What is the fuel mileage of a 1987 4Runner?
In general terms, a 1987 4Runner delivered roughly 18–22 miles per gallon in typical mixed driving, with four-wheel-drive versions tending toward the lower end of that range.
The 1987 4Runner was part of the first-generation lineup, and its fuel economy depended mainly on the chosen engine, drivetrain, and transmission. Most early models used the 2.4-liter inline-four engine (the 22R family) paired with either rear-wheel or four-wheel drive and with manual or automatic transmissions. Because EPA testing standards from the era differ from today’s methods, published figures are often reported as ranges based on owner experience and manufacturer data rather than a single precise figure.
Engines and drivetrains in the 1987 4Runner
The information below reflects the typical configurations and their real-world mileage tendencies for the era. The 2.4L inline-four (22R) engine was the common powerplant, with variations in drivetrain and transmission affecting efficiency more than the base engine itself.
- 2.4L inline-four (22R), two-wheel drive, manual transmission — roughly 18–21 mpg in the city and 22–25 mpg on the highway.
- 2.4L inline-four (22R), two-wheel drive, automatic transmission — roughly 17–20 mpg city and 22–25 mpg highway.
- 2.4L inline-four (22R), four-wheel drive, manual transmission — roughly 16–19 mpg city and 22–24 mpg highway.
- 2.4L inline-four (22R), four-wheel drive, automatic transmission — roughly 15–18 mpg city and 20–23 mpg highway.
Real-world mileage varies widely based on maintenance, tire choice, payload, terrain, and driving style. Classic vehicles of this era often show a broader spread in efficiency than modern cars.
Estimating or improving mileage on a vintage 4Runner
To assess current fuel economy or to improve it, use these practical steps. They reflect common-sense approaches to older vehicles where wear and tune-up status strongly influence mpg.
- Fill-to-fill method: reset a trip odometer, drive normally until you're near empty, then fill the tank and compute miles driven divided by gallons used.
- Maintain tires at recommended PSI to reduce rolling resistance and improve efficiency.
- Keep up with maintenance: spark plugs, air and fuel filters, ignition timing, and carburetor or fuel-injection tuning (as applicable).
- Limit unneeded weight and remove roof racks when not in use to cut aerodynamic drag and load on the drivetrain.
- Adopt smoother driving habits: gradual acceleration, steady speed on highways, and minimizing heavy braking.
Overall, expect vintage 4Runners from this era to require a bit more patience on the pump than modern SUVs, but with responsible maintenance you can achieve mileage consistent with the ranges listed above.
Summary
The 1987 Toyota 4Runner’s fuel mileage varied by engine, drivetrain, and transmission, but typical mixed-driving figures fell roughly in the 18–22 mpg range, with four-wheel-drive configurations generally lower. Real-world results depend heavily on upkeep, tire condition, and driving conditions. For a precise current figure, perform a tank-to-tank mpg calculation on your specific vehicle and configuration.
