Midsize off-road SUV
2026 Toyota 4Runner: buying summary
The most capable SUV under $60K, now with a hybrid
- MSRP range
- $42,590–$60,780
- Combined MPG
- 24
- Body style
- Midsize off-road SUV
- Powertrain
- Hybrid available
Pros
- Body-on-frame construction with twin solid axles available on TRD Pro and Trailhunter — more capable off-road than any unibody rival
- i-FORCE MAX hybrid adds 326 hp and 465 lb-ft of torque, the most in the segment
- Segment-leading resale: 67% of MSRP at 36 months per Black Book
- Multi-terrain select, Crawl Control, locking rear differential standard on TRD Off-Road and above
Cons
- On-road ride is truck-like — body-on-frame compromise means significantly more body roll and less refinement than unibody rivals
- 24 mpg combined is 12 mpg below the Highlander Hybrid in real-world use
- Tight inventory — Toyota at 36 days-supply nationally; dealers expect MSRP or modest premium
- Cargo volume (47.2 cu ft with rear seats down) trails Pilot and Highlander for family hauling
Best trim: TRD Off-Road Premium
TRD Off-Road Premium hits the sweet spot for most buyers. Locking rear differential, KDSS suspension, all-terrain tires, multi-terrain select, heated leather, the 14-inch touchscreen, and the i-FORCE MAX hybrid — around $52K MSRP. TRD Pro is the enthusiast choice at $60K if Fox shocks and the snorkel kit matter. Skip the SR5 if you plan to go off-road even occasionally.
What to cross-shop
- Jeep Wrangler
- Ford Bronco
- Jeep Grand Cherokee
Verdict
Buy the 4Runner if off-road capability and long-term resale are your primary criteria. The Telluride and Highlander Hybrid are better daily drivers and better for families. The 4Runner TRD Off-Road beats the Jeep Wrangler for the buyer who wants genuine capability without sacrificing daily-driver comfort — you get both, just not best-in-class at either.
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