1 Year of Ownership Toyota 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium Review 

One of,if not the best vehicle of its type on the planet.The 4 Runner is a legend.

You forgot the best thing when comparing it to other SUV’s. It holds its value way better than any of them.

The one reason I bought it....... it’s bullet proof

100% of my driving is commuting and cruising. I still chose the 4Runner. My 5 reasons: 1: 100% built in Japan. 2: Built to last. 3: Resale value. 4: Crazy Reliability. 5: Tons of after market options. Here’s a bonus one, 6: Very comfortable drive.

Owning a 2020 4Runner I enjoy it. Highway is great, quiet, smooth, adaptive cruise control works well, it does up shift from od on hills. Gas is good 19.8 + at 75. Feels like a tank but smooth. Good tuning radius. Not too big for city driving or parking. The new infotainment system works very very well, touch screen ,directions, everything , no complaints at all.

Just sold my jeep for a 4runner, the jeep was just so unreliable, cant beat toyotas reliability and capability

I’ve known these were the best vehicles for a long time now . And the only thing that ever made me think twice was gas mileage. Other than that this is top notch.

I appreciate your honesty. Every video that I've seen never talks about the negative features of this truck, thanks!

I have 2 of these , like a sore pecker , can't beat it !

Do a review in 15 years and 300k miles vs a chevy or ford or jeep of the same year and this thing will still be running strong and the others will probably be in the junk yard

I traded a 2008 Highlander for a 2011 4 Runner 4 WD why, well the Highlander 2WD was great in every way but the looks and the extra room of the 4 Runner and a SUV that holds it's value more than anything on the road does make sense to me. Living in Florida I will never use the 4 WD but just having the power and it's resale value. OK , the dealer price was $ 18,000 it was a one owner with a clean carfax 111,000 miles which shows that Toyota's do not depreciate much for a 8 year old SUV price is high but that's because they are built so good , the engines last for ever at 78 it will last me a lifetime. I get about the same gas mileage Highlander 20.5 MPG 4 Runner 19 mpg , thanks for your review

Great video, probably the most honest straight-up review that I have watched about the 4Runner. I'm on my 4th Tacoma 4X4 with a camper shell that I have used for hunting-fishing-camping and not one of ever failed me. I don't need or want a truck anymore so I will be getting a 2020 4Runner TRD Off-Road 4X4 premium. Thanks again for a great outdoor video !

I drive 99% highway driving and only off pavement driving is in the winter during several trips up to VT for skiing. Slap on winter tires and I’m good to go. Agree not the best driving exp compared to that of crossovers. But I’m gonna keep this thing for next 15 years unless I win the power ball.

As a hopefully soon to be 4runner owner, I sincerely appreciate your honesty regarding its faults. The common theme I'm noticing is the 4runner is not the best at one thing, but it's great at everything it does. And it's incredibly reliable. Thank you for the informative video!

Great honest review! I too have a 2018 4Runner. I’ve taken it camping through 4X4 recommended trails, and it performs like a champ. It’s perfect for camping and other outdoor adventures because of reliability, capability offroad, and storage for gear. I agree that the entertainment system is not great but I changed out all speakers, added a sub, and amps and now I’m happy. I also added SSO sliders, LFD crossbeams, and a Thule roof cargo box. Overall, I’ve been super satisfied with the 4Runner. I only drive it on the weekends for adventures like camping and hiking (we hike every weekend). It’s perfect for my outdoor lifestyle.

Great review on this truck, I will agree that after driving different SUV's... none will outlast this truck!!! Not the smoothest ride... but the best dependability... and that it's what matters to me!!! I love my 2017 4runner!!!

Good video dude! Loved the mix of constructive criticism and adventure footage. I think I want one.

I wish more reviews were like yours. I really appreciate you showing the vehicle moving and show casing its abilities off road while your talking instead of talking and only showing the vehicle every so often not moving at all like most reviewers. Also your honesty on the subject of comparison to other similar suv's. Love the forerunner but I was more of a R50 Pathfinder guy. Wish they made them like they used to. You got my thumbs up on this one.

Awesome review. Probably the most honest one I’ve seen yet. Thanks for posting.

What a great honnest review. Thanks for time you put into this.

It’s pretty much a tank! It goes everywhere 😮🔥

This is a really great review. Honest, direct, informative. Thanks for posting.

This is a great review. Honest and true. I have a 2013 and I admit I bought it for the off road swag. Lol. I don’t really wheel, other that a ride on the beach. I have it on fuel maverick 20’s with nitto terra grapplers and I just love the look and feel of it. 4runners, FJ cruisers Jeeps, Land cruisers, etc are just not for everybody. You have to like that kind of stuff to like that kind of stuff! I almost bought a Highlander. So glad I didn’t. Thanks for the honest review. I pretty much agree with everything you said.

Really great review. Appreciated the video editing also. Going to check out the rest of your vids.

I have put over 97K miles (averaging over 3K/month) on my 2016 Trail Edition and still have no regrets! My 3rd Year anniversary will be during Memorial Day Weekend (USA) so I've spent a lot of time in the driver's seat. This is a fantastic vehicle for the right person. I think/know some of the complaints people have about the 4Runner are way overblown due people comparing their Corolla experiences to that with the 4Runner. All I can say is that with the amount of driving that I've done, I've had no issues. I've had the opportunity to take my Runner off road once (want to do it more often) and really got to it shine. Its one of the best all-around vehicles on the road in North America. What will be interesting to see is how much the 4Runner will change once the 6th Generation 4Runner hits the road. That being said, the 4Runner has treated me well and expect to be part of the +300K-mile club with relatively issue-free maintenance. Thanks for the video!

I had a 2013 Jeep JKU wrangler that I used for overlanding and as an adventure vehicle. It was not reliable. in 76,000 miles it had the front axle seals replaced six times, the front drive shaft replaced, the valve train replaced on the engine and suffered from the dreaded casting sand issue in the cooling system. Oh, when I traded it in it still had both front axle seals leaking. My 2017 TRD Off Road now has 47,800 miles on it and runs like new with no issues. I plan on keeping this vehicle fro a long time.

As a 4Runner owner i wish Toyota could see ur review i agree in every single statement but also i don’t want them to do major changes to the 4Runner it looks great and everything works perfect for me except those few little things you mentioned.....but is still for me the best all around!! Im a man so i wouldnt drive a pilot or highlander or traverse 😂😂 nice review!!

Thanks for being so real. Overall you gave me more confidence in the 4Runner.

just bought a brand new 2021 4 runner trd off road premium with KDSS for 42k. I'll be keeping it for 20 years at least.

One year with a 14’ FJ, hard to believe I ever had sedans.

A 4Runner without scratches is one that never had any fun. Excellent review, man. Thanks

one of the best reviews ive seen on this truck. true real world/honest testing.

Fantastic review! We're looking T the 2020 TRD off-road premium and now toyota has updated the touch screen size, the navigation system as well as added skid plates along the bottom of the drive train. If im not mistaken the motor and trans are the same but it makes it up in how it handles off-road. Now toyota also paid attention to the interior of the 2020 with different packages being offered. Great review and thanks for beifrank and honest!

Excellent review of the 2018 5th generation 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium! I purchased the 2020 TRD Off Road Premium and love it. You're right - this is an "Adventure Vehicle" and that's what I bought it to do. I'm having sooooo much fun with this vehicle!

Great review. You covered a lot. In fact, when I look at where you've been with it, you've covered a lot. Exactly what this truck is for. When you get your lift done, snap in a pair of $35 HIDs from Amazon. You'll never complain that the factory charged you $1500 for LED headlights. It was the first thing I did on my 4R. Also, if anyone wants entertainment, you can get a good size tablet from Costco to mount on your dash, for under $200. Not $2000 from the factory. And third, my '15 Limited was $44k before tax. Take a look around and good luck with that.

Great and honest review. I watched almost all reviews about the 4Runner and GX 460, and opted for a used 2016 GX for a slight cheaper price. But it comes with all the goodies, V8 engine, heated and cooled leather seat etc, much smoother ride. But I do only occasional off road adventures and hunting trips. I'd say, if you're hardcore off road, get the 4Runner, otherwise get a used GX.

great, honest review. You really have done everything with this 4runner.

Really enjoyed watching your video I just purchased and sr5 premium and am super stoked about it I will definitely subscribe

awesome vid! i have the same except mine is just the non premium. i only have 265 ko2's and averaged 20.7mpg on a road trip in FL.

Thanks for posting. I just bought to 2020 SR5 a few days ago.

HAHAHA I love when people compare them to sports cars. Let me see your Mustang climb those hills. My runner is awesome!

I have a 2014 trail edition 4runner with the kdss...absolutely NO REGRETS! I love it.my 2nd 4runner. This review nails it. It is SOLID. NO ISSUES. This thing is a serious factory built off roader. Safe, handles good, decent ride with good power and massive peace of mind. Not perfect..but haven't found a vehicle that is yet. 4runner for life!

Looks so good. Just cannot stop looking at it

Thank you, i have been beating myself up for about 6 months over the trd offroad and the trd pro because mainly i wanted the amazing voodoo blue and all of the little extras that come on the pro which really do add up if you try to buy after market but after watching this you made me realize i dont need everything the pro offers. I mainly need a family suv that can go on adventures occasionally being in the military i travel A LOT and go to a lot of places and different environments such as desert snow etc. so the 4runner trd offroad fits perfectly into my life and i can just slowly make it look like the trd pro over time and pocket about $10,000 so thank you for this video. Also now i realized the voodoo blue is hands down the best looking paint i have ever seen on a vehicle but if it is meant to be offroad why bother so much with paint when its just going to get scratched up and chipped anyway?? I think white is king because scratches and blemishes are harder to spot on white than any other color

Thanks for the honest review!

One of the better 4Runner reviews out there. Thanks.

Good, objective review. I'm buying one within the next two weeks. Thanks!

Not the year I was looking for but I do appreciate the honest review 👍🏼

few things you forgot to mention: this is a frame on body truck . not very many are anymore. also, as far as the headlights go, if you need to replace it , it will be alot cheaper than having to replace an led style headlight. this trucks are meant to be utilitarian vehicle but because modern car buyers need creature comforts toyota must comply. 30 years down the road this thing will have most of everything still in good working order, maybe not the entertainment system but anything mechanical.

Great content nice videos. Bought a 2020 TRDOR premium, because it looks awesome. I’ll probably never get it dirty but at least I know it’s capable for that one trip a year. Vehicle is in a class by itself.

Great review! I love the fact that you didn't sugarcoat anything.Got a new sub👍

Put on 338,000 miles on a Tacoma over the last 14 years. Just bought used 19 4runner trd off road. Love it. Great review btw.

Enjoyed the review, agreed with most point except never experienced the cruise control issue that you had. Have a 2018 off road and have put 42000 kms on it, and couldn’t love it more! Toyota is the BEST vehicle manufacturer in the world!!

Same vehicle, same year... same opinion. Love this thing. For me, it hits all the sweet spots in terms of capability and reliability. Digging that heritage grill, man!

Great video! I really appreciate hearing both the good and the bad. I screwed up and put on E-Rated KO2s on my 4Runner. They are just too heavy for the car.

Very good review that cuts to the chase. Love it!

I have 2019 4runner off road premium and it’s the most reliable and a beast driving in thick road snow in Alaska!

*This is the best 4Runner review.* I have watched about 30 videos and have test driven four 4Runners including one with big off road tires. This video summarizes everything I have experienced. My excitement is fading away because of the fact that it is sluggish on the freeway (you cant off road n speed anyways), mpg is not the best. Without the sunroof it feels small even though its roomy in the back but ceiling height is not much unless you compare it to a convertible. I dont do much off road, maybe a highlander would be better for me.

This is one of the best real world reviews I’ve seen on the 4runner yet!

Thank You.Best review I ve seen.Appreciate it.

👍🏼 Nice overview! I have a 2018 TRD Off-Road Premium 4Runner with 60k miles on it now - I’ve put on average 27k miles on it every year since I got it in Feb 2019, with only 6k miles on board. I’ve taken in off-roading many times to UT, CO, AZ, CA, NV, and all over the west coast and the PNW. Have had absolutely ZERO issues with it. I get 17.8mpg. Super happy with the build quality, the seats, highway comfort, terrain management capabilities, ample cargo, heated seats, rear sliding window, etc. I don’t mind the infotainment system - it has satellite radio and Bluetooth. What more do you need? (I use Gaia for navigation in the boonies, phone Maps in the city). I’ve used Pedal Commander for more responsive throttle, but not any more - I don’t need to race, but enjoy the journey. The 4Runner is NOT underpowered - those who complain expect a Lamborghini, yet they take everything but the kitchen sink with them when going outdoors, piled inside, behind and on top of it, plus steel bumpers, RTT, dragging a trailer, etc., etc. Ridiculous! The 4Runner is a solid, reliable, capable, dependable machine, built to perform and last. Remember it’s built in the very same factory as the legendary LandCruiser that has dominated the market in the toughest climates and most demanding terrains, worldwide, for decades! The 4Runner taps into that very legacy and technology, same work ethos and Japanese obsession with reliable quality. 👏🏻💪🏼 4Runner 4Ever! I’ve put a 3” Toytec lift on it, full RCI armor, Shrockworks rock sliders, Smittybilt winch, Rhino-Rack Pioneer roof rack, Genesis Offroad dual battery system, ARB Twin Compressor, TJM snorkel, and KO2s. It’s the perfect setup for me, with comfortable sleeping platform in the back (I’m 6’), 20L fridge, water system, pump shower, and 100W solar panel...

2019 TRD Off Road owner, all stock, and just drove 1500 miles with cruise control worked fine for me. But can see what you mean when climbing grades it will gear down... but all my vehicles do this. Pretty much agree with rest of your comments. I just climbed 13,000 feet (top of the rocky mountains) with mine and it did it with ease... Nice video!

"Regular TRD Off-Road" has navigation. Also the Premium has integrated remote garage door openers. Which is 1 thing I wish mine had.(same years as yours) But I chose KDSS to enhance the stability on road and articulation off road. It is worth every penny. You nailed the honesty mark with how it is not 100% for 1 specific thing, but 100% great for an all around adventure vehicle. Hence 1 of the trim level titles being called "Venture." Though I would not buy that particular trim. lol I have managed 19-22 mpg on the stock tires for highway driving. Which blows my mind, considering it is not estimated to do better than 20. Only modification I have done is put on rock sliders from White Knuckle. Everyone has their preferences for different reasons, but they were perfectly priced and more than solid for the terrain WE go on/through. WE cannot find a better all around SUV for the price point. However, that being said, knowing what I know now, I might advise people to buy a 1-5 year old if they truly wanted to save a few more penny's. IF people can find them, there is nothing wrong with taking a pre-owned. It is not like buying a Jeep or Chevy or something else people beat on that they turn in after it is showing wear and tear. For people who don't flip vehicles but once every 10 years or more, this fits the bill. Imagine if we could have bought this as a Hybrid back then? I see the day this will happen. And maybe.. just maybe.. on that day, I will consider parting with our 2018.

Great in the snow.. 24 mpg highway... great reliability.. I feel safe and confident in my 2016 Toyota 4Runner Limited...

Great honest review. I really appreciate that. Just subscribed. Thanks!

Really a great review. I Have a Jeep Wrangler unlimited Jk now, but you just convinced me to buy a 4Runner.

Looking at a new 4RUNNER right now. Leaning toward a 2020 4Runner TRDPro in army green. Hopefully.

You just sold me. I have a 2000 four wheel drive 4Runner but sent it back to the old country for when I go visit home(Belize). I miss camping in California and off-roading. Was debating the trd off-road pro but this one in silver looks perfect and matches my old one:)

I just bought the 4Runner Trd off road premium 2020 and I’m ready to test it

Love the honesty.

That's so crazy the first place you said went was OBX because I was telling my dad about how I want a 4Runner but don't really need one here too often and he said yeah we don't get much snow but we could take it all over OBX where normal cars can't go (OBX has been our family vacation spot for over 10 years) enjoy your ride for the 500k miles or more it'll last!

How different are the 4x4 capabilities between the limited and trd?

Great review I am likely getting the same TRD OR premium 2021. No KDSS? What lift kit and how much lift 2-3”. Any advice before buying? I am also planning to get better tires nothing crazy probably stock size more trail friendly. Totally new to off roading amateur probably weekend but mostly daily work commuter

thumbs up and subscribed, really enjoyed the vid. thanks!

Great video! Hope you keep #4Runner coverage coming. I'm in the market for a 2020 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium.

Nice review. I drove my 3rd gen 4runner to Moab from L.A. with a stuck thermostat, wasn't getting flow to the lower engine and still made it there, obvious I didn't know this till I was in Arizona on the way to Utah. No shops were opened during this time getting to Utah got it changed out. Got back to L.A. and had Toyota check it out and nothing was bad. They are so reliable. My mpg average on the trip was 26.7 , remember this suv has 180hp and 200tq I bet those numbers are a lot lower after 20 years.

Current a 2015 4runner Trail and has given zero major issues. Change my own oil, differential fluids, wipers and air/cabin filters. Had tires changed to Falken WildPeaks and its unstoppable in most road conditions. Only issue was two rusted skis plate bolts. Other than that I'm happy. Waiting the next generation 4runner to come out.

Great vid love 4runners....I have a 2019 Passport AWD Touring with a Traxda 3.5" front and 3" rear lift kit with KMC 721 wheels and 265 65r17 Goodyear Duratracs. I also threw on a skid plate for added protection. Living in Socal I knew I was going to be a super weekend warrior more sand and snow not so much hard core rock crawling. Love it so far got 20k on it average mpg is 23-24 on the hwy. The 20" wheels that came with it are evil!

What lift did you do on the front? I’m getting a 2020 off road soon and was thinking about doing 2 1/2 bilstien in the front, with bilstien in the back with a 1”Daystar spacer. Don’t want a super big lift.

Totally agree about the power. I’m coming from an old civic... and it’s great on power. People keep acting like it’s a race car

Great long term review. Thank you.

FINALLY 🎉🎉!!!! A great mixture of real semi-Southern mix of trails !!! Meaning i get so bored watching review after review of "simple" dry dusty trail test reviews.. Thanks for an honest *multiple trail review !

Just traded a 14 Jeep Grand Cherokee in on a SR5 P. Jeep in 110,000 miles, multiple CV joints, bearings, new radiator, new oil cooler. Heat never really worked great in winter, would blow cold air. Hoping this 4runner does so much better than the Jeep. Could not swallow the repair bills and the HUGE 1st year depreciation on the Jeep, its insane.

Have a 16 trail and definitely waiting on a redesign, love Toyota simply the best.

I have 2017 limited in nautical blue I loved it best SUV I’ve ever own really good in snow and very reliable.

Just traded my taco for the 4Runner off road. Is that the rubber that came with the premium package ? Is there also more ground clearance ? Looks like it sits higher

Love my 2004 4runner SR5. nearly sixteen years old and still the strongest off roader i've owned

This will definitely be my next vehicle!

Best Video for Outlander You are the BEAST!!!

Great review!

Do you run the 275s without a lift?

Great review from a real user. I especially like the one year update. Keep that going please. I'm considering either a 4 Runner or Land Cruiser, but I think the LC is a bit too big for some trails. I rented a 4 Runner recently in Jackson Hole and loved it. Drove it from Salt Lake City to JH and then to Yellowstone over a 7 day stay. What a great SUV.

Well done, thanks. Looking at 2022 4 Runners but thinking maybe wait till Gen 6.

Thanks so much for your honest review.

Awesome video and review man. I have the same exact vehicle on black. Absolutely love it. Agree 100% with you about the cruise control. I have not taken it off road yet thought. Where was the video shot from 10:30 and forward? Looks awesome.

Are you running the stock suspension? Have you had to replace anything on the suspension from any of this off roading?

what mod you have on this SUV?

Great Video. What kind of lifting have you done?

Hey man, really productive and practical review. Thanks for taking the time to look a couple layers deeper than most drivers do. I agree with all of your points about the drivability across multiple terrain, comfortability on the highway (except cruise control), and the engine power. Plenty of power off the lot. IF you NEED more power and have the money, go crazy. One question, what is the lift you currently have and is it adequate for what you drove in the video? Thanks.

Great review. I just bought a Silver, 2024 4Runner TRD Off Road Premium...just like yours. In my case, I did the "Poor man's Supercharger"....TRD PRO K&N Cold Air Intake, Magnaflow Overland Exhaust and Banks Pedal Monster...approximately $2000 for everything. In stock trim, the Runner did fine pulling my landscape trailer with my Yamaha Grizzly in it with gas cans, ice chests, and all our gear, etc. up the Grapevine (highway 5) and into the mountains near Lake Isabella, Ca. But after the additions, Holy smokes! It's an entirely different vehicle. Highway gas mileage improved from an average of ~19.1 to about 21mpg at 75mph. With the Banks set to Sport Mode at 80%, the Runner has some serious giddyup! Way more fun to drive. However, even before this bolt ons, the 4Runner has plenty of power, but it is engineered for a smooth and tame delivery. I went with the 2024 instead of waiting for the 2025 b/c I simply do not want to deal with a 4 cylinder with turbos. I think that's a bad move on Toyota's part.