4Runner Generations: A Heritage Guide

Published 2024 | TEQ Toyota Hats

The Toyota 4Runner is one of the longest-running and most consistently popular four-wheel drive vehicles in American automotive history. Five generations spanning from 1984 to the present have built a following that spans serious off-road enthusiasts, overlanders, families, and daily drivers. This guide covers each generation's key characteristics and what makes it significant in enthusiast culture.

First Generation: N50 (1984 to 1989)

The original 4Runner was essentially a Toyota Hilux pickup with a removable fiberglass top over the bed. In early years the top was literally removable, making it a genuine open-air off-road vehicle. The first-gen 4Runner used the 22R and 22R-E four-cylinder engines and was produced in both 2WD and 4WD configurations. It is now a serious collector vehicle with clean examples commanding $25,000 to $45,000 in well-maintained condition.

Second Generation: N120/N130 (1989 to 1995)

The second-gen 4Runner introduced the 3VZ-E V6 engine and a fully integrated body structure rather than the truck-based removable top. This generation is known for the introduction of four-wheel independent front suspension and is considered by many enthusiasts to be the high point of 4Runner off-road capability in a production package. The 22R-E four-cylinder remained available in entry-level trim.

Third Generation: N180 (1995 to 2002)

The third generation grew significantly in size and capability. The 3.4-liter 5VZ-FE V6 became the standard engine and remains highly regarded for reliability and tunability. The N180 introduced the electronically-controlled locking rear differential on Limited models and the multi-terrain ABS system. It is the most popular 4Runner generation among overlanders for its combination of factory capability and aftermarket support.

Fourth Generation: N210 (2002 to 2009)

The fourth-gen 4Runner adopted a unibody construction on the rear section while retaining a traditional ladder frame. The 4.0-liter 1GR-FE V6 debuted in this generation and continues in production today. The Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System (KDSS) was introduced in 2005 on Sport editions and has developed a devoted following for its trail performance.

Fifth Generation: N280 (2009 to 2025)

The current fifth-generation 4Runner is unusual in the modern market: a genuine body-on-frame SUV that prioritizes off-road capability over on-road refinement. This makes it an outlier in the current SUV market and the reason it commands a loyal following despite its relative age in terms of powertrain technology. The Trail and TRD Pro editions have become genuine trail-capable vehicles from the factory.