2024 Toyota 4Runner Review: The 15th and final year

While the 2024 model year will see the long-awaited introduction of an all-new Tacoma as well as a reimagined Land Cruiser, the 2024 Toyota 4Runner soldiers on into the 15th year since a complete redesign. That’s nearly three times the length of a typical car generation, and its underlying platform dates back even further. Frankly, you can tell. Some for the better, increasingly for the worst, and while we have a soft spot for the refreshingly simple, rugged and practical 4Runner, its replacement can’t come soon enough. And yes, we finally can confirm that an all-new one is coming for 2025. 

But if you just can’t wait, here’s why the current 4Runner continues to be so appealing (besides the cool factor). It has the same rugged truck-based chassis, capable suspension, ample clearances and bulletproof reliability that make it a darling among off-roaders everywhere (and keep its residual values sky-high). Its abundant interior space has also allowed it to be a realistic alternative to more family-friendly midsize crossovers, while its solid roof makes the interior far more serene than a Bronco or Wrangler’s. And, frankly, new cars can be awfully complicated. A simpler one will be mighty appealing to a lot of people.

Now, on the “it’s really old” side of the fence … Its V6 engine has less power than a Camry’s, the transmission has five(!) fewer gears than a Ford Bronco’s, the fuel economy of 17 mpg combined is dismal even when compared to other off-road-oriented SUVs, and calling the handling “imprecise” would be an understatement. The interior is also a relic of another time, especially as its most recent updates happened four years ago.

After all this, if you still have a 4Runner jones, maybe consider a used one (did we mention it’s been mostly unchanged for 15 years?) or wait for the next one to arrive. 

The 40th Anniversary Edition is discontinued for obvious reasons, but the annual tradition of the TRD Pro getting a new, for-one-year-only paint color continues. It’s called Terra, a color best described as rusty orange. “Mars” probably would’ve been a better name. Another new color, dubbed “Underground” arrives elsewhere in the lineup. And that’s it! What, were you