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Every Generation of the Toyota 4Runner

Every Generation of the Toyota 4Runner

The Toyota 4Runner has been produced since 1984 and over that production run there have been 6th Generations of the iconic 4x4. Each generation of 4Runner has changed the Off-Road SUV segment more than the last and has also brought new features to the 4Runner line up. Today we are going over each generation of 4Runner and what made each so unique in the 4Runner lineup.

1st Gen Toyota 4Runner (1984-1989)

In 1984 Toyota introduced the 4Runner which was based off on the Toyota pickup. The original 4Runner was essentially a Toyota pickup with rear seats and a removable hardtop. It is still the only generation of 4Runner to offer a removable top. 

2nd Gen Toyota 4Runner (1990-1995)

The second gen 4Runner debuted in 1990 and was the first time the 4Runner solely developed to be an SUV and also was available with a swing out on the rear bumper. It is the only 4Runner to have this option available from the factory. The 2nd gen 4Runner also came with an oversized rear window which is a feature that recently was added to the 6th Gen Toyota 4Runner.

3rd Gen Toyota 4Runner (1996-2002)

Arguably the most popular 4Runner, the 3rd generation 4Runner debuted in 1996 and quickly became one of the most popular SUVs on the market. The 3rd Gen 4Runner also shared many of the same parts with the 1st Gen Toyota Tacoma including its 3.4L V6. These 4Runners are some of the most reliable made, with many lasting over 300,000 miles.

4th Gen Toyota 4Runner (2003-2009)

The 4th Gen 4Runner was a major update to the platform with styling that was unique and not loved by everyone. One thing that was added to the 4th Gen 4Runner than has never been added to a 4Runner before or since is the V8. For the first time in the 4Runners history you could now option the vehicle with the standard V6 or the million mile Toyota V8 from the Tundra, making it one of the most sought after 4Runner models.

5th Gen Toyota 4Runner (2010-2024)

In 2010 Toyota debuted the 5th Gen 4Runner which has become the most popular 4Runner model since the 3rd Gen 4Runner. The 5th Gen was produced for an incredible 14 years and received a facelift after the 2013 model year. Even after a 14 year production run, it still managed to be one of the most popular SUVs on the market even without receiving many of the normal updates that other SUVs in its class had received.

6th Gen Toyota 4Runner (2025-Present)

The 2025 4Runner is the most recent update to the Toyota 4Runner, with many big changes. The most dramatic change to the 4Runner for the 2025 model year is the all new turbo 4 cylinder engine, which is the only engine available. The new 4Runner now runs on Toyotas TNG-F platform which it shares with the Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia. Making this 4Runner the closest related to the Tacoma since the 3rd Gen 4Runner was introduced.

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