Is a Toyota 4Runner 4-cylinder or 6 cylinder?
The 4Runner uses a six-cylinder engine. Specifically, modern U.S.-market 4Runner models are powered by a 4.0-liter V6, not a four-cylinder engine.
Current powertrain: 4.0-liter V6
The current Toyota 4Runner relies on the 1GR-FE 4.0-liter V6, paired with a five-speed automatic transmission and Toyota’s part-time four-wheel-drive system. This setup has defined the model for most of its recent generations, delivering steady low-end torque and solid off-road capability rather than high-end horsepower numbers.
Key specifications for recent U.S.-market 4Runners include the following:
- Engine: 4.0-liter V6 (1GR-FE)
- Horsepower: typically around 270–278 hp depending on year and trim
- Torque: about 278 lb-ft
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic transmission
- Drivetrain: part-time 4WD with a two-speed transfer case; models offer 2WD/4WD modes
- Towing capacity: commonly listed at 5,000 pounds
In practice, this configuration emphasizes durability and off-road performance—traits customers often value in the 4Runner. If a four-cylinder engine is a must-have, Toyota’s smaller SUVs or pickup trucks may be a better match, but not the 4Runner in its current generation.
Historical engine options and evolution
To provide context, the 4Runner’s powertrain lineup has evolved significantly since its debut. The model has oscillated among four-cylinder and V6 configurations across generations, with the modern era locking in the 4.0-liter V6 as the standard, reliable powerplant.
- Early generations (1984–1995): a mix of four-cylinder and early V6 options depending on market and trim
- Mid generations (1996–2002): widely used V6 options, including the 3.4-liter 5VZ-FE in U.S. models
- Recent generations (2003–present): 4.0-liter V6 (1GR-FE) has been the mainstay, with continued refinement and special editions
Conclusion: Since the mid-2000s, Toyota has standardized the 4Runner on a V6 powertrain in the U.S. market, making it a six-cylinder SUV across the current lineup and most recent generations.
Summary
In plain terms: the Toyota 4Runner is a six-cylinder SUV, powered by a 4.0-liter V6 in today’s models. There is no four-cylinder option in the current lineup, and the engine’s design prioritizes torque, durability, and off-road capability over cylinder count.
