Is the Toyota 4Runner a 4 or 6 cylinder?

Today, the 4Runner is powered by a six-cylinder engine—the 4.0-liter V6 in most U.S.-market models. Historically, a four-cylinder option existed in some early generations and markets, but the modern 4Runner is a V6.

Engine configurations over the years

The 4Runner's powertrain has evolved across generations and regions. Here's a concise overview of how cylinder counts have varied over time for the model.

Early generations (1984–1995)

During the early years, the 4Runner offered four-cylinder engines as standard in many markets, with a larger V6 option available for buyers seeking more power. This reflected Toyota's practice of pairing a compact, economical four-cylinder with off-road capability.

Mid- to late-generation updates (1996–2009)

In the late 1990s and 2000s, most US-trim 4Runners shifted toward V6 power as the standard and preferred choice for off-road performance, although some markets still offered four-cylinder engines.

Current generation and US market (2010–present)

The ongoing generation uses a 4.0-liter V6 engine (1GR-FE) in the United States and most other markets, delivering robust torque for off-roading and towing. A four-cylinder option is not offered in the US today.

Bottom line

In everyday use today, the Toyota 4Runner is a six-cylinder SUV. A four-cylinder variant exists in some older models and certain international markets, but the current U.S. lineup is V6-driven.

Summary

Final takeaway: The Toyota 4Runner is a 6-cylinder vehicle in its current US-spec form, with historical four-cylinder options appearing only in earlier generations or outside the United States.

What Toyota has a 6 cylinder engine?

The Toyota Sequoia and Tundra are the primary Toyota models in the US that currently have a 6-cylinder engine, both featuring a twin-turbo V6 hybrid. While some older or specific trim levels of other models like the Camry, 4Runner, and Highlander once offered V6 engines, these have been replaced in the newest generations with turbocharged four-cylinder or hybrid four-cylinder powertrains. 
Current 6-cylinder models

• Toyota Sequoia: Comes equipped with the i-FORCE MAX 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine.
• Toyota Tundra: Also uses the i-FORCE MAX 3.5L twin-turbo V6 hybrid engine. 

Models with previous 6-cylinder engines

• Toyota Camry: The V6 engine option was discontinued for the 2025 model year, with the lineup becoming all-hybrid. 
• Toyota Highlander: The standard V6 was replaced with a 2.4L turbo four-cylinder engine starting with the 2023 model year. 
• Toyota 4Runner: The V6 engine was replaced with a new engine for the 2025 model year. 
• Toyota Sienna: The V6 was replaced with a 2.5L hybrid engine beginning in 2021. 

Is a Toyota 4Runner 4 cylinder or 6 cylinder?

The all-new 4Runner's standard models (SR5, TRD Sport, TRD Sport Premium, TRD Off-Road, TRD Off-Road Premium and Limited grades) boast an i-FORCE turbocharged 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine that produces 278 horsepower and 317 lb-ft.

Does the 4Runner come with a V6?

No, a new 2025 Toyota 4Runner is not a V6; it has a turbocharged four-cylinder engine. The previous 2024 and older models used a naturally aspirated 4.0-liter V6 engine. 
You can watch this video to learn about the 2025 Toyota 4Runner's engine options: 1mBrian MakseYouTube · May 31, 2025
Current (2025) engine

• Standard: A 2.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder i-FORCE engine. 
• Hybrid: Higher trims (like the TRD Pro and Trail Hunter) have an i-FORCE MAX hybrid version of the 2.4-liter turbo engine. 

Previous (2024 and older) engine 

• Standard: A 4.0-liter V6 engine. 
• Discontinued: The V6 was replaced with the new four-cylinder for the 2025 model year. 

What is the most common problem with the Toyota 4Runner?

The most common problems with Toyota 4Runners are rust on the frame and body, especially on models from 2003-2009, and issues with the infotainment system and electronics, particularly in newer models. Other frequent complaints include paint peeling on certain colors and model years, brake issues, and various interior/exterior trim problems. 
Rust and frame issues

• Frame rust: Models from 2003-2009 are particularly susceptible to excessive frame rust due to a defective undercarriage. 
• Body rust: Rust can also be a problem with the body, especially around the rear hatch emblem, which has been reported in newer models. 

Electronics and infotainment

• Infotainment: Newer 4Runners have reported issues with the infotainment system, including infotainment screens not recognizing Apple CarPlay and Apple CarPlay compatibility issues with USB-C phones. 
• Other electronics: Problems like the radio locking up and intermittent electronic issues have been reported in some model years. 

Paint and body hardware

• Peeling paint: Certain colors, like Blizzard Pearl and Super White on 2010-2015 models, are prone to peeling paint and received an extended warranty for this issue. 
• Body trim: Loose trim, especially on the tailgate, and paint damage from trim rubbing against the body have been reported. 

Mechanical and suspension

• Brakes: Owners have reported issues with fast-wearing brake pads and rotors, as well as problems with the master cylinder and calipers, which can lead to brake failure. 
• Suspension: The X-REAS suspension system, found on some models, can be expensive to replace when the shocks and struts need servicing. 
• Engine and drivetrain: While generally reliable, preventative maintenance is crucial. Some reports mention transmission issues like rough shifting. 

This video discusses the most common problems with the 5th generation Toyota 4Runner: 41sMaxTheCarGuyYouTube · Jan 7, 2023