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The Toyota 4Runner has changed from a two-seat, Hilux-based vehicle with a removable roof into a family-capable SUV with modern safety technology and turbocharged or hybrid power. Its shape and equipment evolved, but its truck-based roots remained central. Here are five major shifts from the first generation in 1984 to the sixth, introduced for the 2025 model year.
1. The 4Runner started as a two-seat pickup derivative
The first-generation 4Runner (1984–1989) was based on Toyota’s Hilux pickup and the Trekker concept. It initially had two front seats and a removable fiberglass top over the cargo area, giving it a more open, utilitarian character than the passenger-oriented SUV familiar today. Toyota’s account of the first generation also notes changes during its run, including increased ground clearance, Hi-Trac independent front suspension, ride improvements and a turbocharged engine option on SR5 models. Toyota’s history of the first and second generations.
2. An integrated body and rear doors made it a passenger SUV
For the second generation (1990–1995), Toyota replaced the removable fiberglass roof with a single-body design and added rear doors, making access to the back seats easier. Four-cylinder and V6 engines were offered. This was a fundamental change in how the 4Runner worked for passengers: it moved away from the feel of a converted pickup toward the familiar enclosed, multi-door SUV layout.
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Third generation (1996–2002)
Toyota describes the third-generation redesign as bringing updated engines and chassis, new safety features, more trim choices, a more refined cabin and a larger cargo area. Vehicle Stability Control was added in 2001. Together, these changes broadened the 4Runner’s role beyond basic utility, adding more passenger-oriented equipment and space. Toyota’s history of the third and fourth generations.
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Fourth generation (2003–2009)
The fourth generation kept the truck-based foundation but added a V8 option and a torque-distribution system. Toyota also lists downhill and hill-start assist among the generation’s technology. Beginning in 2004, an optional third-row seat was available on Limited and SR5 models, extending the range of passenger layouts. These features varied by model and grade; they were not universal equipment across every fourth-generation 4Runner.
4. The fifth generation modernized the established formula
The fifth generation covered model years 2010 through 2024, making it the longest-running generation in Toyota’s account. The 2010 redesign brought more power and better mileage, along with a more comfortable, versatile interior and redesigned cargo area. Toyota gave it a significant exterior redesign and interior refinements for 2013. For 2020, the company added Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Amazon Alexa compatibility, and made Toyota Safety Sense standard across grades. Toyota’s history of the fifth and sixth generations.
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5. The sixth generation brought new engineering and heritage cues
Introduced for the 2025 model year, the sixth-generation 4Runner moved to Toyota’s TNGA-F global truck platform. Its structure uses a high-strength steel ladder frame, double-wishbone front suspension and multi-link coil rear suspension. Toyota’s 2025 launch specifications list a turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at up to 278 horsepower and 317 lb.-ft. of torque. An available i-FORCE MAX hybrid powertrain is rated at up to 326 net combined horsepower and 465 lb.-ft. of torque. Toyota also stated a maximum towing capacity of up to 6,000 pounds for the 2025 model; actual capacity depends on configuration. These are manufacturer-published specifications, not independent test results. Toyota’s 2025 model launch specifications.
The engineering changed, but Toyota says designers brought back the wrap-over quarter glass and retained the roll-down rear window as links to earlier 4Runners. New grade choices and current technology also arrived with the generation. The result is not a return to the original vehicle: it is a modern truck-platform SUV that uses selected visual and functional cues from its history.
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How the generations compare
| Generation and model years | Body and passenger layout | Powertrain and hardware highlights | Notable safety, cabin or technology changes |
|---|---|---|---|
| First, 1984–1989 | Hilux-based; initially two front seats and a removable fiberglass cargo-area top. | Ground-clearance and ride changes, including Hi-Trac independent front suspension; turbocharged engine offered on SR5 models. | Practical, truck-like configuration; Toyota’s history account describes this generation’s evolving equipment. |
| Second, 1990–1995 | Integrated single-body design and rear doors for easier rear-seat access. | Four-cylinder and V6 engines offered. | More passenger-oriented SUV layout. |
| Third, 1996–2002 | Larger cargo area and more refined cabin, according to Toyota. | Updated engines and chassis. | New safety features and more trim choices; Vehicle Stability Control added in 2001. |
| Fourth, 2003–2009 | Truck-based design; optional third-row seat on Limited and SR5 beginning in 2004. | V8 option and torque-distribution system. | Toyota lists downhill and hill-start assist among the generation’s technology. |
| Fifth, 2010–2024 | More comfortable, versatile interior and redesigned cargo area in the 2010 redesign. | 2010 redesign brought more power and better mileage, as Toyota describes it. | 2013 exterior and interior updates; 2020 multimedia compatibility and Toyota Safety Sense standard across grades. |
| Sixth, introduced for 2025 | TNGA-F truck platform with ladder frame; Toyota says it retains a roll-down rear window and revives wrap-over quarter glass. | Turbo 2.4-liter four-cylinder; available i-FORCE MAX hybrid. Toyota’s stated 2025 maximum towing capacity is up to 6,000 pounds, configuration-dependent. | New grade choices and current technology; model-year equipment varies. |
Generation dates and equipment in this comparison follow Toyota’s U.S.-market history descriptions. Toyota’s April 2024 launch release quoted group vice president and general manager Dave Christ saying the company had sold “over 3 million” 4Runners in the model’s 40 years on sale; that is Toyota’s claim as of the release, not an independently sourced sales count.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What is current in the latest model-year information?
Toyota’s November 5, 2025 U.S. announcement covered the 2026 4Runner lineup, identifying nine grades and a starting MSRP of $41,570, plus $1,450 for delivery processing and handling. Those are dated manufacturer figures, not a universal transaction price; availability and pricing can change by location and time. Toyota’s 2026 model announcement.
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