How many miles can a Toyota 4Runner go on a full tank of gas?

A typical full tank lets a Toyota 4Runner travel about 400–480 miles, depending on year and drivetrain. With a 23-gallon tank and current EPA ratings, most 4Runners yield roughly 18–21 miles per gallon, translating to around 400–500 miles per tank.

Tank capacity and fuel economy

Fuel tank size

The 4Runner’s fuel tank capacity is 23 gallons (about 87 liters) in most current generations, providing a substantial range for long trips or off-road journeys.

Fuel economy basics

Fuel economy varies by model year and drivetrain. In recent generations, 2WD versions tend to deliver around 21–23 miles per gallon on the highway and about 20 mpg in mixed driving, while 4WD versions typically post around 18–20 mpg combined, with city mileage lower and highway mileage higher within that range. Using a 23-gallon tank, these ratings translate to roughly 420–520 miles of range depending on configuration and conditions.

Estimated driving range per tank

This list provides typical ranges (in miles) per full tank for common configurations. Ranges are approximations based on EPA fuel economy estimates and a 23-gallon tank.

• 2WD: Combined around 21 mpg. Range ≈ 23 gallons × 21 mpg ≈ 483 miles. On highway driving, the range can exceed 500 miles; in city driving, it can drop toward the mid-400s.


• 4WD: Combined around 18–19 mpg. Range ≈ 23 gallons × 19 mpg ≈ 437 miles (midpoint). Highway driving might yield roughly 430–450 miles, while urban driving could be closer to 360–410 miles depending on conditions.

Note: These figures are estimates. Real-world range depends on payload, terrain, driving style, weather, tire selection, and maintenance. Off-road use and heavy loads will typically reduce range compared to highway cruising.

Real-world factors affecting range

Beyond official numbers, several practical factors influence how far a 4Runner can go on a tank. The vehicle’s weight, roof racks, and added equipment can lower fuel economy. Aggressive acceleration, frequent braking, steep climbs, and extreme temperatures can all reduce MPG. Conversely, steady, efficient highway cruising and proper tire inflation can increase range.

Summary

In short, expect roughly 400–500 miles per full tank on most Toyota 4Runners, with 2WD configurations tending toward the higher end and 4WD models toward the lower end. The exact number depends on model year, drivetrain, and driving conditions. For planning trips, consider the mid-point of these ranges and monitor the trip computer for real-time estimates.

How many miles per tank does a 4Runner get?

The MPG for a Toyota 4Runner varies by model year and powertrain, but generally ranges from around 16-19 MPG combined for older gasoline models and 21-23 MPG combined for newer gas and hybrid models. The 2025 gas-powered 4x4s get about 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG, while the 2025 hybrid models achieve around 23 city / 24 highway / 23 combined MPG.
 
Older models (approx. 2010-2024)

• Combined MPG: Around 17 MPG
• City MPG: Approximately 16 MPG
• Highway MPG: Approximately 19 MPG 

Newer models (2025 gas and hybrid)

• 2025 Gas 2WD: 20 city / 26 highway / 22 combined MPG 
• 2025 Gas 4WD: 19 city / 25 highway / 21 combined MPG 
• 2025 Hybrid 4WD: 23 city / 24 highway / 23 combined MPG 

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Which year 4Runner to avoid?

You should avoid the 2003–2005 4Runners due to serious frame rust, head gasket issues, and dashboard cracking. Other years to consider avoiding are the 2001–2002 models for safety concerns and rust, and the 2015 model for infotainment and brake problems. 
2003–2005 (Fourth Generation) 

• Severe frame rust: This is a major issue, with many owners reporting the frame is irreparable. 
• Head gasket failure: V6 models, in particular, are prone to head gasket issues, which can be a costly repair. 
• Dashboard cracking: Owners have reported the dashboard cracking. 
• Other issues: Includes reports of faulty anti-lock brake systems (ABS), air injection pump failures, and check engine light problems. 

2001–2002 (Third Generation) 

• Safety rating: These models have low crash test scores, particularly in rear impacts. 
• Body rust: Prone to rust, making them unreliable for some families. 
• Off-road limitations: Manual transmission and locking rear differentials were eliminated during these years. 

2015 (Fifth Generation) 

• Infotainment issues: This model is known for an unreliable infotainment system that freezes, restarts, and has Bluetooth connection problems. 
• Brake problems: Owners have reported warped brake rotors. 
• Steering complaints: There are more NHTSA complaints about steering problems compared to other fifth-gen models. 
• Airbag defect: The 2015 is the only fifth-generation model with reported airbag non-deployment issues, which is a significant safety concern. 

How far can a 4Runner go on a full tank?

500 miles
The 4Runner has more than an estimated 500 miles of maximum range on one tank of fuel. This means you could drive from Los Angeles to the Grand Canyon with a single full tank of gas, which is obviously quite impressive for an SUV this size.

Are Toyota 4Runners good on gas?

No, 4Runners are not considered good on gas; they are generally known for being gas guzzlers due to their powerful engine and rugged design. While newer models and specific configurations, particularly the i-FORCE MAX hybrid, offer improved fuel economy (around 23 MPG combined), older models often get a combined 18 MPG, and the gas-only versions of the newer models have a combined rating around 21-22 MPG. 
Factors affecting 4Runner fuel economy

• Engine: Historically, the 4Runner has featured a powerful, less fuel-efficient 4.0L V6 engine. The newest generation has a 2.4L 4-cylinder engine, and the hybrid option further improves mileage. 
• Design: The 4Runner's bold, rugged, and high-ground-clearance design is not optimized for aerodynamics, which can decrease fuel efficiency compared to more car-like SUVs. 
• Weight: The heavy-duty 4x4 components add significant weight, which negatively impacts fuel economy. 
• Model year: Older models generally have lower fuel economy ratings than newer ones. For example, a 2022 model might get an estimated 17 MPG combined, while the 2025 hybrid can achieve a 23 MPG combined rating. 
• Configuration: Fuel economy varies by trim, drivetrain (2WD vs. 4WD), and powertrain (gas vs. hybrid). For instance, a 2WD gas-only 2025 model gets an estimated 22 MPG combined, while a 4WD hybrid can get 23 MPG combined. 

What this means for buyers

• If fuel efficiency is a top priority, a 4Runner may not be the best choice, especially when compared to other SUVs on the market. 
• If you need the 4Runner's off-road capability, you should be prepared for lower MPG figures. The fuel economy is a trade-off for its durability and performance in rough terrain.