frame construction providing an extra layer of sound suppression.
The interior has plenty of head and legroom for tall drivers, although the legroom is less in the second row, while the cramped third row is suitable for kids only.
If you’re over 6 feet tall, skip the headroom-consuming optional sunroof.
#2 Thirsty Engine for Its Class
The 4.0-liter V6 engine accelerates strongly but consumes 17 to 19 mpg on regular gas in mixed driving, depending on the model year of the fifth generation that debuted in 2010.
The five-speed transmission enables maximum trust from the V6, but the lack of gears compromises its fuel economy.
Pre-2010 models carry the same standard engine with less power but are just as thirsty; their V8 version (4.7L) is the least efficient at 15 mpg overall.
Toyota 4Runner’s Positives as a Daily Driver
#3 Tall Ride Height & Commanding Visibility
Truck-based SUVs are typically larger, taller, and more off-road capable than crossovers, and the Toyota 4Runner is one of the few such SUVs these days.
The 4Runner’s high ground clearance, elevated seating position, and boxy form give the driver a good view of the hood, the front corners, and the road ahead.
Visibility to the sides and back is equally good, aided by a backup camera.
However, the high climb-in can be a hassle for shorter occupants.
#4 Inexpensive Maintenance
The Toyota 4Runner is one of the least expensive midsize SUVs to maintain, cementing its near bulletproof reliability.
It costs $514 per year in maintenance, according to RepairPal.
However, that figure is an annual average, so let’s see its year-to-year costs compared to class rivals:
| Year | Annual Costs (4Runner) | Annual Costs (Passport) | Annual Costs (Grand Cherokee) |
| 1 | $230 | $267 | $366 |
| 2 | $261 | $308 | $427 |
| 3 | $311 | $373 | $523 |
| 4 | $391 | $477 | $677 |
| 5 | $457 | $564 | $805 |
| 6 | $561 | $700 | $1,007 |
| 7 | $772 | $977 | $1,416 |
| 8 | $856 | $1,087 | $1,579 |
| 9 | $935 | $1,189 | $1,730 |
| 10 | $1,051 | $1,341 | $1,954 |
| 11 | $1,065 | $1,360 | $1,983 |
| 12 | $1,190 | $1,523 | $2,224 |
Besting the already-inexpensive upkeep of the Honda Passport is impressive, and raking up the mileage daily driving a 4Runner is rather affordable.
#5 Adequate Midsize SUV Towing Capacity
The 4 Runner can tow a maximum of 5,000 pounds.
It’s a reasonable figure given its body and engine sizes and is useful for towing most boats and small camping trailers.
Towing is easy with the standard tow hitch and trailer electric wiring.
While its capacity is higher than the Honda Passport and Ford Bronco (both have 3,500 lbs), it falls behind the Grand Cherokee (6,200 lbs).
#6 Impressive Off-Road Capability
Off-road is where the rugged 4Runner excels, with ample ground clearance and good traction from the standard 4WD drivetrain.
Its part-time four-wheel-drive system, with low range gearing and hill-start and hill-descent features, provides sufficient grip to get you far off the beaten path.
The TRD trims have additional hardware that lends even greater all-terrain capability.
Opt for the Limited trim if you want the added ability of a full-time 4WD.
#7 Large and Versatile Cargo Area
The 4Runner has a large cabin and a generous, squared-off cargo area that makes packing for a weekend trip for the family easy.
The cargo space’s versatility enhances by the optional slide-out floor that pulls out for easier access to luggage.
Folding the rear seatbacks increases the capacity from 40-plus to 80-plus cubic feet, depending on the model year.
#8 Strong Resale Value
An economical daily driver is easier on the wallet, and a high resale value ensures you lose less when it’s time to resell.
Toyota 4Runners have excellent resale values among midsize SUVs, depreciating 39% after five years and 61% after a decade of ownership.
See the comparison with other SUVs below:
| 5-yr Depreciation | 10-yr Depreciation | |
| Toyota 4Runner | 39% | 61% |
| Honda Passport | 41% | 68% |
| Jeep Grand Cherokee | 51% | 75% |
| Ford Bronco | 52% | 75% |
Best 4Runner for Daily Driving: Trims Compared
Table Guide:
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined.
- Notable Features: capability-differentiating aspects.
| Engine | Fuel Econ. | Notable Features | |
| SR5 | 4.0L-V6-4WD | 17-19-mpg | Standard provisions. |
| TRD Off-Road | 4.0L-V6-4WD | 17-18-mpg | Locking rear differential. KDSS suspension. |
| Limited | 4.0L-V6-4WD | 17-19-mpg | Softer suspension setup. Sunroof. |
| TRD Pro | 4.0L-V6-4WD | 17-19-mpg | Off-road suspension w/ Fox dampers. Front skid plate. All-terrain tires. Roof rack. |
All trim levels share the same V6 engine, so power output and fuel economy are consistent.
Four-wheel-drive and rear-wheel-drive options show no discernible difference in fuel consumption or towing ability.
The Limited trim is the best Toyota 4Runner for daily driving as it adopts a different 4WD system and suspension setting for a more comfortable ride; plus, it has a 360-degree camera and blind-spot warning system to make driving easier.
Only the SR5 and Limited trims have the optional fold-flat third-row seat to boost seating capacity to seven occupants.
Opting for a 4Runner TRD Pro or TRD Off-Road will give you trail-conquering prowess, but it is less comfortable for daily use.
Toyota 4Runner Generations:
1st Gen 4Runner as a Daily Driver
First-generation 4 Runners are still good daily drivers despite their advancing age – lightweight (3,500 lbs) and super reliable, with decent gas mileage (approx. 17 mpg combined).
2nd Gen 4Runner as a Daily Driver
Despite being underpowered with the in-line four engine, the second-gen 4Runner remains a reliable daily driver that goes off-road like a champ.
Its V6 version offers more power, although the fuel economy suffers from a meager 15-mpg overall.
3rd Gen 4Runner as a Daily Driver
Compared to the second-gen, the third-gen 4Runner received a more potent V6 (183-hp vs. 150-hp) that is also more efficient (17 mpg vs. 15 mpg combined) and has a higher towing capacity (5,000 lbs vs. 3,500 lbs), making it a comparatively better daily driver.
It is more refined than the outgoing model without sacrificing formidable off-road ability, and its interior space increased in every direction, thanks to a two-inch longer wheelbase.
4th Gen 4Runner as a Daily Driver
It was the first line of 4Runner with an available V8 engine.
The fourth-gen 4Runner improved its daily-driver competency with a more powerful V6 (236-245-hp), enhanced ride comfort, and a long list of standard equipment for its time.
5th Gen 4Runner as a Daily Driver
The fifth-gen 4Runners are the most suitable for everyday use, improving daily-driver aspects over the preceding generations, including on-road comfort and amenities.
Plus, its cargo space is the roomiest yet.
Toyota 4Runner Comparison with Similar Vehicles
Toyota 4Runner vs. Ford Bronco as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Fuel Type: Prem=premium; ReQ=required; ReC=recommended.
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
The sixth-generation Bronco that debuted in 2021 received a new turbocharged four-cylinder, a better engine than the one under the hood of the aged fifth-generation 4Runner.
The Ford Bronco outdoes the Toyota 4Runner as a daily driver with a more powerful and efficient engine and improved ride comfort.
Although it runs on the pricier premium fuel, it’s an acceptable trade-off for an off-roader that’s easier to live with daily.
Toyota 4Runner vs. Honda Passport as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Toyota 4Runner | 4.0L-V6-4WD | 270-hp | 19-mpg | Regular | $514 | Good | Average | 5,000-lbs |
| Honda Passport | 3.5L-V6-AWD | 280-hp | 21-mpg | Regular | $371 | Excellent | Good | 5,000-lbs |
The Honda Passport beats the Toyota 4Runner in almost every daily-driver metric, including engine efficiency, excellent visibility, firm but comfortable ride, and lower maintenance cost.
Although it has two rows of seats compared to the 4Runner with an optional third row, the Passport’s spacious cabin has a more solid build quality.
Toyota 4Runner vs. Jeep Wrangler as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Toyota 4Runner | 4.0L-V6-4WD | 270-hp | 19-mpg | Regular | $514 | Good | Average | 5,000-lbs |
| Jeep Wrangler | 3.6L-V6-4WD | 285-hp | 20-mpg | Regular | $694 | Good | Poor | 2,000-lbs |
The Wrangler has marginally higher fuel efficiency, and its off-road prowess matches the 4Runner.
Still, the Toyota 4Runner is a better daily driver than the Jeep Wrangler with greater ride comfort, higher towing capacity for broader utility, and is more reliable, partly reflected in the cheaper maintenance.
Toyota 4Runner vs. Toyota Tacoma as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Toyota 4Runner | 4.0L-V6-4WD | 270-hp | 19-mpg | Regular | $514 | Good | Average | 5,000-lbs |
| Toyota Tacoma | 3.5L-V6-4WD | 278-hp | 20-mpg | Regular | $478 | Average | Poor | 6,500-lbs |
4Runner vs. Tacoma is an uneven SUV against pickup truck contest.
If you need an off-roader with a truck bed and good towing capacity (up to 6,800 lbs depending on the trim), opt for a V6-powered Tacoma.
But if you want a proper daily driver that you can travel in comfort and has interior storage, choose the Toyota 4 Runner over the Tacoma.
Toyota 4Runner vs. Toyota Tundra as a Daily Driver
Table Guide:
- Engine: base trim; T=turbo; +drivetrain.
- Fuel Economy: mpg combined (base trim).
- Maintenance Costs: per year avg. (RepairPal).
- Visibility: excellent, good, average, poor.
- Ride Comfort: excellent, good, average, poor.
| Engine | Horsepower | Fuel Econ. | Fuel Type | Maint. Costs | Visibility | Ride Comfort | Tow Max | |
| Toyota 4Runner | 4.0L-V6-4WD | 270-hp | 19-mpg | Regular | $514 | Good | Average | 5,000-lbs |
| Toyota Tundra | 3.5L-V6-T–4WD | 348-hp | 19-mpg | Regular | $606 | Good | Good | 8,300-lbs |
The 4Runner vs. Tundra is not an apples-to-apples comparison as the former is an SUV and the latter a full-size truck.
2022 Tundra and newer benefit from a new turbocharged V6 engine.
If you need a heavy-duty daily driver, you can’t go wrong with the Toyota Tundra workhorse. Further, it’s easy to drive and live with day-to-day.
The 4Runner’s ride isn’t as comfortable as the Tundra, but it’s suitable for daily use if you want interior storage instead of a truck bed.
References:
https://www.toyota.com/4runner/
https://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/4runner
https://www.nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2022/TOYOTA/4RUNNER/SUV/AWD
https://www.iihs.org/ratings/vehicle/toyota/4runner-4-door-suv/2022