Many of the automotive enthusiasts, plus regular joes, feel that we’re past the peak of cars today. This is because they’re fitted with all sorts of gizmos that make them unreliable and pricey. As a result, a market for vehicles like the Toyota 4Runnner is still exists.
What can we additionally say about the 4Runner that has not already been said before? It is a 40-year old nameplate, which has a solid reputation for being tough as nails and having a tried and tested off-roading ability.
But is that enough to make it a valuable purchase today? Well, let’s have a look at the all-new 2024 4Runner and find out:
The Shape
At face value, the new 4Runner pretty much looks the same as it did in 2009. And of course, it is a handsome vehicle from many angles. However, the last vanity update received was a decade ago in the form of a facelift. For this year, we only see some changes to the exterior color palette.
On the inside, it looks decent and is built to be durable and easy to maintain, especially if you hit the trail often. Hence it isn’t adorned with plushness as some of its rivals may be – still, it isn’t meant to be a five-star hotel.
Under the Hood
At the heart of this Toyota SUV is a no-nonsense and easy-to-maintain 4-liter V6 engine that is capable of producing 270 horses and 278 torques. These are less than stellar figures for today’s vehicles, with some sedans even making more power.
Also, more and more SUVs of this size now feature two fewer cylinders. Sure, we are all nostalgic about bigger engines, with the number of cylinders slowly disappearing across the board. However, the setup for the 4Runner does not translate well into its EPA figures.
Genuine Parts and Reliability
While the 2024 Toyota 4Runner may not boast the latest technology or the highest power output, the vehicle’s continual attraction lies in its reliability and availability of genuine Toyota parts worldwide.
With the brand ‘s solid reputation for durability, owning a 4Runner can turn on a pleasant experience. Scheduled maintenance and repairs are made much easier thanks to the reliability and quality of genuine parts, ensuring that you made a good investment.
Still, at least the 4Runner should be reliable, right? It is a Toyota after all, and thanks to the quality and availability of parts worldwide, maintaining one should be a piece of cake. Get a supply of Toyota genuine parts at https://sts-global.com/toyota-parts.
Fuel Economy
It can manage up to 16 mpg city and 19 on the highway. According to the EPA, it will do up to 391 miles on a full tank. You can expect an annual fuel cost of $2700 on average. These are not figures that will go easy on the fuel budget, nor will they impress a greenpeace activist.
There are plenty of options available in the market that will not only churn out more power, but they will also be frugal to run. Unfortunately, this is the result of the vehicle having a two-decade old engine that has been slightly updated from time to time.
Although the 4Runner’s fuel economy figures may not impress eco-conscious consumers, its longevity and reliability can offset some of the concerns. While the vehicle may not be the most fuel-efficient option on the market, the genuine parts availability ensures that this car maintenance remains straightforward and hassle-free, contributing to its overall value offer.
Driveability
Does the new 4Runner 2024 drive well? Well, certainly it is not fast, taking about 8 seconds to reach 62 mph from a standstill. This is particularly due to the poor power-to-weight ratio, combined with a dull five-speed automatic gearbox.
As this Toyota SUV is known for its off-roading prowess, it offers you a 4WD system on the options list. In true 4Runner fashion, rough terrains are its happy place as it feels very controlled. On tarmac, it does well when slow but can cause problems on fast turns.
Despite not being the fastest or most mobile SUV on the road, the 4Runner’s off-road capability focus remains unmatched. Its reliable performance together with its genuine parts availability, ensures that owners are able continue to enjoy its rugged charm without compromising on reliability or ease of maintenance.
Comfort
While this vehicle is not supposed to be a Range Rover, comfiness is still an attractive aspect in today’s world of cars. The 2024 4Runner does well here when it comes to legroom and headroom, no matter which row of seats you consider.
That being said, the suspension does make the ride stiffer so it is hoped that you’re living in a town with nice roads.
Cargo
Doesn’t matter if you opt for a two- or three-row version, the 4Runner has an impressive trunk for the class. Some do complain that loading it is difficult due to the height of the cargo bay, but your dealer can fix that with an optional extra. The cubby storage is also laudable.
Tech
While the mechanics of the vehicle are outdated, at least you can enjoy yourself in the cabin, right? With goodies like the latest infotainment system which has a great blend of physical and digital controls that anybody can figure out. There’s a lot offered here as standard.
The Price Tag
The 2024 Toyota 4Runner should set you back at least $41.6k – this is a lot for a vehicle that is older than Gen Alpha. There are many options available in this range that’ll give you a better ownership experience, at least on tarmac.
While the initial investment for a 4Runner may seem steep compared to newer alternatives, its longevity and reliability give the value proposition. Genuine Toyota parts contribute to the vehicle’s long-term durability and ease of maintenance, ultimately enhancing its overall resale value and ownership satisfaction.
Conclusion
The Toyota 4Runner 2024 is proof that old is not necessarily a gold offer with its outdated and thirsty powertrain and poor road manners. However, if you want a reliable dirt-eater and think that the automotive industry peaked in the 2000s, then you’re recommended to get one.
