Is the 2024 Toyota 4Runner Right for You?
December 27 2023 - Steve Cook
A white 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD is shown from the front driving on a trail after leaving a Toyota dealer.

The Toyota 4Runner is a vehicle you might be so used to seeing that you almost don’t even register it as it drives by you today. It’s a familiar sight, but it’s anything but ordinary. This midsize SUV has been part of the Toyota family since 1984 and has plenty of generations under its belt. It keeps getting better, too. Sales have remained strong throughout its history. In fact, in 2022, it was named “Vehicle of the Year” by Forbes, bringing in its best sales figures since its release year.

In 2023, Kelley Blue Book gave the 4Runner its “Top 10 Best Resale Value” award for the 11th year in a row. The 4Runner isn’t just a great vehicle — it’s a great investment. As a dedicated Toyota dealer, we’re getting a lot of inquiries about the 2024 4Runner, both from drivers who are new to it and long-time fans who are ready for an upgrade. Wondering if the 2024 Toyota 4Runner is for you? We can ask you some questions that will help answer that one.

Do You Need Seating for Five or Seven Passengers?

One great characteristic that makes the 4Runner such a great value is that it’s available in either a two-row or three-row configuration. You’ll get seating for five in the two-row and seven in the three-row. We appreciate that drivers with different passenger capacity needs can access all of the great features of this midsize SUV. People with limited passenger needs aren’t forced into buying more vehicle than they need; people with larger passenger needs can get the seating they require.

When you don’t need all of your seats, regardless of the configuration, you can easily put down rear seats to make more cargo room. The second row boasts a 40/20/40 fold-flat design, and the third has a 50/50 split capability. If you need seating for between five and seven passengers and have fluctuating cargo needs, the 4Runner could be for you.

A blue 2024 Toyota 4Runner TRD Sport is shown driving on a city street.

Do You Need Four-Wheel Drive?

The 4Runner is available with full or part-time four-wheel drive. We love this versatility because we know that some drivers spend some of their time in paved road environments but want the freedom to explore rougher terrain when the urge calls. Part-time four-wheel drive means they’ll get rear-wheel drive fuel efficiency when it makes sense and four-wheel drive traction when the environment calls for it.

Then, there are drivers who live, work, and play on unpaved roads. If you live somewhere remote where you spend more time on dirt roads and muddy paths than concrete and asphalt, you’ll appreciate the full-time all-wheel drive. The Toyota 4Runner is an awesome SUV, and we think that every driver, regardless of where they spend their days, should be able to experience it on the drivetrain that works for them.

Do You Need to Tow Up to 5,000 Pounds?

What are your towing needs? If they’re moderate, a 4Runner could be your perfect option. A full-size or three-row SUV is better equipped for those who need to tow RVs or similarly large vessels. A compact SUV, like the RAV4, will only tow between 1,750 and 3,500 lbs, which might not meet your requirements. However, if you need to tow a small trailer, camping pod, or sailboat, the 4Runner could be just right. It will give you the towing powers you need while still keeping you in the midsize SUV category, which gets better fuel economy than the full-size or three-row SUV.

Do You Need Off-Road Capabilities?

We especially like to show the 4Runner to our off-roading customers because it has two terrific off-road trims: the TRD Off-Road and the TRD Off-Road Premium. These two trims both get Crawl Control, a system that modulates the throttle and brakes when driving in five different low-speed settings to maintain your command when traveling over unpredictable terrain.

These trims also enjoy Multi-Terrain Select, which has several modes adjusting driving dynamics to adapt to your environments. These modes are Rock, Rock/Dirt, Mogul, Loose Rock, and Mud/Sand. The TRD Off-Road Premium adds some comfort and convenience features like easy-to-clean, leather-like SofTex trimmed seats and heated outside mirrors. If you want the power to explore more of the unknown and a vehicle that can confidently take you there, check out one of these off-road trims.

Is Safety a Top Priority?

Features that offer you comfort and convenience are great; however, for most drivers, their priority is protecting themselves and their loved ones. The 4Runner comes with a standard set of safety features to ensure all on board are protected, no matter where the road takes you. This suite of features includes a Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection, Lane Departure Alert, Dynamic Radar Cruise Control, and Automatic High Beams.

The 2024 4Runner also has a backup camera with sonar parking alerts, a Blind Spot Monitor with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and eight standard airbags. Plus, you get the standard Star Safety System, which adds an anti-lock brake system, traction control, vehicle stability control, electronic brake-force distribution, smart stop technology, and brake assist. Feel confident wherever your adventures take you with this excellent roundup of safety features.

Do You Consider Yourself to Be an Audiophile?

We ask because the 2024 4Runner has an available 15-speaker JBL Premium Audio System with an amplifier and subwoofer. If you want to feel like you are in the studio with the band, recording the album, or at a live concert, then you’ll love the crisp sound of this stereo system. Every passenger in every row will get an incredible listening experience.

A silver 2024 Toyota 4Runner Limited is shown parked on a field.

It’s Time to Check Out the 2024 Toyota 4Runner for Yourself

Does the 2024 4Runner have your attention? We thought it might. We can’t get enough of how versatile and dynamic this terrific midsize SUV is. With its various seating capacities and available all-wheel drive, it’s ready for just about any driving style or environment. It’s no wonder it’s been a mainstay of the Toyota family for such a long time. Why mess with perfection? Since 1984, drivers who have wanted a capable and convenient midsize SUV have turned to the 4Runner. We regularly work with drivers who have already made their way through several generations of the vehicle and keep coming back for more.

If you’re ready to take one for a test drive, our team is ready to help you with that. We know about the special features of every 4Runner trim and would love to help you find yours. From the base level to the off-road to the performance-oriented and the luxury, we know the ins and outs of every 4Runner personality, and we’ll know which one is right for you.

Once you’ve picked out your model, our wonderful finance experts will be glad to assist you in finding your lease or loan package. They can help you get the ideal payment plan for your goals, no matter your budget or credit score. We are here to make it easy for you to explore, choose, and finance a 4Runner. Come check out this popular vehicle today and see why it’s a celebrated staple of the Toyota family.