Dinosaurs Don't Sell? Toyota Begs To Differ With The Ancient 4Runner 

It’s incredibly reliable, incredibly capable, and meeting all the safety requirements. And it looks very good even today.

In Oct of 2013 we bought a new Nissan Pathfinder Platinum. Lots of room, drove great and comfortable seats. One year later after a transmission failure, wheel hub failures, power window failures, inability to stay warm in the winter, key fob failures so my wife was locked out of the vehicle or it wouldn’t start - we traded it in on a new 2015 Toyota 4Runner Limited. We still have it coming up on 8 years later. It has 150k km/90k miles and still runs like a top. Only issue was some chrome delaminating on the plastic 4Runner logo under the rear window. I replaced the original brake rotors and pads at 140k km. Never an issue, 100% reliable. Starts every time whether it’s plus 40 or minus 40. Tried to get my wife in a newer RAV4 or Venza. Apparently that will only happen over my dead body so we still have the 4Runner.

People don’t go to car dealers to by gadgets and cellphone’s. They go to dealership’s to buy a reliable vehicle that will last 15-20+ years and not cost a fortune in repairs to do so. People lineup to buy 4Runners to this day.

This (5th) generation actually launched in the 2010 model year as far as I know. 2009 was the last model year for the 4th gen, and they hardly sold any that year because of the economy or something.

All 4 Runners are built in Japan witch for some people is a huge plus.

I still want one, for some bizarre reason. Really can’t wait for the redesign

A new 4Runner is long overdue but with the powertrain issues of the new Tundra, I think it's ok if Toyota delays the new model a bit to ensure that everything is perfect at launch.

my ancient rav4 lasted 12 years and 115k miles before trading it in. I expect 20-30 years for my new dinosaur.

Proud to have contributed to that 2021 best sales year ever - love my 4Runner!!!

I have to give it to Alex because he has to review soo many vehicles so may not be an expert on 4Runners. So sharing my thoughts as a user to add more than Alex said to help anyone who is looking deep into it. 1) I do not agree with the term "teeni tiny" 3rd row as 5'5" me fits in that 3rd row. 2) Do not think TRD Sprot has anything to do with any special offroad capability. TRD Sport is cheaper price tag onroad focus trim with its onroad focus XREAS suspension why its fraction expensive than base model SR5. I would keep TRD Sport less offroad capable than base model SR5. 2a) TRD sport also have some challenges making is offroad worthy when it comes to skids & sliders. Ofcause less clearance than base model SR5 because on bumper and rocker panel design. Pavement focused bigger wheels on TRD Sport and Limited also a disadvantage to offroad creds. 3)Tail lights if Alex wasn't clear only Brake light is LED and others incandescent bulbs 4) Different part time 4wd systems - Both TRD Pro and TRD Offroad trims comes with rear locking diff, terrain management, crawl control, atrac, optional 360/terrain camera system, optional KDSS sway bar. All other part time 4wd system (with rotatable 4wd selector) and fulltime 4wd have Atrac and downhill assist control. 5) Seat height and cab space - if you get without sunroof you have lot more headroom On a personal note, why even my wife drives 4Runner vs a crossover for city driving? I think she is a kind of driver who have no sympathy on cars don't care about potholes, curbs, weather, cargo area use for garden stuff I can't think of a better vehicle than 4Runner. 3rd row is a added bonus when taking more friends to movies / outings.

Just got a new 2022 4Runner Limited. Very happy:)

Cyclists can tell you why that rear roll up window exists: If you have bikes on a hitch rack, you can still access your stuff in the cargo area.

Had an '01 Rav4. This '23 4runner still has the same mirrors adjustment control panel. Insane :D

I just bought a 2022 in April and I’m very pleased. I’m old school and it works great for me, I average 20mpg in my TRD Sport 2wd. I would’ve bought a 4wd but at the time not many available

I own the last model version of this 4 runner and the one before that. These rigs just can not be beat in the overall category. Just can not say enough about long term reliability.

My boss just bought a 2019 Limited and she loves it. This is one of the few times being ancient isn't necessarily a bad thing

these are selling for at least 5k over msrp in my area....absolutely nuts...

So happy to see a new video on the 4Runner. I get 21mpg in my 2022 Limited with mixed driving, as long as I don't goose it.

Greatest real suv around. Had a lifted one 2016 I took it everywhere. Moab , Colorado, death valley, Rubicon trail. Never any problems

They're completely impossible to find for a reasonable price too. Everybody loves them. Even 200K miles and 15 years old they're selling for like 15k.

Dinosaurs are super popular, hence why Raptor and T-Rex exist. What? This is a different type of dinosaur?

I love the driving angle from the front as you turn through the curves in your area!

I traded my lifted 2015 F2FIDDY 6.7 Scorpion 🦂 for my new to me 2021 T4R TRD ORP w/XP package, black metallic , black interior, and with the red TRD stitching looks great! I absolutely love my T4R and so glad I traded my diesel. I didn’t pull anything and was just my dream toy truck so no need to keep spending $3k for tires and $300 oil changes plus diesel costs. Not to mention, my Toyota 4Runner will run forever. It had 32k when I got it and all the fluids still looked new. Never have I had a truck so new and this will last forever and 20-21mpg is great compared to my 6.7 gettin 8-10 lol

Ancient, tried and true is EXACTLY what I want in my next car purchase. I got rid of my 03 Gen IV 4Runner with 360ks and I want something recognizable and similar, not hyper electricfied, tech heavy, 50 turbos and super hybrid or anything. I need the damn thing to just work.

They sell because they hold their value and can last a long time.

if this is a dinosaur, you should check Australia's new 2022 Toyota LandCruiser 70 Series

Ok, I didn't realize that the exterior dimensions are actually smaller than a Highlander. This sells well because older folks like me want those "Traditional" features like a non-turbo V6 and an actual gear shifter without those push buttons or rotary dials that other manufacturers are going to.

Still love my 2017 4runner since the day i bought it. From snow storms to hurricanes this storm beast just pushes the limits. No worries here😎

Still in love with '11 SR5. Sometimes I dream that Toyota will retrofit a 8 speed AISIN AT.

I think, one reason it sells so well still, is the power tailgate window. its so good and now unique. Not a single vehicle has this now, if they do its a lift up glass not power. I also agree thats its become retro. toyota need to be very careful with the re design or they will kill it.

It might be due to the chip shortage.. a dinosaur needs the least amount of chips .. lol

Alex - Great review! You are one of the only reviewers who understands the use case for the Limited, which has a center diff and AWD (vs a 4th that binds). I seem to recall that the 4th gen, part-time 4th 4Runners had a center diff. I wish Toyota had kept that feature. I live in New England! And want to run in 4WD most of the time. But the only 5th gen that allows that is the Limited. I’m on my 3rd 5th gen Limited (all flawless). My dream! Toyota parts bin 5th gen would have TRD Pro exterior features, Limited interior, full-time AWD with locking Torsen Center Diff, locking rear Torsen diff, and KDSS. And while we are at it, throw in the GX460 v8 and 6speed.

I'm the proud owner of the 4th generation 4Runner the 2007 and have enjoyed all it has to offer. I guess my feeling is, " is if it ain't broke why fix it " mine has been so reliable with now 170,000 miles I'd rather go with the same power train because for the V-6 240 hp it moved just fine for me, the 2023 is what I have my sights on.

Great review Alex of an absolutely bullet proof vehicle made in one of the highest quality manufacturing plants in the world.

Just purchased a 2022 4Runner Limited.

All Toyota needs to do for the next special edition before the full redesign is come up with a dinosaur name and boom 💥 instant sales success 🙌 👍🏾 Thank me later, Toyota. Lol Awesome review Alex!!

So much complaining and ranting about it being old or outdated when it’s actually exactly what I want in a new vehicle. It’s attractive, tough as nails, low maintenance, capable, practical and affordable. I don’t want another useless, flimsy crossover, with endless touchscreens and no ground clearance. People like this reviewer just don’t get it and never will. Oh and my 4Runner is a lot quieter and more comfortable than the all NEW fancy Bronco. Yet, that’s not called outdated is it?

If I had a 4Runner I would drill that hood scoop and make it functional it is kind of stupid that they put a non-functional hood scoop on there.

It can share old stories with your Durango, that thing started production in 2010 and it's still selling.

Reliable, capable and has great pavement manners. Quiet smooth on highway and able to handle serious offroad.

Thanks for another great review! I'm anxious to see the review of the 2023 Kia Sportage Plug-in version! I hope you have a chance to review it some time soon.

That's correct. They don't make things that they use to. That's why I'm keeping 2003 V8 4Runner.

I don’t see how anyone 6’1 or taller (my height) uses this as their daily. The front seating position is so awkward the the floor being so low. Superior dedication is the only thing I can think of.

Great review! Detailed with good pacing.

The Toyota 4Runner would be so much better if it at least had a 6 speed automatic transmission, because my biggest misgiving about it is the low MPG. I do like how it is smaller than most 3 row suvs and it doesn't need to have roomy and comfortable rear 2nd/3rd row seats like the psuedo-minivan three row SUVS like the Toyota Highlander and Honda Pilot but it could be a nicer compromise.

On my third 4Runner now and here’s what I can say. You buy something and take care of it and all it does is work, all the time every time. 250 k miles before noticing stuff.

I want that 4 Runner with Chrome Accents in White

I hope to see a hybrid version and to keep the sliding rear hatch window.

My first Toyota SUV!! Amazing video Alex.

I’m happy with mine ‘23 Sport lime rush though. Had test it to the limits on mountains, light off-roading, and the XREAS performs well on city and off-road(although I will change it soon starting next year along with a lift and new 32s wheels + snorkel) I don’t really need 4wd all the time so, having 2wd fully active it’s great for mpg) whenever I feel I need my 4wd I just switch it. Not to mention A-track isn’t the most innovative, but man stop complaining. It’s Toyota. I don’t drive a 4runner to go fast, but to go anywhere! I love my brick. Whoever hates these models just do it silently, no need to hate. Everyone it’s different. Happy with my truck bless.

My family has a 2016. It's great. I will say it's a lot smaller than you would think. The cargo area feels the same as my 2000 4Runner. Any extra length has gone to the back seat. It feels like a land yacht. It's very very soft. And everything is THICK the knobs the shifter, steering wheel, door handles etc. I disagree with smart phone storage. I have put mine in the doors in that small stray behind the handle or the long strip to the left of the shifter.

The ONLY thing I don’t like about this generation is the fuel economy. Other than that 10/10

Long live the dinosaur 4Runner, here in Colombia I chose to order a new 2022 and have it for a good time in case Toyota loads the design in the new generation, it really is a spectacular vehicle.

The SR5s and especially the Off-Roads still look absolutely badass even now. The new more modern SUVs just suck in terms of their looks.

Lots of people complaining about its mpg. You can’t compare this to a Honda Pilot. For a few extra mpg you lose resale, reliability, capability and the experience of owning a cool truck.

I work with a girl who traded hers for a Tahoe and she is looking for another 4 runner. She had over 100,000 miles when she traded and told me soooo reliable but gas guzzler. but she loved it.

Buyers are speaking: more quality and reliability, less bullsh**.

You mentioned that it has a more upright seating position than the Tacoma but not as upright as some. What SUVs have a more upright seating position? By the way I love your channel it is the best auto review channel on RU-vid.

Love my 2020 4R Pro Dinosaur!

Was there rust around the bolt in the center console, or just a residual snack?

better buy this model because later redesign will be turbo 4 cylinder.

I’ll tell you why it’s the best selling as people like me bought one in 2011 had zero issues tried Honda pilot tried Chrysler Pacifica tried Mercedes all had electronic issues transmission weird transmission stuff finally got back in the forerunner we don’t have to worry about any issues. It drives just put oil in it. Change the fluids, they are extremely reliable and you won’t get stuck anywhere

People buy these because they last forever and still have a lot of traditional components and hard buttons. Bet it still takes a key to start

What vehicle with similar characteristics can I buy that has a manual transmission, leather seats and only 2 rows of seats?

I Have a 2012 Toyota 4Runner with 328,000 miles on it. I will definitely buy Toyota 4Runner again. I used to have Chevy Suburban before, which I will never buy again. If in 2024 Toyota makes new 4runner, they should just work to make the engine fuel efficient and have at least 300+ horse power. The Reliability, cargo capacity and the ruggedness of the vehicle should not be changed.

The reason why the Toyota 4Runner is still a top seller is two reasons there's no other direct competition to the 4runner there's no other SUV sport off-road SUV like the 4runner none. the only one I could think of is the Nissan Xterra and they don't make that anymore and even that wasn't as off-road focus as the 4runner. And the other reason is reliability, while other manufacturer have to redesign a particular vehicle completely every 4 years Toyota doesn't have to do that' for every car in there lineup because they know reliability sell there cars.

Any idea when the redesign 4Runner is coming out??

More gadgets they throw at the new models the more people are being smart and sticking with time proved, understated, dependability.

14.5 MPG with gas nearly $5 a gallon a no go for us. We have a 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid model LE all wheel drive thats getting 35-40 MPG this summer and towing our 3,500 lb travel trailer nearly 18 MPG, and this trailer is designed for off road and has a high ground clearance and not very aero dynamic. I don't know why Toyota could not do the same for the 4 - Runner in a hybrid version so it would get at least 25-30 MPG. 14.5 MPG in todays world is unacceptable

If you want a vehicle that will last 25 years and hold its value get a 4Runner. It is the most reliable vehicle Toyota sells in North America. I average 11 litres per 100 kms. My friend averages about 9.5 with his highlander. You won’t find an SUV this size that gets that much better fuel economy. Unless you down size to a RAV4 hybrid you will probably save about $150/month in gas.

Alex here's a question for you: If you were choosing a vehicle for road trips, visiting national parks, and driving around mountainous areas in the interior West would you rather have a 4Runner, or a Chevy Colorado with a V6 and a cap on the back?

I like the intro, well done.

The Frontier sold the same for 17 years! I wonder if 4Runner will last that long.

See so many of these. Plus Tacoma usually with added off road goodies etc

does not look as weird as many new Toyota/ Lexus products. great!

The Bank of Toyota, put money in, 💰 get money out in resale value. This vehicle is an anarchism, but reliable as the sunrise 🌅

I’d love to see this offered in Japan. It used to be along Prado (Hilux Surf) and it was popular.

Alex, Do you think Toyota started rumors about a new 4Runner just to encourage panic sales and hoarding of the old one? 😂To be serious, the 2021 sales record shows buyers like the 4Runner just the way it is. It will be fascinating to see how Toyota improves its core appeal. The whole tailgate debate 4:06 is confusing. Off road focused 4x4s like the FJ, Wrangler, Bronco and Defender all mount the spare on their door-style tailgate so it is easy to access in harsh and messy conditions. Surely the 4Runner should do the same. 🤔The biggest criticism I have about Toyota's 4x4 SUV portfolio is that they offer no direct competitor for the base Wrangler and Bronco in the $30K range. Entry level buyers should have an option like the simplest 2 door Prado. 🤩

If they gave this a 6 speed AT, an auto mode to the 4WD in the TRD models and the option of a third row on TRD I'd buy one. If the new one has a turbo I'll have even less desire, I'd buy a Toyota because it's boring as sin and ancient but reliable, that's their only selling point. If I have to get a turbo I'll be buying. Something more interesting.

It’s got great reliability, and the design isn’t that outdated looking. Toyota could give this an evolutionary design and it would sell very well. I would NOT make this next generation a third row.

This is a beast, looks great still and love the smooth V6 that is going away next gen 😩😩

Tell me Mr. wizard....how many SUVs this size have a body on frame? And for us who do not live on paved roads in large cities, body on frame means you can go place unibody construction cannot.

Happy w my 2021 4r and 2017 taco!

It’s old but still a beauty

I’m still surprised Mitsubishi left the room with their Pajero.

My wife is on her 5th one since 2010.

Nice music. Very fitting 😉

They needed to have the self lift gate and started from outside and the gas tank needed to can open only from inside.. Power mirror too..

You missed one more grading: Reliabilty = A+

Very interesting colour.

4Runners are awesome, I love my off-road premium. This sport trim is useless though.

Alex, you listen to Kesha in your 4Runner?

I love the 4runner, I genuinly hope they keep it the same lol

People like reliability. Tech doesn't get you to where your going unless it's GPS, other than that new isn't always better. Toyota leaves it's competition in the dust even if it's old. It's proven itself and that's all that matters. Too many manufacturers are continuously pushing more and more tech only to have their customers suffer with constant trips to the dealer with problems and that's within the first five years of ownership, what happens when the warranty runs out? Well look no further than your nearest used car dealer that's packed with used European cars at 70% cheaper than new...there's a reason for that!

Great SUV! Too bad they do not offer them in EU. You give a lot for fuel, BUT you save a lot more than that from repairs that didn't occur ;) so what if you have twice the mpg, but also your vehicle break often and you spend thousands in repairs and towing to the repair shop?...

With the lack of inventory why would they go for something new when they can can make dinosaur for cheaper and sell it for way more?

I own two (2) 4 runners. An SR5 and a Limited. Both 2018. After seeing what Toyota is offering for a new Land Cruiser, I think I'll stick with my present vehicles. I'm very disappointed with the LC. Thought it would be closer to the 300 series that every other country is getting. Anyway, my Limited is capable and has most of the creature comforts of the new GX.........

How does this compare to the Honda Passport? Maybe a “Battle of the Dinosaurs” comparison?

I bought a 2003 4Runner with the V8 and kept it 13 years. When it was time to replace it, I test drove the 2016 several times. I wanted to like it, but I just didn’t like that drivetrain. Sure, the V6 is about as fast as my old V8, but it is a lot less refined. I ended up buying a used Land Cruiser instead. The 4Runner is a better size for me, but I just couldn’t get past that drivetrain. I test drove the Lexus GX, but I didn’t like it. It had a lot less cargo space (60 cu ft vs 80 cu ft) and visibility was very poor - small back window, tire on the door, thick D-pillars, high belt line, etc. I also found the GX seat bottoms to be quite uncomfortable. YMMV.

Why do I want one for some reason even though I drive sports cars and the redesign is coming soon